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Farhangnia P, Khorramdelazad H, Nickho H, Delbandi AA. Current and future immunotherapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer treatment. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:40. [PMID: 38835055 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01561-6] [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: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of cancer-related death, but despondently, the outlook and prognosis for this resistant type of tumor have remained grim for a long time. Currently, it is extremely challenging to prevent or detect it early enough for effective treatment because patients rarely exhibit symptoms and there are no reliable indicators for detection. Most patients have advanced or spreading cancer that is difficult to treat, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy can only slightly prolong their life by a few months. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of pancreatic cancer, yet its effectiveness is limited by the tumor's immunosuppressive and hard-to-reach microenvironment. First, this article explains the immunosuppressive microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and highlights a wide range of immunotherapy options, including therapies involving oncolytic viruses, modified T cells (T-cell receptor [TCR]-engineered and chimeric antigen receptor [CAR] T-cell therapy), CAR natural killer cell therapy, cytokine-induced killer cells, immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulators, cancer vaccines, and strategies targeting myeloid cells in the context of contemporary knowledge and future trends. Lastly, it discusses the main challenges ahead of pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamid Nickho
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Reproductive Sciences and Technology Research Center, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Wang Y, Fang X, Xie H, Wang X. GCNT3 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and EMT by Activating the PI3K/AKT Pathway. Biochem Genet 2024:10.1007/s10528-024-10830-5. [PMID: 38789846 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-024-10830-5] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a major global health concern. GCNT3 has been identified as an oncogene in various human malignancies. This investigation aimed to discover the GCNT3 function in HCC. The present study employed integrated bioinformatics analyses to assess the expression pattern, prognostic implications, and putative function of GCNT3 in HCC. Transwell flow cytometry, CCK-8, and wound healing assays were performed to examine HCC cell growth, cell cycle, apoptosis, invasion, and migration. In addition, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and PI3K/AKT mechanism markers were examined via western blot analysis to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In HCC, GCNT3 was significantly overexpressed, which was connected with enhanced tumor aggressiveness and an unfavorable prognosis of individuals. In vitro experiments demonstrated that elevated levels of GCNT3 promoted cell growth, migration, cell cycle development, and invasion, in addition to EMT, while suppressing apoptosis. Conversely, knockdown of GCNT3 exerted the opposite effects. GCNT3 overexpression increased PI3K/AKT phosphorylation in HCC cells, and LY294002 counteracted the impacts of upregulated GCNT3 on cell cycle, migration, invasion, proliferation, and EMT in HCC. The investigation showed that GCNT3 may enhance HCC progression and EMT by stimulating PI3K/AKT mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Wang
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Xiaosan Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Hao Xie
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, China.
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Chen Y, Zhang Y, Duo S, Liu W, Luo B. Study on the regulatory mechanism of latent membrane protein 2A on GCNT3 expression in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Virus Genes 2024:10.1007/s11262-024-02071-w. [PMID: 38739247 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-024-02071-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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
O-Glycan synthesis enzyme glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 3 (GCNT3) is closely related to the occurrence and development of various cancers. However, the regulatory mechanism and function of GCNT3 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) are still poorly understood. This study aims to explore the regulatory mechanism of EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) on GCNT3 and the biological role of GCNT3 in NPC. The results show that LMP2A can activate GCNT3 through the mTORC1 pathway, and there is a positive feedback between the mTORC1 and GCNT3. GCNT3 regulates EMT progression by forming a complex with ZEB1 to promote cell migration. GCNT3 can also promote cell proliferation. These findings indicate that targeting the LMP2A-mTORC1-GCNT3 axis may represent a novel therapeutic target in NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijing Chen
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Hospital of Wuhan, Affiliated Hospital of Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, China
| | - Shi Duo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Bing Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Alipour M, Moghanibashi M, Naeimi S, Mohamadynejad P. Integrative bioinformatics analysis reveals ECM and nicotine-related genes in both LUAD and LUSC, but different lung fibrosis-related genes are involved in LUAD and LUSC. NUCLEOSIDES, NUCLEOTIDES & NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38198447 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2023.2300982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
There are several bioinformatics studies related to lung cancer, but most of them have mainly focused on either microarray data or RNA-Seq data alone. In this study, we have combined both types of data to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) specific to lung cancer subtypes. We obtained six microarray datasets from the GEO and also the expression matrix of LUSC and LUAD from TCGA, which were analyzed by GEO2R tool and GEPIA2, respectively. Enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed using the Enrichr database. Protein module identification was done by MCODE plugin in cytoscape software. We identified 30 LUAD-specific, 17 LUSC-specific, and 17 DEGs shared between LUAD and LUSC. Enrichment analyses revealed that LUSC-specific DEGs are involved in lung fibrosis. In addition, DEGs shared between LUAD and LUSC are involved in extracellular matrix (ECM), nicotine metabolism, and lung fibrosis. We identified lung fibrosis-related genes, including SPP1, MMP9, and CXCL2, involved in both LUAD and LUSC, but SERPINA1 and PLAU genes involved only in LUSC. We also found an important module separately for LUAD-specific, LUSC-specific, and shared DEGs between LUSC and LUAD. S100P, GOLM, AGR2, AK1, TMEM125, SLC2A1, COL1A1, and GHR genes were significantly associated with survival. Our findings suggest that different lung fibrosis-related genes may play roles in LUSC and LUAD. Additionally, nicotine metabolism and ECM remodeling were found to be associated with both LUSC and LUAD, regardless of subtype, emphasizing the role of smoking in the development of lung cancer and ECM in the high aggressiveness and mortality of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzyeh Alipour
- Department of Genetics, Collegue of Basic Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Mehdi Moghanibashi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | | | - Parisa Mohamadynejad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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He M, Wang Y, Zhang X, Zhang L. Exploration of the potential neuroprotective compounds targeting GluN1-GluN2B NMDA receptors. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:10900-10908. [PMID: 36591642 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2159527] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors belongs to the family of ionotropic glutamate receptors, which could mediate most excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain. It is interesting to know if some available drugs have regulatory effects on the NMDARs. Herein, the present study reports the discovery of drugs targeting NMDAR using virtual screening. In this study, talniflumate with the EC50 value at 61.49 nM was successfully screened. The interaction analysis of this compound was further explored through molecular dynamics simulation. It is indicated that talniflumate could form stable interactions with GluN1-GluN2B NMDA receptors. In particular, H-bond interactions with high occupancies between GluN1-GluN2B NMDA receptors and talniflumate were observed. Compared to de novo drug discovery, this approach could be an alternative choice for development of safety and efficiency NMDAR inhibitors from available drugs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixi He
