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Kapteijn MY, Lanting VR, Kaptein FHJ, Guman NAM, Laghmani EH, Kuipers TB, Mei H, Goeman JJ, Mulder FI, van Duinen SG, Taphoorn MJB, Dirven L, Broekman MLD, van Es N, Klok FA, Koekkoek JAF, Versteeg HH, Buijs JT. RNA-sequencing to discover genes and signaling pathways associated with venous thromboembolism in glioblastoma patients: A case-control study. Thromb Res 2023; 232:27-34. [PMID: 37918288 DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2023.10.018] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma patients are at high risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE). Tumor-intrinsic features are considered to play a role, but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain incompletely understood. OBJECTIVES To identify tumor-expressed genes and signaling pathways that associate with glioblastoma-related VTE by using next generation RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq). METHODS The tumor gene expression profile of 23 glioblastoma patients with VTE and 23 glioblastoma patients without VTE was compared using an unpaired analysis. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) core analysis was performed on the top 50 differentially expressed genes to explore associated functions and pathways. Based on full RNA-Seq data, molecular glioblastoma subtypes were determined by performing cluster analysis. RESULTS Of the 19,327 genes, 1246 (6.4 %) were differentially expressed between glioblastoma patients with and without VTE (unadjusted P < 0.05). The most highly overexpressed gene was GLI1, a classical target gene in the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway (log2 fold change: 3.7; unadjusted P < 0.0001, adjusted P = 0.219). In line, Shh signaling was among the top canonical pathways and processes associated with VTE. The proportion of patients with the proneural/neural glioblastoma subtype was higher among those with VTE than controls. CONCLUSION Shh signaling may be involved in the development of glioblastoma-related VTE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Y Kapteijn
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Div. of Thrombosis & Hemostasis, Dept. of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent R Lanting
- Amsterdam University Medical Center location University of Amsterdam, Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Pulmonary Hypertension & Thrombosis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Tergooi Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Hilversum, the Netherlands
| | - Fleur H J Kaptein
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Div. of Thrombosis & Hemostasis, Dept. of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Noori A M Guman
- Amsterdam University Medical Center location University of Amsterdam, Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Pulmonary Hypertension & Thrombosis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Tergooi Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Hilversum, the Netherlands
| | - El Houari Laghmani
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Div. of Thrombosis & Hemostasis, Dept. of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas B Kuipers
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hailiang Mei
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jelle J Goeman
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Frits I Mulder
- Amsterdam University Medical Center location University of Amsterdam, Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Pulmonary Hypertension & Thrombosis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Tergooi Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine, Hilversum, the Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd G van Duinen
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martin J B Taphoorn
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Linda Dirven
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Marike L D Broekman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, Den Haag, the Netherlands
| | - Nick van Es
- Amsterdam University Medical Center location University of Amsterdam, Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Pulmonary Hypertension & Thrombosis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frederikus A Klok
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Div. of Thrombosis & Hemostasis, Dept. of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Johan A F Koekkoek
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Neurology, Haaglanden Medical Center, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Henri H Versteeg
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Div. of Thrombosis & Hemostasis, Dept. of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen T Buijs
- Einthoven Laboratory for Vascular and Regenerative Medicine, Div. of Thrombosis & Hemostasis, Dept. of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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2
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Yang Y, Zhu G, Yang L, Yang Y. Targeting CD24 as a novel immunotherapy for solid cancers. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:312. [PMID: 37919766 PMCID: PMC10623753 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01315-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24), a mucin-like highly glycosylated molecule has been extensively studied as a cancer stem cell marker in a variety of solid cancers. The functional role of CD24 is either fulfilled by combining with ligands or participating in signal transduction, which mediate the initiation and progression of neoplasms. Recently, CD24 was also described as an innate immune checkpoint with apparent significance in several types of solid cancers. Herein, we review the current understanding of the molecular fundamentals of CD24, the role of CD24 in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, the possibility as a promising therapeutic target and summarized different therapeutic agents or strategies targeting CD24 in solid cancers. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Tumor-Targeted Drug Development, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, Henan, China
| | - Guangming Zhu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Taian, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Endometrial Disease Prevention and Treatment Zhengzhou China, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yun Yang
- Xinxiang Engineering Technology Research Center of Tumor-Targeted Drug Development, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453000, Henan, China.
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3
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Freedman AN, Roell K, Engwall E, Bulka C, Kuban KCK, Herring L, Mills CA, Parsons PJ, Galusha A, O’Shea TM, Fry RC. Prenatal Metal Exposure Alters the Placental Proteome in a Sex-Dependent Manner in Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns: Links to Gestational Age. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14977. [PMID: 37834424 PMCID: PMC10573797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to toxic metals is associated with altered placental function and adverse infant and child health outcomes. Adverse outcomes include those that are observed at the time of birth, such as low birthweight, as well as those that arise later in life, such as neurological impairment. It is often the case that these adverse outcomes show sex-specific responses in relation to toxicant exposures. While the precise molecular mechanisms linking in utero toxic metal exposures with later-in-life health are unknown, placental inflammation is posited to play a critical role. Here, we sought to understand whether in utero metal exposure is associated with alterations in the expression of the placental proteome by identifying metal associated proteins (MAPs). Within the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns (ELGAN) cohort (n = 230), placental and umbilical cord tissue samples were collected at birth. Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) concentrations were measured in umbilical cord tissue samples via ICP-MS/MS. Protein expression was examined in placental samples using an LC-MS/MS-based, global, untargeted proteomics analysis measuring more than 3400 proteins. MAPs were then evaluated for associations with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, including placental weight and gestational age. We hypothesized that metal levels would be positively associated with the altered expression of inflammation/immune-associated pathways and that sex-specific patterns of metal-associated placental protein expression would be observed. Sex-specific analyses identified 89 unique MAPs expressed in female placentas and 41 unique MAPs expressed in male placentas. Notably, many of the female-associated MAPs are known to be involved in immune-related processes, while the male-associated MAPs are associated with intracellular transport and cell localization. Further, several MAPs were significantly associated with gestational age in males and females and placental weight in males. These data highlight the linkage between prenatal metal exposure and an altered placental proteome, with implications for altering the trajectory of fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia N. Freedman
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.N.F.); (E.E.)
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Kyle Roell
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Eiona Engwall
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.N.F.); (E.E.)
| | - Catherine Bulka
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA;
| | - Karl C. K. Kuban
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA;
| | - Laura Herring
- UNC Proteomics Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (L.H.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Christina A. Mills
- UNC Proteomics Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (L.H.); (C.A.M.)
| | - Patrick J. Parsons
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA; (P.J.P.); (A.G.)
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12222, USA
| | - Aubrey Galusha
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, USA; (P.J.P.); (A.G.)
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Albany, Rensselaer, NY 12222, USA
| | - Thomas Michael O’Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Rebecca C. Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (A.N.F.); (E.E.)
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Terceiro LEL, Ikeogu NM, Lima MF, Edechi CA, Nickel BE, Fischer G, Leygue E, McManus KJ, Myal Y. Navigating the Blood-Brain Barrier: Challenges and Therapeutic Strategies in Breast Cancer Brain Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12034. [PMID: 37569410 PMCID: PMC10418424 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer in women, with metastatic BC being responsible for the highest number of deaths. A frequent site for BC metastasis is the brain. Brain metastasis derived from BC involves the cooperation of multiple genetic, epigenetic, angiogenic, and tumor-stroma interactions. Most of these interactions provide a unique opportunity for development of new therapeutic targets. Potentially targetable signaling pathways are Notch, Wnt, and the epidermal growth factor receptors signaling pathways, all of which are linked to driving BC brain metastasis (BCBM). However, a major challenge in treating brain metastasis remains the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This barrier restricts the access of unwanted molecules, cells, and targeted therapies to the brain parenchyma. Moreover, current therapies to treat brain metastases, such as stereotactic radiosurgery and whole-brain radiotherapy, have limited efficacy. Promising new drugs like phosphatase and kinase modulators, as well as BBB disruptors and immunotherapeutic strategies, have shown the potential to ease the disease in preclinical studies, but remain limited by multiple resistance mechanisms. This review summarizes some of the current understanding of the mechanisms involved in BC brain metastasis and highlights current challenges as well as opportunities in strategic designs of potentially successful future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas E. L. Terceiro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Nnamdi M. Ikeogu
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada;
| | - Matheus F. Lima
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada;
| | - Chidalu A. Edechi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Barbara E. Nickel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Gabor Fischer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
| | - Etienne Leygue
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada; (E.L.); (K.J.M.)
| | - Kirk J. McManus
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T5, Canada; (E.L.); (K.J.M.)
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
| | - Yvonne Myal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3P5, Canada; (L.E.L.T.); (C.A.E.); (B.E.N.); (G.F.)
