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Bidany-Mizrahi T, Shweiki A, Maroun K, Abu-Tair L, Mali B, Aqeilan RI. Unveiling the relationship between WWOX and BRCA1 in mammary tumorigenicity and in DNA repair pathway selection. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:145. [PMID: 38499540 PMCID: PMC10948869 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01878-8] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide, with the basal-like or triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype being particularly aggressive and challenging to treat. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving the development and progression of TNBC is essential. We previously showed that WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) is commonly inactivated in TNBC and is implicated in the DNA damage response (DDR) through ATM and ATR activation. In this study, we investigated the interplay between WWOX and BRCA1, both frequently inactivated in TNBC, on mammary tumor development and on DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair choice. We generated and characterized a transgenic mouse model (K14-Cre;Brca1fl/fl;Wwoxfl/fl) and observed that mice lacking both WWOX and BRCA1 developed basal-like mammary tumors and exhibited a decrease in 53BP1 foci and an increase in RAD51 foci, suggesting impaired DSB repair. We examined human TNBC cell lines harboring wild-type and mutant BRCA1 and found that WWOX expression promoted NHEJ repair in cells with wild-type BRCA1. Our findings suggest that WWOX and BRCA1 play an important role in DSB repair pathway choice in mammary epithelial cells, underscoring their functional interaction and significance in breast carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tirza Bidany-Mizrahi
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aya Shweiki
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Kian Maroun
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Lina Abu-Tair
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Bella Mali
- Department of Pathology, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rami I Aqeilan
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research-IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Cyprus Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Akkawi R, Hidmi O, Haj-Yahia A, Monin J, Diment J, Drier Y, Stein GS, Aqeilan RI. WWOX promotes osteosarcoma development via upregulation of Myc. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:13. [PMID: 38182577 PMCID: PMC10770339 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06378-8] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is an aggressive bone tumor that primarily affects children and adolescents. This malignancy is highly aggressive, associated with poor clinical outcomes, and primarily metastasizes to the lungs. Due to its rarity and biological heterogeneity, limited studies on its molecular basis exist, hindering the development of effective therapies. The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) is frequently altered in human osteosarcoma. Combined deletion of Wwox and Trp53 using Osterix1-Cre transgenic mice has been shown to accelerate osteosarcoma development. In this study, we generated a traceable osteosarcoma mouse model harboring the deletion of Trp53 alone (single-knockout) or combined deletion of Wwox/Trp53 (double-knockout) and expressing a tdTomato reporter. By tracking Tomato expression at different time points, we detected the early presence of tdTomato-positive cells in the bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells of non-osteosarcoma-bearing mice (young BM). We found that double-knockout young BM cells, but not single-knockout young BM cells, exhibited tumorigenic traits both in vitro and in vivo. Molecular and cellular characterization of these double-knockout young BM cells revealed their resemblance to osteosarcoma tumor cells. Interestingly, one of the observed significant transcriptomic changes in double-knockout young BM cells was the upregulation of Myc and its target genes compared to single-knockout young BM cells. Intriguingly, Myc-chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing revealed its increased enrichment on Myc targets, which were upregulated in double-knockout young BM cells. Restoration of WWOX in double-knockout young BM cells reduced Myc protein levels. As a prototype target, we demonstrated the upregulation of MCM7, a known Myc target, in double-knockout young BM relative to single-knockout young BM cells. Inhibition of MCM7 expression using simvastatin resulted in reduced proliferation and tumor cell growth of double-knockout young BM cells. Our findings reveal BM mesenchymal stem cells as a platform to study osteosarcoma and Myc and its targets as WWOX effectors and early molecular events during osteosarcomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Akkawi
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Osama Hidmi
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ameen Haj-Yahia
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jonathon Monin
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Judith Diment
- Department of Pathology, Hadassah University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yotam Drier
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gary S Stein
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, UVM Cancer Center, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Rami I Aqeilan
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Department of Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Cyprus Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Githaka JM, Pirayeshfard L, Goping IS. Cancer invasion and metastasis: Insights from murine pubertal mammary gland morphogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130375. [PMID: 37150225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer invasion and metastasis accounts for the majority of cancer related mortality. A better understanding of the players that drive the aberrant invasion and migration of tumors cells will provide critical targets to inhibit metastasis. Postnatal pubertal mammary gland morphogenesis is characterized by highly proliferative, invasive, and migratory normal epithelial cells. Identifying the molecular regulators of pubertal gland development is a promising strategy since tumorigenesis and metastasis is postulated to be a consequence of aberrant reactivation of developmental stages. In this review, we summarize the pubertal morphogenesis regulators that are involved in cancer metastasis and revisit pubertal mammary gland transcriptome profiling to uncover both known and unknown metastasis genes. Our updated list of pubertal morphogenesis regulators shows that most are implicated in invasion and metastasis. This review highlights molecular linkages between development and metastasis and provides a guide for exploring novel metastatic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Maringa Githaka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - Leila Pirayeshfard
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Ing Swie Goping
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