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences of Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences of Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaozhe Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences of Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, JS, China
| | - Lihua Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Sciences of Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China
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Agostini A, Guerriero I, Piro G, Quero G, Roberto L, Esposito A, Caggiano A, Priori L, Scaglione G, De Sanctis F, Sistigu A, Musella M, Larghi A, Rizzatti G, Lucchetti D, Alfieri S, Sgambato A, Bria E, Bizzozero L, Arena S, Ugel S, Corbo V, Tortora G, Carbone C. Talniflumate abrogates mucin immune suppressive barrier improving efficacy of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel treatment in pancreatic cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:843. [PMID: 37996891 PMCID: PMC10668479 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04733-z] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease. This is due to its aggressive course, late diagnosis and its intrinsic drugs resistance. The complexity of the tumor, in terms of cell components and heterogeneity, has led to the approval of few therapies with limited efficacy. The study of the early stages of carcinogenesis provides the opportunity for the identification of actionable pathways that underpin therapeutic resistance. METHODS We analyzed 43 Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) (12 Low-grade and 31 High-grade) by Spatial Transcriptomics. Mouse and human pancreatic cancer organoids and T cells interaction platforms were established to test the role of mucins expression on T cells activity. Syngeneic mouse model of PDAC was used to explore the impact of mucins downregulation on standard therapy efficacy. RESULTS Spatial transcriptomics showed that mucin O-glycosylation pathway is increased in the progression from low-grade to high-grade IPMN. We identified GCNT3, a master regulator of mucins expression, as an actionable target of this pathway by talniflumate. We showed that talniflumate impaired mucins expression increasing T cell activation and recognition using both mouse and human organoid interaction platforms. In vivo experiments showed that talniflumate was able to increase the efficacy of the chemotherapy by boosting immune infiltration. CONCLUSIONS Finally, we demonstrated that combination of talniflumate, an anti-inflammatory drug, with chemotherapy effectively improves anti-tumor effect in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Agostini
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Guerriero
- Biogem, Biology and Molecular Genetics Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Geny Piro
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Quero
- Digestive Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Roberto
- Biogem, Biology and Molecular Genetics Institute, Ariano Irpino, Italy
| | - Annachiara Esposito
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Caggiano
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Priori
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Scaglione
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco De Sanctis
- University Hospital and Department of Medicine, Immunology Section, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonella Sistigu
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Musella
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Larghi
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Center for Endoscopic Research, Therapeutics and Training, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianenrico Rizzatti
- Digestive Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Center for Endoscopic Research, Therapeutics and Training, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Donatella Lucchetti
- General Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- General Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Alfieri
- Digestive Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Sgambato
- General Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- General Pathology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Bria
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bizzozero
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Sabrina Arena
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- University Hospital and Department of Medicine, Immunology Section, Verona, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Corbo
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine (DIMI), University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmine Carbone
- Medical Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
- Medical Oncology, Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
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Sun X, Yang D, Chen Y. Single-Cell Analysis Differentiates the Effects of p53 Mutation and p53 Loss on Cell Compositions of Oncogenic Kras-Driven Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2614. [PMID: 37998349 PMCID: PMC10670612 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222614] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating malignant disease with a dismal prognosis. In the past decades, a plethora of genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) with autochthonous pancreatic tumor development have greatly facilitated studies of pancreatic cancer. Commonly used GEMMs of PDAC often harbor the oncogenic KRAS driver mutation (KrasG12D), in combination with either p53 mutation by knock-in strategy (Trp53R172H) or p53 loss by conditional knockout (Trp53cKO) strategy, in pancreatic cell lineages. However, the systematic comparison of the tumor microenvironment between KrasG12D; Trp53R172H (KPmut) mouse models and KrasG12D; Trp53cKO (KPloss) mouse models is still lacking. In this study, we conducted cross-dataset single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) analyses to compare the pancreatic tumor microenvironment from KPmut mouse models and KPloss mouse models, especially focusing on the cell compositions and transcriptomic phenotypes of major cell types including cancer cells, B cells, T cells, granulocytes, myeloid cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. We identified the similarities and differences between KPmut and KPloss mouse models, revealing the effects of p53 mutation and p53 loss on oncogenic KRAS-driven pancreatic tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Sun
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Daowei Yang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Zhao T, Zhao X, Qian K, Shi K, Gu Y, Zhang Y. Radiotherapy prognosis-associated gene GCNT3 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12100. [PMID: 36578381 PMCID: PMC9791338 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is a life-threatening malignant tumour that is prevalent worldwide. Here, the GCNT3 gene in lung adenocarcinoma was studied via public databases, and cytology and molecular biology experiments were performed to further explore the role of this gene in lung adenocarcinoma. In this study, abnormally high GCNT3 expression levels were observed in tumour tissues compared with normal tissues at both the mRNA and protein levels. In the pancancer analysis, abnormal GCNT3 expression was observed in many tumour types. Moreover, the survival analysis revealed that among patients receiving radiotherapy, those with high GCNT3 expression levels had a worse prognosis. Cell and molecular biology experiments showed that the proliferation, migration and invasion capabilities of the A549 cell line were decreased after knockdown of GCNT3, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation was significantly inhibited. In subsequent studies, we found that the sensitivity of cells to radiotherapy was enhanced after GCNT3 knockdown. Overall, our findings reveal that GCNT3 is an important factor affecting the radiotherapy sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma, and GCNT3 inhibition deserves further study as a radiotherapy sensitising strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Qian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kejian Shi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfei Gu
- United Family New Hope Oncology Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Corresponding author.
