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Kizhakkoottu S, Ramani P, Tilakaratne WM. Role of Stem Cells in the Pathogenesis and Malignant Transformation of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1512-1520. [PMID: 38837114 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10744-0] [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] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pathogenesis and malignant potential of Oral submucous fibrosis(OSMF) have always been a topic of interest among the researchers. Despite OSMF being a collagen metabolic disorder, the alterations occurring in the connective tissue stroma affects the atrophic surface epithelium in later stages and progresses to malignant phenotypes. The present review aims to summarize the role of stem cells in the pathogenesis and malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was carried out using data banks like Medline and Embase, google scholar and manual method with no time frame, pertinent to the role of mucosal stem cells in OSMF and its malignisation. The relevant literature was reviewed, critically appraised by all the authors and compiled in this narrative review. RESULTS Critical appraisal and evaluation of the data extracted from the selected articles were compiled in this review. The collated results highlighted the upregulation and downregulation of various stem cell markers during the progression and malignisation of OSMF were depicted in a descriptive and detail manner in the present review. CONCLUSION We highlight the potential of mucosal stem cells in the regulation and malignisation of OSMF. However, future large-scale clinical studies will be needed to support whether manipulation of this stem cells at molecular level will be sufficient for the treatment and preventing the malignant transformation of OSMF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvarna Kizhakkoottu
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Pratibha Ramani
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-y] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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Song WH, Lim YS, Kim JE, Kang HY, Lee C, Rajbongshi L, Hwang SY, Oh SO, Kim BS, Lee D, Song YJ, Yoon S. A Marine Collagen-Based 3D Scaffold for In Vitro Modeling of Human Prostate Cancer Niche and Anti-Cancer Therapeutic Discovery. Mar Drugs 2024; 22:295. [PMID: 39057404 PMCID: PMC11277582 DOI: 10.3390/md22070295] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, the need to develop a robust three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system that serves as a valuable in vitro tumor model has been emphasized. This system should closely mimic the tumor growth behaviors observed in vivo and replicate the key elements and characteristics of human tumors for the effective discovery and development of anti-tumor therapeutics. Therefore, in this study, we developed an effective 3D in vitro model of human prostate cancer (PC) using a marine collagen-based biomimetic 3D scaffold. The model displayed distinctive molecular profiles and cellular properties compared with those of the 2D PC cell culture. This was evidenced by (1) increased cell proliferation, migration, invasion, colony formation, and chemoresistance; (2) upregulated expression of crucial multidrug-resistance- and cancer-stemness-related genes; (3) heightened expression of key molecules associated with malignant progressions, such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition transcription factors, Notch, matrix metalloproteinases, and pluripotency biomarkers; (4) robust enrichment of prostate cancer stem cells (CSCs); and (5) enhanced expression of integrins. These results suggest that our 3D in vitro PC model has the potential to serve as a research platform for studying PC and prostate CSC biology, as well as for screening novel therapies targeting PC and prostate CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Hoon Song
- Department of Urology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ye Seon Lim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; (Y.S.L.); (J.-E.K.); (H.Y.K.); (C.L.); (L.R.); (S.Y.H.); (S.-O.O.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ji-Eun Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; (Y.S.L.); (J.-E.K.); (H.Y.K.); (C.L.); (L.R.); (S.Y.H.); (S.-O.O.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hae Yeong Kang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; (Y.S.L.); (J.-E.K.); (H.Y.K.); (C.L.); (L.R.); (S.Y.H.); (S.-O.O.)
| | - Changyong Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; (Y.S.L.); (J.-E.K.); (H.Y.K.); (C.L.); (L.R.); (S.Y.H.); (S.-O.O.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea;
| | - Lata Rajbongshi
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; (Y.S.L.); (J.-E.K.); (H.Y.K.); (C.L.); (L.R.); (S.Y.H.); (S.-O.O.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seon Yeong Hwang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; (Y.S.L.); (J.-E.K.); (H.Y.K.); (C.L.); (L.R.); (S.Y.H.); (S.-O.O.)
| | - Sae-Ock Oh
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; (Y.S.L.); (J.-E.K.); (H.Y.K.); (C.L.); (L.R.); (S.Y.H.); (S.-O.O.)
| | - Byoung Soo Kim
- School of Biomedical Convergence Engineering, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dongjun Lee
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 50612, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yong Jung Song
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital and Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Sik Yoon
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Sciences, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; (Y.S.L.); (J.-E.K.); (H.Y.K.); (C.L.); (L.R.); (S.Y.H.); (S.-O.O.)
- Immune Reconstitution Research Center of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea;
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Zaltron E, Vianello F, Ruzza A, Palazzo A, Brillo V, Celotti I, Scavezzon M, Rossin F, Leanza L, Severin F. The Role of Transglutaminase 2 in Cancer: An Update. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2797. [PMID: 38474044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) is the most ubiquitously expressed and well characterized member of the transglutaminase family. It is a ubiquitous multifunctional enzyme implicated in the regulation of several cellular pathways that support the survival, death, and general homeostasis of eukaryotic cells. Due to its multiple localizations both inside and outside the cell, TG2 participates in the regulation of many crucial intracellular signaling cascades in a tissue- and cell-specific manner, making this enzyme an important player in disease development and progression. Moreover, TG2 is capable of modulating the tumor microenvironment, a process of dynamic tissue remodeling and biomechanical events, resulting in changes which influence tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. Even if generally related to the Ca2+-dependent post-translational modification of proteins, a number of different biological functions have been ascribed to TG2, like those of a peptide isomerase, protein kinase, guanine nucleotide binder, and cytosolic-nuclear translocator. With respect to cancer, TG2's role is controversial and highly debated; it has been described both as an anti- and pro-apoptotic factor and is linked to all the processes of tumorigenesis. However, numerous pieces of evidence support a tissue-specific role of TG2 so that it can assume both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessia Ruzza
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Alberta Palazzo
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Celotti
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Federica Rossin
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Leanza
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Severin
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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5
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Yao Z, Fan Y, Lin L, Kellems RE, Xia Y. Tissue transglutaminase: a multifunctional and multisite regulator in health and disease. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:281-325. [PMID: 37712623 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00003.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a widely distributed multifunctional protein involved in a broad range of cellular and metabolic functions carried out in a variety of cellular compartments. In addition to transamidation, TG2 also functions as a Gα signaling protein, a protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), a protein kinase, and a scaffolding protein. In the nucleus, TG2 modifies histones and transcription factors. The PDI function catalyzes the trimerization and activation of heat shock factor-1 in the nucleus and regulates the oxidation state of several mitochondrial complexes. Cytosolic TG2 modifies proteins by the addition of serotonin or other primary amines and in this way affects cell signaling. Modification of protein-bound glutamines reduces ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation. At the cell membrane, TG2 is associated with G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), where it functions in transmembrane signaling. TG2 is also found in the extracellular space, where it functions in protein cross-linking and extracellular matrix stabilization. Of particular importance in transglutaminase research are recent findings concerning the role of TG2 in gene expression, protein homeostasis, cell signaling, autoimmunity, inflammation, and hypoxia. Thus, TG2 performs a multitude of functions in multiple cellular compartments, making it one of the most versatile cellular proteins. Additional evidence links TG2 with multiple human diseases including preeclampsia, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, organ fibrosis, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and celiac disease. In conclusion, TG2 provides a multifunctional and multisite response to physiological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouzhou Yao
- National Medical Metabolomics International Collaborative Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhua Fan
- National Medical Metabolomics International Collaborative Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lizhen Lin
- National Medical Metabolomics International Collaborative Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Rodney E Kellems
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Yang Xia
- National Medical Metabolomics International Collaborative Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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Tang J, Gao E, Huang X, Liu Y, Shao W. Non B Cell-Derived Immunoglobulins in Lung Epithelial Cells and Lung Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1445:157-168. [PMID: 38967758 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-97-0511-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
As the locus for air exchange, lung tissue is perpetually exposed to a significant quantity of foreign pathogens. Consequently, lung has developed a refined and intricate immune system. Beyond their physical and chemical barrier roles, lung epithelial cells can contribute to immune defence through the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and other pattern recognition receptors, along with the secretion of cytokines. Emerging evidence demonstrates that lung epithelial cells can generate and secrete immunoglobulins (Igs), including IgM, IgA, or IgG, thus performing antibody function. Moreover, malignantly transformed lung epithelial cells have been discovered to produce high levels of Ig, predominantly IgG, which do not fulfill the role of antibodies, but instead carries out tumour-promoting activity. Structural analysis has indicated that the biological activity of IgG produced by lung cancer cells differs from that of Igs produced by normal lung epithelial cells due to the unique glycosylation modification. Specifically, the sialylated IgG (SIA-IgG), characterised by a non-traditional N-glycosylation modification at the Asn162 site of Igγ CH1, is highly expressed in tumour stem cells. It has been demonstrated that SIA-IgG relies on this unique sialylation modification to promote tumorigenesis, metastasis, and immune evasion. Current results have proven that the Ig produced by lung epithelial cells has multifaceted biological activities, including immune defence functions under physiological conditions, while acquiring tumour-promoting activity during malignant transformation. These insights possess potential for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer as novel biomarkers and targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Erya Gao
- People's Medical Publishing House Co., Ltd, Beijing, China
| | - Xinmei Huang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wenwei Shao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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Li Y, Giovannini S, Wang T, Fang J, Li P, Shao C, Wang Y, Shi Y, Candi E, Melino G, Bernassola F. p63: a crucial player in epithelial stemness regulation. Oncogene 2023; 42:3371-3384. [PMID: 37848625 PMCID: PMC10638092 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02859-4] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial tissue homeostasis is closely associated with the self-renewal and differentiation behaviors of epithelial stem cells (ESCs). p63, a well-known marker of ESCs, is an indispensable factor for their biological activities during epithelial development. The diversity of p63 isoforms expressed in distinct tissues allows this transcription factor to have a wide array of effects. p63 coordinates the transcription of genes involved in cell survival, stem cell self-renewal, migration, differentiation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Through the regulation of these biological processes, p63 contributes to, not only normal epithelial development, but also epithelium-derived cancer pathogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of p63 in epithelial stemness regulation, including self-renewal, differentiation, proliferation, and senescence. We describe the differential expression of TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms and their distinct functional activities in normal epithelial tissues and in epithelium-derived tumors. Furthermore, we summarize the signaling cascades modulating the TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms as well as their downstream pathways in stemness regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Li
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Sara Giovannini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tingting Wang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Jiankai Fang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Peishan Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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Li S, Sampson C, Liu C, Piao HL, Liu HX. Integrin signaling in cancer: bidirectional mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:266. [PMID: 37770930 PMCID: PMC10537162 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01264-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrins are transmembrane receptors that possess distinct ligand-binding specificities in the extracellular domain and signaling properties in the cytoplasmic domain. While most integrins have a short cytoplasmic tail, integrin β4 has a long cytoplasmic tail that can indirectly interact with the actin cytoskeleton. Additionally, 'inside-out' signals can induce integrins to adopt a high-affinity extended conformation for their appropriate ligands. These properties enable integrins to transmit bidirectional cellular signals, making it a critical regulator of various biological processes.Integrin expression and function are tightly linked to various aspects of tumor progression, including initiation, angiogenesis, cell motility, invasion, and metastasis. Certain integrins have been shown to drive tumorigenesis or amplify oncogenic signals by interacting with corresponding receptors, while others have marginal or even suppressive effects. Additionally, different α/β subtypes of integrins can exhibit opposite effects. Integrin-mediated signaling pathways including Ras- and Rho-GTPase, TGFβ, Hippo, Wnt, Notch, and sonic hedgehog (Shh) are involved in various stages of tumorigenesis. Therefore, understanding the complex regulatory mechanisms and molecular specificities of integrins are crucial to delaying cancer progression and suppressing tumorigenesis. Furthermore, the development of integrin-based therapeutics for cancer are of great importance.This review provides an overview of integrin-dependent bidirectional signaling mechanisms in cancer that can either support or oppose tumorigenesis by interacting with various signaling pathways. Finally, we focus on the future opportunities for emergent therapeutics based on integrin agonists. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyi Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Chibuzo Sampson
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Changhao Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China
| | - Hai-Long Piao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China.
- Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China.
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Life Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110122, China.
| | - Hong-Xu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China.
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Chen X, Adhikary G, Newland JJ, Xu W, Keillor JW, Weber DJ, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 Binds to the CD44v6 Cytoplasmic Domain to Stimulate CD44v6/ERK1/2 Signaling and Maintain an Aggressive Cancer Phenotype. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:922-932. [PMID: 37227250 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a key cancer cell survival protein in many cancer types. As such, efforts are underway to characterize the mechanism of TG2 action. In this study, we report that TG2 stimulates CD44v6 activity to enhance cancer cell survival via a mechanism that involves formation of a TG2/CD44v6/ERK1/2 complex that activates ERK1/2 signaling to drive an aggressive cancer phenotype. TG2 and ERK1/2 bind to the CD44v6 C-terminal intracellular cytoplasmic domain to activate ERK1/2 and stimulate cell proliferation and invasion. This is the same region that binds to ERM proteins and ankyrin to activate CD44v6-dependent cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. We further show that treatment with hyaluronan (HA), the physiologic CD44v6 ligand, stimulates CD44v6 activity, as measured by ERK1/2 activation, but that this response is severely attenuated in TG2 or CD44v6 knockdown or knockout cells. Moreover, treatment with TG2 inhibitor reduces tumor growth and that is associated with reduced CD44v6 level and ERK1/2 activity, and reduced stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These changes are replicated in CD44v6 knockout cells. These findings suggest that a unique TG2/CD44v6/ERK1/2 complex leads to increased ERK1/2 activity to stimulate an aggressive cancer phenotype and stimulate tumor growth. These findings have important implications for cancer stem cell maintenance and suggest that cotargeting of TG2 and CD44v6 with specific inhibitors may be an effective anticancer treatment strategy. IMPLICATIONS TG2 and CD44v6 are important procancer proteins. TG2 and ERK1/2 bind to the CD44v6 C-terminal domain to form a TG2/CD44v6/ERK1/2 complex that activates ERK1/2 to stimulate the cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John J Newland
- Department of Surgery Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David J Weber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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10
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Fisher ML, Balinth S, Hwangbo Y, Wu C, Ballon C, Goldberg GL, Mills AA. Cancer-associated fibroblasts promote cancer stemness by inducing expression of the chromatin-modifying protein CBX4 in squamous cell carcinoma. Carcinogenesis 2023; 44:485-496. [PMID: 37463322 PMCID: PMC10436759 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgad048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The chromobox-containing protein CBX4 is an important regulator of epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, and has been implicated in several cancer types. The cancer stem cell (CSC) population is a key driver of metastasis and recurrence. The undifferentiated, plastic state characteristic of CSCs relies on cues from the microenvironment. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the microenvironment that can influence the CSC population through the secretion of extracellular matrix and a variety of growth factors. Here we show CBX4 is a critical regulator of the CSC phenotype in squamous cell carcinomas of the skin and hypopharynx. Moreover, CAFs can promote the expression of CBX4 in the CSC population through the secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 activates JAK/STAT3 signaling to increase ∆Np63α-a key transcription factor that is essential for epithelial stem cell function and the maintenance of proliferative potential that is capable of regulating CBX4. Targeting the JAK/STAT3 axis or CBX4 directly suppresses the aggressive phenotype of CSCs and represents a novel opportunity for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Fisher
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Seamus Balinth
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Yon Hwangbo
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Caizhi Wu
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Carlos Ballon
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Gary L Goldberg
- Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra University/Northwell Health, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Alea A Mills
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
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11
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Gates EWJ, Calvert ND, Cundy NJ, Brugnoli F, Navals P, Kirby A, Bianchi N, Adhikary G, Shuhendler AJ, Eckert RL, Keillor JW. Cell-Impermeable Inhibitors Confirm That Intracellular Human Transglutaminase 2 Is Responsible for the Transglutaminase-Associated Cancer Phenotype. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12546. [PMID: 37628729 PMCID: PMC10454375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a multifunctional enzyme primarily responsible for crosslinking proteins. Ubiquitously expressed in humans, TG2 can act either as a transamidase by crosslinking two substrates through formation of an Nε(ɣ-glutaminyl)lysine bond or as an intracellular G-protein. These discrete roles are tightly regulated by both allosteric and environmental stimuli and are associated with dramatic changes in the conformation of the enzyme. The pleiotropic nature of TG2 and multi-faceted activities have resulted in TG2 being implicated in numerous disease pathologies including celiac disease, fibrosis, and cancer. Targeted TG2 therapies have not been selective for subcellular localization, such that currently no tools exist to selectively target extracellular over intracellular TG2. Herein, we have designed novel TG2-selective inhibitors that are not only highly potent and irreversible, but also cell impermeable, targeting only extracellular TG2. We have also further derivatized the scaffold to develop probes that are intrinsically fluorescent or bear an alkyne handle, which target both intra- and extracellular TG2, in order to facilitate cellular labelling and pull-down assays. The fluorescent probes were internalized and imaged in cellulo, and provide the first implicit experimental evidence that by comparison with their cell-impermeable analogues, it is specifically intracellular TG2, and presumably its G-protein activity, that contributes to transglutaminase-associated cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W. J. Gates
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Nicholas D. Calvert
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Nicholas J. Cundy
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Federica Brugnoli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44021 Ferrara, Italy; (F.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Pauline Navals
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Alexia Kirby
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44021 Ferrara, Italy; (F.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (G.A.); (R.L.E.)
| | - Adam J. Shuhendler
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (G.A.); (R.L.E.)
| | - Jeffrey W. Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
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12
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Qin XY, Furutani Y, Yonezawa K, Shimizu N, Kato-Murayama M, Shirouzu M, Xu Y, Yamano Y, Wada A, Gailhouste L, Shrestha R, Takahashi M, Keillor JW, Su T, Yu W, Fujii S, Kagechika H, Dohmae N, Shirakami Y, Shimizu M, Masaki T, Matsuura T, Suzuki H, Kojima S. Targeting transglutaminase 2 mediated exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 signaling in liver cancer stem cells with acyclic retinoid. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:358. [PMID: 37308486 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05847-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a multifunctional protein that promotes or suppresses tumorigenesis, depending on intracellular location and conformational structure. Acyclic retinoid (ACR) is an orally administered vitamin A derivative that prevents hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence by targeting liver cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this study, we examined the subcellular location-dependent effects of ACR on TG2 activity at a structural level and characterized the functional role of TG2 and its downstream molecular mechanism in the selective depletion of liver CSCs. A binding assay with high-performance magnetic nanobeads and structural dynamic analysis with native gel electrophoresis and size-exclusion chromatography-coupled multi-angle light scattering or small-angle X-ray scattering showed that ACR binds directly to TG2, induces oligomer formation of TG2, and inhibits the transamidase activity of cytoplasmic TG2 in HCC cells. The loss-of-function of TG2 suppressed the expression of stemness-related genes, spheroid proliferation and selectively induced cell death in an EpCAM+ liver CSC subpopulation in HCC cells. Proteome analysis revealed that TG2 inhibition suppressed the gene and protein expression of exostosin glycosyltransferase 1 (EXT1) and heparan sulfate biosynthesis in HCC cells. In contrast, high levels of ACR increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations along with an increase in apoptotic cells, which probably contributed to the enhanced transamidase activity of nuclear TG2. This study demonstrates that ACR could act as a novel TG2 inhibitor; TG2-mediated EXT1 signaling is a promising therapeutic target in the prevention of HCC by disrupting liver CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Yang Qin
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan.