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada;
- Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
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5
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Li E, Qiao H, Sun J, Ma Q, Lin L, He Y, Li S, Mao X, Zhang X, Liao B. Cuproptosis-related gene expression is associated with immune infiltration and CD47/CD24 expression in glioblastoma, and a risk score based on these genes can predict the survival and prognosis of patients. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1011476. [PMID: 37546426 PMCID: PMC10399623 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1011476] [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: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most invasive type of glioma, is insensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and has high proliferation and invasive ability, with a 5-year survival rate of <5%. Cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) have been successfully used to predict the prognosis of many types of tumors. However, the relationship between cuproptosis and GBM remains unclear. Methods Here, we sought to identify CRGs in GBM and elucidate their role in the tumor immune microenvironment and prognosis. To that aim, changes in CRGs in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) transcriptional and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GEO4290 and GEO15824) were characterized, and the expression patterns of these genes were analyzed. Results A risk score based on CRG expression characteristics could predict the survival and prognosis of patients with GBM and was significantly associated with immune infiltration levels and the expression of CD47 and CD24, which are immune checkpoints of the "don't eat me "signal. Furthermore, we found that the CDKN2A gene may predict GBM sensitivity and resistance to drugs. Discussion Our findings suggest that CRGs play a crucial role in GBM outcomes and provide new insights into CRG-related target drugs/molecules for cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erliang Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huanhuan Qiao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jin Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiong Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yixiang He
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinggang Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bo Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Cao Y, Li Y, Liu R, Zhou J, Wang K. Preclinical and Basic Research Strategies for Overcoming Resistance to Targeted Therapies in HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092568. [PMID: 37174034 PMCID: PMC10177527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The amplification of epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is associated with a poor prognosis and HER2 gene is overexpressed in approximately 15-30% of breast cancers. In HER2-positive breast cancer patients, HER2-targeted therapies improved clinical outcomes and survival rates. However, drug resistance to anti-HER2 drugs is almost unavoidable, leaving some patients with an unmet need for better prognoses. Therefore, exploring strategies to delay or revert drug resistance is urgent. In recent years, new targets and regimens have emerged continuously. This review discusses the fundamental mechanisms of drug resistance in the targeted therapies of HER2-positive breast cancer and summarizes recent research progress in this field, including preclinical and basic research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical science, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yunjin Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical science, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Ruijie Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical science, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Kuansong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical science, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
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7
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Choi S, Cho N, Kim KK. The implications of alternative pre-mRNA splicing in cell signal transduction. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:755-766. [PMID: 37009804 PMCID: PMC10167241 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00981-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells produce multiple mRNAs through alternative splicing, which ensures proteome diversity. Because most human genes undergo alternative splicing, key components of signal transduction pathways are no exception. Cells regulate various signal transduction pathways, including those associated with cell proliferation, development, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Since proteins produced through alternative splicing can exhibit diverse biological functions, splicing regulatory mechanisms affect all signal transduction pathways. Studies have demonstrated that proteins generated by the selective combination of exons encoding important domains can enhance or attenuate signal transduction and can stably and precisely regulate various signal transduction pathways. However, aberrant splicing regulation via genetic mutation or abnormal expression of splicing factors negatively affects signal transduction pathways and is associated with the onset and progression of various diseases, including cancer. In this review, we describe the effects of alternative splicing regulation on major signal transduction pathways and highlight the significance of alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunkyung Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Namjoon Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee K Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
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8
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Zarzosa P, Garcia-Gilabert L, Hladun R, Guillén G, Gallo-Oller G, Pons G, Sansa-Girona J, Segura MF, Sánchez de Toledo J, Moreno L, Gallego S, Roma J. Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030727. [PMID: 36765685 PMCID: PMC9913695 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is known to play an oncogenic role in a wide range of cancers; in the particular case of rhabdomyosarcoma, this pathway has been demonstrated to be an important player for both oncogenesis and cancer progression. In this review, after a brief description of the pathway and the characteristics of its molecular components, we describe, in detail, the main activation mechanisms that have been found in cancer, including ligand-dependent, ligand-independent and non-canonical activation. In this context, the most studied inhibitors, i.e., SMO inhibitors, have shown encouraging results for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma, both tumour types often associated with mutations that lead to the activation of the pathway. Conversely, SMO inhibitors have not fulfilled expectations in tumours-among them sarcomas-mostly associated with ligand-dependent Hh pathway activation. Despite the controversy existing regarding the results obtained with SMO inhibitors in these types of tumours, several compounds have been (or are currently being) evaluated in sarcoma patients. Finally, we discuss some of the reasons that could explain why, in some cases, encouraging preclinical data turned into disappointing results in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Zarzosa
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lia Garcia-Gilabert
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Hladun
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriela Guillén
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gabriel Gallo-Oller
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Pons
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julia Sansa-Girona
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel F. Segura
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Sánchez de Toledo
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucas Moreno
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Soledad Gallego
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (J.R.)
| | - Josep Roma
- Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence: (S.G.); (J.R.)
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He L, Liu J, Zhao HL, Zhang LC, Yu RL, Kang CM. De novo design of dual-target JAK2, SMO inhibitors based on deep reinforcement learning, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 638:23-27. [PMID: 36436338 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.11.017] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HER2-positive breast cancer are particularly aggressive and the effectiveness of current therapies for them is limited. TNBC lacks effective therapies and HER2-positive cancer is often resistant to HER2-targeted drugs after an initial response. The recent studies have demonstrated that the combination of JAK2 inhibitors and SMO inhibitors can effectively inhibit the growth and metastasis of TNBC and HER2-positive drug resistant breast cancer cells. In this study, deep reinforcement learning was used to learn the characteristics of existing small molecule inhibitors of JAK2 and SMO, and to generate a novel library of small molecule compounds that may be able to inhibit both JAK2 and SMO. Subsequently, the molecule library was screened by molecular docking and a total of 7 compounds were selected out as dual inhibitors of JAK2 and SMO. Molecular dynamics simulations and binding free energies showed that the top three compounds stably bound to both JAK2 and SMO proteins. The binding free energies and hydrogen bond occupancy of key amino acids indicate that A8976 and A10625 has good properties and could be a potential dual-target inhibitor of JAK2 and SMO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei He
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Jin Liu
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Hui-Lin Zhao
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Li-Chuan Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Ri-Lei Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Cong-Min Kang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, China.
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10
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Wong GL, Manore SG, Doheny DL, Lo HW. STAT family of transcription factors in breast cancer: Pathogenesis and therapeutic opportunities and challenges. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:84-106. [PMID: 35995341 PMCID: PMC9714692 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and second-leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) promote metastasis and therapeutic resistance contributing to tumor relapse. Through activating genes important for BCSCs, transcription factors contribute to breast cancer metastasis and therapeutic resistance, including the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of transcription factors. The STAT family consists of six major isoforms, STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5, and STAT6. Canonical STAT signaling is activated by the binding of an extracellular ligand to a cell-surface receptor followed by STAT phosphorylation, leading to STAT nuclear translocation and transactivation of target genes. It is important to note that STAT transcription factors exhibit diverse effects in breast cancer; some are either pro- or anti-tumorigenic while others maintain dual, context-dependent roles. Among the STAT transcription factors, STAT3 is the most widely studied STAT protein in breast cancer for its critical roles in promoting BCSCs, breast cancer cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. Consequently, there have been substantial efforts in developing cancer therapeutics to target breast cancer with dysregulated STAT3 signaling. In this comprehensive review, we will summarize the diverse roles that each STAT family member plays in breast cancer pathobiology, as well as, the opportunities and challenges in pharmacologically targeting STAT proteins and their upstream activators in the context of breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace L Wong
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sara G Manore
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Daniel L Doheny
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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11
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Doheny D, Manore S, Sirkisoon SR, Zhu D, Aguayo NR, Harrison A, Najjar M, Anguelov M, Cox AO, Furdui CM, Watabe K, Hollis T, Thomas A, Strowd R, Lo HW. An FDA-Approved Antifungal, Ketoconazole, and Its Novel Derivative Suppress tGLI1-Mediated Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis by Inhibiting the DNA-Binding Activity of Brain Metastasis-Promoting Transcription Factor tGLI1. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4256. [PMID: 36077791 PMCID: PMC9454738 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal of this study is to identify pharmacological inhibitors that target a recently identified novel mediator of breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM), truncated glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (tGLI1). Inhibitors of tGLI1 are not yet available. To identify compounds that selectively kill tGLI1-expressing breast cancer, we screened 1527 compounds using two sets of isogenic breast cancer and brain-tropic breast cancer cell lines engineered to stably express the control, GLI1, or tGLI1 vector, and identified the FDA-approved antifungal ketoconazole (KCZ) to selectively target tGLI1-positive breast cancer cells and breast cancer stem cells, but not tGLI1-negative breast cancer and normal cells. KCZ's effects are dependent on tGLI1. Two experimental mouse metastasis studies have demonstrated that systemic KCZ administration prevented the preferential brain metastasis of tGLI1-positive breast cancer and suppressed the progression of established tGLI1-positive BCBM without liver toxicities. We further developed six KCZ derivatives, two of which (KCZ-5 and KCZ-7) retained tGLI1-selectivity in vitro. KCZ-7 exhibited higher blood-brain barrier penetration than KCZ/KCZ-5 and more effectively reduced the BCBM frequency. In contrast, itraconazole, another FDA-approved antifungal, failed to suppress BCBM. The mechanistic studies suggest that KCZ and KCZ-7 inhibit tGLI1's ability to bind to DNA, activate its target stemness genes Nanog and OCT4, and promote tumor proliferation and angiogenesis. Our study establishes the rationale for using KCZ and KCZ-7 for treating and preventing BCBM and identifies their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Doheny
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Sara Manore
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Sherona R. Sirkisoon
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Dongqin Zhu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Noah R. Aguayo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Alexandria Harrison
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Mariana Najjar
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Marlyn Anguelov
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Anderson O’Brien Cox
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Cristina M. Furdui
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Shared Resource, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Molecular Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Kounosuke Watabe
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Thomas Hollis
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Alexandra Thomas
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Roy Strowd
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
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12
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Kuo YH, Hung HS, Tsai CW, Chiu SC, Liu SP, Chiang YT, Shyu WC, Lin SZ, Fu RH. A Novel Splice Variant of BCAS1 Inhibits β-Arrestin 2 to Promote the Proliferation and Migration of Glioblastoma Cells, and This Effect Was Blocked by Maackiain. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163890. [PMID: 36010884 PMCID: PMC9405932 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-enriched myelin-associated protein 1 (BCAS1) is frequently highly expressed in human cancer, but its detailed function is unclear. Here, we identified a novel splice variant of the BCAS1 gene in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) named BCAS1-SV1. The expression of BCAS1-SV1 was weak in heathy brain cells but high in GBM cell lines. The overexpression of BCAS1-SV1 significantly increased the proliferation and migration of GBM cells, whereas the RNA-interference-mediated knockdown of BCAS1-SV1 reduced proliferation and migration. Moreover, using a yeast-two hybrid assay, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence staining, we confirmed that β-arrestin 2 is an interaction partner of BCAS1-SV1 but not BCAS1. The downregulation of β-arrestin 2 directly enhanced the malignancy of GBM and abrogated the effects of BCAS1-SV1 on GBM cells. Finally, we used a yeast two-hybrid-based growth assay to identify that maackiain (MK) is a potential inhibitor of the interaction between BCAS1-SV1 and β-arrestin 2. MK treatment lessened the proliferation and migration of GBM cells and prolonged the lifespan of tumor-bearing mice in subcutaneous xenograft and intracranial U87-luc xenograft models. This study provides the first evidence that the gain-of-function BCAS1-SV1 splice variant promotes the development of GBM by suppressing the β-arrestin 2 pathway and opens up a new therapeutic perspective in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hua Kuo
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Shan Hung
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wen Tsai
- Department of Nutrition, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Chih Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ping Liu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Chiang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Woei-Cherng Shyu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Zong Lin
- Buddhist Tzu Chi Bioinnovation Center, Tzu Chi Foundation, Hualien 970, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Ru-Huei Fu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
- Translational Medicine Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-422052121-7826
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13
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Sirkisoon SR, Wong GL, Aguayo NR, Doheny DL, Zhu D, Regua AT, Arrigo A, Manore SG, Wagner C, Thomas A, Singh R, Xing F, Jin G, Watabe K, Lo HW. Breast cancer extracellular vesicles-derived miR-1290 activates astrocytes in the brain metastatic microenvironment via the FOXA2→CNTF axis to promote progression of brain metastases. Cancer Lett 2022; 540:215726. [PMID: 35589002 PMCID: PMC9387054 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) are still unclear. In this study, we observed that extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted from breast cancer cells with increased expression of tGLI1, a BCBM-promoting transcription factor, strongly activated astrocytes. EV-derived microRNA/miRNA microarray revealed tGLI1-positive breast cancer cells highly secreted miR-1290 and miR-1246 encapsulated in EVs. Genetic knockin/knockout studies established a direct link between tGLI1 and both miRNAs. Datamining and analysis of patient samples revealed that BCBM patients had more circulating EV-miRs-1290/1246 than those without metastasis. Ectopic expression of miR-1290 or miR-1246 strongly activated astrocytes whereas their inhibitors abrogated the effect. Conditioned media from miR-1290- or miR-1246-overexpressing astrocytes promoted mammospheres. Furthermore, miRs-1290/1246 suppressed expression of FOXA2 transcription repressor, leading to CNTF cytokine secretion and subsequent activation of astrocytes. Finally, we conducted a mouse study to demonstrate that astrocytes overexpressing miR-1290, but not miR-1246, enhanced intracranial colonization and growth of breast cancer cells. Collectively, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that breast cancer EV-derived miR-1290 and miR-1246 activate astrocytes in the brain metastatic microenvironment and that EV-derived miR-1290 promotes progression of brain metastases through the novel EV-miR-1290→FOXA2→CNTF signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherona R Sirkisoon
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Grace L Wong
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Noah R Aguayo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Daniel L Doheny
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dongqin Zhu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Angelina T Regua
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Austin Arrigo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sara G Manore
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Calvin Wagner
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alexandra Thomas
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ravi Singh
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Fei Xing
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Guangxu Jin
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kounosuke Watabe
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Breast Cancer Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA.