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Kołat D, Kałuzińska-Kołat Ż, Kośla K, Orzechowska M, Płuciennik E, Bednarek AK. LINC01137/miR-186-5p/WWOX: a novel axis identified from WWOX-related RNA interactome in bladder cancer. Front Genet 2023; 14:1214968. [PMID: 37519886 PMCID: PMC10373930 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1214968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The discovery of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) dates back to the pre-genomics era, but the progress in this field is still dynamic and leverages current post-genomics solutions. WWOX is a global gene expression modulator that is scarcely investigated for its role in regulating cancer-related ncRNAs. In bladder cancer (BLCA), the link between WWOX and ncRNA remains unexplored. The description of AP-2α and AP-2γ transcription factors, known as WWOX-interacting proteins, is more commonplace regarding ncRNA but still merits investigation. Therefore, this in vitro and in silico study aimed to construct an ncRNA-containing network with WWOX/AP-2 and to investigate the most relevant observation in the context of BLCA cell lines and patients. Methods: RT-112, HT-1376, and CAL-29 cell lines were subjected to two stable lentiviral transductions. High-throughput sequencing of cellular variants (deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus database under the GSE193659 record) enabled the investigation of WWOX/AP-2-dependent differences using various bioinformatics tools (e.g., limma-voom, FactoMineR, multiple Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination (mSVM-RFE), miRDB, Arena-Idb, ncFANs, RNAhybrid, TargetScan, Protein Annotation Through Evolutionary Relationships (PANTHER), Gene Transcription Regulation Database (GTRD), or Evaluate Cutpoints) and repositories such as The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia. The most relevant observations from cap analysis gene expression sequencing (CAGE-seq) were confirmed using real-time PCR, whereas TCGA data were validated using the GSE31684 cohort. Results: The first stage of the whole study justified focusing solely on WWOX rather than on WWOX combined with AP-2α/γ. The most relevant observation of the developed ncRNA-containing network was LINC01137, i.e., long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that unraveled the core network containing UPF1, ZC3H12A, LINC01137, WWOX, and miR-186-5p, the last three being a novel lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis. Patients' data confirmed the LINC01137/miR-186-5p/WWOX relationship and provided a set of dependent genes (i.e., KRT18, HES1, VCP, FTH1, IFITM3, RAB34, and CLU). Together with the core network, the gene set was subjected to survival analysis for both TCGA-BLCA and GSE31684 patients, which indicated that the increased expression of WWOX or LINC01137 is favorable, similar to their combination with each other (WWOX↑ and LINC01137↑) or with MIR186 (WWOX↑/LINC01137↑ but MIR186↓). Conclusion: WWOX is implicated in the positive feedback loop with LINC01137 that sponges WWOX-targeting miR-186-5p. This novel WWOX-containing lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA axis should be further investigated to depict its relationships in a broader context, which could contribute to BLCA research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Kołat
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Kośla
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | | | - Andrzej K. Bednarek
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Kałuzińska-Kołat Ż, Kośla K, Kołat D, Płuciennik E, Bednarek AK. Antineoplastic Nature of WWOX in Glioblastoma Is Mainly a Consequence of Reduced Cell Viability and Invasion. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12030465. [PMID: 36979157 PMCID: PMC10045224 DOI: 10.3390/biology12030465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Following the discovery of WWOX, research has moved in many directions, including the role of this putative tumor suppressor in the central nervous system and related diseases. The task of determining the nature of WWOX in glioblastoma (GBM) is still considered to be at the initial stage; however, the influence of this gene on the GBM malignant phenotype has already been reported. Because most of the available in vitro research does not consider several cellular GBM models or a wide range of investigated biological assays, the present study aimed to determine the main processes by which WWOX exhibits anticancer properties in GBM, while taking into account the phenotypic heterogeneity between cell lines. Ectopic WWOX overexpression was studied in T98G, DBTRG-05MG, U251MG, and U87MG cell lines that were compared with the use of assays investigating cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, clonogenicity, three-dimensional and anchorage-independent growth, and invasiveness. Observations presenting the antineoplastic properties of WWOX were consistent for T98G, U251MG, and U87MG. Increased proliferation and tumor growth were noted in WWOX-overexpressing DBTRG-05MG cells. A possible explanation for this, arrived at via bioinformatics tools, was linked to the TARDBP transcription factor and expression differences of USP25 and CPNE2 that regulate EGFR surface abundance. Collectively, and despite various cell line-specific circumstances, WWOX exhibits its anticancer nature mainly via a reduction of cell viability and invasiveness of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarzyna Kośla
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Damian Kołat
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Płuciennik
- Department of Functional Genomics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej K Bednarek
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
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Albendazole exerts an anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect through a WWOX-dependent pathway. Life Sci 2022; 310:121086. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Kołat D, Kałuzińska Ż, Bednarek AK, Płuciennik E. Determination of WWOX Function in Modulating Cellular Pathways Activated by AP-2α and AP-2γ Transcription Factors in Bladder Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091382. [PMID: 35563688 PMCID: PMC9106060 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Following the invention of high-throughput sequencing, cancer research focused on investigating disease-related alterations, often inadvertently omitting tumor heterogeneity. This research was intended to limit the impact of heterogeneity on conclusions related to WWOX/AP-2α/AP-2γ in bladder cancer which differently influenced carcinogenesis. The study examined the signaling pathways regulated by WWOX-dependent AP-2 targets in cell lines as biological replicates using high-throughput sequencing. RT-112, HT-1376 and CAL-29 cell lines were subjected to two stable lentiviral transductions. Following CAGE-seq and differential expression analysis, the most important genes were identified and functionally annotated. Western blot was performed to validate the selected observations. The role of genes in biological processes was assessed and networks were visualized. Ultimately, principal component analysis was performed. The studied genes were found to be implicated in MAPK, Wnt, Ras, PI3K-Akt or Rap1 signaling. Data from pathways were collected, explaining the differences/similarities between phenotypes. FGFR3, STAT6, EFNA1, GSK3B, PIK3CB and SOS1 were successfully validated at the protein level. Afterwards, a definitive network was built using 173 genes. Principal component analysis revealed that the various expression of these genes explains the phenotypes. In conclusion, the current study certified that the signaling pathways regulated by WWOX and AP-2α have more in common than that regulated by AP-2γ. This is because WWOX acts as an EMT inhibitor, AP-2γ as an EMT enhancer while AP-2α as a MET inducer. Therefore, the relevance of AP-2γ in targeted therapy is now more evident. Some of the differently regulated genes can find application in bladder cancer treatment.