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Furutani
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kento Yonezawa
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- Center for Digital Green-innovation, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Takayama, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Shimizu
- Photon Factory, Institute of Materials Structure Science, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK), Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Miyuki Kato-Murayama
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mikako Shirouzu
- Laboratory for Protein Functional and Structural Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yali Xu
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yumiko Yamano
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry for Life Science, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Akimori Wada
- Laboratory of Organic Chemistry for Life Science, Kobe Pharmaceutical University, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Luc Gailhouste
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Laboratory for Brain Development and Disorders, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Rajan Shrestha
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
| | - Masataka Takahashi
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ting Su
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenkui Yu
- School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shinya Fujii
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kagechika
- Institute of Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoshi Dohmae
- Biomolecular Characterization Unit, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yohei Shirakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takahiro Masaki
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Matsuura
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Harukazu Suzuki
- Laboratory for Cellular Function Conversion Technology, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Soichi Kojima
- Liver Cancer Prevention Research Unit, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research, Wako, Saitama, Japan
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13
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Liu F, Wu Q, Dong Z, Liu K. Integrins in cancer: Emerging mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Ther 2023:108458. [PMID: 37245545 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Integrins are vital surface adhesion receptors that mediate the interactions between the extracellular matrix (ECM) and cells and are essential for cell migration and the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Aberrant integrin activation promotes initial tumor formation, growth, and metastasis. Recently, many lines of evidence have indicated that integrins are highly expressed in numerous cancer types and have documented many functions of integrins in tumorigenesis. Thus, integrins have emerged as attractive targets for the development of cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the underlying molecular mechanisms by which integrins contribute to most of the hallmarks of cancer. We focus on recent progress on integrin regulators, binding proteins, and downstream effectors. We highlight the role of integrins in the regulation of tumor metastasis, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming, and other hallmarks of cancer. In addition, integrin-targeted immunotherapy and other integrin inhibitors that have been used in preclinical and clinical studies are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China
| | - Qiong Wu
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China; Tianjian Advanced Biomedical Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan 450008, China; Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China; Tianjian Advanced Biomedical Laboratory, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China; Cancer Chemoprevention International Collaboration Laboratory, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, China.
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14
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Fisher ML, Balinth S, Mills AA. ΔNp63α in cancer: importance and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:280-292. [PMID: 36115734 PMCID: PMC10011024 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of cancer and the key pathways that drive cancer survival has expanded rapidly over the past several decades. However, there are still important challenges that continue to impair patient survival, including our inability to target cancer stem cells (CSCs), metastasis, and drug resistance. The transcription factor p63 is a p53 family member with multiple isoforms that carry out a wide array of functions. Here, we discuss the critical importance of the ΔNp63α isoform in cancer and potential therapeutic strategies to target ΔNp63α expression to impair the CSC population, as well as to prevent metastasis and drug resistance to improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Fisher
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Seamus Balinth
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Alea A Mills
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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15
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Li X, Ma Y, Wu J, Ni M, Chen A, Zhou Y, Dai W, Chen Z, Jiang R, Ling Y, Yao Q, Chen W. Thiol oxidative stress-dependent degradation of transglutaminase2 via protein S-glutathionylation sensitizes 5-fluorouracil therapy in 5-fluorouracil-resistant colorectal cancer cells. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 67:100930. [PMID: 36736043 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
5-Fluorouracil (5-Fu) is a first-line drug for colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. However, the development of 5-Fu resistance limits its chemotherapeutic effectiveness and often leads to poor prognoses of CRC. Transglutaminase 2 (TGM2), a member of the transglutaminase family, is considered to be associated with chemoresistance through apoptotic prevention in various cancers including CRC. TGM2 was found to be overexpressed in two 5-Fu-resistant CRC cell lines and down-regulated by increased thiol oxidative stress induced by inhibition of glutathione reductase (GR). The present study aimed to explore the role of TGM2 in 5-Fu-resistant CRC and the mechanism of action by which the elevated thiol oxidative stress down-regulates TGM2 protein level. The results revealed that 5-Fu-resistance induced by overexpression of TGM2 in CRC cells was reversed through up-regulation of thiol oxidative stress. Knockdown of TGM2 increased the chemosensitivity of CRC cells to 5-Fu. Thiol oxidative stress potentially enhanced the therapeutic effect of 5-Fu in the resistant CRC cells by promotion of 5-Fu-induced apoptosis through down-regulation of TGM2. The elevated thiol oxidative stress increased the S-glutathionylation of TGM2 and led to proteasomal degradation of TGM2. Furthermore, Cys193 was identified as the S-glutathionylation site in TGM2, and its mutation resulted in thiol oxidative stress-mediated CRC cell apoptotic resistance. TGM2-induced EMT was also suppressed by the elevated thiol oxidative stress. A xenograft tumor model confirmed the effect of thiol oxidative stress in the reversal of 5-Fu resistance in CRC cells in vivo. TGM2 protein expression level was found to be significantly higher in human CRC specimens than in non-cancerous colorectal tissues. Taken together, the present data suggest an important role of TGM2 in 5-Fu resistance in CRC cells. Up-regulation of thiol oxidative stress could be a potential therapeutic approach for treating 5-Fu-resistant CRC and TGM2 may serve as a potential therapeutic target of thiol oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Cancer Research Institute, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Cancer, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Yan Ma
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Junzhou Wu
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Cancer Research Institute, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Maowei Ni
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Cancer Research Institute, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Aiping Chen
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Cancer Research Institute, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Wumin Dai
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Cancer Research Institute, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Zhongjian Chen
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Cancer Research Institute, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Ruibin Jiang
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Cancer Research Institute, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Yutian Ling
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Cancer Research Institute, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Qinghua Yao
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Cancer, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China
| | - Wei Chen
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou 310022, China; Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Cancer Research Institute, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China; Key Laboratory of Prevention, Diagnosis and Therapy of Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310022, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine on Cancer, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310022, China.
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16
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Cundy NJ, Arciszewski J, Gates EWJ, Acton SL, Passley KD, Awoonor-Williams E, Boyd EK, Xu N, Pierson É, Fernandez-Ansieta C, Albert MR, McNeil NMR, Adhikary G, Eckert RL, Keillor JW. Novel irreversible peptidic inhibitors of transglutaminase 2. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:378-385. [PMID: 36846375 PMCID: PMC9945859 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00417h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), also referred to as tissue transglutaminase, plays crucial roles in both protein crosslinking and cell signalling. It is capable of both catalysing transamidation and acting as a G-protein, these activities being conformation-dependent, mutually exclusive, and tightly regulated. The dysregulation of both activities has been implicated in numerous pathologies. TG2 is expressed ubiquitously in humans and is localized both intracellularly and extracellularly. Targeted TG2 therapies have been developed but have faced numerous hurdles including decreased efficacy in vivo. Our latest efforts in inhibitor optimization involve the modification of a previous lead compound's scaffold by insertion of various amino acid residues into the peptidomimetic backbone, and derivatization of the N-terminus with substituted phenylacetic acids, resulting in 28 novel irreversible inhibitors. These inhibitors were evaluated for their ability to inhibit TG2 in vitro and their pharmacokinetic properties, and the most promising candidate 35 (k inact/K I = 760 × 103 M-1 min-1) was tested in a cancer stem cell model. Although these inhibitors display exceptional potency versus TG2, with k inact/K I ratios nearly ten-fold higher than their parent compound, their pharmacokinetic properties and cellular activity limit their therapeutic potential. However, they do serve as a scaffold for the development of potent research tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Cundy
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Jane Arciszewski
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Eric W J Gates
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Sydney L Acton
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Kyle D Passley
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Ernest Awoonor-Williams
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Elizabeth K Boyd
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Nancy Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Élise Pierson
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | | | - Marie R Albert
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Nicole M R McNeil
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland 21201 USA
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland 21201 USA
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
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17
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The Impact of Nε-Acryloyllysine Piperazides on the Conformational Dynamics of Transglutaminase 2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021650. [PMID: 36675164 PMCID: PMC9865645 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the classic functions of proteins, such as acting as a biocatalyst or binding partner, the conformational states of proteins and their remodeling upon stimulation need to be considered. A prominent example of a protein that undergoes comprehensive conformational remodeling is transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2), the distinct conformational states of which are closely related to particular functions. Its involvement in various pathophysiological processes, including fibrosis and cancer, motivates the development of theranostic agents, particularly based on inhibitors that are directed toward the transamidase activity. In this context, the ability of such inhibitors to control the conformational dynamics of TGase 2 emerges as an important parameter, and methods to assess this property are in great demand. Herein, we describe the application of the switchSENSE® principle to detect conformational changes caused by three irreversibly binding Nε-acryloyllysine piperazides, which are suitable radiotracer candidates of TGase 2. The switchSENSE® technique is based on DNA levers actuated by alternating electric fields. These levers are immobilized on gold electrodes with one end, and at the other end of the lever, the TGase 2 is covalently bound. A novel computational method is introduced for describing the resulting lever motion to quantify the extent of stimulated conformational TGase 2 changes. Moreover, as a complementary biophysical method, native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed under similar conditions to validate the results. Both methods prove the occurrence of an irreversible shift in the conformational equilibrium of TGase 2, caused by the binding of the three studied Nε-acryloyllysine piperazides.
