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Ueda H, Takahashi H, Kobayashi S, Kubo M, Sasaki K, Iwagami Y, Yamada D, Tomimaru Y, Asaoka T, Noda T, Shimizu J, Doki Y, Eguchi H. miR-6855-5p Enhances Radioresistance and Promotes Migration of Pancreatic Cancer by Inducing Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via Suppressing FOXA1: Potential of Plasma Exosomal miR-6855-5p as an Indicator of Radiosensitivity in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2024:10.1245/s10434-024-16115-w. [PMID: 39269634 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-024-16115-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether radiation should be added to neoadjuvant treatment remains controversial, and liquid biopsy has not been reported to predict radioresistance in pancreatic cancer (PC). We aimed to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) governing radioresistance in PC by utilizing peripheral plasma exosome samples and to verify their usefulness as biomarkers. METHODS miRNA microarray analysis was conducted using pretreatment peripheral plasma exosomes from 10 patients with PC receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NACRT) in the discovery cohort. Patients were categorized into two groups (good and poor responders) based on treatment responses, and candidate miRNAs exhibiting differential expression between the two groups were identified. The radiosensitivity of PC cells was examined after miR-6855-5p overexpression. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and TargetScan were used to explore the mechanisms of radioresistance. We investigated the correlation between miR-6855-5p expression levels in the pretreatment peripheral plasma exosomes of 28 patients in the validation cohort and the response to NACRT. RESULTS miR-6855-5p expression was higher in poor responders than in good responders. miR-6855-5p induces radioresistance in PC cells. NGS showed that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was involved in miR-6855-5p-related radioresistance. Forkhead box protein A1 (FOXA1) was identified as a direct target of miR-6855-5p using NGS and TargetScan. Clinical examination of samples from the validation cohort revealed a tendency for patients with higher expression of miR-6855-5p in peripheral plasma exosomes to exhibit increased radioresistance (r = -0.5964). CONCLUSIONS miR-6855-5p regulates the radioresistance of PC by inducing EMT via suppressing FOXA1, and miR-6855-5p in peripheral plasma exosomes may be a biomarker for radioresistance of PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Ueda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidenori Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiko Kubo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Iwagami
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Daisaku Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshito Tomimaru
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tadafumi Asaoka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takehiro Noda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Junzo Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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2
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Strnadel J, Valasek MA, Lin GY, Lin H, Tipps AMP, Woo SM, Fujimura K, Wang H, Choi S, Bui J, Hermosillo C, Jepsen K, Navarro MR, Kelber JA, Klemke RL, Bouvet M. Development of 3D-iNET ORION: a novel, pre-clinical, three-dimensional in vitro cell model for modeling human metastatic neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas. Hum Cell 2024; 37:1593-1601. [PMID: 39103560 PMCID: PMC11341600 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-024-01113-7] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the pancreas are rare neoplasms that present complex challenges to diagnosis and treatment due to their indolent course. The incidence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors has increased significantly over the past two decades. A limited number of pancreatic neuroendocrine cell lines are currently available for the research. Here, we present 3D-iNET ORION, a novel 3-dimensional (spheroid) cell line, isolated from human pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor liver metastasis. Three-dimensionally grown (3D) cancer cell lines have gained interest over the past years as 3D cancer cell lines better recapitulate the in vivo structure of tumors, and are more suitable for in vitro and in vivo experiments. 3D-iNET ORION cancer cell line showed high potential to form tumorspheres when embedded in Matrigel matrix and expresses synaptophysin and EpCAM. Electron microscopy analysis of cancer cell line proved the presence of dense neurosecretory granules. When xenografted into athymic mice, 3D-iNET ORION cells produce slow-growing tumors, positive for chromogranin and synaptophysin. Human Core Exome Panel Analysis has shown that 3DiNET ORION cell line retains the genetic aberration profile detected in the original tumor. In conclusion, our newly developed neuroendocrine cancer cell line can be considered as a new research tool for in vitro and in vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Strnadel
- Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Biomedical Centre Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01, Martin, Slovakia.
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Mark A Valasek
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Grace Y Lin
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Huahui Lin
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Sang Myung Woo
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
- Research Institute, Center for Liver and Pancreatobiliary Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Ken Fujimura
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Huawei Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sunkyu Choi
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
- Proteomics Core, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Jack Bui
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Kristen Jepsen
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael R Navarro
- Neuroregeneration Laboratory, Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan A Kelber
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Richard L Klemke
- Department of Pathology, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michael Bouvet
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, USA
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3
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Wu Z, Ke Q, Jiang L, Hong H, Pan W, Chen W, Abudukeremu X, She F, Chen Y. TGF-β1 facilitates gallbladder carcinoma metastasis by regulating FOXA1 translation efficiency through m 6A modification. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:422. [PMID: 38886389 PMCID: PMC11183149 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06800-9] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
TGF-β1 plays a pivotal role in the metastatic cascade of malignant neoplasms. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) stands as one of the most abundant modifications on the mRNA transcriptome. However, in the metastasis of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), the effect of TGF-β1 with mRNA m6A modification, especially the effect of mRNA translation efficiency associated with m6A modification, remains poorly elucidated. Here we demonstrated a negative correlation between FOXA1 and TGF-β1 expression in GBC. Overexpression of FOXA1 inhibited TGF-β1-induced migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in GBC cells. Mechanistically, we confirmed that TGF-β1 suppressed the translation efficiency of FOXA1 mRNA through polysome profiling analysis. Importantly, both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that TGF-β1 promoted m6A modification on the coding sequence (CDS) region of FOXA1 mRNA, which was responsible for the inhibition of FOXA1 mRNA translation by TGF-β1. We demonstrated through MeRIP and RIP assays, dual-luciferase reporter assays and site-directed mutagenesis that ALKBH5 promoted FOXA1 protein expression by inhibiting m6A modification on the CDS region of FOXA1 mRNA. Moreover, TGF-β1 inhibited the binding capacity of ALKBH5 to the FOXA1 CDS region. Lastly, our study confirmed that overexpression of FOXA1 suppressed lung metastasis and EMT in a nude mice lung metastasis model. In summary, our research findings underscore the role of TGF-β1 in regulating TGF-β1/FOXA1-induced GBC EMT and metastasis by inhibiting FOXA1 translation efficiency through m6A modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenheng Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Qiming Ke
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Haijie Hong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Xiahenazi Abudukeremu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China
| | - Feifei She
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China.
| | - Yanling Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Fujian Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.
- Fujian Medical University Cancer Center, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China.
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer (Fujian Medical University), Ministry of Education, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China.
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Department of Medical Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350122, China.
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4
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Liu N, Wang A, Xue M, Zhu X, Liu Y, Chen M. FOXA1 and FOXA2: the regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic implications in cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:172. [PMID: 38605023 PMCID: PMC11009302 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01936-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
FOXA1 (Forkhead Box A1) and FOXA2 (Forkhead Box A2) serve as pioneering transcription factors that build gene expression capacity and play a central role in biological processes, including organogenesis and differentiation, glycolipid metabolism, proliferation, migration and invasion, and drug resistance. Notably, FOXA1 and FOXA2 may exert antagonistic, synergistic, or complementary effects in the aforementioned biological processes. This article focuses on the molecular mechanisms and clinical relevance of FOXA1 and FOXA2 in steroid hormone-induced malignancies and highlights potential strategies for targeting FOXA1 and FOXA2 for cancer therapy. Furthermore, the article describes the prospect of targeting upstream regulators of FOXA1/FOXA2 to regulate its expression for cancer therapy because of the drug untargetability of FOXA1/FOXA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China.
| | - Anran Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan, Suzhou, 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Mengen Xue
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan, Suzhou, 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaoren Zhu
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Yang Liu
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Minbin Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Kunshan, Suzhou, 215300, Jiangsu Province, China.
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5
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Zhu L, Tang N, Hang H, Zhou Y, Dong J, Yang Y, Mao L, Qiu Y, Fu X, Cao W. Loss of Claudin-1 incurred by DNMT aberration promotes pancreatic cancer progression. Cancer Lett 2024; 586:216611. [PMID: 38309617 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216611] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant and deadly tumors of digestive system with complex etiology and pathogenesis. Dysregulations of oncogenes and tumor suppressors due to epigenetic modifications causally affect tumorogenesis; however the key tumor suppressors and their regulations in PC are only partially defined. In this study, we found that Claudin-1 (encoded by CLDN1 gene) was significantly suppressed in PC that correlated with a poor clinical prognosis. Claudin-1 knockdown enhanced PC cell proliferation, migration, and stemness. Pancreatic specific Cldn1 knockout in KPC (LSLKrasG12D/Pdx1-Cre/Trp53R172H+) and KC (LSLKrasG12D/Pdx1-Cre) mice reduced mouse survival, promoted acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) process, and accelerated the development of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and PC. Further investigation revealed that Claudin-1 suppression was mainly caused by aberrant DNA methylatransferase 1 (DNMT1) and DNMT3A elevations and the resultant CLDN1 promoter hypermethylation, as a DNMT specific inhibitor SGI-1027 effectively reversed the Claudin-1 suppression and inhibited PC progression both in vitro and in vivo in a Claudin-1 preservation-dependent manner. Together, our data suggest that Claudin-1 functions as a tumor suppressor in PC and its epigenetic suppression due to DNMT aberrations is a crucial event that promotes PC development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxi Zhu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Neng Tang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Hexing Hang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jian Dong
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yifei Yang
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Liang Mao
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yudong Qiu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Xu Fu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Wangsen Cao
- Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Key Lab of Molecular Medicine, 22 Hankou Road, Nanjing, 210093, China; Yancheng Medical Research Center of Nanjing University Medical School, Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, 66 Southern People Road, Yancheng, 224008, China.