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Pospiech K, Orzechowska M, Nowakowska M, Anusewicz D, Płuciennik E, Kośla K, Bednarek AK. TGFα-EGFR pathway in breast carcinogenesis, association with WWOX expression and estrogen activation. J Appl Genet 2022; 63:339-359. [PMID: 35290621 PMCID: PMC8979909 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-022-00690-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
WWOX is a tumor-suppressive steroid dehydrogenase, which relationship with hormone receptors was shown both in animal models and breast cancer patients. Herein, through nAnT-iCAGE high-throughput gene expression profiling, we studied the interplay of estrogen receptors and the WWOX in breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-231, BT20) under estrogen stimulation and either introduction of the WWOX gene by retroviral transfection (MDA-MB-231, T47D) or silenced with shRNA (MCF7, BT20). Additionally, we evaluated the consequent biological characteristics by proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and adhesion assays. TGFα-EGFR signaling was found to be significantly affected in all examined breast cancer cell lines in response to estrogen and strongly associated with the level of WWOX expression, especially in ER-positive MCF7 cells. Under the influence of 17β-estradiol presence, biological characteristics of the cell lines were also delineated. The study revealed modulation of adhesion, invasion, and apoptosis. The obtained results point at a complex role of the WWOX gene in the carcinogenesis of the breast tissue, which seems to be closely related to the presence of estrogen α and/or β receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Pospiech
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Nowakowska
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Dorota Anusewicz
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Płuciennik
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kośla
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej K Bednarek
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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Repudi S, Kustanovich I, Abu‐Swai S, Stern S, Aqeilan RI. Neonatal neuronal WWOX gene therapy rescues Wwox null phenotypes. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e14599. [PMID: 34747138 PMCID: PMC8649866 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) is an emerging neural gene-regulating homeostasis of the central nervous system. Germline biallelic mutations in WWOX cause WWOX-related epileptic encephalopathy (WOREE) syndrome and spinocerebellar ataxia and autosomal recessive 12 (SCAR12), two devastating neurodevelopmental disorders with highly heterogenous clinical outcomes, the most common being severe epileptic encephalopathy and profound global developmental delay. We recently demonstrated that neuronal ablation of murine Wwox recapitulates phenotypes of Wwox-null mice leading to intractable epilepsy, hypomyelination, and postnatal lethality. Here, we designed and produced an adeno-associated viral vector (AAV9) harboring murine Wwox or human WWOX cDNA and driven by the human neuronal Synapsin I promoter (AAV-SynI-WWOX). Testing the efficacy of AAV-SynI-WWOX delivery in Wwox-null mice demonstrated that specific neuronal restoration of WWOX expression rescued brain hyperexcitability and seizures, hypoglycemia, myelination deficits, and the premature lethality and behavioral deficits of Wwox-null mice. These findings provide a proof-of-concept for WWOX gene therapy as a promising approach to curing children with WOREE and SCAR12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasarao Repudi
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Immunology and Cancer Research‐IMRICHebrew University‐Hadassah Medical SchoolJerusalemIsrael
| | | | - Sara Abu‐Swai
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Immunology and Cancer Research‐IMRICHebrew University‐Hadassah Medical SchoolJerusalemIsrael
| | - Shani Stern
- Sagol Department of NeurobiologyUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Rami I Aqeilan
- The Concern Foundation Laboratories, The Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Immunology and Cancer Research‐IMRICHebrew University‐Hadassah Medical SchoolJerusalemIsrael
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Steinberg DJ, Aqeilan RI. WWOX-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Models and Future Perspectives. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113082. [PMID: 34831305 PMCID: PMC8623516 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene was originally discovered as a putative tumor suppressor spanning the common fragile site FRA16D, but as time has progressed the extent of its pleiotropic function has become apparent. At present, WWOX is a major source of interest in the context of neurological disorders, and more specifically developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs). This review article aims to introduce the many model systems used through the years to study its function and roles in neuropathies. Similarities and fundamental differences between rodent and human models are discussed. Finally, future perspectives and promising research avenues are suggested.