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14
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Wang H, Lai Q, Wang D, Pei J, Tian B, Gao Y, Gao Z, Xu X. Hedgehog signaling regulates the development and treatment of glioblastoma (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 24:294. [PMID: 35949611 PMCID: PMC9353242 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and fatal malignant tumor type of the central nervous system. GBM affects public health and it is important to identify biomarkers to improve diagnosis, reduce drug resistance and improve prognosis (e.g., personalized targeted therapies). Hedgehog (HH) signaling has an important role in embryonic development, tissue regeneration and stem cell renewal. A large amount of evidence indicates that both normative and non-normative HH signals have an important role in GBM. The present study reviewed the role of the HH signaling pathway in the occurrence and progression of GBM. Furthermore, the effectiveness of drugs that target different components of the HH pathway was also examined. The HH pathway has an important role in reversing drug resistance after GBM conventional treatment. The present review highlighted the relevance of HH signaling in GBM and outlined that this pathway has a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongping Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Qun Lai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, P.R. China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Pei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Baogang Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Yunhe Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoguo Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
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15
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Somatostatin Receptor Splicing Variant sst5TMD4 Overexpression in Glioblastoma Is Associated with Poor Survival, Increased Aggressiveness Features, and Somatostatin Analogs Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031143. [PMID: 35163067 PMCID: PMC8835306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most malignant and lethal brain tumor. Current standard treatment consists of surgery followed by radiotherapy/chemotherapy; however, this is only a palliative approach with a mean post-operative survival of scarcely ~12-15 months. Thus, the identification of novel therapeutic targets to treat this devastating pathology is urgently needed. In this context, the truncated splicing variant of the somatostatin receptor subtype 5 (sst5TMD4), which is produced by aberrant alternative splicing, has been demonstrated to be overexpressed and associated with increased aggressiveness features in several tumors. However, the presence, functional role, and associated molecular mechanisms of sst5TMD4 in GBM have not been yet explored. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive analysis to characterize the expression and pathophysiological role of sst5TMD4 in human GBM. sst5TMD4 was significantly overexpressed (at mRNA and protein levels) in human GBM tissue compared to non-tumor (control) brain tissue. Remarkably, sst5TMD4 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival and recurrent tumors in GBM patients. Moreover, in vitro sst5TMD4 overexpression (by specific plasmid) increased, whereas sst5TMD4 silencing (by specific siRNA) decreased, key malignant features (i.e., proliferation and migration capacity) of GBM cells (U-87 MG/U-118 MG models). Furthermore, sst5TMD4 overexpression in GBM cells altered the activity of multiple key signaling pathways associated with tumor aggressiveness/progression (AKT/JAK-STAT/NF-κB/TGF-β), and its silencing sensitized GBM cells to the antitumor effect of pasireotide (a somatostatin analog). Altogether, these results demonstrate that sst5TMD4 is overexpressed and associated with enhanced malignancy features in human GBMs and reveal its potential utility as a novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarker and putative therapeutic target in GBMs.
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Zhang M, Zhou Z, Liu Z, Liu F, Zhao C. Exploring the potential biomarkers for prognosis of glioblastoma via weighted gene co-expression network analysis. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12768. [PMID: 35111402 PMCID: PMC8781321 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant tumor in the central system with a poor prognosis. Due to the complexity of its molecular mechanism, the recurrence rate and mortality rate of GBM patients are still high. Therefore, there is an urgent need to screen GBM biomarkers to prove the therapeutic effect and improve the prognosis. RESULTS We extracted data from GBM patients from the Gene Expression Integration Database (GEO), analyzed differentially expressed genes in GEO and identified key modules by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). GSE145128 data was obtained from the GEO database, and the darkturquoise module was determined to be the most relevant to the GBM prognosis by WGCNA (r = - 0.62, p = 0.01). We performed enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to reveal the interaction activity in the selected modules. Then Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was used to extract genes closely related to GBM prognosis. We used Kaplan-Meier survival curves to analyze the 139 genes in the darkturquoise module, identified four genes (DARS/GDI2/P4HA2/TRUB1) associated with prognostic GBM. Low expression of DARS/GDI2/TRUB1 and high expression of P4HA2 had a poor prognosis. Finally, we used tumor genome map (TCGA) data, verified the characteristics of hub genes through Co-expression analysis, Drug sensitivity analysis, TIMER database analysis and GSVA analysis. We downloaded the data of GBM from the TCGA database, the results of co-expression analysis showed that DARS/GDI2/P4HA2/TRUB1 could regulate the development of GBM by affecting genes such as CDC73/CDC123/B4GALT1/CUL2. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that genes are involved in many classic Cancer-related pathways including TSC/mTOR, RAS/MAPK.TIMER database analysis showed DARS expression is positively correlated with tumor purity (cor = 0.125, p = 1.07e-02)), P4HA2 expression is negatively correlated with tumor purity (cor =-0.279, p = 6.06e-09). Finally, GSVA analysis found that DARS/GDI2/P4HA2/TRUB1 gene sets are closely related to the occurrence of cancer. CONCLUSION We used two public databases to identify four valuable biomarkers for GBM prognosis, namely DARS/GDI2/P4HA2/TRUB1, which have potential clinical application value and can be used as prognostic markers for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhike Zhou
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhouyang Liu
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fangxi Liu
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chuansheng Zhao
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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17
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Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Transcription factors in glioblastoma - Molecular pathogenesis and clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1877:188667. [PMID: 34894431 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is one of the most lethal human cancers, however, the molecular mechanisms driving GBM remain largely elusive. Recent studies have revealed that transcription factors are significantly involved in GBM biology. Transcription factors (TFs), which are proteins that bind DNA to regulate gene expression, have critical roles at focal points in signaling pathways, orchestrating many cellular processes, such as cell growth and proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, immune responses, and metabolism. Dysregulated or mutated TFs are common in GBM, resulting in aberrant gene expression that promotes tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to conventional therapies. In the present Review, we focus on TFs that are implicated in GBM pathogenesis, highlighting their oncogenic or tumor suppressive functions and describing the molecular mechanisms underlying their effect on GBM cells. We also discuss their use as biomarkers for GBM prognosis and therapeutic response, as well as their targeting with drugs for GBM treatment. Deciphering the role of TFs in the biology of GBM will provide new insights into the pathological mechanisms and reveal novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Athens, Greece.