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6
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Yuen JG, Hwang GR, Fesler A, Intriago E, Pal A, Ojha A, Ju J. Development of gemcitabine-modified miRNA mimics as cancer therapeutics for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY. ONCOLOGY 2024; 32:200769. [PMID: 38596306 PMCID: PMC10869788 DOI: 10.1016/j.omton.2024.200769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Despite the recent advancement in diagnosis and therapy, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common type of pancreatic cancer, is still the most lethal cancer with a low five-year survival rate. There is an urgent need to develop new therapies to address this issue. In this study, we developed a treatment strategy by modifying tumor suppressor miRNAs, miR-15a and miR-194, with the chemotherapeutic gemcitabine (Gem) to create Gem-modified mimics, Gem-miR-15a and Gem-miR-194, respectively. In a panel of PDAC cell lines, we found that Gem-miR-15a and Gem-miR-194 induce cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis, and these mimics are potent inhibitors with IC50 values up to several hundred fold less than their native counterparts or Gem alone. Furthermore, we found that Gem-miR-15a and Gem-miR-194 retained miRNA function by downregulating the expression of several key targets including WEE1, CHK1, BMI1, and YAP1 for Gem-miR-15a, and FOXA1 for Gem-miR-194. We also found that our Gem-modified miRNA mimics exhibit an enhanced efficacy compared to Gem in patient-derived PDAC organoids. Furthermore, we observed that Gem-miR-15a significantly inhibits PDAC tumor growth in vivo without observing any noticeable signs of toxicity. Overall, our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of Gem-modified miRNAs as a treatment strategy for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G. Yuen
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Graduate Program in Genetics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Ga-Ram Hwang
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | | | - Erick Intriago
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Amartya Pal
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Anushka Ojha
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Jingfang Ju
- Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
- The Northport Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Northport, NY 11768, USA
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7
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Hu C, Ye M, Bai J, Liu P, Lu F, Chen J, Xu Y, Yan L, Yu P, Xiao Z, Gu D, Xu L, Tian Y, Tang Q. FOXA2-initiated transcriptional activation of INHBA induced by methylmalonic acid promotes pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasm progression. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:50. [PMID: 38252148 PMCID: PMC10803496 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05084-0] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNENs) are a group of highly heterogeneous neoplasms originating from the endocrine islet cells of the pancreas with characteristic neuroendocrine differentiation, more than 60% of which represent metastases when diagnosis, causing major tumor-related death. Metabolic alterations have been recognized as one of the hallmarks of tumor metastasis, providing attractive therapeutic targets. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism of metabolic changes regulating PanNEN progression. In this study, we first identified methylmalonic acid (MMA) as an oncometabolite for PanNEN progression, based on serum metabolomics of metastatic PanNEN compared with non-metastatic PanNEN patients. One of the key findings was the potentially novel mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) triggered by MMA. Inhibin βA (INHBA) was characterized as a key regulator of MMA-induced PanNEN progression according to transcriptomic analysis, which has been validated in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, INHBA was activated by FOXA2, a neuroendocrine (NE) specific transcription factor, which was initiated during MMA-induced progression. In addition, MMA-induced INHBA upregulation activated downstream MITF to regulate EMT-related genes in PanNEN cells. Collectively, these data suggest that activation of INHBA via FOXA2 promotes MITF-mediated EMT during MMA inducing PanNEN progression, which puts forward a novel therapeutic target for PanNENs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhua Hu
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Mujie Ye
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianan Bai
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengfei Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangyin People's Hospital, Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feiyu Lu
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhao Chen
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanling Xu
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijun Yan
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Yu
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Zequan Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili State, China
| | - Danyang Gu
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiyun Tang
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrine Tumor Center, Jiangsu Province Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Institute of Neuroendocrine Tumor, Nanjing Medical University, No. 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, China.
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8
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Hashemi ZS, Moghadam MF, Khalili S, Hashemi SM, Sepehr KS, Sadroddiny E. Distinctive Expression of MetastamiRs in Breast Cancer Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Solid Tumor. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:1525-1534. [PMID: 38265389 DOI: 10.2174/011574888x272313231124063458] [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: 07/15/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MSCs are a part of the tumor microenvironment, which secrete cytokines and chemokines. They can affect metastasis and the growth of tumors. metastamiRs are newly recognized regulatory elements of the metastasis pathway which are involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). OBJECTIVE In the present study, we aimed to assess the expression profile of metastamiRs in the context of MSCs in correlation with their invasion and migration power. METHODS Tumor-isolated BC-MSCs and normal human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) along with MCF-7, MDA-MB231, and MCF-10A cells were prepared and confirmed for their identity. The cells were assessed for CD44+CD24¯ percentage, Oct-4, and Survivin expression. GEO, KEGG, and TCGA databases were investigated to detect differential miR-expressions. Real- time PCR for 13 miRs was performed using LNA primers. Ultimately, Transwell-Matrigel assays as used to assess the level of migration and invasion. RESULTS Our results indicated that some oncomiRs like miR-10b were upregulated in BC-MSCs, while the levels of miR-373 and miR-520c were similar to the MCF-10A. Generally, miR-200 family members were on lower levels compared to the other miR-suppressor (miR-146a, 146b, and 335). miR-31 and 193b were up-regulated in MCF-10A. The most invasiveness was observed in the MDA-MB231 cell line. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated that the miR-expression levels of BC-MSCs are somewhat in between MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 miR-expression levels. This could be the logic behind the moderate level of invasion in BC-MSCs. Therefore, miR-therapy approaches such as miR-mimic or antagomiRs could be used for BC-MSCs in clinical cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sadat Hashemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Student's Scientific Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Forouzandeh Moghadam
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahmoud Hashemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Koushan Sineh Sepehr
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Sadroddiny
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Zhang M, Shao Y, Gu W. The Mechanism of Ubiquitination or Deubiquitination Modifications in Regulating Solid Tumor Radiosensitivity. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3240. [PMID: 38137461 PMCID: PMC10741492 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123240] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy, a treatment method employing radiation to eradicate tumor cells and subsequently reduce or eliminate tumor masses, is widely applied in the management of numerous patients with tumors. However, its therapeutic effectiveness is somewhat constrained by various drug-resistant factors. Recent studies have highlighted the ubiquitination/deubiquitination system, a reversible molecular modification pathway, for its dual role in influencing tumor behaviors. It can either promote or inhibit tumor progression, impacting tumor proliferation, migration, invasion, and associated therapeutic resistance. Consequently, delving into the potential mechanisms through which ubiquitination and deubiquitination systems modulate the response to radiotherapy in malignant tumors holds paramount significance in augmenting its efficacy. In this paper, we comprehensively examine the strides made in research and the pertinent mechanisms of ubiquitination and deubiquitination systems in governing radiotherapy resistance in tumors. This underscores the potential for developing diverse radiosensitizers targeting distinct mechanisms, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yingjie Shao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China;
| | - Wendong Gu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China;
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10
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Azevedo-Pouly A, Hale MA, Swift GH, Hoang CQ, Deering TG, Xue J, Wilkie TM, Murtaugh LC, MacDonald RJ. Key transcriptional effectors of the pancreatic acinar phenotype and oncogenic transformation. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291512. [PMID: 37796967 PMCID: PMC10553828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Proper maintenance of mature cellular phenotypes is essential for stable physiology, suppression of disease states, and resistance to oncogenic transformation. We describe the transcriptional regulatory roles of four key DNA-binding transcription factors (Ptf1a, Nr5a2, Foxa2 and Gata4) that sit at the top of a regulatory hierarchy controlling all aspects of a highly differentiated cell-type-the mature pancreatic acinar cell (PAC). Selective inactivation of Ptf1a, Nr5a2, Foxa2 and Gata4 individually in mouse adult PACs rapidly altered the transcriptome and differentiation status of PACs. The changes most emphatically included transcription of the genes for the secretory digestive enzymes (which conscript more than 90% of acinar cell protein synthesis), a potent anabolic metabolism that provides the energy and materials for protein synthesis, suppressed and properly balanced cellular replication, and susceptibility to transformation by oncogenic KrasG12D. The simultaneous inactivation of Foxa2 and Gata4 caused a greater-than-additive disruption of gene expression and uncovered their collaboration to maintain Ptf1a expression and control PAC replication. A measure of PAC dedifferentiation ranked the effects of the conditional knockouts as Foxa2+Gata4 > Ptf1a > Nr5a2 > Foxa2 > Gata4. Whereas the loss of Ptf1a or Nr5a2 greatly accelerated Kras-mediated transformation of mature acinar cells in vivo, the absence of Foxa2, Gata4, or Foxa2+Gata4 together blocked transformation completely, despite extensive dedifferentiation. A lack of correlation between PAC dedifferentiation and sensitivity to oncogenic KrasG12D negates the simple proposition that the level of differentiation determines acinar cell resistance to transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Azevedo-Pouly
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Hale
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Galvin H. Swift
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Chinh Q. Hoang
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Tye G. Deering
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jumin Xue
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Thomas M. Wilkie
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - L. Charles Murtaugh
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Raymond J. MacDonald
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
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11
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Ricci C, Ambrosi F, Franceschini T, Giunchi F, Di Filippo G, Franchini E, Massari F, Mollica V, Tateo V, Bianchi FM, Colecchia M, Acosta AM, Fiorentino M. FoxA2 is a reliable marker for the diagnosis of yolk sac tumour postpubertal-type. Histopathology 2023; 83:465-476. [PMID: 37317674 DOI: 10.1111/his.14968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Yolk sac tumour postpubertal-type (YSTpt) shows a wide range of histological patterns and is challenging to diagnose. Recently, forkhead box transcription factor A2 (FoxA2) emerged as a driver of YSTpt formation and a promising marker for diagnosing YSTpt. However, FoxA2 has not been tested in the different patterns of YSTpt. This study aimed to assess the staining pattern of FoxA2 in te different patterns of YSTpt and other germ cell tumours of the testis (GCTT), comparing it with glypican-3 (GPC3) and α-fetoprotein (AFP). METHODS AND RESULTS FOXA2, GPC3 and AFP immunohistochemistry was performed on 24 YSTpt (24 microcystic/reticular, 10 myxoid, two macrocystic, five glandular/alveolar, two endodermal sinus/perivascular, four solid, two polyembryoma/embryoid body and two polyvesicular vitelline) and 81 other GCTT. The percentage of positive cells (0, 1+, 2+, 3+) and the intensity (0, 1, 2, 3) were evaluated regardless of and within each YSTpt pattern. FoxA2 was positive in all YSTpt (24 of 24) and all but one (23 of 24) exhibited 2+/3+ stain, with higher intensity [median value (mv): 2.6] than AFP (1.8) and GPC3 (2.5). Both FoxA2 and GPC3 were positive in all microcystic/reticular (24 of 24), myxoid (10 of 10), macrocystic (two of two), endodermal sinus/perivascular (four of four) and polyembryoma/embryoid body (two of two) patterns. Nevertheless, only FoxA2 was positive in all glandular/alveolar (five of five), solid (four of four) and polyvesicular vitelline (two of two) patterns. The intensity of FoxA2 was higher than AFP and GPC3 in almost all YST patterns. In the other GCTT, FoxA2 was positive only in teratoma postpubertal-type (Tpt) [13 of 20 (65%)], with staining almost exclusively confined to the mature gastrointestinal/respiratory tract epithelium. CONCLUSIONS FoxA2 is a highly sensitive and specific biomarker that supports the diagnosis of YSTpt. FoxA2 is superior to GPC3 and AFP, especially in rare and difficult-to-diagnose histological patterns of YSTpt, but mature glands of Tpt could represent a potential diagnostic pitfall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantino Ricci
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Ambrosi
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Giunchi
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesco Massari
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Mollica
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Tateo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Medical Oncology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Colecchia
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andres Martin Acosta
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelangelo Fiorentino
- Pathology Unit, Maggiore Hospital-AUSL Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Haerinck J, Goossens S, Berx G. The epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity landscape: principles of design and mechanisms of regulation. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:590-609. [PMID: 37169858 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) enables cells to interconvert between several states across the epithelial-mesenchymal landscape, thereby acquiring hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypic features. This plasticity is crucial for embryonic development and wound healing, but also underlies the acquisition of several malignant traits during cancer progression. Recent research using systems biology and single-cell profiling methods has provided novel insights into the main forces that shape EMP, which include the microenvironment, lineage specification and cell identity, and the genome. Additionally, key roles have emerged for hysteresis (cell memory) and cellular noise, which can drive stochastic transitions between cell states. Here, we review these forces and the distinct but interwoven layers of regulatory control that stabilize EMP states or facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) and discuss the therapeutic potential of manipulating the EMP landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jef Haerinck
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Translational Research in Oncology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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13
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Yuen JG, Hwang GR, Fesler A, Intriago E, Pal A, Ojha A, Ju J. Development of Gemcitabine-Modified miRNA Mimics as Cancer Therapeutics for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.14.553255. [PMID: 37645827 PMCID: PMC10462072 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.14.553255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, including its most common subtype, pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), has the lowest five-year survival rate among patients with pancreatic cancer in the United States. Despite advancements in anticancer treatment, the overall median survival for patients with PDAC has not dramatically improved. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new strategies of treatment to address this issue. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), have been found to have major roles in carcinogenesis and the subsequent treatment of various cancer types like PDAC. In this study, we developed a treatment strategy by modifying tumor suppressor miRNAs, hsa-miRNA-15a (miR-15a) and hsa-miRNA-194-1 (miR-194), with the nucleoside analog chemotherapeutic gemcitabine (Gem) to create Gem-modified mimics of miR-15a (Gem-miR-15a) and miR-194 (Gem-miR-194). In a panel of PDAC cell lines, we found that Gem-miR-15a and Gem-miR-194 induce cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, and these mimics are potent inhibitors with IC 50 values up to several hundred fold less than their native counterparts or Gem alone. Furthermore, we found that Gem-miR-15a and Gem-miR-194 retained miRNA function by downregulating the expression of several key targets including WEE1, CHK1, BMI1, and YAP1 for Gem-miR-15a, and FOXA1 for Gem-miR-194. We also found that our Gem-modified miRNA mimics exhibit an enhanced efficacy compared to Gem alone in patient-derived PDAC organoids. Furthermore, we observed that Gem-miR-15a significantly inhibits PDAC tumor growth in vivo without observing any noticeable signs of toxicity. Overall, our results demonstrate the therapeutic potential of Gem-modified miRNAs as a treatment strategy for PDAC. One Sentence Summary Yuen and Hwang et. al. have developed a potent therapeutic strategy for patients with pancreatic cancer by modifying microRNAs with gemcitabine.