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Steinberg DJ, Repudi S, Saleem A, Kustanovich I, Viukov S, Abudiab B, Banne E, Mahajnah M, Hanna JH, Stern S, Carlen PL, Aqeilan RI. Modeling genetic epileptic encephalopathies using brain organoids. EMBO Mol Med 2021; 13:e13610. [PMID: 34268881 PMCID: PMC8350905 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202013610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE) are a group of disorders associated with intractable seizures, brain development, and functional abnormalities, and in some cases, premature death. Pathogenic human germline biallelic mutations in tumor suppressor WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) are associated with a relatively mild autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia-12 (SCAR12) and a more severe early infantile WWOX-related epileptic encephalopathy (WOREE). In this study, we generated an in vitro model for DEEs, using the devastating WOREE syndrome as a prototype, by establishing brain organoids from CRISPR-engineered human ES cells and from patient-derived iPSCs. Using these models, we discovered dramatic cellular and molecular CNS abnormalities, including neural population changes, cortical differentiation malfunctions, and Wnt pathway and DNA damage response impairment. Furthermore, we provide a proof of concept that ectopic WWOX expression could potentially rescue these phenotypes. Our findings underscore the utility of modeling childhood epileptic encephalopathies using brain organoids and their use as a unique platform to test possible therapeutic intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Steinberg
- The Concern Foundation LaboratoriesDepartment of Immunology and Cancer Research‐IMRICThe Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer ResearchHebrew University‐Hadassah Medical SchoolJerusalemIsrael
| | - Srinivasarao Repudi
- The Concern Foundation LaboratoriesDepartment of Immunology and Cancer Research‐IMRICThe Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer ResearchHebrew University‐Hadassah Medical SchoolJerusalemIsrael
| | - Afifa Saleem
- Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
- Krembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
| | | | - Sergey Viukov
- Department of Molecular GeneticsWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Baraa Abudiab
- The Concern Foundation LaboratoriesDepartment of Immunology and Cancer Research‐IMRICThe Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer ResearchHebrew University‐Hadassah Medical SchoolJerusalemIsrael
| | - Ehud Banne
- Genetics InstituteKaplan Medical CenterHebrew University‐Hadassah Medical SchoolRehovotIsrael
- The Rina Mor Genetic InstituteWolfson Medical CenterHolonIsrael
| | - Muhammad Mahajnah
- Paediatric Neurology and Child Developmental CenterHillel Yaffe Medical CenterHaderaIsrael
- Rappaport Faculty of MedicineThe TechnionHaifaIsrael
| | - Jacob H Hanna
- Department of Molecular GeneticsWeizmann Institute of ScienceRehovotIsrael
| | - Shani Stern
- Sagol Department of NeurobiologyUniversity of HaifaHaifaIsrael
| | - Peter L Carlen
- Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
- Krembil Research InstituteUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
- Departments of Medicine and PhysiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Rami I Aqeilan
- The Concern Foundation LaboratoriesDepartment of Immunology and Cancer Research‐IMRICThe Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer ResearchHebrew University‐Hadassah Medical SchoolJerusalemIsrael
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Normal cells repel WWOX-negative or -dysfunctional cancer cells via WWOX cell surface epitope 286-299. Commun Biol 2021; 4:753. [PMID: 34140629 PMCID: PMC8211909 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02271-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic cancer cells are frequently deficient in WWOX protein or express dysfunctional WWOX (designated WWOXd). Here, we determined that functional WWOX-expressing (WWOXf) cells migrate collectively and expel the individually migrating WWOXd cells. For return, WWOXd cells induces apoptosis of WWOXf cells from a remote distance. Survival of WWOXd from the cell-to-cell encounter is due to activation of the survival IκBα/ERK/WWOX signaling. Mechanistically, cell surface epitope WWOX286-299 (repl) in WWOXf repels the invading WWOXd to undergo retrograde migration. However, when epitope WWOX7-21 (gre) is exposed, WWOXf greets WWOXd to migrate forward for merge. WWOX binds membrane type II TGFβ receptor (TβRII), and TβRII IgG-pretreated WWOXf greet WWOXd to migrate forward and merge with each other. In contrast, TβRII IgG-pretreated WWOXd loses recognition by WWOXf, and WWOXf mediates apoptosis of WWOXd. The observatons suggest that normal cells can be activated to attack metastatic cancer cells. WWOXd cells are less efficient in generating Ca2+ influx and undergo non-apoptotic explosion in response to UV irradiation in room temperature. WWOXf cells exhibit bubbling cell death and Ca2+ influx effectively caused by UV or apoptotic stress. Together, membrane WWOX/TβRII complex is needed for cell-to-cell recognition, maintaining the efficacy of Ca2+ influx, and control of cell invasiveness.