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Xi X, Wang J, Qin Y, Huang W, You Y, Zhan J. Glycosylated modification of MUC1 maybe a new target to promote drug sensitivity and efficacy for breast cancer chemotherapy. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:708. [PMID: 35970845 PMCID: PMC9378678 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer, the most common cancer in women, usually exhibits intrinsic insensitivity to drugs, even without drug resistance. MUC1 is a highly glycosylated transmembrane protein, overexpressed in breast cancer, contributing to tumorigenesis and worse prognosis. However, the molecular mechanism between MUC1 and drug sensitivity still remains unclear. Here, natural flavonoid apigenin was used as objective due to the antitumor activity and wide availability. MUC1 knockout (KO) markedly sensitized breast cancer cells to apigenin cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Both genetical and pharmacological inhibition significantly enhanced the chemosensitivity to apigenin and clinical drugs whereas MUC1 overexpression conversely aggravated such drug resistance. Constitutively re-expressing wild type MUC1 in KO cells restored the drug resistance; however, the transmembrane domain deletant could not rescue the phenotype. Notably, further investigation discovered that membrane-dependent drug resistance relied on the extracellular glycosylated modification since removing O-glycosylation via inhibitor, enzyme digestion, or GCNT3 (MUC1 related O-glycosyltransferase) knockout markedly reinvigorated the chemosensitivity in WT cells, but had no effect on KO cells. Conversely, inserting O-glycosylated sites to MUC1-N increased the drug tolerance whereas the O-glycosylated deletant (Ser/Thr to Ala) maintained high susceptibility to drugs. Importantly, the intracellular concentration of apigenin measured by UPLC and fluorescence distribution firmly revealed the increased drug permeation in MUC1 KO and BAG-pretreated cells. Multiple clinical chemotherapeutics with small molecular were tested and obtained the similar conclusion. Our findings uncover a critical role of the extracellular O-glycosylation of MUC1-N in weakening drug sensitivity through acting as a barrier, highlighting a new perspective that targeting MUC1 O-glycosylation has great potential to promote drug sensitivity and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Xi
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Beijing Key Laboratory of Viticulture and Enology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiting Wang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Beijing Key Laboratory of Viticulture and Enology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Qin
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Beijing Key Laboratory of Viticulture and Enology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weidong Huang
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Beijing Key Laboratory of Viticulture and Enology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yilin You
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Beijing Key Laboratory of Viticulture and Enology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jicheng Zhan
- grid.22935.3f0000 0004 0530 8290Beijing Key Laboratory of Viticulture and Enology, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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10
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Yamamoto D, Sasaki K, Kosaka T, Oya M, Sato T. Functional analysis of GCNT3 for cell migration and EMT of castration-resistant prostate cancer cells. Glycobiology 2022; 32:897-908. [PMID: 35867813 DOI: 10.1093/glycob/cwac044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a malignant tumor that is resistant to androgen deprivation therapy. Treatments for CRPC are limited, and no diagnostic markers are currently available. O-glycans are known to play an important role in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells. However, the differences in the O-glycan expression profiles for normal prostate cancer (PCa) cells compared to CRPC cells have not yet been investigated. In this study, the saccharide primer method was employed to analyze the O-glycans expressed in CRPC cells. Expression levels of core 4-type O-glycans were significantly increased in CRPC cells. Furthermore, the expression level of N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 (GCNT3), a core 4-type O-glycan synthase gene, was increased in CRPC cells. The expression of core 4-type O-glycans and GCNT3 was presumed to be regulated by androgen deprivation. GCNT3 knockdown induced cell migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These observations elucidate the mechanism of acquisition of castration resistance in PCa and offer new possibilities for the development of diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in the treatment of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Yamamoto
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Katsumasa Sasaki
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takeo Kosaka
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mototsugu Oya
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshinori Sato
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Kanagawa, Japan
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Small-Molecule RAS Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents: Discovery, Development, and Mechanistic Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073706. [PMID: 35409064 PMCID: PMC8999084 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of RAS oncogenes are responsible for about 30% of all human cancer types, including pancreatic, lung, and colorectal cancers. While KRAS1 is a pseudogene, mutation of KRAS2 (commonly known as KRAS oncogene) is directly or indirectly associated with human cancers. Among the RAS family, KRAS is the most abundant oncogene related to uncontrolled cellular proliferation to generate solid tumors in many types of cancer such as pancreatic carcinoma (over 80%), colon carcinoma (40-50%), lung carcinoma (30-50%), and other types of cancer. Once described as 'undruggable', RAS proteins have become 'druggable', at least to a certain extent, due to the continuous efforts made during the past four decades. In this account, we discuss the chemistry and biology (wherever available) of the small-molecule inhibitors (synthetic, semi-synthetic, and natural) of KRAS proteins that were published in the past decades. Commercial drugs, as well as investigational molecules from preliminary stages to clinical trials, are categorized and discussed in this study. In summary, this study presents an in-depth discussion of RAS proteins, classifies the RAS superfamily, and describes the molecular mechanism of small-molecule RAS inhibitors.
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12
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Purnama A, Rizki DR, Qanita I, Iqhrammullah M, Ahmad K, Mardina V, Puspita K, Hasballah K. Molecular docking investigation of calotropone as a potential natural therapeutic agent against pancreatic cancer. J Adv Pharm Technol Res 2022; 13:44-49. [PMID: 35223440 PMCID: PMC8820343 DOI: 10.4103/japtr.japtr_143_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A natural bioactive compound named calotropone has been reported as a drug candidate for several cancers, including pancreatic cancers. Herein, we used molecular docking approach to test the possible mechanisms of action of calotropone in inhibiting the growth of pancreatic cell cancer with gemcitabine as the positive control. By employing AutoDock Vina, we studied the molecular interaction between calotropone and pancreatic cancer-associated proteins, namely Glucosaminyl (N-Acetyl) Transferase 3, Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase 1, Tyrosine-protein kinase Met (c-Met), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, Budding Uninhibited by Benzimidazole 1, A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 10, Sex-determining region Y and Nuclear Factor kappa Beta (Nf-Kβ). Higher affinity energies of calotropone toward the aforementioned proteins (ranging from ‒7.3 to ‒9.3 kcal/mol) indicate that calotropone may work in the same manner as anticancer drug gemcitabine. Highest docking score was found at the interaction of calotropone and Nf-Kβ (‒9.3 kcal/mol).