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Xu Y, Yang X, Xiong Q, Han J, Zhu Q. The dual role of p63 in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1116061. [PMID: 37182132 PMCID: PMC10174455 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1116061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The p53 family is made up of three transcription factors: p53, p63, and p73. These proteins are well-known regulators of cell function and play a crucial role in controlling various processes related to cancer progression, including cell division, proliferation, genomic stability, cell cycle arrest, senescence, and apoptosis. In response to extra- or intracellular stress or oncogenic stimulation, all members of the p53 family are mutated in structure or altered in expression levels to affect the signaling network, coordinating many other pivotal cellular processes. P63 exists as two main isoforms (TAp63 and ΔNp63) that have been contrastingly discovered; the TA and ΔN isoforms exhibit distinguished properties by promoting or inhibiting cancer progression. As such, p63 isoforms comprise a fully mysterious and challenging regulatory pathway. Recent studies have revealed the intricate role of p63 in regulating the DNA damage response (DDR) and its impact on diverse cellular processes. In this review, we will highlight the significance of how p63 isoforms respond to DNA damage and cancer stem cells, as well as the dual role of TAp63 and ΔNp63 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfeng Xu
- Abdominal Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yang
- Abdominal Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qunli Xiong
- Abdominal Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Junhong Han
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Qing Zhu, ; Junhong Han,
| | - Qing Zhu
- Abdominal Oncology Ward, Cancer Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Qing Zhu, ; Junhong Han,
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Chen X, Adhikary G, Newland JJ, Xu W, Ma E, Naselsky W, Eckert RL. The transglutaminase 2 cancer cell survival factor maintains mTOR activity to drive an aggressive cancer phenotype. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:90-100. [PMID: 35848131 PMCID: PMC9771885 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23446] [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: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an important cancer stem-like cell survival protein that is highly expressed in epidermal squamous cell carcinoma and drives an aggressive cancer phenotype. In the present study, we show that TG2 knockdown or inactivation results in a reduction in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) level and activity in epidermal cancer stem-like cells which are associated with reduced spheroid formation, invasion, and migration, and reduced cancer stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression. Similar changes were observed in both cultured cells and tumors. mTOR knockdown or treatment with rapamycin phenocopies the reduction in spheroid formation, invasion, and migration, and cancer stem cell and EMT marker expression. Moreover, mTOR appears to be a necessary mediator of TG2 action, as a forced expression of constitutively active mTOR in TG2 knockdown cells partially restores the aggressive cancer phenotype and cancer stem cell and EMT marker expression. Tumor studies show that rapamycin reduces tumor growth and cancer stem cell marker expression and EMT. These studies suggest that TG2 stimulates mTOR activity to stimulate cancer cell stemness and EMT and drive aggressive tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John J. Newland
- Surgery - Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emily Ma
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Warren Naselsky
- Surgery - Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Rossin F, Ciccosanti F, D'Eletto M, Occhigrossi L, Fimia GM, Piacentini M. Type 2 transglutaminase in the nucleus: the new epigenetic face of a cytoplasmic enzyme. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:52. [PMID: 36695883 PMCID: PMC9874183 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04698-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
One of the major mysteries in science is how it is possible to pack the cellular chromatin with a total length of over 1 m, into a small sphere with a diameter of 5 mm "the nucleus", and even more difficult to envisage how to make it functional. Although we know that compaction is achieved through the histones, however, the DNA needs to be accessible to the transcription machinery and this is allowed thanks to a variety of very complex epigenetic mechanisms. Either DNA (methylation) or post-translational modifications of histone proteins (acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination and sumoylation) play a crucial role in chromatin remodelling and consequently on gene expression. Recently the serotonylation and dopaminylation of the histone 3, catalyzed by the Transglutaminase type 2 (TG2), has been reported. These novel post-translational modifications catalyzed by a predominantly cytoplasmic enzyme opens a new avenue for future investigations on the enzyme function itself and for the possibility that other biological amines, substrate of TG2, can influence the genome regulation under peculiar cellular conditions. In this review we analyzed the nuclear TG2's biology by discussing both its post-translational modification of various transcription factors and the implications of its epigenetic new face. Finally, we will focus on the potential impact of these events in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Rossin
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiola Ciccosanti
- Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases IRCCS 'L. Spallanzani', Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela D'Eletto
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Occhigrossi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Fimia
- Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases IRCCS 'L. Spallanzani', Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Rome "La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Via Della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Epidemiology, Preclinical Research and Advanced Diagnostics, National Institute for Infectious Diseases IRCCS 'L. Spallanzani', Rome, Italy.
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21
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Hu X, Zhang Y, Yu H, Zhao Y, Sun X, Li Q, Wang Y. The role of YAP1 in survival prediction, immune modulation, and drug response: A pan-cancer perspective. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1012173. [PMID: 36479120 PMCID: PMC9719955 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1012173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway has been implicated in multiple pathologies, including cancer, and YAP1 is the major effector of the pathway. In this study, we assessed the role of YAP1 in prognostic value, immunomodulation, and drug response from a pan-cancer perspective. Methods We compared YAP1 expression between normal and cancerous tissues and among different pathologic stages survival analysis and gene set enrichment analysis were performed. Additionally, we performed correlation analyses of YAP1 expression with RNA modification-related gene expression, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), immune checkpoint regulator expression, and infiltration of immune cells. Correlations between YAP1 expression and IC50s (half-maximal inhibitory concentrations) of drugs in the CellMiner database were calculated. Results We found that YAP1 was aberrantly expressed in various cancer types and regulated by its DNA methylation and post-transcriptional modifications, particularly m6A methylation. High expression of YAP1 was associated with poor survival outcomes in ACC, BLCA, LGG, LUAD, and PAAD. YAP1 expression was negatively correlated with the infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+ Th1 cells, T follicular helper cells, NKT cells, and activated NK cells, and positively correlated with the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in pan-cancer. Higher YAP1 expression showed upregulation of TGF-β signaling, Hedgehog signaling, and KRAS signaling. IC50s of FDA-approved chemotherapeutic drugs capable of inhibiting DNA synthesis, including teniposide, dacarbazine, and doxorubicin, as well as inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible factor, MCL-1, ribonucleotide reductase, and FASN in clinical trials were negatively correlated with YAP1 expression. Discussion In conclusion, YAP1 is aberrantly expressed in various cancer types and regulated by its DNA methylation and post-transcriptional modifications. High expression of YAP1 is associated with poor survival outcomes in certain cancer types. YAP1 may promote tumor progression through immunosuppression, particularly by suppressing the infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+ Th1 cells, T follicular helper cells, NKT cells, and activated NK cells, as well as recruiting MDSCs and CAFs in pan-cancer. The tumor-promoting activity of YAP1 is attributed to the activation of TGF-β, Hedgehog, and KRAS signaling pathways. AZD2858 and varlitinib might be effective in cancer patients with high YAP1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingru Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyang Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoting Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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22
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Howard A, Bojko J, Flynn B, Bowen S, Jungwirth U, Walko G. Targeting the Hippo/YAP/TAZ signalling pathway: Novel opportunities for therapeutic interventions into skin cancers. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:1477-1499. [PMID: 35913427 PMCID: PMC9804452 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Skin cancers are by far the most frequently diagnosed human cancers. The closely related transcriptional co-regulator proteins YAP and TAZ (WWTR1) have emerged as important drivers of tumour initiation, progression and metastasis in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. YAP/TAZ serve as an essential signalling hub by integrating signals from multiple upstream pathways. In this review, we summarize the roles of YAP/TAZ in skin physiology and tumorigenesis and discuss recent efforts of therapeutic interventions that target YAP/TAZ in in both preclinical and clinical settings, as well as their prospects for use as skin cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jodie Bojko
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of BathBathUK
| | | | - Sophie Bowen
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of BathBathUK
| | - Ute Jungwirth
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of BathBathUK,Centre for Therapeutic InnovationUniversity of BathBathUK
| | - Gernot Walko
- Department of Life SciencesUniversity of BathBathUK,Centre for Therapeutic InnovationUniversity of BathBathUK
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Wei S, Li J, Tang M, Zhang K, Gao X, Fang L, Liu W. STAT3 and p63 in the Regulation of Cancer Stemness. Front Genet 2022; 13:909251. [PMID: 36061200 PMCID: PMC9428145 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.909251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor with many important functions in normal and transformed cells. STAT3 regulatory activities are highly complex as they are involved in various signaling pathways in different cell types under different conditions. Biologically, STAT3 is a regulative factor for normal and cancer stem cells (CSCs). Tumor protein p63 (p63), a member of the p53 protein family, is involved in these biological processes and is also physically and functionally associated with STAT3. STAT3 activation occurs during various aspects of carcinogenesis, including regulation of CSCs properties. In combination with p63, STAT3 is a possible biological marker of CSCs and a major regulator of maintenance of stemness in CSCs. We summarized the STAT3 functions and regulation and its role in CSC properties and highlight how these are affected by its associations with p63.