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Yang T, Huo J, Xu R, Zhang Y. Synergistic effect of toosendanin and regorafenib against cell proliferation and migration by regulating WWOX signaling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4567-4578. [PMID: 34058790 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Regorafenib (RGF), a second-line multi-kinase inhibitor in the treatment of HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) after sorafenib failure, exposes to the risk of drug resistance and subsequent progression of HCC patients. Toosendanin (TSN), a triterpenoid has presented excellent inhibition on several tumors. The purpose of this study is to investigate the inhibitory effect of the combination of TSN and RGF on HCC cells. We identified that TSN and RGF combination (TRC) synergistically inhibited the proliferation and migration of MHCC-97L cells. The upregulation of WWOX (WW-domain containing oxidoreductase) played a vital role in the HCC cell growth treated with TRC. TRC suppressed the phosphorylation of Stat3 and expression of DVL2, negatively regulated the activity of β-catenin by promoting the phosphorylation of GSK3β. In addition, the intranuclear proteins, including MMP2, MMP9, and C-MYC were significantly inhibited by TRC. The in vivo xenograft models confirmed that TRC effectually prevented the tumor growth through upregulating WWOX. Therefore, the treatment of TRC may be a potential solution of RGF resistance and promising therapeutic method in malignant HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfeng Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Huo
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, China
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14
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Yang T, Xu R, Huo J, Wang B, Du X, Dai B, Zhu M, Zhan Y, Zhang D, Zhang Y. WWOX activation by toosendanin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis through JAK2/Stat3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Cancer Lett 2021; 513:50-62. [PMID: 34015398 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Loss of WW-domain containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) has been proven to be associated with malignant metastasis in patients with HCC. In this study, by using a non-biased CRISPR knockout genetic screen targeting 19,050 human genes, we found that toosendanin (TSN) is a novel druggable WWOX candidate agonist for metastatic HCC patients. We also found that TSN exhibited significant anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects on HCC cells in a WWOX-dependent manner. Overexpression and knockdown of WWOX in vitro and in vivo confirmed that the suppression of HCC by TSN involved WWOX. TSN regulated Stat3, DVL2, and GSK3β by transforming their interactions with WWOX as demonstrated by a Co-IP assay. TSN accelerated the degradation of β-catenin by promoting the function of APC, AXIN1, CK1, and GSK3β complex. Nuclear translocation of p-Stat3 Y705 and β-catenin was impeded by the TSN-induced blockade of JAK2/Stat3 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, accompanied by the inhibition of MMPs and C-MYC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfeng Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Rui Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Jian Huo
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Bo Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Xia Du
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 710003, PR China
| | - Bingling Dai
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Man Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Yingzhuan Zhan
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and Engineering, Xi'an, 710061, PR China.
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15
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Taouis K, Driouch K, Lidereau R, Lallemand F. Molecular Functions of WWOX Potentially Involved in Cancer Development. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051051. [PMID: 33946771 PMCID: PMC8145924 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase gene (WWOX) was cloned 21 years ago as a putative tumor suppressor gene mapping to chromosomal fragile site FRA16D. The localization of WWOX in a chromosomal region frequently altered in human cancers has initiated multiple current studies to establish its role in this disease. All of this work suggests that WWOX, due to its ability to interact with a large number of partners, exerts its tumor suppressive activity through a wide variety of molecular actions that are mostly cell specific.
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16
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Kołat D, Kałuzińska Ż, Bednarek AK, Płuciennik E. Fragile Gene WWOX Guides TFAP2A/ TFAP2C-Dependent Actions Against Tumor Progression in Grade II Bladder Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:621060. [PMID: 33718178 PMCID: PMC7947623 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.621060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The presence of common fragile sites is associated with no-accidental chromosomal instability which occurs prior to carcinogenesis. The WWOX gene spans the second most active fragile site: FRA16D. Chromosomal breakage at this site is more common in bladder cancer patients who are tobacco smokers which suggests the importance of WWOX gene loss regarding bladder carcinogenesis. Tryptophan domains of WWOX are known to recognize motifs of other proteins such as AP-2α and AP-2γ allowing protein-protein interactions. While the roles of both AP-2 transcription factors are important for bladder carcinogenesis, their nature is different. Based on the literature, AP-2γ appears to be oncogenic, whereas AP-2α mainly exhibits tumor suppressor character. Presumably, the interaction between WWOX and both transcription factors regulates thousands of genes, hence the aim of the present study was to determine WWOX, AP-2α, and AP-2γ function in modulating biological processes of bladder cancer. METHODS RT-112 cell line (grade II bladder cancer) was subjected to two stable lentiviral transductions. Overall, this resulted in six variants to investigate distinct WWOX, AP-2α, or AP-2γ function as well as WWOX in collaboration with a particular transcription factor. Cellular models were examined with immunocytochemical staining and in terms of differences in biological processes using assays investigating cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, clonogenicity, migration, activity of metalloproteinases and 3D culture growth. RESULTS WWOX overexpression increased apoptosis but decreased cell viability, migration and large spatial colonies. AP-2α overexpression decreased tumor cell viability, migratory potential, matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity and clonogenicity. AP-2γ overexpression decreased matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity but increased wound healing, adhesion, clonogenicity and spatial colony formation. WWOX and AP-2α overexpression induced apoptosis but decreased cell viability, adhesion, matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity, overall number of cultured colonies and migration rate. WWOX and AP-2γ overexpression decreased tumor cell viability, proliferation potential, adhesion, clonogenicity and the ability to create spatial structures, but also increased apoptosis or migration rate. CONCLUSION Co-overexpression of WWOX with AP-2α or WWOX with AP-2γ resulted in a net anti-tumor effect. However, considering this research findings and the difference between AP-2α and AP-2γ, we suggest that this similarity is due to a divergent behavior of WWOX.