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnia Purnama
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | | | - Intan Qanita
- School of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Iqhrammullah
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.,Graduate School of Mathematics and Applied Sciences, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Khairunnas Ahmad
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Vivi Mardina
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Samudra. Jl. Prof. Dr. Syarief Thayeb, Meurandeh, Langsa Lama, Langsa, Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Kana Puspita
- Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Education and Teacher Training, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
| | - Kartini Hasballah
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
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13
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Huang A, Yang Y, Shi JY, Li YK, Xu JX, Cheng Y, Gu J. Mucinous adenocarcinoma: A unique clinicopathological subtype in colorectal cancer. World J Gastrointest Surg 2021; 13:1567-1583. [PMID: 35070064 PMCID: PMC8727185 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v13.i12.1567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC) is a unique clinicopathological subtype of colorectal cancer, which is characterized by extracellular mucinous components that comprise at least 50% of the tumor tissue. The clinical characteristics, molecular features, response to chemo-/radiotherapy, and prognosis of MAC are different from that of non-MAC (NMAC). MAC is more common in the proximal colon, with larger volume, higher T-stage, a higher proportion of positive lymph nodes, poorer tumor differentiation, and a higher proportion of peritoneal implants compared to NMAC. Although biopsy is the main diagnostic method for MAC, magnetic resonance imaging is superior in accuracy, especially for rectal carcinoma. The aberrant expression of mucins, including MUC1, MUC2 and MUC5AC, is a notable feature of MAC, which may be related to tumor invasion, metastasis, inhibition of apoptosis, and chemo-/radiotherapy resistance. The genetic origin of MAC is mainly related to BRAF mutation, microsatellite instability, and the CpG island methylator phenotype pathway. In addition, the poor prognosis of rectal MAC has been confirmed by various studies, and that of colonic MAC is still controversial. In this review, we summarize the epidemiology, clinicopathological characteristics, molecular features, methods of diagnosis, and treatments of MAC in order to provide references for further fundamental and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Huang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jing-Yi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yu-Kun Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jing-Xuan Xu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jin Gu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery III, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Science, Peking University International Cancer Center, Beijing 100142, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Peking University Shougang Hospital, Beijing 100144, China
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14
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Hu W, Zheng X, Liu J, Zhang M, Liang Y, Song M. MicroRNA MiR-130a-3p promotes gastric cancer by targeting Glucosaminyl N-acetyl transferase 4 (GCNT4) to regulate the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway. Bioengineered 2021; 12:11634-11647. [PMID: 34696660 PMCID: PMC8810009 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1995099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Dysregulation of glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferase 4 (GCNT4) gene and miR-130a-3p gene has been reported in the development of gastric cancer. We elucidated the function of the miR-130a-3p-GCNT4 axis in gastric cancer. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase-chain reaction measured miR-130a-3p and GCNT4 levels in gastric cancer tissues and cells. The interaction between miR-130a-3p and GCNT4 was assessed using luciferase and RNA pull-down assays. Biological roles of miR-130a-3p and GCNT4 were determined using cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assays in gastric cancer cells. In addition, the effect of miR-130a-3p on the tumor growth in vivo was investigated using tumor xenografts assay. Levels of total TGF-β1, phosphorylated SMAD3 (p-SMAD3), and SMAD3 were measured by using western blot. The results showed that miR-130a-3p levels were increased, while GCNT4 levels were reduced in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. While miR-130a-3p mimics facilitated cellular proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, promoted tumor growth in vivo, and activated the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway, overexpression of GCNT4 prevented the growth of gastric cancer cells and restrained the activation of the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway. Mechanistically, miR-130a-3p suppressed gastric cancer genesis by inhibiting GCNT4 expression and activating the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway. Altogether, we proposed that targeting of GCNT4 and activation of the TGF-β1/SMAD3 signaling pathway by miR-130a-3p enhanced the growth of gastric cancer cells. This study provides important strategies for the selection of therapeutic targets for gastric cancer treatment involving miR-130a-3p/GCNT4/TGF-β1/SMAD3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ming Song
- Department of General Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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15
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Epstein-Barr Virus-Encoded Latent Membrane Protein 2A Downregulates GCNT3 via the TGF-β1/Smad-mTORC1 Signaling Axis. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.02481-20. [PMID: 33658337 PMCID: PMC8139646 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02481-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence shows that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is closely related to various lymphoid and epithelioid malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. GCNT3 (core 2β-1,6-acetylglucosaminyltransferase) is a new type of core mucin synthase, and its expression in EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC) is lower than that in EBV-negative gastric cancer (EBVnGC). EBV-encoded latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) is a transmembrane protein with tumorigenic transformation properties. Here, we demonstrated that LMP2A inhibited the transcription of GCNT3 by inhibiting Smad2/3 and Smad4. LMP2A restrained the activation of the mTORC1 pathway by inactivating the TGF-β1/Smad pathway and then downregulated GCNT3 expression. The mTORC1-GCNT3 pathway promoted cell proliferation and migration and inhibited G0/G1 cell arrest. Related proteins involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were downstream molecules of the TGF-β1/Smad-mTORC1-GCNT3 pathway. GCNT3 inhibited autophagy by inducing mTORC1 phosphorylation. These findings indicate that targeting the TGF-β1/Smad-mTORC1-GCNT3 axis may represent a novel therapeutic target in GC.ImportanceEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an opportunistic pathogen, and the latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) encoded by EBV plays a key role in ensuring the incubation period of EBV. Glycosylation modification is an important marker of cancer cells, and recent studies have reported that it is related to EBV. Our conclusions provide deeper theoretical support for the role of LMP2A and TGF/Smad-mTORC1-GCNT3 in EBVaGC and help to understand glycosylation abnormalities in cancer. Our results may provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of gastric cancer against the TGF/Smad-mTORC1-GCNT3 signaling cascade.