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24
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Naselsky W, Adhikary G, Shrestha S, Chen X, Ezeka G, Xu W, Friedberg JS, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 enhances hepatocyte growth factor signaling to drive the mesothelioma cancer cell phenotype. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:537-548. [PMID: 35319795 PMCID: PMC10074999 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23399] [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: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an important mesothelioma cancer cell survival protein. However, the mechanism whereby TG2 maintains mesothelioma cell survival is not well understood. We present studies showing that TG2 drives hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-dependent MET receptor signaling to maintain the aggressive mesothelioma cancer phenotype. TG2 increases HGF and MET messenger RNA and protein levels to enhance MET signaling. TG2 inactivation reduces MET tyrosine kinase activity to reduce cancer cell spheroid formation, invasion and migration. We also confirm that HGF/MET signaling is a biologically important mediator of TG2 action. Reducing MET level using genetic methods or treatment with MET inhibitors reduces spheroid formation, invasion and migration and this is associated with reduced MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. In addition, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 inhibitors suppress the cancer phenotype. Moreover, MET knockout mesothelioma cells form 10-fold smaller tumors compared to wild-type cells and these tumors display reduced MET, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 activity. These findings suggest that TG2 maintains HGF and MET levels in cultured mesothelioma cells and tumors to drive HGF/MET, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 signaling to maintain the aggressive mesothelioma cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Naselsky
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Suruchi Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Geraldine Ezeka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joseph S Friedberg
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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25
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Sima LE, Matei D, Condello S. The Outside-In Journey of Tissue Transglutaminase in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111779. [PMID: 35681474 PMCID: PMC9179582 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a member of the transglutaminase family that catalyzes Ca2+-dependent protein crosslinks and hydrolyzes guanosine 5′-triphosphate (GTP). The conformation and functions of TG2 are regulated by Ca2+ and GTP levels; the TG2 enzymatically active open conformation is modulated by high Ca2+ concentrations, while high intracellular GTP promotes the closed conformation, with inhibition of the TG-ase activity. TG2’s unique characteristics and its ubiquitous distribution in the intracellular compartment, coupled with its secretion in the extracellular matrix, contribute to modulate the functions of the protein. Its aberrant expression has been observed in several cancer types where it was linked to metastatic progression, resistance to chemotherapy, stemness, and worse clinical outcomes. The N-terminal domain of TG2 binds to the 42 kDa gelatin-binding domain of fibronectin with high affinity, facilitating the formation of a complex with β-integrins, essential for cellular adhesion to the matrix. This mechanism allows TG2 to interact with key matrix proteins and to regulate epithelial to mesenchymal transition and stemness. Here, we highlight the current knowledge on TG2 involvement in cancer, focusing on its roles translating extracellular cues into activation of oncogenic programs. Improved understanding of these mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting this multi-functional protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Elena Sima
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, 060031 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
- Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Salvatore Condello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence:
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Structure-activity relationships of N-terminal variants of peptidomimetic tissue transglutaminase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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27
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Rorke EA, Adhikary G, Szmacinski H, Lakowicz JR, Weber DJ, Godoy-Ruiz R, Puranik P, Keillor JW, Gates EW, Eckert RL. Sulforaphane covalently interacts with the transglutaminase 2 cancer maintenance protein to alter its structure and suppress its activity. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:19-32. [PMID: 34610184 PMCID: PMC8665039 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 transglutaminase (TG2) functions as an important cancer cell survival protein in a range of cancers including epidermal squamous cell carcinoma. TG2 exists in open and closed conformations each of which has a distinct and mutually exclusive activity. The closed conformation has GTP-binding/GTPase activity while the open conformation functions as a transamidase to catalyze protein-protein crosslinking. GTP-binding/GTPase activity is required for TG2 maintenance of the aggressive cancer phenotype. Thus, identifying agents that convert TG2 from the closed to the open GTP-binding/GTPase inactive conformation is an important cancer prevention/treatment strategy. Sulforaphane (SFN) is an important diet-derived cancer prevention agent that is known to possess a reactive isothiocyanate group and has potent anticancer activity. Using a biotin-tagged SFN analog (Biotin-ITC) and kinetic analysis we show that SFN covalently and irreversibly binds to recombinant TG2 to inhibit transamidase activity and shift TG2 to an open/extended conformation, leading to a partial inhibition of GTP binding. We also show that incubation of cancer cells or cancer cell extract with Biotin-ITC results in formation of a TG2/Biotin-ITC complex and that SFN treatment of cancer cells inhibits TG2 transamidase activity and shifts TG2 to an open/extended conformation. These findings identify TG2 as a direct SFN anticancer target in epidermal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen A. Rorke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Henryk Szmacinski
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Joseph R. Lakowicz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - David J. Weber
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Raquel Godoy-Ruiz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Purushottamachar Puranik
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | | | - Eric W.J Gates
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
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28
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Elahi A, Emerson J, Rudlong J, Keillor JW, Salois G, Visca A, Girardi P, Johnson GV, Pröschel C. Deletion or Inhibition of Astrocytic Transglutaminase 2 Promotes Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2021; 10:2942. [PMID: 34831164 PMCID: PMC8616117 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Following CNS injury, astrocytes become "reactive" and exhibit pro-regenerative or harmful properties. However, the molecular mechanisms that cause astrocytes to adopt either phenotype are not well understood. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) plays a key role in regulating the response of astrocytes to insults. Here, we used mice in which TG2 was specifically deleted in astrocytes (Gfap-Cre+/- TG2fl/fl, referred to here as TG2-A-cKO) in a spinal cord contusion injury (SCI) model. Deletion of TG2 from astrocytes resulted in a significant improvement in motor function following SCI. GFAP and NG2 immunoreactivity, as well as number of SOX9 positive cells, were significantly reduced in TG2-A-cKO mice. RNA-seq analysis of spinal cords from TG2-A-cKO and control mice 3 days post-injury identified thirty-seven differentially expressed genes, all of which were increased in TG2-A-cKO mice. Pathway analysis revealed a prevalence for fatty acid metabolism, lipid storage and energy pathways, which play essential roles in neuron-astrocyte metabolic coupling. Excitingly, treatment of wild type mice with the selective TG2 inhibitor VA4 significantly improved functional recovery after SCI, similar to what was observed using the genetic model. These findings indicate the use of TG2 inhibitors as a novel strategy for the treatment of SCI and other CNS injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anissa Elahi
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (A.E.); (G.S.); (A.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Jacen Emerson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (J.E.); (J.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Jacob Rudlong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (J.E.); (J.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Jeffrey W. Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada;
| | - Garrick Salois
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (A.E.); (G.S.); (A.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Adam Visca
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (A.E.); (G.S.); (A.V.); (C.P.)
| | - Peter Girardi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (J.E.); (J.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Gail V.W. Johnson
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (J.E.); (J.R.); (P.G.)
| | - Christoph Pröschel
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA; (A.E.); (G.S.); (A.V.); (C.P.)
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Kdimati S, Mullins CS, Linnebacher M. Cancer-Cell-Derived IgG and Its Potential Role in Tumor Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111597. [PMID: 34769026 PMCID: PMC8583861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunoglobulin G (IgG) is the primary component of the human serum antibody fraction, representing about 75% of the immunoglobulins and 10-20% of the total circulating plasma proteins. Generally, IgG sequences are highly conserved, yet the four subclasses, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4, differ in their physiological effector functions by binding to different IgG-Fc receptors (FcγR). Thus, despite a similarity of about 90% on the amino acid level, each subclass possesses a unique manner of antigen binding and immune complex formation. Triggering FcγR-expressing cells results in a wide range of responses, including phagocytosis, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and complement activation. Textbook knowledge implies that only B lymphocytes are capable of producing antibodies, which recognize specific antigenic structures derived from pathogens and infected endogenous or tumorigenic cells. Here, we review recent discoveries, including our own observations, about misplaced IgG expression in tumor cells. Various studies described the presence of IgG in tumor cells using immunohistology and established correlations between high antibody levels and promotion of cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and poor clinical prognosis for the respective tumor patients. Furthermore, blocking tumor-cell-derived IgG inhibited tumor cells. Tumor-cell-derived IgG might impede antigen-dependent cellular cytotoxicity by binding antigens while, at the same time, lacking the capacity for complement activation. These findings recommend tumor-cell-derived IgG as a potential therapeutic target. The observed uniqueness of Ig heavy chains expressed by tumor cells, using PCR with V(D)J rearrangement specific primers, suggests that this specific part of IgG may additionally play a role as a potential tumor marker and, thus, also qualify for the neoantigen category.