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14
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Park H. Unraveling the Molecular Puzzle: Exploring Gene Networks across Diverse EMT Status of Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12784. [PMID: 37628965 PMCID: PMC10454379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding complex disease mechanisms requires a comprehensive understanding of the gene regulatory networks, as complex diseases are often characterized by the dysregulation and dysfunction of molecular networks, rather than abnormalities in single genes. Specifically, the exploration of cell line-specific gene networks can provide essential clues for precision medicine, as this methodology can uncover molecular interplays specific to particular cell line statuses, such as drug sensitivity, cancer progression, etc. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of computational strategies for cell line-specific gene network analysis: (1) cell line-specific gene regulatory network estimation and analysis of gene networks under varying epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) statuses of cell lines; and (2) an explainable artificial intelligence approach for interpreting the estimated massive multiple EMT-status-specific gene networks. The objective of this review is to help readers grasp the concept of computational network biology, which holds significant implications for precision medicine by offering crucial clues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heewon Park
- School of Mathematics, Statistics and Data Science, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul 02844, Republic of Korea
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15
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Song Q, Mao X, Jing M, Fu Y, Yan W. Pathophysiological role of BACH transcription factors in digestive system diseases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1121353. [PMID: 37228820 PMCID: PMC10203417 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1121353] [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: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BTB and CNC homologous (BACH) proteins, including BACH1 and BACH2, are transcription factors that are widely expressed in human tissues. BACH proteins form heterodimers with small musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (MAF) proteins to suppress the transcription of target genes. Furthermore, BACH1 promotes the transcription of target genes. BACH proteins regulate physiological processes, such as the differentiation of B cells and T cells, mitochondrial function, and heme homeostasis as well as pathogenesis related to inflammation, oxidative-stress damage caused by drugs, toxicants, or infections; autoimmunity disorders; and cancer angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, chemotherapy resistance, progression, and metabolism. In this review, we discuss the function of BACH proteins in the digestive system, including the liver, gallbladder, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, and pancreas. BACH proteins directly target genes or indirectly regulate downstream molecules to promote or inhibit biological phenomena such as inflammation, tumor angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. BACH proteins are also regulated by proteins, miRNAs, LncRNAs, labile iron, and positive and negative feedback. Additionally, we summarize a list of regulators targeting these proteins. Our review provides a reference for future studies on targeted drugs in digestive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianben Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Mengjia Jing
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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16
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Contreras-Rodríguez JA, Puente-Rivera J, Córdova-Esparza DM, Nuñez-Olvera SI, Silva-Cázares MB. Bioinformatic miRNA-mRNAs Analysis Revels to miR-934 as a Potential Regulator of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12060834. [PMID: 36980175 PMCID: PMC10047237 DOI: 10.3390/cells12060834] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most aggressive subtypes of breast cancer and has the worst prognosis. In patients with TNBC tumors, the tumor cells have been reported to have mesenchymal features, which help them migrate and invade. Various studies on cancer have revealed the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in different biological processes of the cell in that aberrations, in their expression, lead to alterations and deregulations in said processes, giving rise to tumor progression and aggression. In the present work, we determined the miRNAs that are deregulated in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process in breast cancer. We discovered that 25 miRNAs that regulate mesenchymal genes are overexpressed in patients with TNBC. We found that miRNA targets modulate different processes and pathways, such as apoptosis, FoxO signaling pathways, and Hippo. We also found that the expression level of miR-934 is specific to the molecular subtype of the triple-negative breast cancer and modulates a set of related epithelial-mesenchymal genes. We determined that miR-934 inhibition in TNBC cell lines inhibits the migratory abilities of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stephanie I Nuñez-Olvera
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Fisiología, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico
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FOXA2 and STAT5A regulate oncogenic activity of KIF5B-RET fusion. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:638-653. [PMID: 36895965 PMCID: PMC9989603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
KIF5B-RET gene rearrangement occurs in ~1% of lung adenocarcinomas. Recently, targeted agents that inhibit RET phosphorylation have been evaluated in several clinical studies; however, little is known about the role of this gene fusion in driving lung cancer. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression of the FOXA2 protein in tumor tissues of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. KIF5B-RET fusion cells proliferated in a cohesive form and grew tightly packed with variable-sized colonies. The expression of RET and its downstream signaling molecules, including p-BRAF, p-ERK, and p-AKT, increased. In KIF5B-RET fusion cells, the intracellular expression of p-ERK was higher in the cytoplasm than in the nucleus. Two transcription factors, STAT5A and FOXA2, exhibiting significantly different expressions at the mRNA level, were finally selected. p-STAT5A was highly expressed in the nucleus and cytoplasm, whereas the expression of the FOXA2 protein was lower; however, it was much higher in the nucleus than in the cytoplasm. Compared with the expression of FOXA2 in the RET rearrangement-wild NSCLC (45.0%), high expression (3+) were observed in most RET rearrangement NSCLCs (94.4%). Meanwhile, KIF5B-RET fusion cells began to increase belatedly from day 7 and only doubled on day 9 in 2D cell culture. However, tumors in mice injected with KIF5B-RET fusion cells began to rapidly increase from day 26. In cell cycle analyses, the KIF5B-RET fusion cells in G0/G1 were increased on day 4 (50.3 ± 2.6%) compared with the empty cells (39.3 ± 5.2%; P = 0.096). Cyclin D1 and E2 expressions were reduced, whereas CDK2 expression slightly increased. pRb and p21 expression was diminished compared with the empty cells, TGF-β1 mRNA was highly expressed, and the proteins were accumulated mostly in the nucleus. Twist mRNA and protein expression was increased, whereas Snail mRNA and protein expression was decreased. Particularly, in KIF5B-RET fusion cells treated with FOXA2 siRNA, the expression of TGF-β 1 mRNA was remarkably reduced but Twist1 and Snail mRNA were increased. Our data suggest that cell proliferation and invasiveness in KIF5B-RET fusion cells are regulated by the upregulation of STAT5A and FOXA2 through the continuous activation of multiple RET downstream signal cascades, including the ERK and AKT signaling pathways. We found that TGF-β1 mRNA, where significant increments were observed in KIF5B-RET fusion cells, is regulated at the transcriptional level by FOXA2.