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Chang HY, Lee CH, Li YS, Huang JT, Lan SH, Wang YF, Lai WW, Wang YC, Lin YJ, Liu HS, Cheng HC. MicroRNA-146a suppresses tumor malignancy via targeting vimentin in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells with lower fibronectin membrane assembly. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:102. [PMID: 33248456 PMCID: PMC7697386 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00693-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is widely prevalent in Taiwan, and high metastatic spread of ESCC leads to poor survival rate. Fibronectin (FN) assembly on the cell membrane may induce ESCC mobility. MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are abundant in and participate in tumorigenesis in many cancers. However, the role of MiRNA in FN assembly-related ESCC mobility remains unexplored. Methods We divided ESCC CE81T cells into high-FN assembly (CE81FN+) and low-FN assembly (CE81FN−) groups by flow cytometry. MiRNA microarray analysis identified miR-146a expression as the most down-regulated miRNA in comparison of CE81FN+ and CE81FN− cells. Results Cell proliferation and migration were decreased when CE81FN+ cells overexpressed transgenic miR-146a compared to the parental cells, indicating an inverse correlation between low miR-146a expression and high proliferation as well as motility of FN assembly ESCC cells. Furthermore, vimentin is the target gene of miR-146a involved in ESCC tumorigenesis. MiR-146a suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion of CE81FN+ cells through the inhibition of vimentin expression, as confirmed by real-time PCR, Western blotting and Transwell™ assay. Analysis of one hundred and thirty-six paired ESCC patient specimens revealed that low miR-146a and high vimentin levels were frequently detected in tumor, and that the former was associated with late tumor stages (III and IV). Notably, either low miR-146a expression or high vimentin level was significantly associated with poor overall survival rate among ESCC patients. Conclusions This is the first report to link FN assembly in the cell membrane with miR-146a, vimentin and ESCC tumorigenesis both in vitro and in ESCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yi Chang
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology, College of Engineering, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hua Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Syuan Li
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Tong Huang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Hui Lan
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fang Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Wei Lai
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Wang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Ju Lin
- Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Sheng Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. .,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. .,M. Sc. Program in Tropical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Center for Cancer Research, Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Hung-Chi Cheng
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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18
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Xu D, Liu X, Wu J, Wang Y, Zhou K, Chen W, Chen J, Chen C, Chen L. LncRNA WWOX-AS1 sponges miR-20b-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma and represses its progression by upregulating WWOX. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 21:927-936. [PMID: 32931356 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2020.1806689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence has revealed that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) emerge as pivotal regulators in diverse cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was conducted to investigate the role of lncRNA WWOX antisense RNA 1 (WWOX-AS1) in HCC progression. Our present study illustrated that WWOX-AS1 was lowly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. High WWOX-AS1 expression was further confirmed to predict a favorable prognosis in HCC patients. Through functional assays, we observed that upregulated WWOX-AS1 was correlated with decreased cell proliferation, migration, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) process and increased cell apoptosis, suggesting that WWOX-AS1 exerted anti-carcinogenic role in the development of HCC. Moreover, WWOX, the nearby gene of WWOX-AS1, was found at a low level in HCC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, there was a positive relationship between WWOX-AS1 and WWOX. Additionally, WWOX overexpression hampered cell proliferation, migration, EMT process and induced cell apoptosis in HCC. Mechanically, WWOX-AS1 was identified as a cytoplasmic RNA in HCC cells and sponged miR-20b-5p to regulate WWOX expression. Rescue assays further indicated that WWOX knockdown counteracted WWOX-AS1 overexpression-mediated suppressive function on HCC progression. Collectively, WWOX-AS1/miR-20b-5p/WWOX axis suppresses HCC tumorigenesis, hinting a potential molecular mechanism for the therapy of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafeng Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Medical University , Haikou, China
| | - Xiangmei Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Medical University , Haikou, China
| | - Jincai Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Medical University , Haikou, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Geriatrics Center, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Medical University , Haikou, China
| | - Kailun Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Medical University , Haikou, China
| | - Wenmei Chen
- Gastroenterology Department, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Medical University , Haikou, China
| | - Jiacheng Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Medical University , Haikou, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Medical University , Haikou, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Medical University , Haikou, China
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19
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Abstract