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18
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Alwaqfi RR, Samuelson MI, Guseva NN, Ouyang M, Bossler AD, Ma D. PTCH1-GLI1 Fusion-Positive Ovarian Tumor: Report of a Unique Case With Response to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Pazopanib. J Natl Compr Canc Netw 2021; 19:998-1004. [PMID: 34551385 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2021.7058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent GLI1 gene fusions have been recently described in a subset of soft tissue tumors showing a distinct monotonous epithelioid morphology with a rich capillary network and frequent S100 protein expression. Three different fusion partners-ACTB, MALAT1, and PTCH1-have been reported with the PTCH1-GLI1 fusion from 2 patients only, both with head and neck tumors. Herein, we report for the first time a PTCH1-GLI1 fusion in a primary ovarian tumor from a female patient aged 54 years who presented with a 21-cm right ovarian mass and mesenteric metastasis. The tumor was diagnosed as "favor malignant melanoma" based on histologic examination and extensive immunohistochemistry studies. The patient received 4 cycles of pembrolizumab and 2 cycles of trabectedin but developed multiple metastases. A next-generation sequencing-based assay detected a PTCH1-GLI1 fusion, which led to a revised pathologic diagnosis and a change of the patient's management. The patient was switched to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) pazopanib to target the sonic hedgehog pathway. Her disease was stable 49 months post TKI therapy. Our case report is the first to show that a tumor with GLI1 oncogenic activation was sensitive to a TKI. The morphologic and immunohistochemistry similarities of our patient's tumor to other recently described tumors harboring GLI1 fusions suggest that these tumors may all belong to the same entity of GLI1 fusion-positive neoplasms and may be treated similarly.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michelle Ouyang
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa
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Avery JT, Zhang R, Boohaker RJ. GLI1: A Therapeutic Target for Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:673154. [PMID: 34113570 PMCID: PMC8186314 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.673154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
GLI1 is a transcriptional effector at the terminal end of the Hedgehog signaling (Hh) pathway and is tightly regulated during embryonic development and tissue patterning/differentiation. GLI1 has low-level expression in differentiated tissues, however, in certain cancers, aberrant activation of GLI1 has been linked to the promotion of numerous hallmarks of cancer, such as proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis, metabolic rewiring, and chemotherapeutic resistance. All of these are driven, in part, by GLI1’s role in regulating cell cycle, DNA replication and DNA damage repair processes. The consequences of GLI1 oncogenic activity, specifically the activity surrounding DNA damage repair proteins, such as NBS1, and cell cycle proteins, such as CDK1, can be linked to tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms driving GLI1 dysregulation can provide prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers to identify a patient population that would derive therapeutic benefit from either direct inhibition of GLI1 or targeted therapy towards proteins downstream of GLI1 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin T Avery
- Oncology Department, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Ruowen Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Rebecca J Boohaker
- Oncology Department, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research, Birmingham, AL, United States
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TrkA Interacts with and Phosphorylates STAT3 to Enhance Gene Transcription and Promote Breast Cancer Stem Cells in Triple-Negative and HER2-Enriched Breast Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102340. [PMID: 34066153 PMCID: PMC8150921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer is the leading cancer in American women. Due to the inherent aggressiveness of triple-negative and HER2-enriched breast cancers, it is imperative to identify novel molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. Due to their abnormal activities in metastatic breast cancers, JAK2–STAT3 and TrkA pathways have been individually implicated in aggressive breast tumors. However, their co-activation and signaling interactions have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, our study aimed to elucidate the extent of crosstalk between JAK2–STAT3 and TrkA signaling pathways and its impact on breast cancer. Our data revealed a novel interaction between TrkA and STAT3, and that this interaction results in STAT3 phosphorylation and activation by TrkA, leading to enhanced stemness gene expression and stem cell renewal. We further found that the co-activation of JAK2–STAT3 and TrkA pathways is correlated with shorter time to develop overall and organ-specific metastasis, suggesting that this signaling crosstalk underlies the aggressiveness of triple-negative and HER2-enriched breast cancers. Abstract JAK2–STAT3 and TrkA signaling pathways have been separately implicated in aggressive breast cancers; however, whether they are co-activated or undergo functional interaction has not been thoroughly investigated. Herein we report, for the first time that STAT3 and TrkA are significantly co-overexpressed and co-activated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HER2-enriched breast cancer, as shown by immunohistochemical staining and data mining. Through immunofluorescence staining–confocal microscopy and immunoprecipitation–Western blotting, we found that TrkA and STAT3 co-localize and physically interact in the cytoplasm, and the interaction is dependent on STAT3-Y705 phosphorylation. TrkA–STAT3 interaction leads to STAT3 phosphorylation at Y705 by TrkA in breast cancer cells and cell-free kinase assays, indicating that STAT3 is a novel substrate of TrkA. β-NGF-mediated TrkA activation induces TrkA–STAT3 interaction, STAT3 nuclear transport and transcriptional activity, and the expression of STAT3 target genes, SOX2 and MYC. The co-activation of both pathways promotes breast cancer stem cells. Finally, we found that TNBC and HER2-enriched breast cancer with JAK2–STAT3 and TrkA co-activation are positively associated with poor overall metastasis-free and organ-specific metastasis-free survival. Collectively, our study uncovered that TrkA is a novel activating kinase of STAT3, and their co-activation enhances gene transcription and promotes breast cancer stem cells in TNBC and HER2-enriched breast cancer.
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Oncogenesis, Microenvironment Modulation and Clinical Potentiality of FAP in Glioblastoma: Lessons Learned from Other Solid Tumors. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051142. [PMID: 34068501 PMCID: PMC8151573 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system in adults. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a member of the dipeptidyl peptidase family, which has catalytic activity and is engaged in protein recruitment and scaffolds. Recent studies have found that FAP expression in different types of cells within the GBM microenvironment is typically upregulated compared with that in lower grade glioma and is most pronounced in the mesenchymal subtype of GBM. As a marker of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) with tumorigenic activity, FAP has been proven to promote tumor growth and invasion via hydrolysis of molecules such as brevican in the extracellular matrix and targeting of downstream pathways and substrates, such as fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). In addition, based on its ability to suppress antitumor immunity in GBM and induce temozolomide resistance, FAP may be a potential target for immunotherapy and reversing temozolomide resistance; however, current studies on therapies targeting FAP are still limited. In this review, we summarized recent progress in FAP expression profiling and the understanding of the biological function of FAP in GBM and raised the possibility of FAP as an imaging biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Iriana S, Asha K, Repak M, Sharma-Walia N. Hedgehog Signaling: Implications in Cancers and Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1042. [PMID: 33494284 PMCID: PMC7864517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is primarily involved in embryonic gut development, smooth muscle differentiation, cell proliferation, adult tissue homeostasis, tissue repair following injury, and tissue polarity during the development of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. GLIoma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) family of zinc-finger transcription factors and smoothened (SMO) are the signal transducers of the SHH pathway. Both SHH ligand-dependent and independent mechanisms activate GLI proteins. Various transcriptional mechanisms, posttranslational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitination, proteolytic processing, SUMOylation, and acetylation), and nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling control the activity of SHH signaling pathway proteins. The dysregulated SHH pathway is associated with bone and soft tissue sarcomas, GLIomas, medulloblastomas, leukemias, and tumors of breast, lung, skin, prostate, brain, gastric, and pancreas. While extensively studied in development and sarcomas, GLI family proteins play an essential role in many host-pathogen interactions, including bacterial and viral infections and their associated cancers. Viruses hijack host GLI family transcription factors and their downstream signaling cascades to enhance the viral gene transcription required for replication and pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss a distinct role(s) of GLI proteins in the process of tumorigenesis and host-pathogen interactions in the context of viral infection-associated malignancies and cancers due to other causes. Here, we emphasize the potential of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway targeting as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic approach, which in the future could also be tested in infection-associated fatalities.
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Doheny D, Sirkisoon S, Carpenter RL, Aguayo NR, Regua AT, Anguelov M, Manore SG, Arrigo A, Jalboush SA, Wong GL, Yu Y, Wagner CJ, Chan M, Ruiz J, Thomas A, Strowd R, Lin J, Lo HW. Combined inhibition of JAK2-STAT3 and SMO-GLI1/tGLI1 pathways suppresses breast cancer stem cells, tumor growth, and metastasis. Oncogene 2020; 39:6589-6605. [PMID: 32929154 PMCID: PMC7572897 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01454-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and HER2-positive breast cancer are particularly aggressive and associated with unfavorable prognosis. TNBC lacks effective treatments. HER2-positive tumors have treatment options but often acquire resistance to HER2-targeted therapy after initial response. To address these challenges, we determined whether novel combinations of JAK2-STAT3 and SMO-GLI1/tGLI1 inhibitors synergistically target TNBC and HER2 breast cancer since these two pathways are concurrently activated in both tumor types and enriched in metastatic tumors. Herein, we show that novel combinations of JAK2 inhibitors (ruxolitinib and pacritinib) with SMO inhibitors (vismodegib and sonidegib) synergistically inhibited in vitro growth of TNBC and HER2-positive trastuzumab-resistant BT474-TtzmR cells. Synergy was also observed against breast cancer stem cells. To determine if the combination is efficacious in inhibiting metastasis, we treated mice with intracardially inoculated TNBC cells and found the combination to inhibit lung and liver metastases, and prolong host survival without toxicity. The combination inhibited orthotopic growth, VEGF-A expression, and tumor vasculature of both TNBC and HER2-positive trastuzumab-refractory breast cancer. Lung metastasis of orthotopic BT474-TtzmR xenografts was suppressed by the combination. Together, our results indicated that dual targeting of JAK2 and SMO resulted in synergistic suppression of breast cancer growth and metastasis, thereby supporting future clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Doheny
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sherona Sirkisoon
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Richard L Carpenter
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, JH 308 1001 E. 3rd St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Noah Reeve Aguayo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Angelina T Regua
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Marlyn Anguelov
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sara G Manore
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Austin Arrigo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Sara Abu Jalboush
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Grace L Wong
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Calvin J Wagner
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Michael Chan
- Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jimmy Ruiz
- Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Alexandra Thomas
- Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Roy Strowd
- Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
- Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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Chen M, Jiang W, Xiao C, Yang W, Qin Q, Mao A, Tan Q, Lian B, Wei C. Sodium Butyrate Combined with Docetaxel for the Treatment of Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells by Targeting Gli1. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:8861-8875. [PMID: 32982280 PMCID: PMC7501530 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s252323] [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: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study is aimed to investigate the combined treating efficacy of sodium butyrate and docetaxel on proliferation and apoptosis of the lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line based on Gli1 regulation in vitro and in vivo. Materials and Methods RNA interference method was used to overexpress Gli1 in A549 cells. Cells were treated with varying concentrations of sodium butyrate, docetaxel or both in combination. CCK-8, colony formation assay, Hoechst 33258 staining, flow cytometry and TUNEL assay were employed to detect proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were applied to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Gli1. In vivo tumorigenicity was detected by tumor transplantation in nude mice. Downstream protein levels of Gli1 were detected using Western blot assay. Results It was found that sodium butyrate or docetaxel alone, respectively, inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of A549 cells in vitro and in vivo, while the combination of the two generated significantly higher responses, which were also effective in another lung adenocarcinoma cell line H1299. Furthermore, the combined therapy had an additive effect in suppressing Gli1 expression and regulating the expression of its downstream proteins that involve in proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis of A549 cells in vitro and in vivo, including decreased protein expression of Ki-67, CDK1, CDK2, Cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Survivin, and increased protein expression of Cyclin A, p21, Bax and cleaved-Caspase 3. On the other hand, Gli1 overexpression perceptibly reversed the above-mentioned additive effect in vitro and in vivo. Conclusion This study demonstrates that the combined therapy of sodium butyrate and docetaxel additively inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells via suppressing Gli1 expression in vitro and in vivo. Targeting Gli1 by the combined therapy may provide new insights into the therapeutic management of patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maojian Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Chanchan Xiao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Yang
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnosis, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghong Qin
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Anyun Mao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Qixing Tan
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Lian
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Changyuan Wei
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, People's Republic of China
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Doheny D, Manore SG, Wong GL, Lo HW. Hedgehog Signaling and Truncated GLI1 in Cancer. Cells 2020; 9:cells9092114. [PMID: 32957513 PMCID: PMC7565963 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway regulates normal cell growth and differentiation. As a consequence of improper control, aberrant HH signaling results in tumorigenesis and supports aggressive phenotypes of human cancers, such as neoplastic transformation, tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Canonical activation of HH signaling occurs through binding of HH ligands to the transmembrane receptor Patched 1 (PTCH1), which derepresses the transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO). Consequently, the glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) zinc-finger transcription factors, the terminal effectors of the HH pathway, are released from suppressor of fused (SUFU)-mediated cytoplasmic sequestration, permitting nuclear translocation and activation of target genes. Aberrant activation of this pathway has been implicated in several cancer types, including medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, basal cell carcinoma, glioblastoma, and cancers of lung, colon, stomach, pancreas, ovarian, and breast. Therefore, several components of the HH pathway are under investigation for targeted cancer therapy, particularly GLI1 and SMO. GLI1 transcripts are reported to undergo alternative splicing to produce truncated variants: loss-of-function GLI1ΔN and gain-of-function truncated GLI1 (tGLI1). This review covers the biochemical steps necessary for propagation of the HH activating signal and the involvement of aberrant HH signaling in human cancers, with a highlight on the tumor-specific gain-of-function tGLI1 isoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Doheny
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA; (D.D.); (S.G.M.); (G.L.W.)