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16
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Sun H, Chang J, Ye M, Weng W, Zhang M, Ni S, Tan C, Huang D, Wang L, Du X, Xu MD, Sheng W. GCNT4 is Associated with Prognosis and Suppress Cell Proliferation in Gastric Cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:8601-8613. [PMID: 32922038 PMCID: PMC7457769 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s248997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background GCNT4 is a member of the glucosaminyl (N-acetyl) transferases family that has been implicated in multiple human malignancies. However, the role of GCNT4 in gastric cancer (GC) is unknown. In this present study, we aimed to explore the role and clinicopathological correlation of GCNT4 in GC. Materials and Methods We first evaluated the dysregulation of GCNT4 in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and then we performed RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry to validate the results in a cohort of in-house patients. The clinicopathological correlation and function of GCNT4 in GC were also analysed. Results GCNT4 was found to be significantly downregulated in GC. In addition, GCNT4 expression correlated with tumour depth, nervous invasion and pathological tumor-node-metastasis (pTNM) stage. Moreover, lower GCNT4 levels conferred poor overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) to GC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that GCNT4 protein expression is an independent prognostic factor for OS in patients with GC. Further functional experimental results revealed that overexpression of GCNT4 appears to halt GC cell proliferation and the cell cycle. Conclusion Altogether, these findings indicated that GCNT4 regulates the GC cell cycle and have important implications for the selection of therapeutic targets to prevent tumour proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Sun
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjia Chang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Ye
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Weng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Ni
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Tan
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Huang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Du
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Mi-Die Xu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiqi Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Pathology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, People's Republic of China
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17
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McKinnon KE, Getsios S, Woodruff TK. Distinct follicular and luteal transcriptional profiles in engineered human ectocervical tissue dependent on menstrual cycle phase. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:487-496. [PMID: 32614039 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To investigate genomic pathways that may influence physiology and infectivity during the menstrual cycle, RNA sequence analysis was performed on patient-matched engineered ectocervical tissue after follicular and luteal phase (LP) hormone treatments. We developed distinct cellular, molecular, and biological profiles in ectocervical epithelium dependent on the menstrual cycle phase. Follicular phase hormones were associated with proliferation, transcription, and cell adhesion, while LP samples expressed genes involved in immune cell recruitment, inflammation, and protein modifications. Additionally, our analysis revealed mucins not previously reported in ectocervical tissue, which could play an important role in fertility and disease prevention. This study provides insight into the phenomenon of increased LP vulnerability to infection and identifies potential targets for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E McKinnon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Spiro Getsios
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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18
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McKinnon KE, Sensharma R, Williams C, Ravix J, Getsios S, Woodruff TK. Development of human ectocervical tissue models with physiologic endocrine and paracrine signaling†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:497-507. [PMID: 32401296 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a shortage of research models that adequately represent the unique mucosal environment of human ectocervix, limiting development of new therapies for treating infertility, infection, or cancer. We developed three microphysiologic human ectocervix models to study hormone action during homeostasis. First, we reconstructed ectocervix using decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds, which supported cell integration and could be clinically useful. Secondly, we generated organotypic systems consisting of ectocervical explants co-cultured with murine ovaries or cycling exogenous hormones, which mimicked human menstrual cycles. Finally, we engineered ectocervix tissue consisting of tissue-specific stromal-equivalents and fully-differentiated epithelium that mimicked in vivo physiology, including squamous maturation, hormone response, and mucin production, and remained viable for 28 days in vitro. The localization of differentiation-dependent mucins in native and engineered tissue was identified for the first time, which will allow increased efficiency in mucin targeting for drug delivery. In summary, we developed and characterized three microphysiologic human ectocervical tissue models that will be useful for a variety of research applications, including preventative and therapeutic treatments, drug and toxicology studies, and fundamental research on hormone action in a historically understudied tissue that is critical for women's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E McKinnon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rhitwika Sensharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chloe Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jovanka Ravix
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Spiro Getsios
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago IL, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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19
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Gupta R, Leon F, Thompson CM, Nimmakayala R, Karmakar S, Nallasamy P, Chugh S, Prajapati DR, Rachagani S, Kumar S, Ponnusamy MP. Global analysis of human glycosyltransferases reveals novel targets for pancreatic cancer pathogenesis. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:1661-1672. [PMID: 32203219 PMCID: PMC7251111 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0772-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several reports have shown the role of glycosylation in pancreatic cancer (PC), but a global systematic screening of specific glycosyltransferases (glycoTs) in its progression remains unknown. METHODS We demonstrate a rigorous top-down approach using TCGA-based RNA-Seq analysis, multi-step validation using RT-qPCR, immunoblots and immunohistochemistry. We identified six unique glycoTs (B3GNT3, B4GALNT3, FUT3, FUT6, GCNT3 and MGAT3) in PC pathogenesis and studied their function using CRISPR/Cas9-based KD systems. RESULTS Serial metastatic in vitro models using T3M4 and HPAF/CD18, generated in house, exhibited decreases in B3GNT3, FUT3 and GCNT3 expression on increasing metastatic potential. Immunohistochemistry identified clinical significance for GCNT3, B4GALNT3 and MGAT3 in PC. Furthermore, the effects of B3GNT3, FUT3, GCNT3 and MGAT3 were shown on proliferation, migration, EMT and stem cell markers in CD18 cell line. Talniflumate, GCNT3 inhibitor, reduced colony formation and migration in T3M4 and CD18 cells. Moreover, we found that loss of GCNT3 suppresses PC progression and metastasis by downregulating cell cycle genes and β-catenin/MUC4 axis. For GCNT3, proteomics revealed downregulation of MUC5AC, MUC1, MUC5B including many other proteins. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, we demonstrate a critical role of O- and N-linked glycoTs in PC progression and delineate the mechanism encompassing the role of GCNT3 in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohitesh Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Frank Leon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Christopher M Thompson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ramakrishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Saswati Karmakar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Palanisamy Nallasamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Seema Chugh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Dipakkumar R Prajapati
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Moorthy P Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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20
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Gupta R, Leon F, Rauth S, Batra SK, Ponnusamy MP. A Systematic Review on the Implications of O-linked Glycan Branching and Truncating Enzymes on Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Cells 2020; 9:E446. [PMID: 32075174 PMCID: PMC7072808 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosylation is the most commonly occurring post-translational modifications, and is believed to modify over 50% of all proteins. The process of glycan modification is directed by different glycosyltransferases, depending on the cell in which it is expressed. These small carbohydrate molecules consist of multiple glycan families that facilitate cell-cell interactions, protein interactions, and downstream signaling. An alteration of several types of O-glycan core structures have been implicated in multiple cancers, largely due to differential glycosyltransferase expression or activity. Consequently, aberrant O-linked glycosylation has been extensively demonstrated to affect biological function and protein integrity that directly result in cancer growth and progression of several diseases. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of several initiating enzymes involved in the synthesis of O-linked glycosylation that significantly contribute to a number of different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohitesh Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (R.G.); (F.L.); (S.R.)
| | - Frank Leon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (R.G.); (F.L.); (S.R.)
| | - Sanchita Rauth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (R.G.); (F.L.); (S.R.)