Shortly after its discovery in 2000, WWOX was hailed as a tumor suppressor gene. In subsequent years of research, this function was confirmed indisputably. Majority of tumors show high rate of loss of heterozygosity and decreased expression of WWOX. Nevertheless, over the years, the range of its known functions, at the cellular, organ and system levels, has expanded to include metabolism and endocrine system control and CNS differentiation and functioning. Despite of its function as a tumor suppressor gene, WWOX genetic alternations were found in a number of metabolic and neural diseases. A lack of WWOX protein as a consequence of germline mutations results in brain development disturbances and malfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kośla
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Poland
| | - Ż Kałuzińska
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Poland
| | - A K Bednarek
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Poland
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20
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Khawaled S, Nigita G, Distefano R, Oster S, Suh SS, Smith Y, Khalaileh A, Peng Y, Croce CM, Geiger T, Seewaldt VL, Aqeilan RI. Pleiotropic tumor suppressor functions of WWOX antagonize metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:43. [PMID: 32300104 PMCID: PMC7162874 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0136-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor progression and metastasis are the major causes of death among cancer associated mortality. Metastatic cells acquire features of migration and invasion and usually undergo epithelia-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Acquirement of these various hallmarks rely on different cellular pathways, including TGF-β and Wnt signaling. Recently, we reported that WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) acts as a tumor suppressor and has anti-metastatic activities involving regulation of several key microRNAs (miRNAs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here, we report that WWOX restoration in highly metastatic MDA-MB435S cancer cells alters mRNA expression profiles; further, WWOX interacts with various proteins to exert its tumor suppressor function. Careful alignment and analysis of gene and miRNA expression in these cells revealed profound changes in cellular pathways mediating adhesion, invasion and motility. We further demonstrate that WWOX, through regulation of miR-146a levels, regulates SMAD3, which is a member of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Moreover, proteomic analysis of WWOX partners revealed regulation of the Wnt-signaling activation through physical interaction with Disheveled. Altogether, these findings underscore a significant role for WWOX in antagonizing metastasis, further highlighting its role and therapeutic potential in suppressing tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Khawaled
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, IMRIC, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Giovanni Nigita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rosario Distefano
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sara Oster
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, IMRIC, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sung-Suk Suh
- Department of Bioscience, Mokpo National University, Muan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoav Smith
- Genomic Data Analysis Unit, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Abed Khalaileh
- Department of Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yong Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Carlo M Croce
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tamar Geiger
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Victoria L Seewaldt
- Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Rami I Aqeilan
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, IMRIC, Jerusalem, Israel. .,Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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21
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Yang SS, Ma S, Dou H, Liu F, Zhang SY, Jiang C, Xiao M, Huang YX. Breast cancer-derived exosomes regulate cell invasion and metastasis in breast cancer via miR-146a to activate cancer associated fibroblasts in tumor microenvironment. Exp Cell Res 2020; 391:111983. [PMID: 32268136 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.111983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of breast cancer (BC)-derived exosomes on invasion and migration of BC cells. METHODS Exosomes (Exo-MA, Exo-M7, Exo-M1) were extracted from normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A), BC cells (MCF-7/MDA-MB-231) and BC cells with miR-146a overexpression or knockdown using multi-step differential centrifugation. Morphologies and sizes of exosomes were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and particle size analysis respectively. BC mouse models were injected with DIR labeled Exo-MA, Exo-M7 or Exo-M1. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in BC cells was determined by PCR and Western blot. PKH67 labeled Exo-MA, Exo-M7 and Exo-M1 were incubated with NFs or MCF-7 to measure the activation of CAFs. Cell invasion and migration abilities were determined by scratch test and Transwell assay. RESULTS Exo-MA, Exo-M7, Exo-M1 were successfully extracted with positive expressions of Alix, CD63 and TSG101. Contents of Ki67, N-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail-1 were increased but E-cadherin was decreased, compared to Exo-MA group. Exo-M7 or Exo-M1 could increase BC cell proliferation and enhance EMT in nude mouse. Exo-M7 and Exo-M1 could accelerate the transformation of NFs into CAFs and promote the recruitment of CAFs in MCF-7. Transfection of miR-146a could promote the transformation of NFs into CAFs and promote cell invasion and migration of MCF-7 cells. As a target gene of miR-146a, TXNIP could inhibit the activation of CAFs. miR-146a overexpression or TXNIP silence enhance the activation of Wnt signal pathway. CONCLUSION BC-derived exosomes promote the activation of CAFs through miR-146a/TXNIP axis to activate Wnt pathway, which in turn enhances invasion and metastasis of BC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Shan Yang
- Department of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, PR China
| | - Shuang Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, PR China
| | - He Dou
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, PR China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, PR China
| | - Shi-Yuan Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, PR China
| | - Cong Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, PR China
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, PR China.
| | - Yuan-Xi Huang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, PR China.