| | - Sara G. Manore
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA; (D.D.); (S.G.M.); (G.L.W.)
| | - Grace L. Wong
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA; (D.D.); (S.G.M.); (G.L.W.)
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA; (D.D.); (S.G.M.); (G.L.W.)
- Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-336-716-0695
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Gonçalves BÔP, Fialho SL, Silvestrini BR, Sena IFG, Dos Santos GSP, Assis Gomes D, Silva LM. Central nervous system (CNS) tumor cell heterogeneity contributes to differential platinum-based response in an in vitro 2D and 3D cell culture approach. Exp Mol Pathol 2020; 116:104520. [PMID: 32828740 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
One of the models that best explains the cellular heterogeneity observed in central nervous system (CNS) tumors is the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs can originate from differentiated adult cells that return to an undifferentiated stage through the mechanism known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this paper, we evaluated cellular and molecular heterogeneity and the participation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in glioblastoma (U-87 MG and LN-18) and neuroblastoma (KELLY and IMR-32) cell lines cultured in monolayer (2D) and neurosphere (CSC enrichment- 3D) models. For this, after treatment with cisplatin, we studied different cell subpopulations by immunophenotyping using neural stem cell/progenitor markers (ALDH, CD24, CD56, and CD133), mesenchymal stem cell markers (CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD146) and hematopoietic markers (CD14, CD19, CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR) and mRNA expression profiles of genes related to EMT, such as ZEB1, TWIST1, TGFB1, STAT3, and lncRNA HOTAIR. In addition, we evaluated the growth capacity of residual cells when treated with cisplatin using the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model to study disease relapse. After treatment with cisplatin, we found that the expression of STAT3 and TGFB1 genes markedly increased in the neurosphere of the IMR-32 cell line, and TWIST1 was upregulated in the neurosphere of LN-18. Only the nontreated monolayer of LN-18, KELLY, and IMR-32 amplified the lncRNA HOTAIR. The IMR-32 cell line exhibited an enrichment of CD24+/ALDH+ and this cell subset decreased after cisplatin treatment. We observed the loss of CD146+/CD73+ cell subpopulations in U-87 MG monolayer and neurosphere models, after cisplatin treatment, while in LN-18 monolayer cisplatin-treated cells, CD73+/CD90+ cell subpopulations increased. Neuroblastoma cell lines showed CD14+/HLA-DR- cell subpopulations representative of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Tumors generated from residual cells, after exposure to cisplatin, grafted on CAM showed patterns of organization different from those of the controls. Thus, our findings strongly supported the idea that definitions of tumor phenotypic characteristics may help to establish better therapeutic strategies for the development of new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Ôrtero Perez Gonçalves
- Cellular Biology, Research and Development Department, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30510-010, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Sílvia Ligório Fialho
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30510-010, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Reis Silvestrini
- Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30510-010, Brazil
| | | | | | - Dawidson Assis Gomes
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Luciana Maria Silva
- Cellular Biology, Research and Development Department, Ezequiel Dias Foundation, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais 30510-010, Brazil.
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Wong GL, Abu Jalboush S, Lo HW. Exosomal MicroRNAs and Organotropism in Breast Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1827. [PMID: 32646059 PMCID: PMC7408921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent malignancy for women in which one in eight women will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Despite advances made in treating primary breast cancer, there is still no effective treatment for metastatic breast cancer. Consequently, metastatic breast cancer is responsible for 90% of breast cancer-related deaths while only accounting for approximately one third of all breast cancer cases. To help develop effective treatments for metastatic breast cancer, it is important to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms by which breast cancer metastasizes, particularly, those underlying organotropism towards brain, bone, and lungs. In this review, we will primarily focus on the roles that circulating exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) play in organotropism of breast cancer metastasis. Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that play critical roles in intercellular communication. MicroRNAs can be encapsulated in exosomes; cargo-loaded exosomes can be secreted by tumor cells into the tumor microenvironment to facilitate tumor-stroma interactions or released to circulation to prime distant organs for subsequent metastasis. Here, we will summarize our current knowledge on the biogenesis of exosomes and miRNAs, mechanisms of cargo sorting into exosomes, the exosomal miRNAs implicated in breast cancer metastasis, and therapeutic exosomal miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace L. Wong
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.L.W.); (S.A.J.)
| | - Sara Abu Jalboush
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.L.W.); (S.A.J.)
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA; (G.L.W.); (S.A.J.)
- Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
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Matissek SJ, Elsawa SF. GLI3: a mediator of genetic diseases, development and cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:54. [PMID: 32245491 PMCID: PMC7119169 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor GLI3 is a member of the Hedgehog (Hh/HH) signaling pathway that can exist as a full length (Gli3-FL/GLI3-FL) or repressor (Gli3-R/GLI3-R) form. In response to HH activation, GLI3-FL regulates HH genes by targeting the GLI1 promoter. In the absence of HH signaling, GLI3 is phosphorylated leading to its partial degradation and the generation of GLI3-R which represses HH functions. GLI3 is also involved in tissue development, immune cell development and cancer. The absence of Gli3 in mice impaired brain and lung development and GLI3 mutations in humans are the cause of Greig cephalopolysyndactyly (GCPS) and Pallister Hall syndromes (PHS). In the immune system GLI3 regulates B, T and NK-cells and may be involved in LPS-TLR4 signaling. In addition, GLI3 was found to be upregulated in multiple cancers and was found to positively regulate cancerous behavior such as anchorage-independent growth, angiogenesis, proliferation and migration with the exception in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and medulloblastoma where GLI plays an anti-cancerous role. Finally, GLI3 is a target of microRNA. Here, we will review the biological significance of GLI3 and discuss gaps in our understanding of this molecule. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan J. Matissek
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, 46 College Rd Rudman 291, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| | - Sherine F. Elsawa
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, 46 College Rd Rudman 291, Durham, NH 03824 USA
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Vollmann-Zwerenz A, Leidgens V, Feliciello G, Klein CA, Hau P. Tumor Cell Invasion in Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1932. [PMID: 32178267 PMCID: PMC7139341 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21061932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a particularly devastating tumor with a median survival of about 16 months. Recent research has revealed novel insights into the outstanding heterogeneity of this type of brain cancer. However, all GBM subtypes share the hallmark feature of aggressive invasion into the surrounding tissue. Invasive glioblastoma cells escape surgery and focal therapies and thus represent a major obstacle for curative therapy. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of glioma invasion mechanisms with respect to tumor-cell-intrinsic properties as well as cues provided by the microenvironment. We discuss genetic programs that may influence the dissemination and plasticity of GBM cells as well as their different invasion patterns. We also review how tumor cells shape their microenvironment and how, vice versa, components of the extracellular matrix and factors from non-neoplastic cells influence tumor cell motility. We further discuss different research platforms for modeling invasion. Finally, we highlight the importance of accounting for the complex interplay between tumor cell invasion and treatment resistance in glioblastoma when considering new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arabel Vollmann-Zwerenz
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (A.V.-Z.); (V.L.)
| | - Verena Leidgens
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (A.V.-Z.); (V.L.)
| | - Giancarlo Feliciello
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (G.F.); (C.A.K.)
| | - Christoph A. Klein
- Fraunhofer-Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Division of Personalized Tumor Therapy, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (G.F.); (C.A.K.)
- Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hau
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (A.V.-Z.); (V.L.)