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18
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Warren I, Moeller MM, Guiggey D, Chiang A, Maloy M, Ogoke O, Groth T, Mon T, Meamardoost S, Liu X, Thompson S, Szeglowski A, Thompson R, Chen P, Paulmurugan R, Yarmush ML, Kidambi S, Parashurama N. FOXA1/2 depletion drives global reprogramming of differentiation state and metabolism in a human liver cell line and inhibits differentiation of human stem cell-derived hepatic progenitor cells. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22652. [PMID: 36515690 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101506rrr] [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: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
FOXA factors are critical members of the developmental gene regulatory network (GRN) composed of master transcription factors (TF) which regulate murine cell fate and metabolism in the gut and liver. How FOXA factors dictate human liver cell fate, differentiation, and simultaneously regulate metabolic pathways is poorly understood. Here, we aimed to determine the role of FOXA2 (and FOXA1 which is believed to compensate for FOXA2) in controlling hepatic differentiation and cell metabolism in a human hepatic cell line (HepG2). siRNA mediated knockdown of FOXA1/2 in HepG2 cells significantly downregulated albumin (p < .05) and GRN TF gene expression (HNF4α, HEX, HNF1ß, TBX3) (p < .05) and significantly upregulated endoderm/gut/hepatic endoderm markers (goosecoid [GSC], FOXA3, and GATA4), gut TF (CDX2), pluripotent TF (NANOG), and neuroectodermal TF (PAX6) (p < .05), all consistent with partial/transient reprograming. shFOXA1/2 targeting resulted in similar findings and demonstrated evidence of reversibility of phenotype. RNA-seq followed by bioinformatic analysis of shFOXA1/2 knockdown HepG2 cells demonstrated 235 significant downregulated genes and 448 upregulated genes, including upregulation of markers for alternate germ layers lineages (cardiac, endothelial, muscle) and neurectoderm (eye, neural). We found widespread downregulation of glycolysis, citric acid cycle, mitochondrial genes, and alterations in lipid metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, and ketogenesis. Functional metabolic analysis agreed with these findings, demonstrating significantly diminished glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, with concomitant accumulation of lipid droplets. We hypothesized that FOXA1/2 inhibit the initiation of human liver differentiation in vitro. During human pluripotent stem cells (hPSC)-hepatic differentiation, siRNA knockdown demonstrated de-differentiation and unexpectedly, activation of pluripotency factors and neuroectoderm. shRNA knockdown demonstrated similar results and activation of SOX9 (hepatobiliary). These results demonstrate that FOXA1/2 controls hepatic and developmental GRN, and their knockdown leads to reprogramming of both differentiation and metabolism, with applications in studies of cancer, differentiation, and organogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iyan Warren
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Michael M Moeller
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Daniel Guiggey
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Alexander Chiang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Mitchell Maloy
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ogechi Ogoke
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Theodore Groth
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Tala Mon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Saber Meamardoost
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Xiaojun Liu
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Sarah Thompson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Antoni Szeglowski
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ryan Thompson
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Peter Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ramasamy Paulmurugan
- Department of Radiology, Canary Center for Early Cancer Detection and the Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Martin L Yarmush
- Center for Engineering in Medicine and Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Srivatsan Kidambi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska- Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Natesh Parashurama
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA.,Clinical and Translation Research Center (CTRC), University at Buffalo (State University of New York), Buffalo, New York, USA
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19
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Pesonen M, Vähäkangas K. Contribution of common plastic-related endocrine disruptors to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor progression. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136560. [PMID: 36152835 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Many chemicals, including many endocrine disruptors (EDCs) are known to leach out from various plastic consumer products and waste, and are widespread in the environment. EDCs are a large group of contaminants that can interfere with hormonal metabolism or function. In addition, there are in the literature implications of contribution by EDCs in tumor progression, the last stage of carcinogenesis driven by cells with a metastatic phenotype. The process of epithelial cells losing their apical-basal polarity and cell-to-cell contacts, and acquiring migration and invasive properties typical of mesenchymal cells is called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). It is essential for tumor progression. In human cells, plastic-related EDCs, (phthalates, bisphenol A, and the alkylphenols: nonylphenol and octylphenol) reduce epithelial E-cadherin, and increase mesenchymal N-cadherin and extracellular matrix metalloproteinases. These changes are hallmarks of EMT. In xenograft mouse studies, EDCs increase migration of cells and metastatic growth in distant tissues. Their contribution to EMT and tumor progression, the topic of this review, is important from public health perspective, because of the ubiquitous exposure to these EDCs. In this mini-review we also discuss molecular mechanisms associated with EDC-induced EMT and tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Pesonen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy/Toxicology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Kirsi Vähäkangas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy/Toxicology, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
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20
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Elrakaybi A, Ruess DA, Lübbert M, Quante M, Becker H. Epigenetics in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Impact on Biology and Utilization in Diagnostics and Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235926. [PMID: 36497404 PMCID: PMC9738647 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies with high potential of metastases and therapeutic resistance. Although genetic mutations drive PDAC initiation, they alone do not explain its aggressive nature. Epigenetic mechanisms, including aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications, significantly contribute to inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity, disease progression and metastasis. Thus, increased understanding of the epigenetic landscape in PDAC could offer new potential biomarkers and tailored therapeutic approaches. In this review, we shed light on the role of epigenetic modifications in PDAC biology and on the potential clinical applications of epigenetic biomarkers in liquid biopsy. In addition, we provide an overview of clinical trials assessing epigenetically targeted treatments alone or in combination with other anticancer therapies to improve outcomes of patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Elrakaybi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Dietrich A. Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Lübbert
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Quante
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heiko Becker
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-761-270-36000
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21
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Wang K, Guan C, Yu J, Chen X, Shang X, Mei S, Feng X, Zheng L. Systematic Pan-Cancer Analysis and Experimental Verification Identify FOXA1 as an Immunological and Prognostic Biomarker in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:9328972. [PMID: 36393971 PMCID: PMC9646314 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9328972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2024]
Abstract
Background Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has the lowest survival rate among female reproductive cancers present with symptoms of aggressive malignancies, poor prognosis, drug resistance and postoperative recurrence. The majority of patients with EOC are diagnosed at an advanced stage due to the therapeutic challenges including lack of early diagnosis and effective therapeutic targets for EOC. Methods Pan-cancer analyses were performed to explore the features of forkhead-box (FOX) A1 (FOXA1) using data from TCGA and GTEx databases. R package "clusterprofiler" was used to perform the enrichment analysis of FOXA1 in EOC. Data downloaded from Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) database were used to evaluate the association between FOXA1 and antitumor drug sensitivity. In experimental verification, FOXA1 expression was detected using qRT-PCR and western blot assays. Western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and Transwell assays were used to assess the influence of FOXA1 silencing on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of EOC cells. Results We found that FOXA1 was highly expressed in EOC and predicted poorer survival of EOC patients. We observed that FOXA1 expression was positively correlated EMT-related pathways. Through experimental verification, we found the underlying function of FOXA1 to promote EMT in ovarian cancers. The results from western blot, immunofluorescence staining, and Transwell assays showed that FOXA1 silencing impeded the progression of EMT and invasiveness of the cancer cells. Furthermore, CCK-8 and invasion assays suggested that siRNA-FOXA1 attenuated the ability of cancer cells to metastasize and proliferate. Dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the binding activity of FOXA1 to the promoter of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). In addition, we found that FOXA1 was closely correlated immunosuppressive microenvironment of EOC. High FOXA1 expression may contribute to the resistance of many anticancer drugs. Conclusions Our results predict and validate the function of FOXA1 in promoting EMT and the progression of disease in EOC. Targeting FOXA1 may improve the sensitivity of EOC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, 317000 Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenan Guan
- Department of Kidney Internal Medicine, Taizhou Hospital Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, 317000 Zhejiang, China
| | - Junhui Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, 317000 Zhejiang, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, 317000 Zhejiang, China
| | - Xianwen Shang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, 317000 Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuangshuang Mei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, 317000 Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingjun Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, 317000 Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingzhi Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taizhou Hospital Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, 317000 Zhejiang, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, 312000 Zhejiang, China
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22
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Takemoto K, Kobatake K, Miura K, Fukushima T, Babasaki T, Miyamoto S, Sekino Y, Kitano H, Goto K, Ikeda K, Hieda K, Hayashi T, Hinata N, Kaminuma O. BACH1 promotes clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression by upregulating oxidative stress-related tumorigenicity. Cancer Sci 2022; 114:436-448. [PMID: 36178067 PMCID: PMC9899607 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The carcinogenesis and progression of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a heterogeneous cancer derived from renal tubular epithelial cells, is closely related to oxidative stress responses (OSRs). Oxidative stress responses participate in various biological processes related to the metabolism and metastatic potential of cancer such as inflammation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the role of broad complex-tramtrack-bric-a-brac and cap 'n' collar homology 1 (BACH1), a key transcription factor for OSRs, in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) development and prognosis. The poor prognosis and elevation of serum inflammation markers in nephrectomized ccRCC patients were correlated with the intratumor expression of BACH1 accompanied by a downregulation of heme oxygenase-1. BACH1 contributes to the invasion and migration abilities of RCC cell lines without affecting their proliferation in vitro. In contrast, BACH1 contributes to tumor progression in vivo, in relation to OSRs with the activation of EMT-related pathways. BACH1 involvement in other OSR-linked pathways, including inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and mTOR signaling, was further revealed by RNA sequencing analysis of BACH1-knockdown cells. In conclusion, the crucial role of BACH1 in the pathogenesis and poor prognosis of ccRCC through the promotion of OSRs is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenshiro Takemoto
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan,Department of Disease Models, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and MedicineHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Kohei Kobatake
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Kento Miura
- Department of Disease Models, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and MedicineHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Takafumi Fukushima
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Takashi Babasaki
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Shunsuke Miyamoto
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Yohei Sekino
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Kitano
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Keisuke Goto
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Kenichiro Ikeda
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Keisuke Hieda
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Tetsutaro Hayashi
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Nobuyuki Hinata
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health SciencesHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
| | - Osamu Kaminuma
- Department of Disease Models, Research Institute for Radiation Biology and MedicineHiroshima UniversityHiroshimaJapan
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23
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Mitchell AV, Wu L, James Block C, Zhang M, Hackett J, Craig DB, Chen W, Zhao Y, Zhang B, Dang Y, Zhang X, Zhang S, Wang C, Gibson H, Pile LA, Kidder B, Matherly L, Yang Z, Dou Y, Wu G. FOXQ1 recruits the MLL complex to activate transcription of EMT and promote breast cancer metastasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6548. [PMID: 36319643 PMCID: PMC9626503 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-34239-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of the Forkhead box transcription factor, FOXQ1, is a prevalent mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in multiple carcinoma types. However, it remains unknown how FOXQ1 regulates gene expression. Here, we report that FOXQ1 initiates EMT by recruiting the MLL/KMT2 histone methyltransferase complex as a transcriptional coactivator. We first establish that FOXQ1 promoter recognition precedes MLL complex assembly and histone-3 lysine-4 trimethylation within the promoter regions of critical genes in the EMT program. Mechanistically, we identify that the Forkhead box in FOXQ1 functions as a transactivation domain directly binding the MLL core complex subunit RbBP5 without interrupting FOXQ1 DNA binding activity. Moreover, genetic disruption of the FOXQ1-RbBP5 interaction or pharmacologic targeting of KMT2/MLL recruitment inhibits FOXQ1-dependent gene expression, EMT, and in vivo tumor progression. Our study suggests that targeting the FOXQ1-MLL epigenetic axis could be a promising strategy to combat triple-negative breast cancer metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison V Mitchell
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Ling Wu
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - C James Block
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Mu Zhang
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Justin Hackett
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Douglas B Craig
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Yongzhong Zhao
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Yongjun Dang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, the Ministry of Education, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Shengping Zhang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 650 Xinsongjiang Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Chuangui Wang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 650 Xinsongjiang Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Heather Gibson
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Lori A Pile
- The Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Benjamin Kidder
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Larry Matherly
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Zhe Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Yali Dou
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Guojun Wu
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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24
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FOXA1 in Breast Cancer: A Luminal Marker with Promising Prognostic and Predictive Impact. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194699. [PMID: 36230619 PMCID: PMC9564251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194699] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present review focuses on the function of the forkhead protein FOXA1 in breast cancer (BC) in relation to steroid hormone receptors. We explored the currently available analytic approaches for FOXA1 assessment both at gene and protein levels, comparing the differences between the available techniques used for its diagnostic assessment. In addition, we elaborated on data regarding the prognostic and predictive role of this marker in BC based on several studies that evaluated its expression in relation to the outcome and/or response to therapy. FOXA1, similar to the androgen receptor (AR), may have a dual role in BC according to hormonal status. In luminal cancers, its expression contributes to a better prognosis, while in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC), it implies an adverse outcome. Consequently, we observed that FOXA1-positive expression in a neoadjuvant setting may predict a lack of response in luminal BC as opposed to TNBC, in which FOXA1 allegedly increases its chemosensitivity. In conclusion, considering its accessible and convenient identification by immunohistochemistry, its important impact on prognosis, and its suitability to identify patients with different responses to chemotherapy, we propose that FOXA1 could be tested in routine diagnostics as an additional prognostic and predictive marker in BC.