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30
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Fisher ML, Balinth S, Hwangbo Y, Wu C, Ballon C, Wilkinson JE, Goldberg GL, Mills AA. BRD4 REGULATES TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR ∆Np63αTO DRIVE A CANCER STEM CELL PHENOTYPE IN SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMAS. Cancer Res 2021; 81:6246-6258. [PMID: 34697072 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Bromodomain containing protein 4 (BRD4) plays a critical role in controlling the expression of genes involved in development and cancer. Inactivation of BRD4 inhibits cancer growth, making it a promising anticancer drug target. The cancer stem cell population is a key driver of recurrence and metastasis in cancer patients. Here we show that cancer stem-like cells can be enriched from squamous cell carcinomas, and that these cells display an aggressive phenotype with enhanced stem cell marker expression, migration, invasion, and tumor growth. BRD4 was highly elevated in this aggressive subpopulation of cells, and its function is critical for these cancer stem cell-like properties. Moreover, BRD4 regulated ∆Np63α, a key transcription factor that is essential for epithelial stem cell function that is often overexpressed in cancers. BRD4 regulated an EZH2/STAT3 complex that led to increased ∆Np63α-mediated transcription. Targeting BRD4 in human squamous cell carcinoma reduces ∆Np63α, leading to inhibition of spheroid formation, migration, invasion and tumor growth. These studies identify a novel BRD4-regulated signaling network in a subpopulation of cancer stem-like cells elucidating a possible avenue for effective therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Fisher
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
| | | | - Yon Hwangbo
- Cancer Genetics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
| | - Caizhi Wu
- Cancer Genetics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
| | | | - John E Wilkinson
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
| | - Gary L Goldberg
- Ob/Gyn, Gynecologic Oncology, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwel
| | - Alea A Mills
- Div. of Cancer Genetics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
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31
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Chen X, Adhikary G, Shrestha S, Xu W, Keillor JW, Naselsky W, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 Maintains Hepatocyte Growth Factor Signaling to Enhance the Cancer Cell Phenotype. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:2026-2035. [PMID: 34593609 PMCID: PMC10088464 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a key epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cancer cell survival protein. However, how TG2 maintains the aggressive cancer phenotype is not well understood. The present studies show that TG2, which is highly expressed in epidermal cancer stem-like cells (ECS cells), maintains hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling to drive an aggressive ECS cell cancer phenotype. Inhibiting TG2 reduces MET tyrosine kinase receptor expression and activity and attenuates the cancer cell phenotype. Moreover, inhibition of TG2 or HGF/MET function reduces downstream MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 activity, and this is associated with reduced cancer cell spheroid formation, invasion, and migration, and reduced stem and EMT marker expression. Treatment of TG2 knockdown cells with HGF partially restores the aggressive cancer phenotype, confirming that MET signaling is downstream of TG2. MET knockout reduces ERK1/2 signaling, doubles the time to initial tumor appearance, and reduces overall tumor growth. These findings suggest that TG2 maintains HGF/MET and MAPK (MEK1/2 and ERK1/2) signaling to drive the aggressive ECS cell cancer phenotype and tumor formation, and that TG2-dependent MET signaling may be a useful anti-cancer target. IMPLICATIONS: TG2 is an important epidermal squamous cell carcinoma stem cell survival protein. We show that TG2 activates an HGF/MET, MEK1/2 ERK1/2 signaling cascade that maintains the aggressive cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Suruchi Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Warren Naselsky
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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32
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Wang M, Dai M, Wang D, Xiong W, Zeng Z, Guo C. The regulatory networks of the Hippo signaling pathway in cancer development. J Cancer 2021; 12:6216-6230. [PMID: 34539895 PMCID: PMC8425214 DOI: 10.7150/jca.62402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway is a relatively young tumor-related signaling pathway. Although it was discovered lately, research on it developed rapidly. The Hippo signaling pathway is closely relevant to the occurrence and development of tumors and the maintenance of organ size and other biological processes. This manuscript focuses on YAP, the core molecule of the Hippo signaling pathway, and discussion the upstream and downstream regulatory networks of the Hippo signaling pathway during tumorigenesis and development. It also summarizes the relevant drugs involved in this signaling pathway, which may be helpful to the development of targeted drugs for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maonan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Manli Dai
- Hunan Food and Drug Vocational College, Changsha 410036, China
| | - Dan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Can Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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33
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Mickle M, Adhikary G, Shrestha S, Xu W, Eckert RL. VGLL4 inhibits YAP1/TEAD signaling to suppress the epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cancer phenotype. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:497-507. [PMID: 34004031 PMCID: PMC8243851 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develops in response to ultraviolet light exposure and is among the most common cancers. The transglutaminase 2 cancer cell survival protein stimulates the activity of the YAP1/TEAD transcription complex to drive the expression of genes that promote aggressive epidermal SCC cell invasion, migration, and tumor formation. Therefore, we are interested in mechanisms that may inhibit these events. Vestigial-like protein-4 (VGLL4) is a transcription cofactor/tumor suppressor that inhibits several pro-cancer pathways including YAP1 signaling. Our present studies show that VGLL4 inhibits YAP1/TEAD-dependent transcription to reduce the expression of YAP1 target genes (CCND1, CYR61, and CTGF) and pro-cancer collagen genes (COL1A2 and COL3A1). We further show that loss of these YAP1 regulated genes is required for VGLL4 suppression of the cancer cell phenotype, as forced CCND1 or COL1A2 expression partially restores the aggressive cancer phenotype in VGLL4 expressing cells. Consistent with these findings, VGLL4 expression reduces tumor formation, and this is associated with reduced CCND1, CYR61, CTGF, COL1A2, and COL1A3 mRNA and protein levels, and reduced EMT marker expression. These findings indicate that VGLL4 suppresses the malignant epidermal SCC cancer phenotype by inhibiting YAP1/TEAD-dependent pro-cancer signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKayla Mickle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Suruchi Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Department of Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
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34
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Tempest R, Guarnerio S, Maani R, Cooper J, Peake N. The Biological and Biomechanical Role of Transglutaminase-2 in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112788. [PMID: 34205140 PMCID: PMC8199963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase-2 (TG2) is the most highly and ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase enzyme family and is primarily involved in protein cross-linking. TG2 has been implicated in the development and progression of numerous cancers, with a direct role in multiple cellular processes and pathways linked to apoptosis, chemoresistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stem cell phenotype. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is critical in the formation, progression, and eventual metastasis of cancer, and increasing evidence points to a role for TG2 in matrix remodelling, modulation of biomechanical properties, cell adhesion, motility, and invasion. There is growing interest in targeting the TME therapeutically in response to advances in the understanding of its critical role in disease progression, and a number of approaches targeting biophysical properties and biomechanical signalling are beginning to show clinical promise. In this review we aim to highlight the wide array of processes in which TG2 influences the TME, focussing on its potential role in the dynamic tissue remodelling and biomechanical events increasingly linked to invasive and aggressive behaviour. Drug development efforts have yielded a range of TG2 inhibitors, and ongoing clinical trials may inform strategies for targeting the biomolecular and biomechanical function of TG2 in the TME.
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35
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Malkomes P, Lunger I, Oppermann E, Abou-El-Ardat K, Oellerich T, Günther S, Canbulat C, Bothur S, Schnütgen F, Yu W, Wingert S, Haetscher N, Catapano C, Dietz MS, Heilemann M, Kvasnicka HM, Holzer K, Serve H, Bechstein WO, Rieger MA. Transglutaminase 2 promotes tumorigenicity of colon cancer cells by inactivation of the tumor suppressor p53. Oncogene 2021; 40:4352-4367. [PMID: 34103685 PMCID: PMC8225513 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01847-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite a high clinical need for the treatment of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, targeted therapies are still limited. The multifunctional enzyme Transglutaminase 2 (TGM2), which harbors transamidation and GTPase activity, has been implicated in the development and progression of different types of human cancers. However, the mechanism and role of TGM2 in colorectal cancer are poorly understood. Here, we present TGM2 as a promising drug target.In primary patient material of CRC patients, we detected an increased expression and enzymatic activity of TGM2 in colon cancer tissue in comparison to matched normal colon mucosa cells. The genetic ablation of TGM2 in CRC cell lines using shRNAs or CRISPR/Cas9 inhibited cell expansion and tumorsphere formation. In vivo, tumor initiation and growth were reduced upon genetic knockdown of TGM2 in xenotransplantations. TGM2 ablation led to the induction of Caspase-3-driven apoptosis in CRC cells. Functional rescue experiments with TGM2 variants revealed that the transamidation activity is critical for the pro-survival function of TGM2. Transcriptomic and protein-protein interaction analyses applying various methods including super-resolution and time-lapse microscopy showed that TGM2 directly binds to the tumor suppressor p53, leading to its inactivation and escape of apoptosis induction.We demonstrate here that TGM2 is an essential survival factor in CRC, highlighting the therapeutic potential of TGM2 inhibitors in CRC patients with high TGM2 expression. The inactivation of p53 by TGM2 binding indicates a general anti-apoptotic function, which may be relevant in cancers beyond CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Malkomes
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ilaria Lunger
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elsie Oppermann
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Khalil Abou-El-Ardat
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Oellerich
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stefan Günther
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Department I Cardiac Development and Remodelling, Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Can Canbulat
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sabrina Bothur
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Frank Schnütgen
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Weijia Yu
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Wingert
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nadine Haetscher
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Claudia Catapano
- Single Molecule Biophysics, Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marina S Dietz
- Single Molecule Biophysics, Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mike Heilemann
- Single Molecule Biophysics, Institute of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hans-Michael Kvasnicka
- Goethe University Frankfurt, Senckenberg Institute for Pathology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katharina Holzer
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Philipps University of Marburg, Department of Visceral-, Thoracic- and Vascular Surgery, Marburg, Germany
| | - Hubert Serve
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Wolf Otto Bechstein
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael A Rieger
- Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Cardio-Pulmonary Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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36
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Pokorná Z, Vysloužil J, Hrabal V, Vojtěšek B, Coates PJ. The foggy world(s) of p63 isoform regulation in normal cells and cancer. J Pathol 2021; 254:454-473. [PMID: 33638205 DOI: 10.1002/path.5656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The p53 family member p63 exists as two major protein variants (TAp63 and ΔNp63) with distinct expression patterns and functional properties. Whilst downstream target genes of p63 have been studied intensively, how p63 variants are themselves controlled has been relatively neglected. Here, we review advances in understanding ΔNp63 and TAp63 regulation, highlighting their distinct pathways. TAp63 has roles in senescence and metabolism, and in germ cell genome maintenance, where it is activated post-transcriptionally by phosphorylation cascades after DNA damage. The function and regulation of TAp63 in mesenchymal and haematopoietic cells is less clear but may involve epigenetic control through DNA methylation. ΔNp63 functions to maintain stem/progenitor cells in various epithelia and is overexpressed in squamous and certain other cancers. ΔNp63 is transcriptionally regulated through multiple enhancers in concert with chromatin modifying proteins. Many signalling pathways including growth factors, morphogens, inflammation, and the extracellular matrix influence ΔNp63 levels, with inconsistent results reported. There is also evidence for reciprocal regulation, including ΔNp63 activating its own transcription. ΔNp63 is downregulated during cell differentiation through transcriptional regulation, while post-transcriptional events cause proteasomal degradation. Throughout the review, we identify knowledge gaps and highlight discordances, providing potential explanations including cell-context and cell-matrix interactions. Identifying individual p63 variants has roles in differential diagnosis and prognosis, and understanding their regulation suggests clinically approved agents for targeting p63 that may be useful combination therapies for selected cancer patients. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Pokorná
- Research Centre of Applied Molecular Oncology (RECAMO), Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Vysloužil
- Research Centre of Applied Molecular Oncology (RECAMO), Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Hrabal
- Research Centre of Applied Molecular Oncology (RECAMO), Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Borˇivoj Vojtěšek
- Research Centre of Applied Molecular Oncology (RECAMO), Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Philip J Coates
- Research Centre of Applied Molecular Oncology (RECAMO), Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
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Jiang K, Dong C, Yin Z, Li R, Mao J, Wang C, Zhang J, Gao Z, Liang R, Wang Q, Wang L. Exosome-derived ENO1 regulates integrin α6β4 expression and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma growth and metastasis. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:972. [PMID: 33184263 PMCID: PMC7661725 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03179-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-enolase (ENO1) has been found to be dysregulated in several human malignancies, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although the role of ENO1 as a glycolytic enzyme in HCC cells has been well characterized, little is known about the other roles of ENO1, especially exosome-derived ENO1, in regulating HCC progression. Here, we demonstrated that ENO1 is frequently upregulated in HCC cells or tissues, with even higher expression in highly metastatic HCC cells or metastatic tissues as well as in exosomes derived from highly metastatic sources. Moreover, ENO1 expression is associated with the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, differentiation grade and poor prognosis in HCC patients. Surprisingly, ENO1 can be transferred between HCC cells via exosome-mediated crosstalk, exhibiting an effect similar to that of ENO1 overexpression in HCC cells, which promoted the growth and metastasis of HCC cells with low ENO1 expression by upregulating integrin α6β4 expression and activating the FAK/Src-p38MAPK pathway. In summary, our data suggest that exosome-derived ENO1 is essential to promoting HCC growth, metastasis, and further patient deterioration. The findings from this study implicate a novel biomarker for the clinical evaluation of HCC progression, especially the prediction of HCC metastatic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keqiu Jiang
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China
| | - Chengyong Dong
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China
| | - Zeli Yin
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China
| | - Rui Li
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China
| | - Jiakai Mao
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China
| | - Chengye Wang
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China
| | - Junlin Zhang
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China
| | - Zhenming Gao
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China
| | - Rui Liang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.