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30
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Li G, Ma X, Xu L. The roles of zinc finger proteins in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. LIVER RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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31
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Salichos L, Meyerson W, Warrell J, Gerstein M. Estimating growth patterns and driver effects in tumor evolution from individual samples. Nat Commun 2020; 11:732. [PMID: 32024824 PMCID: PMC7002450 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14407-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors accumulate thousands of mutations, and sequencing them has given rise to methods for finding cancer drivers via mutational recurrence. However, these methods require large cohorts and underperform for low recurrence. Recently, ultra-deep sequencing has enabled accurate measurement of VAFs (variant-allele frequencies) for mutations, allowing the determination of evolutionary trajectories. Here, based solely on the VAF spectrum for an individual sample, we report on a method that identifies drivers and quantifies tumor growth. Drivers introduce perturbations into the spectrum, and our method uses the frequency of hitchhiking mutations preceding a driver to measure this. As validation, we use simulation models and 993 tumors from the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG) Consortium with previously identified drivers. Then we apply our method to an ultra-deep sequenced acute myeloid leukemia (AML) tumor and identify known cancer genes and additional driver candidates. In summary, our framework presents opportunities for personalized driver diagnosis using sequencing data from a single individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonidas Salichos
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - William Meyerson
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Jonathan Warrell
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Mark Gerstein
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Center for Biomedical Data Science, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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32
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Mitra M, Lee HN, Coller HA. Splicing Busts a Move: Isoform Switching Regulates Migration. Trends Cell Biol 2020; 30:74-85. [PMID: 31810769 PMCID: PMC8219349 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2019.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cell migration is essential for normal development, neural patterning, pathogen eradication, and cancer metastasis. Pre-mRNA processing events such as alternative splicing and alternative polyadenylation result in greater transcript and protein diversity as well as function and activity. A critical role for alternative pre-mRNA processing in cell migration has emerged in axon outgrowth during neuronal development, immune cell migration, and cancer metastasis. These findings suggest that migratory signals result in expression changes of post-translational modifications of splicing or polyadenylation factors, leading to splicing events that generate promigratory isoforms. We summarize this recent progress and suggest emerging technologies that may facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of alternative splicing and polyadenylation in cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mithun Mitra
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ha Neul Lee
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hilary A Coller
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Bioinformatics Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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33
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Alvarado-Ortiz E, Sarabia-Sánchez MÁ, García-Carrancá A. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying the Functions of Cellular Markers Associated with the Phenotype of Cancer Stem Cells. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 14:405-420. [PMID: 30147013 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x13666180821154752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells (CSC) generally constitute a minor cellular population within tumors that exhibits some capacities of normal Stem Cells (SC). The existence of CSC, able to self-renew and differentiate, influences central aspects of tumor biology, in part because they can continue tumor growth, give rise to metastasis, and acquire drug and radioresistance, which open new avenues for therapeutics. It is well known that SC constantly interacts with their niche, which includes mesenchymal cells, extracellular ligands, and the Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM). These interactions regularly lead to homeostasis and maintenance of SC characteristics. However, the exact participation of each of these components for CSC maintenance is not clear, as they appear to be context- or cell-specific. In the recent past, surface cellular markers have been fundamental molecular tools for identifying CSC and distinguishing them from other tumor cells. Importantly, some of these cellular markers have been shown to possess functional roles that affect central aspects of CSC. Likewise, some of these markers can participate in regulating the interaction of CSC with their niche, particularly the ECM. We focused this review on the molecular mechanisms of surface cellular markers commonly employed to identify CSC, highlighting the signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in CSC-ECM interactions, through each of the cellular markers commonly used in the study of CSC, such as CD44, CD133, CD49f, CD24, CXCR4, and LGR5. Their presence does not necessarily implicate them in CSC biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Alvarado-Ortiz
- Programa de Maestría y Doctorado en Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México.,Laboratory of Virus and Cancer, Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico & Subdireccion de Investigacion Basica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Secretaria de Salud, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Miguel Á Sarabia-Sánchez
- Laboratory of Virus and Cancer, Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico & Subdireccion de Investigacion Basica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Secretaria de Salud, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.,Programa de Maestría y Doctorado en Ciencias Bioquímicas, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, , México City, México
| | - Alejandro García-Carrancá
- Laboratory of Virus and Cancer, Unidad de Investigacion Biomedica en Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomedicas, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico & Subdireccion de Investigacion Basica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerologia, Secretaria de Salud, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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34
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Splicing Dysregulation as Oncogenic Driver and Passenger Factor in Brain Tumors. Cells 2019; 9:cells9010010. [PMID: 31861467 PMCID: PMC7016899 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms ranging from almost benign to highly aggressive phenotypes. The malignancy of these tumors mostly relies on gene expression reprogramming, which is frequently accompanied by the aberrant regulation of RNA processing mechanisms. In brain tumors, defects in alternative splicing result either from the dysregulation of expression and activity of splicing factors, or from mutations in the genes encoding splicing machinery components. Aberrant splicing regulation can generate dysfunctional proteins that lead to modification of fundamental physiological cellular processes, thus contributing to the development or progression of brain tumors. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge on splicing abnormalities in brain tumors and how these alterations contribute to the disease by sustaining proliferative signaling, escaping growth suppressors, or establishing a tumor microenvironment that fosters angiogenesis and intercellular communications. Lastly, we review recent efforts aimed at developing novel splicing-targeted cancer therapies, which employ oligonucleotide-based approaches or chemical modulators of alternative splicing that elicit an impact on brain tumor biology.
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35
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Piirsoo A, Pink A, Kasak L, Kala M, Kasvandik S, Ustav M, Piirsoo M. Differential phosphorylation determines the repressor and activator potencies of GLI1 proteins and their efficiency in modulating the HPV life cycle. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225775. [PMID: 31770404 PMCID: PMC6879148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway plays multiple roles during embryonic development and under pathological conditions. Although the core components of the Shh pathway are conserved, the regulation of signal transduction varies significantly among species and cell types. Protein kinases Ulk3 and Pka are involved in the Shh pathway as modulators of the activities of Gli transcription factors, which are the nuclear mediators of the signal. Here, we investigate the regulation and activities of two GLI1 isoforms, full-length GLI1 (GLI1FL) and GLI1ΔN. The latter protein lacks the first 128 amino acids including the conserved phosphorylation cluster and the binding motif for SUFU, the key regulator of GLI activity. Both GLI1 isoforms are co-expressed in all human cell lines analysed and possess similar DNA binding activity. ULK3 potentiates the transcriptional activity of both GLI1 proteins, whereas PKA inhibits the activity of GLI1ΔN, but not GLI1FL. In addition to its well-established role as a transcriptional activator, GLI1FL acts as a repressor by inhibiting transcription from the early promoters of human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18). Additionally, compared to GLI1ΔN, GLI1FL is a more potent suppressor of replication of several HPV types. Altogether, our data show that the N-terminal part of GLI1FL is crucial for the realization of its full potential as a transcriptional regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Piirsoo
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anne Pink
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Lagle Kasak
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Martin Kala
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sergo Kasvandik
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mart Ustav
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marko Piirsoo
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- * E-mail:
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36
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Honorato JR, Hauser-Davis RA, Saggioro EM, Correia FV, Sales-Junior SF, Soares LOS, Lima LDR, Moura-Neto V, Lopes GPDF, Spohr TCLDS. Role of Sonic hedgehog signaling in cell cycle, oxidative stress, and autophagy of temozolomide resistant glioblastoma. J Cell Physiol 2019; 235:3798-3814. [PMID: 31613002 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The first-line chemotherapy treatment for Glioblastoma (GBM) - the most aggressive and frequent brain tumor - is temozolomide (TMZ). The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway is involved with GBM tumorigenesis and TMZ chemoresistance. The role of SHH pathway inhibition in the potentiation of TMZ's effects using T98G, U251, and GBM11 cell lines is investigated herein. The combination of GANT-61 and TMZ over 72 hr suggested a synergistic effect. All TMZ-resistant cell lines displayed a significant decrease in cell viability, increased DNA fragmentation and loss of membrane integrity. For T98G cells, G2 /M arrest was observed, while U251 cells presented a significant increase in reactive oxygen species production and catalase activity. All the cell lines presented acidic vesicles formation correlated to Beclin-1 overexpression. The combined treatment also enhanced GLI1 expression, indicating the presence of select resistant cells. The selective inhibition of the SHH pathway potentiated the cytotoxic effect of TMZ, thus becoming a promising in vitro strategy for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica R Honorato
- Laboratório de Biomedicina do Cérebro, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer (IECPN), Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rachel A Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Enrico M Saggioro
- Departamento de Saneamento e Saúde Ambiental, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública (ENSP), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fábio V Correia
- Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sidney F Sales-Junior
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública e Meio Ambiente, Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública (ENSP), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lorena O S Soares
- Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leandro da R Lima
- Departamento de Ciências Naturais, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vivaldo Moura-Neto
- Laboratório de Biomedicina do Cérebro, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer (IECPN), Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Giselle P de F Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Departamento de Biotecnologia Marinha, Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira (IEAPM)/Coordenação de Pesquisa, Instituto Nacional de Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Tania C L de S Spohr
- Laboratório de Biomedicina do Cérebro, Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer (IECPN), Secretaria de Estado de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Anatomia Patológica, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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37
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Li F, Yi Y, Miao Y, Long W, Long T, Chen S, Cheng W, Zou C, Zheng Y, Wu X, Ding J, Zhu K, Chen D, Xu Q, Wang J, Liu Q, Zhi F, Ren J, Cao Q, Zhao W. N 6-Methyladenosine Modulates Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay in Human Glioblastoma. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5785-5798. [PMID: 31530567 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification influences various mRNA metabolic events and tumorigenesis, however, its functions in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) and whether NMD detects induced carcinogenesis pathways remain undefined. Here, we showed that the m6A methyltransferase METTL3 sustained its oncogenic role by modulating NMD of splicing factors and alternative splicing isoform switches in glioblastoma (GBM). Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation-seq (MeRIP-seq) analyses showed that m6A modification peaks were enriched at metabolic pathway-related transcripts in glioma stem cells (GSC) compared with neural progenitor cells. In addition, the clinical aggressiveness of malignant gliomas was associated with elevated expression of METTL3. Furthermore, silencing METTL3 or overexpressing dominant-negative mutant METTL3 suppressed the growth and self-renewal of GSCs. Integrated transcriptome and MeRIP-seq analyses revealed that downregulating the expression of METTL3 decreased m6A modification levels of serine- and arginine-rich splicing factors (SRSF), which led to YTHDC1-dependent NMD of SRSF transcripts and decreased SRSF protein expression. Reduced expression of SRSFs led to larger changes in alternative splicing isoform switches. Importantly, the phenotypes mediated by METTL3 deficiency could be rescued by downregulating BCL-X or NCOR2 isoforms. Overall, these results establish a novel function of m6A in modulating NMD and uncover the mechanism by which METTL3 promotes GBM tumor growth and progression. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings establish the oncogenic role of m6A writer METTL3 in glioblastoma stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuxi Li
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Yi
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yanyan Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyong Long