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25
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Chijimatsu R, Kobayashi S, Takeda Y, Kitakaze M, Tatekawa S, Arao Y, Nakayama M, Tachibana N, Saito T, Ennishi D, Tomida S, Sasaki K, Yamada D, Tomimaru Y, Takahashi H, Okuzaki D, Motooka D, Ohshiro T, Taniguchi M, Suzuki Y, Ogawa K, Mori M, Doki Y, Eguchi H, Ishii H. Establishment of a reference single-cell RNA sequencing dataset for human pancreatic adenocarcinoma. iScience 2022; 25:104659. [PMID: 35847558 PMCID: PMC9283889 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) has been used to assess the intra-tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, previous knowledge is not fully universalized. Here, we built a single cell atlas of PDAC from six datasets containing over 70 samples and >130,000 cells, and demonstrated its application to the reanalysis of the previous bulk transcriptomic cohorts and inferring cell-cell communications. The cell decomposition of bulk transcriptomics using scRNAseq data showed the cellular heterogeneity of PDAC; moreover, high levels of tumor cells and fibroblasts were indicative of poor-prognosis. Refined tumor subtypes signature indicated the tumor cell dynamics in intra-tumor and their specific regulatory network. We further identified functionally distinct tumor clusters that had close interaction with fibroblast subtypes via different signaling pathways dependent on subtypes. Our analysis provided a reference dataset for PDAC and showed its utility in research on the microenvironment of intra-tumor heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryota Chijimatsu
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shogo Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yu Takeda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Kitakaze
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shotaro Tatekawa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuko Arao
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Mika Nakayama
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Naohiro Tachibana
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Section of Sensory and Motor System Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Taku Saito
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Section of Sensory and Motor System Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ennishi
- Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Shuta Tomida
- Center for Comprehensive Genomic Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daisaku Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshito Tomimaru
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidenori Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daisuke Okuzaki
- Genome Information Research Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Daisuke Motooka
- Genome Information Research Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takahito Ohshiro
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Osaka, Ibaraki 567-0047, Japan
| | - Masateru Taniguchi
- SANKEN (The Institute of Scientific and Industrial Research), Osaka University, 8-1 Mihogaoka, Osaka, Ibaraki 567-0047, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Laboratory of Systems Genomics, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 272-8562, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Ogawa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Tokai University Graduate School of Medicine, Shimokasuya, Isehara, Kanagawa 259-1193, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hideshi Ishii
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Yamadaoka 2-2, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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26
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Levati L, Bassi C, Mastroeni S, Lupini L, Antonini Cappellini GC, Bonmassar L, Alvino E, Caporali S, Lacal PM, Narducci MG, Molineris I, De Galitiis F, Negrini M, Russo G, D’Atri S. Circulating miR-1246 and miR-485-3p as Promising Biomarkers of Clinical Response and Outcome in Melanoma Patients Treated with Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153706. [PMID: 35954369 PMCID: PMC9367338 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153706] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant improvements in advanced melanoma therapy, there is still a pressing need for biomarkers that can predict patient response and prognosis, and therefore support rational treatment decisions. Here, we investigated whether circulating miRNAs could be biomarkers of clinical outcomes in patients treated with targeted therapy. Using next-generation sequencing, we profiled plasma miRNAs at baseline and at progression in patients treated with BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) or BRAFi + MEKi. Selected miRNAs associated with response to therapy were subjected to validation by real-time quantitative RT-PCR . Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC), Kaplan–Meier and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed on the validated miR-1246 and miR-485-3p baseline levels. The median baseline levels of miR-1246 and miR-485-3p were significantly higher and lower, respectively, in the group of patients not responding to therapy (NRs) as compared with the group of responding patients (Rs). In Rs, a trend toward an increase in miR-1246 and a decrease in miR-485-3p was observed at progression. Baseline miR-1246 level and the miR-1246/miR-485-3p ratio showed a good ability to discriminate between Rs and NRs. Poorer PFS and OS were observed in patients with unfavorable levels of at least one miRNA. In multivariate analysis, a low level of miR-485-3p and a high miR-1246/miR-485-3p ratio remained independent negative prognostic factors for PFS, while a high miR-1246/miR-485-3p ratio was associated with an increased risk of mortality, although statistical significance was not reached. Evaluation of miR-1246 and miR-485-3p baseline plasma levels might help clinicians to identify melanoma patients most likely to be unresponsive to targeted therapy or at higher risk for short-term PFS and mortality, thus improving their management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauretta Levati
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (L.B.); (S.C.); (P.M.L.); (M.G.N.); (G.R.)
| | - Cristian Bassi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.B.); (L.L.); (M.N.)
- LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simona Mastroeni
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy;
| | - Laura Lupini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.B.); (L.L.); (M.N.)
| | - Gian Carlo Antonini Cappellini
- Department of Oncology and Dermatological Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (G.C.A.C.); (F.D.G.)
| | - Laura Bonmassar
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (L.B.); (S.C.); (P.M.L.); (M.G.N.); (G.R.)
| | - Ester Alvino
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Council of Research, Via Fosso del Cavaliere 100, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Simona Caporali
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (L.B.); (S.C.); (P.M.L.); (M.G.N.); (G.R.)
| | - Pedro Miguel Lacal
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (L.B.); (S.C.); (P.M.L.); (M.G.N.); (G.R.)
| | - Maria Grazia Narducci
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (L.B.); (S.C.); (P.M.L.); (M.G.N.); (G.R.)
| | - Ivan Molineris
- Department of Life Science and System Biology, University of Turin, Via Accademia Albertina 13, 10123 Turin, Italy;
| | - Federica De Galitiis
- Department of Oncology and Dermatological Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (G.C.A.C.); (F.D.G.)
| | - Massimo Negrini
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.B.); (L.L.); (M.N.)
- LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giandomenico Russo
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (L.B.); (S.C.); (P.M.L.); (M.G.N.); (G.R.)
| | - Stefania D’Atri
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, IDI-IRCCS, Via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (L.L.); (L.B.); (S.C.); (P.M.L.); (M.G.N.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence:
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PGC1α Cooperates with FOXA1 to Regulate Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition through the TCF4-TWIST1. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158247. [PMID: 35897813 PMCID: PMC9332154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158247] [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: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) is a critical transcriptional coactivator that maintains metabolic homeostasis and energy expenditure by cooperating with various transcription factors. Recent studies have shown that PGC1α deficiency promotes lung cancer metastasis to the bone through activation of TCF4 and TWIST1-mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is suppressed by the inhibitor of DNA binding 1 (ID1); however, it is not clear which transcription factor participates in PGC1α-mediated EMT and lung cancer metastasis. Here, we identified forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) as a potential transcription factor that coordinates with PGC1α and ID1 for EMT gene expression using transcriptome analysis. Cooperation between FOXA1 and PGC1α inhibits promoter occupancy of TCF4 and TWIST1 on CDH1 and CDH2 proximal promoter regions due to increased ID1, consequently regulating the expression of EMT-related genes such as CDH1, CDH2, VIM, and PTHLH. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), a major EMT-promoting factor, was found to decrease ID1 due to the suppression of FOXA1 and PGC1α. In addition, ectopic expression of ID1, FOXA1, and PGC1α reversed TGFβ1-induced EMT gene expression. Our findings suggest that FOXA1- and PGC1α-mediated ID1 expression involves EMT by suppressing TCF4 and TWIST1 in response to TGFβ1. Taken together, this transcriptional framework is a promising molecular target for the development of therapeutic strategies for lung cancer metastasis.
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Histone deacetylase 3 promotes alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal transition and fibroblast migration under hypoxic conditions. EXPERIMENTAL & MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 54:922-931. [PMID: 35804191 PMCID: PMC9355949 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00796-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process by which epithelial cells undergo a phenotypic conversion that leads to myofibroblast formation, plays a crucial role in the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Recently, it was revealed that hypoxia promotes alveolar EMT and that histone deacetylases (HDACs) are abnormally overexpressed in the lung tissues of IPF patients. In this study, we showed that HDAC3 regulated alveolar EMT markers via the AKT pathway during hypoxia and that inhibition of HDAC3 expression by small interfering RNA (siRNA) decreased the migration ability and invasiveness of diseased human lung fibroblasts. Furthermore, we found that HDAC3 enhanced the migratory and invasive properties of fibroblasts by positively affecting the EMT process, which in turn was affected by the increased and decreased levels of microRNA (miR)-224 and Forkhead Box A1 (FOXA1), respectively. Lastly, we found this mechanism to be valid in an in vivo system; HDAC3 siRNA administration inhibited bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. Thus, it is reasonable to suggest that HDAC3 may accelerate pulmonary fibrosis progression under hypoxic conditions by enhancing EMT in alveolar cells through the regulation of miR-224 and FOXA1. This entire process, we believe, offers a novel therapeutic approach for pulmonary fibrosis. Inhibiting an enzyme that boosts the invasiveness of fibrosis-related cells could prove to be a novel therapeutic strategy for treating idiopathic lung fibrosis. Lung fibrosis progresses via the transition of epithelial cells into myofibroblasts, which are migratory invasive cell types that secrete collagen and deposit excessive extracellular material. Low oxygen conditions (hypoxia) accelerate this transition process. Scientists recently identified a group of histone deacetylases (HDACs) that are significantly overexpressed in the lung tissues of patients with fibrosis. In experiments on mice and human cell lines, Jeong-Woong Park and Se-Hee Kim at Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, South Korea, and co-workers demonstrated that under hypoxic conditions, HDAC3 increases the cellular transition to myofibroblasts by regulating the expression of a key microRNA and its target gene. Inhibiting HDAC3 suppresses the migration and invasiveness of lung myofibroblasts.
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FOXA1, FOXA2, SOX10 and GAS2 Gene Expression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Relationship with Clinicopathological Indices. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.5812/ijcm-117086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: The use of molecular methods in cancer diagnosis has led to a better prognosis. One of the important gene families in the carcinogenic pathways of various cancers is the forkhead box (FOX) family genes. Moreover, developmental transcription factors and proapoptotic proteins play critical roles in cell function and carcinogenesis. Objectives: The current study aimed to evaluate the expression of A1 FOXA1, FOXA2, SOX10, and growth arrest specific 2 (GAS2) genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) tumors due to biomarker discovery and early diagnosis of cancer. Methods: To evaluate the expression of FOXA1, FOXA2, SOX10, and GAS2 genes, 30 OSCC samples and 30 normal specimens were obtained from Imam Khomeini Hospital Cancer Institute. RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis were done by relevant kits. After a specific primer design for FOXA1, FOXA2, SOX10, and GAS2 genes, real-time PCR was done to evaluate the genes’ expression for molecular biomarker discovery and validation. ANOVA and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Results: Significant differences were observed in the expression of the studied genes in tumor and control tissues (P < 0.001). The results showed that FOXA1, GAS2, and SOX10 expressions in tumor and normal cells have significant differences (P < 0.001). Regardless of FOXA1, FOXA2 and SOX10, there was a significant difference in the expression of GAS2 genes in term patients’ age (P < 0.05) and overexpressed in patients over 55 years. SOX10 gene is upregulated in grade II OSCC tumors but there is no significant difference in expression of FOXA1, FOXA2, and GAS2 in different stages and grades. The ROC curve analysis, FOXA1, and FOXA2 showed AUC = 0.66 and AUC = 0.57 respectively. Meanwhile, SOX10 and GAS2 showed AUC = 0.9 and AUC = 1 respectively. Conclusions: In general, the expression of FOXA1, GAS2, and SOX10 genes in cancer and control tissues were different, and therefore the role of these genes in OSCC is confirmed. Also, in the present study, the biomarker potential of SOX10 and GAS2 genes for OSCC diagnosis was demonstrated. In the current study, the important role of the studied genes in OSCC diagnosis was shown. However, further studies are needed to confirm this.