| | - Liming Wang
- Engineering Research Center for New Materials and Precision Treatment Technology of Malignant Tumors Therapy, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China. .,Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine, Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China. .,Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, NO. 467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, Liaoning, 116027, China.
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Sheftel CM, Hernandez LL. Serotonin stimulated parathyroid hormone related protein induction in the mammary epithelia by transglutaminase-dependent serotonylation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241192. [PMID: 33095824 PMCID: PMC7584195 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary-derived serotonin has been implicated in breast-to-bone communication during lactation by increasing parathyroid hormone related-protein (PTHrP) in the mammary gland. It is well established that PTHrP acts on the bone to liberate calcium for milk synthesis during lactation; however, the mechanism of serotonin’s regulation of PTHrP has not been fully elucidated. Recently, serotonylation has been shown to be involved in a variety of physiological processes mediated by serotonin. Therefore, we investigated whether serotonylation is involved in serotonin’s regulation of PTHrP in the mammary gland using lactogenically differentiated mouse mammary epithelial cells. We investigated the effect of increased intracellular serotonin using the antidepressant fluoxetine or 5-hydroxytryptophan (serotonin precursor), with or without transglutaminase inhibition and the corresponding action on PTHrP induction and activity. Treatment with fluoxetine or 5-hydroxytryptophan significantly increased intracellular serotonin concentrations and subsequently increased PTHrP gene expression, which was reduced with transglutaminase inhibition. Furthermore, we determined that transglutaminase activity is increased with lactogenic differentiation and 5-hydroxytryptophan or fluoxetine treatment. We investigated whether RhoA, Rac1, and Rab4 were potential serotonylation target proteins. We speculate that RhoA is potentially a serotonylation target protein. Our data suggest that serotonin regulates PTHrP induction in part through the process of serotonylation under lactogenic conditions in mouse mammary epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste M. Sheftel
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Laura L. Hernandez
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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39
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Abstract
p63 (also known as TP63) is a transcription factor of the p53 family, along with p73. Multiple isoforms of p63 have been discovered and these have diverse functions encompassing a wide array of cell biology. p63 isoforms are implicated in lineage specification, proliferative potential, differentiation, cell death and survival, DNA damage response and metabolism. Furthermore, p63 is linked to human disease states including cancer. p63 is critical to many aspects of cell signaling, and in this Cell science at a glance article and the accompanying poster, we focus on the signaling cascades regulating TAp63 and ΔNp63 isoforms and those that are regulated by TAp63 and ΔNp63, as well the role of p63 in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Fisher
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
| | - Seamus Balinth
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA.,Stony Brook University, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Stony Brook, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Alea A Mills
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 11724, USA
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40
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ACTL6A suppresses p21 Cip1 expression to enhance the epidermal squamous cell carcinoma phenotype. Oncogene 2020; 39:5855-5866. [PMID: 32616890 PMCID: PMC7483332 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1371-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common and highly invasive form of cancer. SCC arises due to ultraviolet light exposure and is associated with increased expression of pro-cancer genes and reduced expression of cancer suppressors. Actin-Like Protein 6A (ACTL6A, BAF53a) is an important protein subunit of the SWI/SNF epigenetic chromatin regulatory complex. ACTL6A is elevated in cancer cells and has been implicated as a driver of cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. In the present study, we show that ACTL6A drives SCC cell proliferation, spheroid formation, invasion and migration, and that these activities are markedly reduced by ACTL6A knockdown. We further show that ACTL6A expression is associated with reduced levels of the p21Cip1 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and tumor suppressor protein. Molecular studies show that ACTL6A interacts with p53 DNA response elements in the p21Cip1 gene promoter to suppress p21Cip1 promoter activity and mRNA and protein level. Additional studies show that an increase in p21Cip1 expression in ACTL6A knockdown cells is required for suppression of the SCC cell phenotype, suggesting that p21Cip1 is a mediator of ACTL6A action. We further show that this regulation is p53 independent. These findings suggest that ACTL6A suppresses p21Cip1 promoter activity to reduce p21Cip1 protein as a mechanism to maintain the aggressive epidermal SCC phenotype.
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41
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Pobbati AV, Hong W. A combat with the YAP/TAZ-TEAD oncoproteins for cancer therapy. Theranostics 2020; 10:3622-3635. [PMID: 32206112 PMCID: PMC7069086 DOI: 10.7150/thno.40889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcriptional co-regulators YAP and TAZ pair primarily with the TEAD family of transcription factors to elicit a gene expression signature that plays a prominent role in cancer development, progression and metastasis. YAP and TAZ endow cells with various oncogenic traits such that they sustain proliferation, inhibit apoptosis, maintain stemness, respond to mechanical stimuli, engineer metabolism, promote angiogenesis, suppress immune response and develop resistance to therapies. Therefore, inhibiting YAP/TAZ- TEAD is an attractive and viable option for novel cancer therapy. It is exciting to know that many drugs already in the clinic restrict YAP/TAZ activities and several novel YAP/TAZ inhibitors are currently under development. We have classified YAP/TAZ-inhibiting drugs into three groups. Group I drugs act on the upstream regulators that are stimulators of YAP/TAZ activities. Many of the Group I drugs have the potential to be repurposed as YAP/TAZ indirect inhibitors to treat various solid cancers. Group II modalities act directly on YAP/TAZ or TEADs and disrupt their interaction; targeting TEADs has emerged as a novel option to inhibit YAP/TAZ, as TEADs are major mediators of their oncogenic programs. TEADs can also be leveraged on using small molecules to activate YAP/TAZ-dependent gene expression for use in regenerative medicine. Group III drugs focus on targeting one of the oncogenic downstream YAP/TAZ transcriptional target genes. With the right strategy and impetus, it is not far-fetched to expect a repurposed group I drug or a novel group II drug to combat YAP and TAZ in cancers in the near future.
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42
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ΔNp63α exerts antitumor functions in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2019; 39:905-921. [DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1033-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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43
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Molecular Mechanisms of p63-Mediated Squamous Cancer Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143590. [PMID: 31340447 PMCID: PMC6678256 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The p63 gene is a member of the p53/p63/p73 family of transcription factors and plays a critical role in development and homeostasis of squamous epithelium. p63 is transcribed as multiple isoforms; ΔNp63α, the predominant p63 isoform in stratified squamous epithelium, is localized to the basal cells and is overexpressed in squamous cell cancers of multiple organ sites, including skin, head and neck, and lung. Further, p63 is considered a stem cell marker, and within the epidermis, ΔNp63α directs lineage commitment. ΔNp63α has been implicated in numerous processes of skin biology that impact normal epidermal homeostasis and can contribute to squamous cancer pathogenesis by supporting proliferation and survival with roles in blocking terminal differentiation, apoptosis, and senescence, and influencing adhesion and migration. ΔNp63α overexpression may also influence the tissue microenvironment through remodeling of the extracellular matrix and vasculature, as well as by enhancing cytokine and chemokine secretion to recruit pro-inflammatory infiltrate. This review focuses on the role of ΔNp63α in normal epidermal biology and how dysregulation can contribute to cutaneous squamous cancer development, drawing from knowledge also gained by squamous cancers from other organ sites that share p63 overexpression as a defining feature.