- Neurosurgery Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Teng Long
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siyun Chen
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weisheng Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changye Zou
- Musculoskeletal Oncology Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueyuan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junjun Ding
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaiyu Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Delin Chen
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiongcong Xu
- Department of Pancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinkai Wang
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Neurosurgery Department, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Feng Zhi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Cao
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois. .,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Wei Zhao
- RNA Biomedical Institute, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, China
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38
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Sirkisoon SR, Carpenter RL, Rimkus T, Doheny D, Zhu D, Aguayo NR, Xing F, Chan M, Ruiz J, Metheny-Barlow LJ, Strowd R, Lin J, Regua AT, Arrigo A, Anguelov M, Pasche B, Debinski W, Watabe K, Lo HW. TGLI1 transcription factor mediates breast cancer brain metastasis via activating metastasis-initiating cancer stem cells and astrocytes in the tumor microenvironment. Oncogene 2019; 39:64-78. [PMID: 31462709 PMCID: PMC6938539 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0959-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mechanisms for breast cancer metastasis remain unclear. Whether truncated glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (TGLI1), a transcription factor known to promote angiogenesis, migration and invasion, plays any role in metastasis of any tumor type has never been investigated. In this study, results of two mouse models of breast cancer metastasis showed that ectopic expression of TGLI1, but not GLI1, promoted preferential metastasis to the brain. Conversely, selective TGLI1 knockdown using antisense oligonucleotides led to decreased breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM) in vivo. Immunohistochemical staining showed that TGLI1, but not GLI1, was increased in lymph node metastases compared to matched primary tumors, and that TGLI1 was expressed at higher levels in BCBM specimens compared to primary tumors. TGLI1 activation is associated with a shortened time to develop BCBM and enriched in HER2-enriched and triple-negative breast cancers. Radioresistant BCBM cell lines and specimens expressed higher levels of TGLI1, but not GLI1, than radiosensitive counterparts. Since cancer stem cells (CSCs) are radioresistant and metastasis-initiating cells, we examined TGLI1 for its involvement in breast CSCs and found TGLI1 to transcriptionally activate stemness genes CD44, Nanog, Sox2, and OCT4 leading to CSC renewal, and TGLI1 outcompetes with GLI1 for binding to target promoters. We next examined whether astrocyte-priming underlies TGLI1-mediated brain tropism and found that TGLI1-positive CSCs strongly activated and interacted with astrocytes in vitro and in vivo. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that TGLI1 mediates breast cancer metastasis to the brain, in part, through promoting metastasis-initiating CSCs and activating astrocytes in BCBM microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherona R Sirkisoon
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Richard L Carpenter
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Tadas Rimkus
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Daniel Doheny
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Dongqin Zhu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Noah R Aguayo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Fei Xing
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Michael Chan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jimmy Ruiz
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Linda J Metheny-Barlow
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Roy Strowd
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Department of Neurology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Jiayuh Lin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Angelina T Regua
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Austin Arrigo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Marlyn Anguelov
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Boris Pasche
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Waldemar Debinski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kounosuke Watabe
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA. .,Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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39
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Pietrobono S, Gagliardi S, Stecca B. Non-canonical Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Cancer: Activation of GLI Transcription Factors Beyond Smoothened. Front Genet 2019; 10:556. [PMID: 31244888 PMCID: PMC6581679 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a highly conserved signaling that plays a critical role in controlling cell specification, cell–cell interaction and tissue patterning during embryonic development. Canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling occurs through binding of HH ligands to the twelve-pass transmembrane receptor Patched 1 (PTCH1), which derepresses the seven-pass transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO). Thus, active SMO initiates a complex intracellular cascade that leads to the activation of the three GLI transcription factors, the final effectors of the HH-GLI pathway. Aberrant activation of this signaling has been implicated in a wide variety of tumors, such as those of the brain, skin, breast, gastrointestinal, lung, pancreas, prostate and ovary. In several of these cases, activation of HH-GLI signaling is mediated by overproduction of HH ligands (e.g., prostate cancer), loss-of-function mutations in PTCH1 or gain-of-function mutations in SMO, which occur in the majority of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SHH-subtype medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Besides the classical canonical ligand-PTCH1-SMO route, mounting evidence points toward additional, non-canonical ways of GLI activation in cancer. By non-canonical we refer to all those mechanisms of activation of the GLI transcription factors occurring independently of SMO. Often, in a given cancer type canonical and non-canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling co-exist, and in some cancer types, more than one mechanism of non-canonical activation may occur. Tumors harboring non-canonical HH-GLI signaling are less sensitive to SMO inhibition, posing a threat for therapeutic efficacy of these antagonists. Here we will review the most recent findings on the involvement of alternative signaling pathways in inducing GLI activity in cancer and stem cells. We will also discuss the rationale of targeting these oncogenic pathways in combination with HH-GLI inhibitors as a promising anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pietrobono
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Sinforosa Gagliardi
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
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40
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Riaz SK, Ke Y, Wang F, Kayani MA, Malik MFA. Influence of SHH/GLI1 axis on EMT mediated migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6620. [PMID: 31036836 PMCID: PMC6488587 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43093-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog signaling is critical for breast morphogenesis and cancer. The present study was conducted to explore the influence of SHH/GLI1 axis on epithelial mesenchymal transition and invasion in breast cancer cells. SHH/GLI1 positive samples demonstrated high expression of Snail and Vimentin with relatively low expression of E-cadherin. Overexpression of Vimentin and Snail in SHH/GLI1 positive patients was also associated with poor overall survival. Interestingly, GANT61 (GLI1 inhibitor) exposure significantly reduced cell viability and induced apoptosis at 10 µM. Suppression of Hedgehog pathway either by CRISPR mediated SHH knock out or GANT61 altered regulation of EMT markers in breast cancer cells. Moreover, in-activation of SHH/GLI1 axis also significantly restricted cell migration and invasiveness. These findings suggest that targeting SHH/GLI1 axis alters expression of EMT markers and abrogates neoplastic invasion in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Kiran Riaz
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Centre, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuepeng Ke
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Centre, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fen Wang
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Texas A&M Health Science Centre, Houston, Texas, USA
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41
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A novel, liver-specific long noncoding RNA LINC01093 suppresses HCC progression by interaction with IGF2BP1 to facilitate decay of GLI1 mRNA. Cancer Lett 2019; 450:98-109. [PMID: 30790682 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated as novel drivers in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the underlying mechanisms of this relationship with hepatocarcinogenesis are unknown. We report a novel, liver-specific lncRNA LINC01093 that shows significant downregulation in HCC tissues. LINC01093 expression is inversely correlated with cancer embolus and HCC TNM stage and as a prognostic predictor for HCC patients. LINC01093 overexpression significantly suppresses HCC cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, its knockdown promotes HCC progression. Mechanistic analyses indicate that LINC01093 directly binds insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1), interfering with interaction between IGF2BP1 and glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1) mRNA. The result is degradation of GLI1 mRNA, further affecting expression of GLI1 downstream molecules involved in HCC progression. The liver-enriched lncRNA LINC01093 is a promising prognostic indicator for HCC patients, and the newly identified LINC01093-IGF2BP1-GLI1 axis shows potential for therapeutic targets in HCC.
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42
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Gli Proteins: Regulation in Development and Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020147. [PMID: 30754706 PMCID: PMC6406693 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gli proteins are transcriptional effectors of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. They play key roles in the development of many organs and tissues, and are deregulated in birth defects and cancer. We review the molecular mechanisms of Gli protein regulation in mammals, with special emphasis on posttranslational modifications and intracellular transport. We also discuss how Gli proteins interact with co-activators and co-repressors to fine-tune the expression of Hedgehog target genes. Finally, we provide an overview of the regulation of developmental processes and tissue regeneration by Gli proteins and discuss how these proteins are involved in cancer progression, both through canonical regulation via the Hedgehog pathway and through cross-talk with other signaling pathways.
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43
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Volnitskiy A, Shtam T, Burdakov V, Kovalev R, Konev A, Filatov M. Abnormal activity of transcription factors gli in high-grade gliomas. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211980. [PMID: 30730955 PMCID: PMC6366868 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant transformation is associated with loss of cell differentiation, anaplasia. Transcription factors gli, required for embryonic development, may be involved in this process. We studied the activity of transcription factors gli in high-grade gliomas and their role in maintenance of stem cell state and glioma cell survival. 20 glioma cell lines and a sample of a normal adult brain tissue were used in the present study. We found the expression of gli target genes, including GLI1 and FOXM1, in all tested glioma cell lines, but not in the normal tissue. Interestingly, the expression of gli target genes in some glioma cell lines was observed together with a high level of their transcriptional repressor, Gli3R. Knockdown of GLI3 in one of these lines resulted in decrease of gli target gene expression. These data suggest that Gli3R does not prevent the gli target genes transcription, and gli3 acts in glioma cells more as an activator, than a repressor of transcription. We observed that gli regulated the expression of such genes, as SOX2 or OCT4 that maintain stem cell state, and TET1, involving in DNA demethylation. Treatment with GANT61 or siRNA against GLI1, GLI2, or GLI3 could result in complete glioma cell death, while cyclopamine had a weaker and line-specific effect on glioma cell survival. Thus, the gli transcription factors are abnormally active in high-grade gliomas, regulate expression of genes, maintaining the stem cell state, and contribute to glioma cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Volnitskiy
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute named by B.P. Konstantinov of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Gatchina, Russia
| | - Tatiana Shtam
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute named by B.P. Konstantinov of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Gatchina, Russia
- N.N. Petrov National Medical Research Center of Oncology, St. Petersburg, Pesochnyj, Leningradskaya, Russia
| | - Vladimir Burdakov
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute named by B.P. Konstantinov of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Gatchina, Russia
| | - Roman Kovalev
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute named by B.P. Konstantinov of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Gatchina, Russia
| | - Alexander Konev
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute named by B.P. Konstantinov of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Gatchina, Russia
| | - Michael Filatov
- Petersburg Nuclear Physics Institute named by B.P. Konstantinov of National Research Centre "Kurchatov Institute", Gatchina, Russia
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44
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Contribution of the Wnt Pathway to Defining Biology of Glioblastoma. Neuromolecular Med 2018; 20:437-451. [PMID: 30259273 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-018-8514-x] [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: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly lethal brain tumor, has been comprehensively characterized at the molecular level with the identification of several potential treatment targets. Data concerning the Wnt pathway are relatively sparse, but apparently very important in defining several aspects of tumor biology. The Wnt ligands are involved in numerous basic biological processes including regulation of embryogenic development, cell fate determination, and organogenesis, but growing amount of data also support the roles of Wnt pathways in the formation of many tumors, including gliomas. Two main Wnt pathways are distinguished: the canonical (β-catenin) and non-canonical (planar cell polarity, Wnt/Ca2+) routes. Wnt signaling regulates glioma stem cells (GSCs), thereby defining invasive potential, recurrence, and treatment resistance of GBM. Some observations suggest that the Wnt pathways are differentially active in molecular subtypes of this tumor, thereby may also guide prognostication and novel therapeutic decisions. In this review, we highlight main elements and biological relevance of the Wnt pathways, primarily focusing on the pathogenesis and subtypes of GBM. Finally, we briefly summarize newer therapeutic strategies targeting networks of the Wnt signaling cascades and their molecular associates that appear to be marked contributors to GBM aggressiveness.