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30
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Sahoo SS, Ramanand SG, Gao Y, Abbas A, Kumar A, Cuevas IC, Li HD, Aguilar M, Xing C, Mani RS, Castrillon DH. FOXA2 suppresses endometrial carcinogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by regulating enhancer activity. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:157574. [PMID: 35703180 PMCID: PMC9197528 DOI: 10.1172/jci157574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
FOXA2 encodes a transcription factor mutated in 10% of endometrial cancers (ECs), with a higher mutation rate in aggressive variants. FOXA2 has essential roles in embryonic and uterine development. However, FOXA2’s role in EC is incompletely understood. Functional investigations using human and mouse EC cell lines revealed that FOXA2 controls endometrial epithelial gene expression programs regulating cell proliferation, adhesion, and endometrial-epithelial transition. In live animals, conditional inactivation of Foxa2 or Pten alone in endometrial epithelium did not result in ECs, but simultaneous inactivation of both genes resulted in lethal ECs with complete penetrance, establishing potent synergism between Foxa2 and PI3K signaling. Studies in tumor-derived cell lines and organoids highlighted additional invasion and cell growth phenotypes associated with malignant transformation and identified key mediators, including Myc and Cdh1. Transcriptome and cistrome analyses revealed that FOXA2 broadly controls gene expression programs through modification of enhancer activity in addition to regulating specific target genes, rationalizing its tumor suppressor functions. By integrating results from our cell lines, organoids, animal models, and patient data, our findings demonstrated that FOXA2 is an endometrial tumor suppressor associated with aggressive disease and with shared commonalities among its roles in endometrial function and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ashwani Kumar
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development
| | | | | | | | - Chao Xing
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development.,Department of Bioinformatics.,Department of Population and Data Sciences
| | - Ram S Mani
- Department of Pathology.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Urology, and
| | - Diego H Castrillon
- Department of Pathology.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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31
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Xia K, Huang W, Zhao X, Huang X, Chen Y, Yu L, Tan Y. Increased FOXA1 levels induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation in FOXA1-low expressing basal breast cancer cells. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:2641-2658. [PMID: 35812039 PMCID: PMC9251680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor FOXA1, which is a member of the forkhead class of DNA-binding proteins, interacts with Estrogen Receptor (ER) to mediate breast cancer progression. However, its role in basal breast cancer cells remains unclear. Although the overall levels of FOXA1 are decreased in the basal subtype of clinical TCGA breast cancer samples, the high levels of FOXA1 improve the survival of the patients from this subtype. This clinical phenomenon is consistent with that of FOXA1 stimulating apoptosis in FOXA1-low expressing basal breast cancer cells, such as MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468 cells. In this study, we have constructed an inducible expression system of FOXA1 and demonstrated the induced expression of FOXA1 resulting in apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 cells, as confirmed by transcriptomic analysis and in vivo tumor-grafted models. Furthermore, the low levels of Estrogen Receptor-1 (ESR1) are critical for FOXA1 in terms of its repressive roles in the cells, as evidenced by clinical data analysis indicating that the high levels of FOXA1 improve the survival of ESR1Low patients, but worsen the survival of ESR1High patients of breast cancer. When introduced into MDA-MB-231 cells, ESR1 counteracts the tumor suppressor roles of FOXA1 by altering the FOXA1-regulated gene transcription and the two proteins together maintain the tumor progression in vivo. Our cumulative results suggest that FOXA1 suppresses the basal breast cancer cells with FOXA1-low expressing status independent of ESR1 by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation, thereby implicating its potential therapeutic role in this group of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Wenqiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
| | - Yongjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Biology, Hunan Engineering Research Center for Anticancer Targeted Protein Pharmaceuticals, Hunan University Changsha 410082, Hunan, China
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32
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Castaneda M, den Hollander P, Mani SA. Forkhead Box Transcription Factors: Double-Edged Swords in Cancer. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2057-2065. [PMID: 35315926 PMCID: PMC9258984 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-3371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
A plethora of treatment options exist for cancer therapeutics, but many are limited by side effects and either intrinsic or acquired resistance. The need for more effective targeted cancer treatment has led to the focus on forkhead box (FOX) transcription factors as possible drug targets. Forkhead factors such as FOXA1 and FOXM1 are involved in hormone regulation, immune system modulation, and disease progression through their regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Forkhead factors can influence cancer development, progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. In this review, we discuss the various roles of forkhead factors in biological processes that support cancer as well as their function as pioneering factors and their potential as targetable transcription factors in the fight against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Castaneda
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Petra den Hollander
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sendurai A. Mani
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Corresponding Author: Sendurai A. Mani, Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2130 West Holcombe Boulevard, Suite 910, Houston, TX 77030-3304. Phone: 713-792-9638; E-mail:
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33
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Huang Z, Zhang Z, Zhou C, Liu L, Huang C. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition: The history, regulatory mechanism, and cancer therapeutic opportunities. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e144. [PMID: 35601657 PMCID: PMC9115588 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a program wherein epithelial cells lose their junctions and polarity while acquiring mesenchymal properties and invasive ability. Originally defined as an embryogenesis event, EMT has been recognized as a crucial process in tumor progression. During EMT, cell–cell junctions and cell–matrix attachments are disrupted, and the cytoskeleton is remodeled to enhance mobility of cells. This transition of phenotype is largely driven by a group of key transcription factors, typically Snail, Twist, and ZEB, through epigenetic repression of epithelial markers, transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and reorganization of cytoskeleton. Mechanistically, EMT is orchestrated by multiple pathways, especially those involved in embryogenesis such as TGFβ, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo, suggesting EMT as an intrinsic link between embryonic development and cancer progression. In addition, redox signaling has also emerged as critical EMT modulator. EMT confers cancer cells with increased metastatic potential and drug resistant capacity, which accounts for tumor recurrence in most clinic cases. Thus, targeting EMT can be a therapeutic option providing a chance of cure for cancer patients. Here, we introduce a brief history of EMT and summarize recent advances in understanding EMT mechanisms, as well as highlighting the therapeutic opportunities by targeting EMT in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Chengwei Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
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34
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Xu Y, Yu X, Sun Z, He Y, Guo W. Roles of lncRNAs Mediating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in HCC. Front Oncol 2022; 12:831366. [PMID: 35356220 PMCID: PMC8959654 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.831366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered the second most deadly cancer worldwide. Due to the absence of early diagnostic markers and effective therapeutic approaches, distant metastasis and increasing recurrence rates are major difficulties in the clinical treatment of HCC. Further understanding of its pathogenesis has become an urgent goal in HCC research. Recently, abnormal expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) was identified as a vital regulator involved in the initiation and development of HCC. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been reported to obviously impact cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of HCC. This article reviews specific interactions, significant mechanisms and molecules related to HCC initiation and progression to provide promising strategies for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yating Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zongzong Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuting He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenzhi Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, Zhengzhou, China.,Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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35
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Barker CG, Petsalaki E, Giudice G, Sero J, Ekpenyong EN, Bakal C, Petsalaki E. Identification of phenotype-specific networks from paired gene expression-cell shape imaging data. Genome Res 2022; 32:750-765. [PMID: 35197309 PMCID: PMC8997347 DOI: 10.1101/gr.276059.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The morphology of breast cancer cells is often used as an indicator of tumor severity and prognosis. Additionally, morphology can be used to identify more fine-grained, molecular developments within a cancer cell, such as transcriptomic changes and signaling pathway activity. Delineating the interface between morphology and signaling is important to understand the mechanical cues that a cell processes in order to undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and consequently metastasize. However, the exact regulatory systems that define these changes remain poorly characterized. In this study, we used a network-systems approach to integrate imaging data and RNA-seq expression data. Our workflow allowed the discovery of unbiased and context-specific gene expression signatures and cell signaling subnetworks relevant to the regulation of cell shape, rather than focusing on the identification of previously known, but not always representative, pathways. By constructing a cell-shape signaling network from shape-correlated gene expression modules and their upstream regulators, we found central roles for developmental pathways such as WNT and Notch, as well as evidence for the fine control of NF-kB signaling by numerous kinase and transcriptional regulators. Further analysis of our network implicates a gene expression module enriched in the RAP1 signaling pathway as a mediator between the sensing of mechanical stimuli and regulation of NF-kB activity, with specific relevance to cell shape in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie George Barker
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Eirini Petsalaki
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Girolamo Giudice
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Sero
- University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Emmanuel Nsa Ekpenyong
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Bakal
- Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelia Petsalaki
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute, Hinxton CB10 1SD, United Kingdom
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36
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Transcriptional and post-transcriptional control of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity: why so many regulators? Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:182. [PMID: 35278142 PMCID: PMC8918127 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The dynamic transition between epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like cell states has been a focus for extensive investigation for decades, reflective of the importance of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) through development, in the adult, and the contributing role EMT has to pathologies including metastasis and fibrosis. Not surprisingly, regulation of the complex genetic networks that underlie EMT have been attributed to multiple transcription factors and microRNAs. What is surprising, however, are the sheer number of different regulators (hundreds of transcription factors and microRNAs) for which critical roles have been described. This review seeks not to collate these studies, but to provide a perspective on the fundamental question of whether it is really feasible that so many regulators play important roles and if so, what does this tell us about EMT and more generally, the genetic machinery that controls complex biological processes.
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Jia Y, Chen X, Zhao D, Ma S. SNHG1/miR-194-5p/MTFR1 Axis Promotes TGFβ1-Induced EMT, Migration and Invasion of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells. Mol Biotechnol 2022; 64:780-790. [PMID: 35107755 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00445-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a common malignancy with aggressive biological behaviors. Mitochondrial fission regulator 1 (MTFR1), is aberrantly expressed in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), but its role in TSCC remains unclear. We aimed to explore the role of MTFR1 in TSCC. The expression of long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1), microRNA-194-5p and MTFR1 in TSCC cells was measured by RT-qPCR. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA pull down assay were applied to confirm the binding capacity between miR-194-5p and SNHG1 (or MTFR1). TSCC cell invasion and migration were accessed by Transwell assays. The protein levels of MTFR1 and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were examined by western blot. MTFR1 had high expression level in TSCC. MTFR1 knockdown inhibited transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)-induced EMT, migration and invasion of TSCC cells in vitro. MiR-194-5p targeted MTFR1 and negatively regulated its expression. In addition, SNHG1 upregulated the expression of MTFR1 by binding with miR-194-5p. Importantly, SNHG1 promoted EMT, invasion and migration of TSCC cells by upregulating MTFR1. SNHG1/miR-194-5p/MTFR1 axis promotes TGFβ1-induced EMT, migration and invasion of cells in TSCC, which could be potential targets for treating TSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglu Jia
- Department of Stomotology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 118 Wansheng Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, 215028, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojuan Chen
- Department of Stomotology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 118 Wansheng Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, 215028, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dayong Zhao
- Department of Stomotology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 118 Wansheng Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, 215028, Jiangsu, China
| | - Sancheng Ma
- Department of Stomotology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No. 118 Wansheng Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, 215028, Jiangsu, China.