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44
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Wang Y, Li J, Gao Y, Luo Y, Luo H, Wang L, Yi Y, Yuan Z, Jim Xiao ZX. Hippo kinases regulate cell junctions to inhibit tumor metastasis in response to oxidative stress. Redox Biol 2019; 26:101233. [PMID: 31212215 PMCID: PMC6582208 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key regulators in cell proliferation, survival, tumor initiation and development. However, the role of ROS in tumor metastasis is less clear. Here, we show that oxidative stress inhibited tumor metastasis via activation of Hippo kinase MST1/2, which led to the phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of FoxO3a, resulting in upregulation of ΔNp63α expression and suppression of cell migration independent of YAP. Strikingly, while loss of MST1 led to and disruption of cell-cell junction exemplified by reduced E-cadherin expression, resulting in scattered cell growth, loss of MST2 led to disruption of cell-matrix adhesion as evidenced by reduced integrin β4, resulting in increased cell migration and tumor metastasis. Furthermore, expression of MST1 and MST2 was down-regulated in human breast carcinoma. Furthermore, oxidative stress inhibited HER2-or PI3K-mediated tumor metastasis via the MST2-FoxO3a-ΔNp63α pathway. Together, these results that this noncanonical Hippo MST2-FoxO3a-ΔNp63α pathway may play a critical role in ROS-mediated regulation of cell migration and tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Juan Li
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Yue Luo
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Yong Yi
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China
| | - Zengqiang Yuan
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, AMMS, Beijing, 100850, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong Jim Xiao
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China; Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
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45
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Delaine-Smith R, Wright N, Hanley C, Hanwell R, Bhome R, Bullock M, Drifka C, Eliceiri K, Thomas G, Knight M, Mirnezami A, Peake N. Transglutaminase-2 Mediates the Biomechanical Properties of the Colorectal Cancer Tissue Microenvironment that Contribute to Disease Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E701. [PMID: 31117256 PMCID: PMC6562428 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, and the fourth leading cause of malignancy-related mortality. This highlights the need to understand the processes driving this disease in order to develop new treatments and improve patient outcomes. A potential therapeutic target is the increased stiffness of the tumour microenvironment, which is linked to aggressive cancer cell behaviour by enhancing biomechanical signalling. In this study, we used an siRNA-based approach to investigate the contribution of the protein cross-linking enzyme transglutaminase-2 (TG2) to matrix remodelling and biomechanical properties of the tumour microenvironment. TG2 inhibited cancer cell growth in organotypic 3D fibroblast/SW480 co-culture models, and biomechanical analysis demonstrated that colorectal cancer cells induced fibroblast-mediated stiffness which was inhibited by silencing TG2. These biomechanical changes were associated with observed alterations to collagen fibre structure, notably fibre thickness. Our in vitro findings of collagen composition changes were also seen with imaging biopsied tissues from patients with colorectal cancer, with TG2 correlating positively with thicker collagen fibres, and associating with poor outcome as determined by disease recurrence post-surgery and overall survival. In conclusion, this study demonstrates a role for TG2 in the stromal response to invading tumour, leading to tissue stiffening and poor outcome in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Delaine-Smith
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Nicola Wright
- Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK.
| | - Chris Hanley
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Rebecca Hanwell
- Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK.
| | - Rahul Bhome
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
- Department of Surgery, Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Marc Bullock
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
- Department of Surgery, Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Cole Drifka
- Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Kevin Eliceiri
- Laboratory for Optical and Computational Instrumentation, University of Wisconsin at Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Gareth Thomas
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Martin Knight
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK.
| | - Alex Mirnezami
- Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
- Department of Surgery, Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Nicholas Peake
- Biomolecular Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Howard Street, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK.
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46
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Grun D, Adhikary G, Eckert RL. NRP-1 interacts with GIPC1 and SYX to activate p38 MAPK signaling and cancer stem cell survival. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:488-499. [PMID: 30456845 PMCID: PMC6417965 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal cancer stem cells (ECS cells) comprise a limited population of cells that form aggressive, rapidly growing, and highly vascularized tumors. VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling is a key driver of the ECS cell phenotype and aggressive tumor formation. However, relatively less is known regarding the downstream events following VEGF-A/NRP-1 interaction. In the present study, we show that VEGF-A/NRP-1, GIPC1, and Syx interact to increase RhoA-dependent p38 MAPK activity to enhance ECS cell spheroid formation, invasion, migration, and angiogenic potential. Inhibition or knockdown of NRP-1, GIPC1 or Syx attenuates RhoA and p38 activity to reduce the ECS cell phenotype, and NRP-1 knockout, or pharmacologic inhibition of VEGF-A/NRP-1 interaction or RhoA activity, reduces p38 MAPK activity and tumor growth. Moreover, expression of wild-type or constitutively-active RhoA, or p38, in NRP1-knockout cells, restores p38 activity and the ECS cell phenotype. These findings suggest that NRP-1 forms a complex with GIPC1 and Syx to activate RhoA/ROCK-dependent p38 activity to enhance the ECS cell phenotype and tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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47
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Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 takes center stage as a cancer cell survival factor and therapy target. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:837-853. [PMID: 30693974 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has emerged as a key cancer cell survival factor that drives epithelial to mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammation, drug resistance, cancer stem cell survival and stemness, and invasion and migration. TG2 can exist in a GTP-bound signaling-active conformation or in a transamidase-active conformation. The GTP bound conformation of TG2 contributes to cell survival and the transamidase conformation can contribute to cell survival or death. We present evidence suggesting that TG2 has a role in human cancer, summarize what is known about the TG2 mechanism of action in a range of cancer types, and discuss TG2 as a cancer therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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48
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Lorand
- Department of Cell and Molecular BiologyNorthwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago Illinois USA
| | - Siiri E. Iismaa
- Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics DivisionVictor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Darlinghurst New South Wales Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical SchoolUniversity of New South Wales Kensington New South Wales Australia
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49
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Lamar JM, Xiao Y, Norton E, Jiang ZG, Gerhard GM, Kooner S, Warren JSA, Hynes RO. SRC tyrosine kinase activates the YAP/TAZ axis and thereby drives tumor growth and metastasis. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:2302-2317. [PMID: 30559289 PMCID: PMC6378979 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.004364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
When properly employed, targeted therapies are effective cancer treatments. However, the development of such therapies requires the identification of targetable drivers of cancer development and metastasis. The expression and nuclear localization of the transcriptional coactivators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are increased in many human cancers, and experimental evidence indicates that aberrant YAP or TAZ activation drives tumor formation and metastasis. Although these findings make YAP and TAZ appealing therapeutic targets, both have important functions in adult tissues, so directly targeting them could cause adverse effects. The identification of pathways active in cancer cells and required for YAP/TAZ activity could provide a way to inhibit YAP and TAZ. Here, we show that SRC proto-oncogene, nonreceptor tyrosine kinase (SRC) is an important driver of YAP/TAZ activity in human breast cancer and melanoma cells. SRC activation increased YAP/TAZ activity and the expression of YAP/TAZ-regulated genes. In contrast, SRC inhibition or knockdown repressed both YAP/TAZ activity and the expression of YAP/TAZ-regulated genes. We also show that SRC increases the activity of YAP and TAZ by repressing large tumor suppressor homolog (LATS), and we identify the GTPase-activating protein GIT ArfGAP 1 (GIT1) as an SRC effector that regulates both YAP and TAZ. Importantly, we demonstrate that SRC-mediated YAP/TAZ activity promotes tumor growth and enhances metastasis and that SRC-dependent tumor progression depends, at least in part, on YAP and TAZ. Our findings suggest that therapies targeting SRC could help manage some YAP/TAZ-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Lamar
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208 and .,the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research
| | - Yuxuan Xiao
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208 and
| | - Emily Norton
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208 and
| | - Zhi-Gang Jiang
- the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Genevieve M Gerhard
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208 and
| | - Simrin Kooner
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208 and
| | - Janine S A Warren
- From the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Albany Medical College, Albany, New York 12208 and
| | - Richard O Hynes
- the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139.,Department of Biology, and
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50
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Adhikary G, Grun D, Alexander HR, Friedberg JS, Xu W, Keillor JW, Kandasamy S, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase is a mesothelioma cancer stem cell survival protein that is required for tumor formation. Oncotarget 2018; 9:34495-34505. [PMID: 30349644 PMCID: PMC6195372 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the mesothelial cell layer of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and tunica vaginalis. It is typically caused by asbestos, notoriously resistant to chemotherapy and generally considered incurable with a poor life expectancy. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a GTP binding regulatory protein, is an important cancer stem cell survival and therapy resistance factor. We show that TG2 is highly expressed in human mesothelioma tumors and in mesothelioma cancer stem cells (MCS cells). TG2 knockdown or TG2 inhibitor treatment reduces MCS cell spheroid formation, matrigel invasion, migration and tumor formation. Time to tumor first appearance is doubled in TG2 knockout cells as compared to wild-type. In addition, TG2 loss is associated with reduced expression of stemness, and epithelial mesenchymal transition markers, and enhanced apoptosis. These studies indicate that TG2 is an important MCS cell survival protein and suggest that TG2 may serve as a mesothelioma cancer stem cell therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Adhikary
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Grun
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - H. Richard Alexander
- 7 Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Joseph S. Friedberg
- 4 Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,5 Department of Surgery and Division of General and Surgical Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wen Xu
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Sivaveera Kandasamy
- 5 Department of Surgery and Division of General and Surgical Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,2 Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,3 Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,4 Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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