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45
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Diao Y, Rahman MFU, Vyatkin Y, Azatyan A, St Laurent G, Kapranov P, Zaphiropoulos PG. Identification of novel GLI1 target genes and regulatory circuits in human cancer cells. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:1718-1734. [PMID: 30098229 PMCID: PMC6166001 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) signaling is involved in many physiological processes, and pathway deregulation can result in a wide range of malignancies. Glioma‐associated oncogene 1 (GLI1) is a transcription factor and a terminal effector of the HH cascade. Despite its crucial role in tumorigenesis, our understanding of the GLI1 cellular targets is quite limited. In this study, we identified multiple new GLI1 target genes using a combination of different genomic surveys and then subjected them to in‐depth validation in human cancer cell lines. We were able to validate >90% of the new targets, which were enriched in functions involved in neurogenesis and regulation of transcription, in at least one type of follow‐up experiment. Strikingly, we found that RNA editing of GLI1 can modulate effects on the targets. Furthermore, one of the top targets, FOXS1, a gene encoding a transcription factor previously implicated in nervous system development, was shown to act in a negative feedback loop limiting the cellular effects of GLI1 in medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Moreover, FOXS1 is both highly expressed and positively correlated with GLI1 in medulloblastoma samples of the Sonic HH subgroup, further arguing for the existence of FOXS1/GLI1 interplay in human tumors. Consistently, high FOXS1 expression predicts longer relapse‐free survival in breast cancer. Overall, our findings open multiple new avenues in HH signaling pathway research and have potential for translational implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Diao
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | - Yuri Vyatkin
- St. Laurent Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.,AcademGene LLC, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ani Azatyan
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
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46
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Sabol M, Trnski D, Musani V, Ozretić P, Levanat S. Role of GLI Transcription Factors in Pathogenesis and Their Potential as New Therapeutic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2562. [PMID: 30158435 PMCID: PMC6163343 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
GLI transcription factors have important roles in intracellular signaling cascade, acting as the main mediators of the HH-GLI signaling pathway. This is one of the major developmental pathways, regulated both canonically and non-canonically. Deregulation of the pathway during development leads to a number of developmental malformations, depending on the deregulated pathway component. The HH-GLI pathway is mostly inactive in the adult organism but retains its function in stem cells. Aberrant activation in adult cells leads to carcinogenesis through overactivation of several tightly regulated cellular processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis, EMT. Targeting GLI transcription factors has recently become a major focus of potential therapeutic protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Sabol
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Diana Trnski
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Vesna Musani
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Petar Ozretić
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Sonja Levanat
- Laboratory for Hereditary Cancer, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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47
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Sirkisoon SR, Carpenter RL, Rimkus T, Anderson A, Harrison A, Lange AM, Jin G, Watabe K, Lo HW. Interaction between STAT3 and GLI1/tGLI1 oncogenic transcription factors promotes the aggressiveness of triple-negative breast cancers and HER2-enriched breast cancer. Oncogene 2018; 37:2502-2514. [PMID: 29449694 PMCID: PMC5948110 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0132-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), glioma oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1), and truncated GLI1 (tGLI1) are oncogenic transcription factors playing important roles in breast cancer. tGLI1 is a gain-of-function GLI1 isoform. Whether STAT3 physically and/or functionally interacts with GLI1/tGLI1 has not been explored. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed 47 node-positive breast cancer specimens using immunohistochemical staining and found that phosphorylated-STAT3 (Y705), GLI1, and tGLI1 are co-overexpressed in the majority of triple-negative breast carcinomas (64%) and HER2-enriched (68%) breast carcinomas, and in lymph node metastases (65%). Using gene set enrichment analysis, we analyzed 710 breast tumors and found that STAT3 activation and GLI1/tGLI1 activation signatures are co-enriched in triple-negative subtypes of breast cancers and HER2-enriched subtypes of breast cancers, but not in luminal subtypes of breast cancers. Patients with high levels of STAT3 and GLI1/tGLI1 co-activation in their breast tumors had worse metastasis-free survival compared to those with low levels. Since these proteins co-overexpress in breast tumors, we examined whether they form complexes and observed that STAT3 interacted with both GLI1 and tGLI1. We further found that the STAT3-GLI1 and STAT3-tGLI1 complexes bind to both consensus GLI1-binding and STAT3-binding sites using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, and that the co-overexpression markedly activated a promoter controlled by GLI1-binding sites. To identify genes that can be directly co-activated by STAT3 and GLI1/tGLI1, we analyzed three ChIP-seq datasets and identified 34 potential target genes. Following validations using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and survival analysis, we identified three genes as novel transcriptional targets of STAT3 and GLI1/tGLI1, R-Ras2, Cep70, and UPF3A. Finally, we observed that co-overexpression of STAT3 with GLI1/tGLI1 promoted the ability of breast cancer cells to form mammospheres and that STAT3 only cooperates with tGLI1 in immortalized mammary epithelial cells. In summary, our study identified novel physical and functional cooperation between two families of oncogenic transcription factors, and the interaction contributes to aggressiveness of breast cancer cells and poor prognosis of triple-negative breast cancers and HER2-enriched breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tadas Rimkus
- Department of Cancer Biology, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | - Guangxu Jin
- Department of Radiology, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Kounosuke Watabe
- Department of Cancer Biology, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
- Wake Forest Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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48
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Targeting GLI Transcription Factors in Cancer. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23051003. [PMID: 29695137 PMCID: PMC6100584 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23051003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been observed in a wide variety of tumors and accounts for more than 25% of human cancer deaths. Inhibitors targeting the Hh signal transducer Smoothened (SMO) are widely used and display a good initial efficacy in patients suffering from basal cell carcinoma (BCC); however, a large number of patients relapse. Though SMO mutations may explain acquired therapy resistance, a growing body of evidence suggests that the non-canonical, SMO-independent activation of the Hh pathway in BCC patients can also account for this adverse effect. In this review, we highlight the importance of glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) transcription factors (the main downstream effectors of the canonical and the non-canonical Hh cascade) and their putative role in the regulation of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways. Moreover, we discuss the contribution of the Hh signaling to malignant transformation and propose GLIs as central hubs in tumor signaling networks and thus attractive molecular targets in anti-cancer therapies.
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49
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Mastrangelo E, Milani M. Role and inhibition of GLI1 protein in cancer. LUNG CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2018; 9:35-43. [PMID: 29628779 PMCID: PMC5877502 DOI: 10.2147/lctt.s124483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
GLI1 is a transcriptional regulator involved in the development of different types of cancer. GLI1 transcriptional activity is regulated within the Hedgehog pathway (canonical activity), but can also be controlled independently (non-canonical activity) in the context of other signaling pathways. Experimental evidences show GLI1 involvement in both small- and non–small-cell lung cancers. Direct inhibition of the protein, in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, represents a promising strategy for the treatment of different malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Mastrangelo
- CNR - Biophysics Institute, c/o Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mario Milani
- CNR - Biophysics Institute, c/o Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
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50
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Rimkus TK, Carpenter RL, Sirkisoon S, Zhu D, Pasche BC, Chan MD, Lesser GJ, Tatter SB, Watabe K, Debinski W, Lo HW. Truncated Glioma-Associated Oncogene Homolog 1 (tGLI1) Mediates Mesenchymal Glioblastoma via Transcriptional Activation of CD44. Cancer Res 2018; 78:2589-2600. [PMID: 29463580 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-2933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The molecular pathways driving mesenchymal glioblastoma (GBM) are still not well understood. We report here that truncated glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (tGLI1) is a tumor-specific transcription factor that facilitates GBM growth, is enriched in the mesenchymal subtype of GBM and glioma stem cells (GSC), and promotes mesenchymal GSC by upregulating transcription of CD44. In an orthotopic GBM xenograft mouse model, tGLI1-overexpressing tumors grew more aggressively with increased proliferation and angiogenesis compared with control and GLI1-overexpressing xenografts. tGLI1 was highly expressed in GBM clinical specimens but undetectable in normal brains, whereas GLI1 was expressed in both tissues. A tGLI1 activation signature (tGAS) correlated with glioma grade, tumor angiogenesis, and poor overall survival, and GBMs with high tGAS were enriched with mesenchymal GBM/GSC gene signatures. Neurospheres contained increased levels of tGLI1, but not GLI1, compared with the monolayer culture; mesenchymal GSC expressed more tGLI1 than proneural GSC. Ectopic tGLI1 expression enhanced the ability of mesenchymal GSC to yield neurospheres in vitro and to form tumors in mouse brains. Selective tGLI1 knockdown reduced neurosphere formation of GBM cells. tGLI1 bound to and transactivated the promoter of the CD44 gene, a marker and mediator for mesenchymal GSC, leading to its expression. Collectively, these findings advance our understanding of GBM biology by establishing tGLI1 as a novel transcriptional activator of CD44 and a novel mediator of mesenchymal GBM and GSC.Significance: These findings highlight the role of a tumor-specific gain-of-function transcription factor tGLI1 in mesenchymal glioma stem cell maintenance and mesenchymal GBM growth. Cancer Res; 78(10); 2589-600. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadas K Rimkus
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Richard L Carpenter
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Sherona Sirkisoon
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Dongqin Zhu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Boris C Pasche
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Michael D Chan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Glenn J Lesser
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Stephen B Tatter
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Kounosuke Watabe
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Waldemar Debinski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
| | - Hui-Wen Lo
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
- Brain Tumor Center of Excellence, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina
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