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Lou T, Liu C, Qu H, Zhang Z, Wang S, Zhuang H. FOXA1 can be modulated by HDAC3 in the progression of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. J Transl Med 2022; 20:19. [PMID: 34991620 PMCID: PMC8740004 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03224-3] [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: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXA1 is associated with malignant tumors, but the function of FOXA1 in EOC is unclear. HDAC3 can influence the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of EOC. In this study, we wanted to explore the function of FOXA1 in ovarian cancer and the relationship between HDAC3 and FOXA1.The expression of HDAC3 and FOXA1 was detected by immunohistochemical staining of primary lesions from 127 epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients. A proliferation assay, a Transwell assay, an apoptosis assay and animal experiments were used to assess the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis abilities of ovarian cancer cells before and after transfection with FOXA1. The relevance of the in vitro findings was confirmed in xenografts. The H-scores for FOXA1 and HDAC3 staining in FIGO stage III-IV were noticeably higher and predicted adverse clinical outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer. The expression level of HDAC3 was significantly correlated with the expression level of FOXA1. Invasion, proliferation and apoptosis capacity and tumor formation were decreased in the FOXA1-knockdown cells. Experiments in xenografts confirmed that HDAC3 mediated tumor formation. In conclusion, FOXA1 can be modulated by HDAC3 through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and FOXA1 plays essential roles in the proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of EOC cell lines and xenograft experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Lou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Chongdong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Hong Qu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Shuzhen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Huiyu Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China.
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Leach DA, Fernandes RC, Bevan CL. Cellular specificity of androgen receptor, coregulators, and pioneer factors in prostate cancer. ENDOCRINE ONCOLOGY (BRISTOL, ENGLAND) 2022; 2:R112-R131. [PMID: 37435460 PMCID: PMC10259329 DOI: 10.1530/eo-22-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Androgen signalling, through the transcription factor androgen receptor (AR), is vital to all stages of prostate development and most prostate cancer progression. AR signalling controls differentiation, morphogenesis, and function of the prostate. It also drives proliferation and survival in prostate cancer cells as the tumour progresses; given this importance, it is the main therapeutic target for disseminated disease. AR is also essential in the surrounding stroma, for the embryonic development of the prostate and controlling epithelial glandular development. Stromal AR is also important in cancer initiation, regulating paracrine factors that excite cancer cell proliferation, but lower stromal AR expression correlates with shorter time to progression/worse outcomes. The profile of AR target genes is different between benign and cancerous epithelial cells, between castrate-resistant prostate cancer cells and treatment-naïve cancer cells, between metastatic and primary cancer cells, and between epithelial cells and fibroblasts. This is also true of AR DNA-binding profiles. Potentially regulating the cellular specificity of AR binding and action are pioneer factors and coregulators, which control and influence the ability of AR to bind to chromatin and regulate gene expression. The expression of these factors differs between benign and cancerous cells, as well as throughout disease progression. The expression profile is also different between fibroblast and mesenchymal cell types. The functional importance of coregulators and pioneer factors in androgen signalling makes them attractive therapeutic targets, but given the contextual expression of these factors, it is essential to understand their roles in different cancerous and cell-lineage states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien A Leach
- Division of Cancer, Imperial Centre for Translational & Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Rayzel C Fernandes
- Division of Cancer, Imperial Centre for Translational & Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Charlotte L Bevan
- Division of Cancer, Imperial Centre for Translational & Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
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van Roey R, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP, Armstark I. Deregulation of Transcription Factor Networks Driving Cell Plasticity and Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:753456. [PMID: 34888306 PMCID: PMC8650502 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.753456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive disease with 5-year survival rates of less than 10%. The constantly increasing incidence and stagnant patient outcomes despite changes in treatment regimens emphasize the requirement of a better understanding of the disease mechanisms. Challenges in treating pancreatic cancer include diagnosis at already progressed disease states due to the lack of early detection methods, rapid acquisition of therapy resistance, and high metastatic competence. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer, frequently shows dominant-active mutations in KRAS and TP53 as well as inactivation of genes involved in differentiation and cell-cycle regulation (e.g. SMAD4 and CDKN2A). Besides somatic mutations, deregulated transcription factor activities strongly contribute to disease progression. Specifically, transcriptional regulatory networks essential for proper lineage specification and differentiation during pancreas development are reactivated or become deregulated in the context of cancer and exacerbate progression towards an aggressive phenotype. This review summarizes the recent literature on transcription factor networks and epigenetic gene regulation that play a crucial role during tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruthger van Roey
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabell Armstark
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Veiga RN, de Oliveira JC, Gradia DF. PBX1: a key character of the hallmarks of cancer. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 99:1667-1680. [PMID: 34529123 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02139-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pre-B-cell leukemia homeobox transcription factor 1 (PBX1) was first identified as part of a fusion protein resulting from the chromosomal translocation t(1;19) in pre-B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias. Since then, PBX1 has been associated with important developmental programs, and its expression dysregulation has been related to multifactorial disorders, including cancer. As PBX1 overexpression in many cancers is correlated to poor prognosis, we sought to understand how this transcription factor contributes to carcinogenesis, and to organize PBX1's roles in the hallmarks of cancer. There is enough evidence to associate PBX1 with at least five hallmarks: sustaining proliferative signaling, activating invasion and metastasis, inducing angiogenesis, resisting cell death, and deregulating cellular energetics. The lack of studies investigating a possible role for PBX1 on the remaining hallmarks made it impossible to defend or refute its contribution on them. However, the functions of some of the PBX1's transcription targets indicate a potential engagement of PBX1 in the avoidance of immune destruction and in the tumor-promoting inflammation hallmarks. Interestingly, PBX1 might be a player in tumor suppression by activating the transcription of some DNA damage response genes. This is the first review organizing PBX1 roles into the hallmarks of cancer. Thus, we encourage future studies to uncover the PBX1's underlying mechanisms to promote carcinogenesis, for it is a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, as well as a potential target in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafaela Nasser Veiga
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Department of Genetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Carvalho de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Department of Genetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil
| | - Daniela Fiori Gradia
- Laboratory of Human Cytogenetics and Oncogenetics, Department of Genetics, Postgraduate Program in Genetics, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Rua Coronel Francisco Heráclito Dos Santos, 100, Jardim das AméricasCuritiba, CEP, 81531-980, Brazil.
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Giannos P, Kechagias KS, Gal A. Identification of Prognostic Gene Biomarkers in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Progression by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:1200. [PMID: 34827193 PMCID: PMC8615219 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is linked to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a biologic process that enables tumor cells to acquire a migratory phenotype and resistance to chemo- and immunotherapies. Discovery of novel biomarkers in NSCLC progression is essential for improved prognosis and pharmacological interventions. In the current study, we performed an integrated bioinformatics analysis on gene expression datasets of TGF-β-induced EMT in NSCLC cells to identify novel gene biomarkers and elucidate their regulation in NSCLC progression. The gene expression datasets were extracted from the NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus repository, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TGF-β-treated and untreated NSCLC cells were retrieved. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed and hub genes were identified. Functional and pathway enrichment analyses were conducted on module DEGs, and a correlation between the expression levels of module genes and survival of NSCLC patients was evaluated. Prediction of interactions of the biomarker genes with transcription factors and miRNAs was also carried out. We described four protein clusters in which DEGs were associated with ubiquitination (Module 1), regulation of cell death and cell adhesions (Module 2), oxidation-reduction reactions of aerobic respiration (Module 3) and mitochondrial translation (Module 4). From the module genes, we identified ten prognostic gene biomarkers in NSCLC. Low expression levels of KCTD6, KBTBD7, LMO7, SPSB2, RNF19A, FOXA2, DHTKD1, CDH1 and PDHB and high expression level of KLHL25 were associated with reduced overall survival of NSCLC patients. Most of these biomarker genes were involved in protein ubiquitination. The regulatory network of the gene biomarkers revealed their interaction with tumor suppressor miRNAs and transcription factors involved in the mechanisms of cancer progression. This ten-gene prognostic signature can be useful to improve risk prediction and therapeutic strategies in NSCLC. Our analysis also highlights the importance of deregulation of ubiquitination in EMT-associated NSCLC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Giannos
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, South Kensington, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Konstantinos S. Kechagias
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK;
| | - Annamaria Gal
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, Lewes Road, Brighton BN2 4GJ, UK
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Fahmy O, Alhakamy NA, Rizg WY, Bagalagel A, Alamoudi AJ, Aldawsari HM, Khateb AM, Eldakhakhny BM, Fahmy UA, Abdulaal WH, Fresta CG, Caruso G. Updates on Molecular and Biochemical Development and Progression of Prostate Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:5127. [PMID: 34768647 PMCID: PMC8585085 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) represents the most commonly non-cutaneous diagnosed cancer in men worldwide and occupies a very wide area of preclinical and clinical research. Targeted therapy for any cancer depends on the understanding of the molecular bases and natural behaviour of the diseases. Despite the well-known effect of androgen deprivation on PCa, many patients develop resistance either for antiandrogen therapy or other new treatment modalities such as checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapy. Comprehensive understanding of the development of PCa as well as of the mechanisms underlying its progression is mandatory to maximise the benefit of the current approved medications or to guide the future research for targeted therapy of PCa. The aim of this review was to provide updates on the most recent mechanisms regarding the development and the progression of PCa. According to the current understanding, future treatment strategies should include more predictive genetic and biomarker analysis to assign different patients to the expected most appropriate and effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Fahmy
- Department of Urology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
| | - Nabil A. Alhakamy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (W.Y.R.); (H.M.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence for Drug Research and Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Mohamed Saeed Tamer Chair for Pharmaceutical Industries, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Y. Rizg
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (W.Y.R.); (H.M.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Bagalagel
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Abdulmohsin J. Alamoudi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Hibah M. Aldawsari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (W.Y.R.); (H.M.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aiah M. Khateb
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah 42224, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Basmah M. Eldakhakhny
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21555, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Usama A. Fahmy
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (N.A.A.); (W.Y.R.); (H.M.A.); (U.A.F.)
- Advanced Drug Delivery Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wesam H. Abdulaal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21555, Saudi Arabia;
- Centre for Artificial Intelligence in Precision Medicines, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21555, Saudi Arabia
| | - Claudia G. Fresta
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Caruso
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
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FoXA2 promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by ZEB2 activation. World J Surg Oncol 2021; 19:286. [PMID: 34551777 PMCID: PMC8456667 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-021-02358-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been reported that Forkhead transcription family member (FOXA2) regulates esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression. However, the specific mechanism, by which FOXA2 promotes ESCC malignant progression, remains unclear. Materials and methods QRT-PCR and western blotting were applied to measure FOXA2 expression in ESCC tissues, while CCK-8 assay and Transwell assays were used to investigate the effect of FOXA2 on ESCC. Luciferase reporter assay, followed by fast chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, was used to study the relationship between FOXA2 and ZEB2. Results FOXA2 was significantly increased in ESCC tissues, when compared to normal tissues. Moreover, high expression of FOXA2 was also found in ESCC cells. Knockdown of FOXA2 inhibited ESCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Mechanically, FOXA2 was verified to regulate ZEB2 expression at transcription level. Moreover, ZEB2 reversed the inhibitory effect of FOXA2 on ESCC proliferation, invasion, and migration. The relationship between ZEB2 and FOXA2 in ESCC tissues was negative. Conclusions These results indicate that FOXA2 plays a critical role in ESCC progression and may become a potential candidate target for ESCC treatment.