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (R.G.); (F.L.); (S.R.)
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 681980-5900, USA
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, UNMC, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Moorthy P. Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA; (R.G.); (F.L.); (S.R.)
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 681980-5900, USA
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21
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Liu J, Zhang Y, Liu W, Zhang Q, Xiao H, Song H, Luo B. MiR-BART1-5p targets core 2β-1,6-acetylglucosaminyltransferase GCNT3 to inhibit cell proliferation and migration in EBV-associated gastric cancer. Virology 2019; 541:63-74. [PMID: 32056716 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
GCNT3 (core 2β-1,6-acetylglucosaminyltransferase) is a novel core mucin synthase. It is known that abnormal expression of GCNT3 promotes the progression of several human cancers. However, its relationship with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has not been comprehensively studied. We found GCNT3 expression in EBV-associated gastric cancer cells and tissues to be lower than in EBV-negative gastric cancer cells and tissues, and high expression was significantly associated with advanced tumor-lymph node metastasis. Luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-BART1-5p directly targeted GCNT3. In addition, miR-BART1-5p mimics transfection was observed to reduce cell proliferation and migration, while miR-BART1-5p inhibitor increased cell proliferation and migration following transfection. In conclusion, both miR-BART1-5p and knockdown of GCNT3 inhibited cell proliferation and migration. In addition, EBV may regulate GCNT3 by affecting the NF-kB signaling pathway. E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and p-ERK were found to be downstream molecules of the miR-BART1-5p/GCNT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Qingdao University Medical College, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Qingdao University Medical College, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Central Hospital of Zibo, 54 Gongqingtuan Road, Zibo, 255036, China.
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Qingdao University Medical College, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China.
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Qingdao University Medical College, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China.
| | - Hua Xiao
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Qingdao University Medical College, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China.
| | - Hui Song
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Qingdao University Medical College, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China.
| | - Bing Luo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Qingdao University Medical College, 38 Dengzhou Road, Qingdao, 266021, China.
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22
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Luo Y, Wang Q, Teng L, Zhang J, Song J, Bo W, Liu D, He Y, Tan A. LncRNA DANCR promotes proliferation and metastasis in pancreatic cancer by regulating miRNA-33b. FEBS Open Bio 2019; 10:18-27. [PMID: 31515968 PMCID: PMC6943224 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) function as important regulators in biological processes and are dysregulated in various tumors. The lncRNA DANCR functions as an oncogene in various cancers, but elucidation of its role in pancreatic cancer (PC) requires further investigation. In the current study, we demonstrate that DANCR was increased in PC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of DANCR significantly suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and influenced the levels of epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition‐associated proteins, as demonstrated by the observation of enhanced E‐cadherin levels and reduced N‐cadherin levels in PC cells. In addition, we identified direct binding to the predicted miR‐33b binding site on DANCR. We also showed that there is reciprocal repression between DANCR and miR‐33b. Furthermore, a miR‐33b inhibitor partially abrogated knockdown of DANCR and caused inhibitory effects. We also demonstrated that DANCR functions as a miR‐33b sponge to positively regulate MMP16 expression in PC cells. Collectively, the data reveal that DANCR exerts its function by regulating miR‐33b/MMP16 expression, implying an important role for a lncRNA–miRNA–mRNA functional network and suggesting a novel potential therapeutic target for PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongyun Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Lili Teng
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Medical Experimental Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jianjun Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Wenping Bo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yaqin He
- Medical Experimental Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Airong Tan
- Third Department of Oncology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital (East Campus), Qingdao, China
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23
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Yang H, Bailey P, Pilarsky C. CRISPR Cas9 in Pancreatic Cancer Research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:239. [PMID: 31681770 PMCID: PMC6813368 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is now becoming a common cause of cancer death with no significant change in patient survival over the last 10 years. The main treatment options for pancreatic cancer patients are surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, but there is now considerable effort to develop new and effective treatments. In recent years, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has emerged as a powerful gene editing tool with promise, not only as an important research methodology, but also as a new and effective method for targeted therapy. In this review, we summarize current advances in CRISPR/Cas9 technology and its application to pancreatic cancer research, and importantly as a means of selectively targeting key drivers of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Yang
- Department for Surgical Research, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Bailey
- Department for Surgical Research, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christian Pilarsky
- Department for Surgical Research, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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24
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Liu Y, Chen Q, Mou C, Pan L, Duan X, Chen X, Chen H, Zhao Y, Lu Y, Jin Z, Chi YR. Catalytic asymmetric acetalization of carboxylic acids for access to chiral phthalidyl ester prodrugs. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1675. [PMID: 30975988 PMCID: PMC6459872 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09445-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Carboxylic acids are common moieties in medicines. They can be converted to phthalidyl esters as prodrugs. Unfortunately, phthalidyl esters are now mostly prepared in racemic forms. This is not desirable because the two enantiomers of phthalidyl esters likely have different pharmacological effects. Here we address the synthetic challenges in enantioselective modification of carboxylic acids via asymmetric acetalizations. The key reaction step involves asymmetric addition of a carboxylic acid to the catalyst-bound intermediate. This addition step enantioselectively constructs a chiral acetal unit that lead to optically enriched phthalidyl esters. A broad range of carboxylic acids react effectively under mild and transition metal-free conditions. Preliminary bioactivity studies show that the two enantiomers of chlorambucil phthalidyl esters exhibit different anti-cancer activities to inhibit the growth of Hela cells. Our catalytic strategy of asymmetric acetalizations of carboxylic acids shall benefit future development of chiral phthalidyl ester prodrugs and related molecules. Phthalidyl esters, commonly used prodrug moieties, are mostly prepared as a racemate. Here, the authors report an N-heterocylcic carbene-catalysed enantioselective acetalization of carboxylic acids and dialdehydes to give phthalidyl esters in high yields with good enantioselectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingguo Liu
- Division of Chemistry & Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Qiao Chen
- Division of Chemistry & Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Chengli Mou
- School of Pharmacy, Guiyang University of Chinese Medicine, Huaxi District, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Lutai Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Guiyang University of Chinese Medicine, Huaxi District, Guiyang, 550025, China.