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22
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Crudele F, Bianchi N, Reali E, Galasso M, Agnoletto C, Volinia S. The network of non-coding RNAs and their molecular targets in breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:61. [PMID: 32188472 PMCID: PMC7079433 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01181-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-coding RNAs are now recognized as fundamental components of the cellular processes. Non-coding RNAs are composed of different classes, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Their detailed roles in breast cancer are still under scrutiny. Main body We systematically reviewed from recent literature the many functional and physical interactions of non-coding RNAs in breast cancer. We used a data driven approach to establish the network of direct, and indirect, interactions. Human curation was essential to de-convolute and critically assess the experimental approaches in the reviewed articles. To enrol the scientific papers in our article cohort, due to the short time span (shorter than 5 years) we considered the journal impact factor rather than the citation number. The outcome of our work is the formal establishment of different sub-networks composed by non-coding RNAs and coding genes with validated relations in human breast cancer. This review describes in a concise and unbiased fashion the core of our current knowledge on the role of lncRNAs, miRNAs and other non-coding RNAs in breast cancer. Conclusions A number of coding/non-coding gene interactions have been investigated in breast cancer during recent years and their full extent is still being established. Here, we have unveiled some of the most important networks embracing those interactions, and described their involvement in cancer development and in its malignant progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Crudele
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Specialist Surgery, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eva Reali
- IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Galasso
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Agnoletto
- Area of Neuroscience, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA-ISAS), Trieste, Italy
| | - Stefano Volinia
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. .,LTTA, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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23
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Chou PY, Lin SR, Lee MH, Schultz L, Sze CI, Chang NS. A p53/TIAF1/WWOX triad exerts cancer suppression but may cause brain protein aggregation due to p53/WWOX functional antagonism. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:76. [PMID: 31315632 PMCID: PMC6637503 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0382-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor suppressor WWOX physically binds p53 and TIAF1 and together induces apoptosis and tumor suppression. To understand the molecular action, here we investigated the formation of WWOX/TIAF1/p53 triad and its regulation of cancer cell migration, anchorage-independent growth, SMAD promoter activation, apoptosis, and potential role in neurodegeneration. Methods Time-lapse microscopy was used to measure the extent of cell migration. Protein/protein interactions were determined by co-immunoprecipitation, FRET microscopy, and yeast two-hybrid analysis. The WWOX/TIAF1/p53 triad-mediated cancer suppression was determined by measuring the extent of cell migration, anchorage-independent growth, SMAD promoter activation, and apoptosis. p53-deficient lung cancer cell growth in nude mice was carried out to assess the tumor suppressor function of ectopic p53 and/or WWOX. Results Wwox-deficient MEF cells exhibited constitutive Smad3 and p38 activation and migrated individually and much faster than wild type cells. TGF-β increased the migration of wild type MEF cells, but significantly suppressed Wwox knockout cell migration. While each of the triad proteins is responsive to TGF-β stimulation, ectopically expressed triad proteins suppressed cancer cell migration, anchorage-independent growth, and SMAD promoter activation, as well as caused apoptosis. The effects are due in part to TIAF1 polymerization and its retention of p53 and WWOX in the cytoplasm. p53 and TIAF1 were effective in suppressing anchorage-independent growth, and WWOX ineffective. p53 and TIAF1 blocked WWOX or Smad4-regulated SMAD promoter activation. WWOX suppressed lung cancer NCI-H1299 growth and inhibited splenomegaly by inflammatory immune response, and p53 blocked the event in nude mice. The p53/WWOX-cancer mice exhibited BACE upregulation, APP degradation, tau tangle formation, and amyloid β generation in the brain and lung. Conclusion The WWOX/TIAF1/p53 triad is potent in cancer suppression by blocking cancer cell migration, anchorage-independent growth and SMAD promoter activation, and causing apoptosis. Yet, p53 may functionally antagonize with WWOX. p53 blocks WWOX inhibition of inflammatory immune response induced by cancer, and this leads to protein aggregation in the brain as seen in the Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegeneration. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12964-019-0382-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yi Chou
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan, 70101, Republic of China
| | - Sing-Ru Lin
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan, 70101, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Hui Lee
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan, 70101, Republic of China
| | - Lori Schultz
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Guthrie Research Institute, Sayre, PA, 18840, USA
| | - Chun-I Sze
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan, 70101, Republic of China
| | - Nan-Shan Chang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan, 70101, Republic of China. .,Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Guthrie Research Institute, Sayre, PA, 18840, USA. .,Department of Neurochemistry, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, 10314, USA. .,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Abdeen SK, Aqeilan RI. Decoding the link between WWOX and p53 in aggressive breast cancer. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1177-1186. [PMID: 31075076 PMCID: PMC6592247 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1616998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are aggressive forms of human breast cancer with poor prognosis and limited treatment response. Molecular understanding of BLBC and TNBC biology is instrumental to improve detection and management of these deadly diseases. Tumor suppressors WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) and TP53 are altered in BLBC and in TNBC. Nevertheless, the functional interplay between WWOX and p53 is poorly understood. In a recent study by Abdeen and colleagues, it has been demonstrated that WWOX loss drives BLBC formation via deregulating p53 functions. In this review, we highlight important signaling pathways regulated by WWOX and p53 that are related to estrogen receptor signaling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and genomic instability and how they impact BLBC and TNBC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhaib K. Abdeen
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, IMRIC, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rami I. Aqeilan
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, IMRIC, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Sharma D. Quest for Tangible Biomarkers for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2019; 79:1746-1748. [PMID: 30987974 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-0416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Identification of key molecular networks involved in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) growth and metastasis will increase our mechanistic understanding of this disease and pave the way for the development of novel therapeutic interventions. The study by Khawaled and colleagues points to a direct antimetastatic function of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) in TNBC and identifies the Myc/miR-146a/fibronectin axis as a molecular mediator of the tumor-suppressive function of WWOX. This information can potentially be used to identify actionable nodes for targeting TNBC, a breast cancer subtype otherwise characterized by the absence of markers.See related article by Khawaled et al., p. 1784.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipali Sharma
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland.
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