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Igarashi K, Nishizawa H, Saiki Y, Matsumoto M. The transcription factor BACH1 at the crossroads of cancer biology: From epithelial-mesenchymal transition to ferroptosis. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101032. [PMID: 34339740 PMCID: PMC8387770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The progression of cancer involves not only the gradual evolution of cells by mutations in DNA but also alterations in the gene expression induced by those mutations and input from the surrounding microenvironment. Such alterations contribute to cancer cells' abilities to reprogram metabolic pathways and undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which facilitate the survival of cancer cells and their metastasis to other organs. Recently, BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1), a heme-regulated transcription factor that represses genes involved in iron and heme metabolism in normal cells, was shown to shape the metabolism and metastatic potential of cancer cells. The growing list of BACH1 target genes in cancer cells reveals that BACH1 promotes metastasis by regulating various sets of genes beyond iron metabolism. BACH1 represses the expression of genes that mediate cell–cell adhesion and oxidative phosphorylation but activates the expression of genes required for glycolysis, cell motility, and matrix protein degradation. Furthermore, BACH1 represses FOXA1 gene encoding an activator of epithelial genes and activates SNAI2 encoding a repressor of epithelial genes, forming a feedforward loop of EMT. By synthesizing these observations, we propose a “two-faced BACH1 model”, which accounts for the dynamic switching between metastasis and stress resistance along with cancer progression. We discuss here the possibility that BACH1-mediated promotion of cancer also brings increased sensitivity to iron-dependent cell death (ferroptosis) through crosstalk of BACH1 target genes, imposing programmed vulnerability upon cancer cells. We also discuss the future directions of this field, including the dynamics and plasticity of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Igarashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Center for Regulatory Epigenome and Diseases, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Hironari Nishizawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuriko Saiki
- Department of Investigative Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Mitsuyo Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan; Center for Regulatory Epigenome and Diseases, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Kuchibhotla VNS, Starkey MR, Reid AT, Heijink IH, Nawijn MC, Hansbro PM, Knight DA. Inhibition of β-Catenin/CREB Binding Protein Signaling Attenuates House Dust Mite-Induced Goblet Cell Metaplasia in Mice. Front Physiol 2021; 12:690531. [PMID: 34385933 PMCID: PMC8353457 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.690531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive mucus production is a major feature of allergic asthma. Disruption of epithelial junctions by allergens such as house dust mite (HDM) results in the activation of β-catenin signaling, which has been reported to stimulate goblet cell differentiation. β-catenin interacts with various co-activators including CREB binding protein (CBP) and p300, thereby regulating the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, respectively. We specifically investigated the role of the β-catenin/CBP signaling pathway in goblet cell metaplasia in a HDM-induced allergic airway disease model in mice using ICG-001, a small molecule inhibitor that blocks the binding of CBP to β-catenin. Female 6- 8-week-old BALB/c mice were sensitized to HDM/saline on days 0, 1, and 2, followed by intranasal challenge with HDM/saline with or without subcutaneous ICG-001/vehicle treatment from days 14 to 17, and samples harvested 24 h after the last challenge/treatment. Differential inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were enumerated. Alcian blue (AB)/Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining was used to identify goblet cells/mucus production, and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) was assessed using invasive plethysmography. Exposure to HDM induced airway inflammation, goblet cell metaplasia and increased AHR, with increased airway resistance in response to the non-specific spasmogen methacholine. Inhibition of the β-catenin/CBP pathway using treatment with ICG-001 significantly attenuated the HDM-induced goblet cell metaplasia and infiltration of macrophages, but had no effect on eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes or AHR. Increased β-catenin/CBP signaling may promote HDM-induced goblet cell metaplasia in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virinchi N S Kuchibhotla
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Laboratory of Experimental Pulmonology and Inflammation Research, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Malcolm R Starkey
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell and Hunter Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia.,Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew T Reid
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Irene H Heijink
- GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Laboratory of Experimental Pulmonology and Inflammation Research, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Martijn C Nawijn
- GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Laboratory of Experimental Pulmonology and Inflammation Research, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Philip M Hansbro
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Darryl A Knight
- Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.,Providence Health Care Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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47
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Groth T, Gunawan R, Neelamegham S. A systems-based framework to computationally describe putative transcription factors and signaling pathways regulating glycan biosynthesis. Beilstein J Org Chem 2021; 17:1712-1724. [PMID: 34367349 PMCID: PMC8313979 DOI: 10.3762/bjoc.17.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation is a common posttranslational modification, and glycan biosynthesis is regulated by a set of glycogenes. The role of transcription factors (TFs) in regulating the glycogenes and related glycosylation pathways is largely unknown. In this work, we performed data mining of TF–glycogene relationships from the Cistrome Cancer database (DB), which integrates chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) and RNA-Seq data to constitute regulatory relationships. In total, we observed 22,654 potentially significant TF–glycogene relationships, which include interactions involving 526 unique TFs and 341 glycogenes that span 29 the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cancer types. Here, TF–glycogene interactions appeared in clusters or so-called communities, suggesting that changes in single TF expression during both health and disease may affect multiple carbohydrate structures. Upon applying the Fisher’s exact test along with glycogene pathway classification, we identified TFs that may specifically regulate the biosynthesis of individual glycan types. Integration with Reactome DB knowledge provided an avenue to relate cell-signaling pathways to TFs and cellular glycosylation state. Whereas analysis results are presented for all 29 cancer types, specific focus is placed on human luminal and basal breast cancer disease progression. Overall, the article presents a computational approach to describe TF–glycogene relationships, the starting point for experimental system-wide validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Groth
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Rudiyanto Gunawan
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Sriram Neelamegham
- Chemical and Biological Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA.,Biomedical Engineering, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA.,Medicine, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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48
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Bai F, Zhang LH, Liu X, Wang C, Zheng C, Sun J, Li M, Zhu WG, Pei XH. GATA3 functions downstream of BRCA1 to suppress EMT in breast cancer. Theranostics 2021; 11:8218-8233. [PMID: 34373738 PMCID: PMC8344017 DOI: 10.7150/thno.59280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Functional loss of BRCA1 is associated with poorly differentiated and metastatic breast cancers that are enriched with cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs can be generated from carcinoma cells through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) program. We and others have previously demonstrated that BRCA1 suppresses EMT and regulates the expression of multiple EMT-related transcription factors. However, the downstream mediators of BRCA1 function in EMT suppression remain elusive. Methods: Depletion of BRCA1 or GATA3 activates p18INK4C , a cell cycle inhibitor which inhibits mammary epithelial cell proliferation. We have therefore created genetically engineered mice with Brca1 or Gata3 loss in addition to deletion of p18INK4C , to rescue proliferative defects caused by deficiency of Brca1 or Gata3. By using these mutant mice along with human BRCA1 deficient as well as proficient breast cancer tissues and cells, we investigated and compared the role of Brca1 and Gata3 loss in the activation of EMT in breast cancers. Results: We discovered that BRCA1 and GATA3 expressions were positively correlated in human breast cancer. Depletion of BRCA1 stimulated methylation of GATA3 promoter thereby repressing GATA3 transcription. We developed Brca1 and Gata3 deficient mouse system. We found that Gata3 deficiency in mice induced poorly-differentiated mammary tumors with the activation of EMT and promoted tumor initiating and metastatic potential. Gata3 deficient mammary tumors phenocopied Brca1 deficient tumors in the induction of EMT under the same genetic background. Reconstitution of Gata3 in Brca1-deficient tumor cells activated mesenchymal-epithelial transition, suppressing tumor initiation and metastasis. Conclusions: Our finding, for the first time, demonstrates that GATA3 functions downstream of BRCA1 to suppress EMT in controlling mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Bai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Li-Han Zhang
- Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
| | - Xiong Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Chuying Wang
- Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Chenglong Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jianping Sun
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402, USA
| | - Min Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Wei-Guo Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Xin-Hai Pei
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Diseases, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen 518060, China
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49
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Scheibner K, Schirge S, Burtscher I, Büttner M, Sterr M, Yang D, Böttcher A, Ansarullah, Irmler M, Beckers J, Cernilogar FM, Schotta G, Theis FJ, Lickert H. Epithelial cell plasticity drives endoderm formation during gastrulation. Nat Cell Biol 2021; 23:692-703. [PMID: 34168324 PMCID: PMC8277579 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-021-00694-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
It is generally accepted that epiblast cells ingress into the primitive streak by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to give rise to the mesoderm; however, it is less clear how the endoderm acquires an epithelial fate. Here, we used embryonic stem cell and mouse embryo knock-in reporter systems to combine time-resolved lineage labelling with high-resolution single-cell transcriptomics. This allowed us to resolve the morphogenetic programs that segregate the mesoderm from the endoderm germ layer. Strikingly, while the mesoderm is formed by classical EMT, the endoderm is formed independent of the key EMT transcription factor Snail1 by mechanisms of epithelial cell plasticity. Importantly, forkhead box transcription factor A2 (Foxa2) acts as an epithelial gatekeeper and EMT suppressor to shield the endoderm from undergoing a mesenchymal transition. Altogether, these results not only establish the morphogenetic details of germ layer formation, but also have broader implications for stem cell differentiation and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Scheibner
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany
| | - Silvia Schirge
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany
| | - Ingo Burtscher
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany
| | - Maren Büttner
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Sterr
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany
| | - Dapeng Yang
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anika Böttcher
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany
| | - Ansarullah
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Irmler
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Beckers
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Filippo M Cernilogar
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Gunnar Schotta
- Division of Molecular Biology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian J Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- Department of Mathematics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
- School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Freising, Germany
| | - Heiko Lickert
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany.
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Munich, Germany.
- School of Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany.
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50
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Inhibiting roles of FOXA2 in liver cancer cell migration and invasion by transcriptionally suppressing microRNA-103a-3p and activating the GREM2/LATS2/YAP axis. Cytotechnology 2021; 73:523-537. [PMID: 34349344 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-021-00475-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box A2 (FOXA2) has emerged as a tumor inhibitor in several human malignancies. This work focused on the effect of FOXA2 on liver cancer (LC) cell invasion and migration and the involving molecules. FOXA2 expression in LC tissues and cell lines was determined. The potential target microRNA (miRNA) of FOXA2 was predicted via bioinformatic analysis and validated through a ChIP assay. The mRNA target of miRNA-103a-3p was predicted via bioinformatic analysis and confirmed via a luciferase assay. Altered expression of FOXA2, miR-103a-3p and GREM2 was introduced in cells to identify their roles in LC cell migration and invasion. Consequently, FOXA2 and GREM2 were poorly expressed while miR-103a-3p was highly expressed in LC samples. Overexpression of FOXA2 or GREM2 suppressed migration and invasion of LC cells, while up-regulation of miR-103a-3p led to inverse trends. FOXA2 transcriptionally suppressed miR-103a-3p to increase GREM2 expression. Silencing of GREM2 blocked the effects of FOXA2. GREM2 increased LATS2 activity and YAP phosphorylation and degradation. To conclude, this study demonstrated that FOXA2 suppressed miR-103a-3p transcription to induce GREM2 upregulation, which increased LATS2 activity and YAP phosphorylation to inhibit migration and invasion of LC cells.
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