| | - Xiaoyong Duan
- Division of Chemistry & Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Xingkuan Chen
- Division of Chemistry & Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Hongzhong Chen
- Division of Chemistry & Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Yanli Zhao
- Division of Chemistry & Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Yunpeng Lu
- Division of Chemistry & Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore
| | - Zhichao Jin
- Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Yonggui Robin Chi
- Division of Chemistry & Biological Chemistry, School of Physical & Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637371, Singapore. .,Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Green Pesticide and Agricultural Bioengineering, Ministry of Education, Guizhou University, Huaxi District, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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25
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Batai K, Imler E, Pangilinan J, Bell R, Lwin A, Price E, Milinic T, Arora A, Ellis NA, Bracamonte E, Seligmann B, Lee BR. Whole-transcriptome sequencing identified gene expression signatures associated with aggressive clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Genes Cancer 2018; 9:247-256. [PMID: 30603059 PMCID: PMC6305109 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent subtype of kidney cancer, yet molecular biomarkers have not been used for the prognosis of ccRCC to aide clinical decision making. This study aimed to identify genes associated with ccRCC aggressiveness and overall survival (OS). Samples of ccRCC tumor tissue were obtained from 33 patients who underwent nephrectomy. Gene expression was determined using whole-transcriptome sequencing. The Cancer Genome Atlas Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (TCGA-KIRC) RNA-seq data was used to test association with OS. 290 genes were differentially expressed between tumors with high and low stage, size, grade, and necrosis (SSIGN) score (≥7 vs. ≤3) with PADJ<0.05. Four genes, G6PD, APLP1, GCNT3, and PLPP2, were also over-expressed in advanced stage (III and IV) and high grade (3 and 4) ccRCC and tumor with necrosis (PADJ<0.05). Investigation stratifying by stage found that APLP1 and PLPP2 overexpression were significantly associated with poorer OS in the early stage (Quartile 1 vs. Quartile 4, HR = 3.87, 95% CI:1.25-11.97, P = 0.02 and HR = 4.77, 95% CI:1.37-16.57, P = 0.04 respectively). These genes are potential biomarkers of ccRCC aggressiveness and prognosis that direct clinical and surgical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Batai
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Jayce Pangilinan
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Robert Bell
- Department of Pathology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Aye Lwin
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Elinora Price
- Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Tijana Milinic
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Amit Arora
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Nathan A Ellis
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Benjamin R Lee
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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26
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Abstract
Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix is fundamental to tissue integrity and human health. Integrins are the main cellular adhesion receptors that through multifaceted roles as signalling molecules, mechanotransducers and key components of the cell migration machinery are implicated in nearly every step of cancer progression from primary tumour development to metastasis. Altered integrin expression is frequently detected in tumours, where integrins have roles in supporting oncogenic growth factor receptor (GFR) signalling and GFR-dependent cancer cell migration and invasion. In addition, integrins determine colonization of metastatic sites and facilitate anchorage-independent survival of circulating tumour cells. Investigations describing integrin engagement with a growing number of versatile cell surface molecules, including channels, receptors and secreted proteins, continue to lead to the identification of novel tumour-promoting pathways. Integrin-mediated sensing, stiffening and remodelling of the tumour stroma are key steps in cancer progression supporting invasion, acquisition of cancer stem cell characteristics and drug resistance. Given the complexity of integrins and their adaptable and sometimes antagonistic roles in cancer cells and the tumour microenvironment, therapeutic targeting of these receptors has been a challenge. However, novel approaches to target integrins and antagonism of specific integrin subunits in stringently stratified patient cohorts are emerging as potential ways forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hellyeh Hamidi
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
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27
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The role of glycosyltransferase enzyme GCNT3 in colon and ovarian cancer prognosis and chemoresistance. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8485. [PMID: 29855486 PMCID: PMC5981315 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26468-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosyltransferase enzyme GCNT3, has been proposed as a biomarker for prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Our study goes in depth into the molecular basis of GCNT3 role in tumorigenesis and drug resistance, and it explores its potential role as biomarker in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). High levels of GCNT3 are associated with increased sensibility to 5-fluoracil in metastatic cells. Accordingly, GCNT3 re-expression leads to the gain of anti-carcinogenic cellular properties by reducing cell growth, invasion and by changing metabolic capacities. Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic analyses reveal that GCNT3 is linked to cellular cycle, mitosis and proliferation, response to drugs and metabolism pathways. The vascular epithelial growth factor A (VEGFA) arises as an attractive partner of GCNT3 functions in cell invasion and resistance. Finally, GCNT3 expression was analyzed in a cohort of 56 EOC patients followed by a meta-analysis of more than one thousand patients. This study reveals that GCNT3 might constitute a prognostic factor also in EOC, since its overexpression is associated with better clinical outcome and response to initial therapy. GCNT3 emerges as an essential glycosylation-related molecule in CRC and EOC progression, with potential interest as a predictive biomarker of response to chemotherapy.
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28
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Aguirre-Portolés C, Fernández LP, Ramírez de Molina A. Precision Nutrition for Targeting Lipid Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer. Nutrients 2017; 9:nu9101076. [PMID: 28956850 PMCID: PMC5691693 DOI: 10.3390/nu9101076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multistage and multifactorial condition with genetic and environmental factors modulating tumorogenesis and disease progression. Nevertheless, cancer is preventable, as one third of cancer deaths could be avoided by modifying key risk factors. Nutrients can directly affect fundamental cellular processes and are considered among the most important risk factors in colorectal cancer (CRC). Red and processed meat, poultry consumption, fiber, and folate are the best-known diet components that interact with colorectal cancer susceptibility. In addition, the direct association of an unhealthy diet with obesity and dysbiosis opens new routes in the understanding of how daily diet nutrients could influence cancer prognosis. In the “omics” era, traditional nutrition has been naturally evolved to precision nutrition where technical developments have contributed to a more accurate discipline. In this sense, genomic and transcriptomic studies have been extensively used in precision nutrition approaches. However, the relation between CRC carcinogenesis and nutrition factors is more complex than originally expected. Together with classical diet-nutrition-related genes, nowadays, lipid-metabolism-related genes have acquired relevant interest in precision nutrition studies. Lipids regulate very diverse cellular processes from ATP synthesis and the activation of essential cell-signaling pathways to membrane organization and plasticity. Therefore, a wide range of tumorogenic steps can be influenced by lipid metabolism, both in primary tumours and distal metastasis. The extent to which genetic variants, together with the intake of specific dietary components, affect the risk of CRC is currently under investigation, and new therapeutic or preventive applications must be explored in CRC models. In this review, we will go in depth into the study of co-occurring events, which orchestrate CRC tumorogenesis and are essential for the evolution of precision nutrition paradigms. Likewise, we will discuss the application of precision nutrition approaches to target lipid metabolism in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Aguirre-Portolés
- Molecular Oncology and Nutritional Genomics of Cancer Group, IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Cantoblanco 8, E-28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Lara P Fernández
- Molecular Oncology and Nutritional Genomics of Cancer Group, IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Cantoblanco 8, E-28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ana Ramírez de Molina
- Molecular Oncology and Nutritional Genomics of Cancer Group, IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Cantoblanco 8, E-28049 Madrid, Spain.
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29
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Sumardika IW, Youyi C, Kondo E, Inoue Y, Ruma IMW, Murata H, Kinoshita R, Yamamoto KI, Tomida S, Shien K, Sato H, Yamauchi A, Futami J, Putranto EW, Hibino T, Toyooka S, Nishibori M, Sakaguchi M. β-1,3-Galactosyl- O-Glycosyl-Glycoprotein β-1,6- N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 Increases MCAM Stability, Which Enhances S100A8/A9-Mediated Cancer Motility. Oncol Res 2017; 26:431-444. [PMID: 28923134 PMCID: PMC7844831 DOI: 10.3727/096504017x15031557924123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously identified novel S100A8/A9 receptors, extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM), activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), and neuroplastin (NPTN) β, that are critically involved in S100A8/A9-mediated cancer metastasis and inflammation when expressed at high levels. However, little is known about the presence of any cancer-specific mechanism(s) that modifies these receptors, further inducing upregulation at protein levels without any transcriptional regulation. Expression levels of glycosyltransferase-encoding genes were examined by a PCR-based profiling array followed by confirmation with quantitative real-time PCR. Cell migration and invasion were assessed using a Boyden chamber. Western blotting was used to examine the protein level, and the RNA level was examined by Northern blotting. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression pattern of β-1,3-galactosyl-O-glycosyl-glycoprotein β-1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3 (GCNT3) and MCAM in melanoma tissue. We found that GCNT3 is overexpressed in highly metastatic melanomas. Silencing and functional inhibition of GCNT3 greatly suppressed migration and invasion of melanoma cells, resulting in the loss of S100A8/A9 responsiveness. Among the novel S100A8/A9 receptors, GCNT3 favorably glycosylates the MCAM receptor, extending its half-life and leading to further elevation of S100A8/A9-mediated cellular motility in melanoma cells. GCNT3 expression is positively correlated to MCAM expression in patients with high-grade melanomas. Collectively, our results showed that GCNT3 is an upstream regulator of MCAM protein and indicate the possibility of a potential molecular target in melanoma therapeutics through abrogation of the S100A8/A9-MCAM axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Wayan Sumardika
- Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Chen Youyi
- Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Eisaku Kondo
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Yusuke Inoue
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Division of Molecular Science, Gunma UniversityGunmaJapan
| | - I Made Winarsa Ruma
- Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Hitoshi Murata
- Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Rie Kinoshita
- Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Ken-Ichi Yamamoto
- Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Shuta Tomida
- Department of Biobank, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Kazuhiko Shien
- Departments of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Hiroki Sato
- Departments of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Akira Yamauchi
- Department of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical SchoolOkayamaJapan
| | - Junichiro Futami
- Department of Medical and Bioengineering Science, Okayama University Graduate School of Natural Science and TechnologyOkayamaJapan
| | - Endy Widya Putranto
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Sardjito Hospital/Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah MadaYogyakartaIndonesia
| | | | - Shinichi Toyooka
- Department of Biobank, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Masahiro Nishibori
- Department of Pharmacology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Masakiyo Sakaguchi
- Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
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30
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Rao CV, Janakiram NB, Mohammed A. Molecular Pathways: Mucins and Drug Delivery in Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:1373-1378. [PMID: 28039261 PMCID: PMC6038927 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-16-0862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2016] [Revised: 11/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, clinical and preclinical studies have clearly demonstrated the role of mucins in tumor development. It is well established that mucins form a barrier impeding drug access to target sites, leading to cancer chemoresistance. Recently gained knowledge regarding core enzyme synthesis has opened avenues to explore the possibility of disrupting mucin synthesis to improve drug efficacy. Cancer cells exploit aberrant mucin synthesis to efficiently mask the epithelial cells and ensure survival under hostile tumor microenvironment conditions. However, O-glycan synthesis enzyme core 2 beta 1,6 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GCNT3/C2GnT-2) is overexpressed in Kras-driven mouse and human cancer, and inhibition of GCNT3 has been shown to disrupt mucin synthesis. This previously unrecognized developmental pathway might be responsible for aberrant mucin biosynthesis and chemoresistance. In this Molecular Pathways article, we briefly discuss the potential role of mucin synthesis in cancers, ways to improve drug delivery and disrupt mucin mesh to overcome chemoresistance by targeting mucin synthesis, and the unique opportunity to target the GCNT3 pathway for the prevention and treatment of cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 23(6); 1373-8. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinthalapally V Rao
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology and Oncology Section, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
| | - Naveena B Janakiram
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology and Oncology Section, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Altaf Mohammed
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Drug Development, Hematology and Oncology Section, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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