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Rausio H, Cervera A, Heuser VD, West G, Oikkonen J, Pianfetti E, Lovino M, Ficarra E, Taimen P, Hynninen J, Lehtonen R, Hautaniemi S, Carpén O, Huhtinen K. PIK3R1 fusion drives chemoresistance in ovarian cancer by activating ERK1/2 and inducing rod and ring-like structures. Neoplasia 2024; 51:100987. [PMID: 38489912 PMCID: PMC10955102 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.100987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Gene fusions are common in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC). Such genetic lesions may promote tumorigenesis, but the pathogenic mechanisms are currently poorly understood. Here, we investigated the role of a PIK3R1-CCDC178 fusion identified from a patient with advanced HGSC. We show that the fusion induces HGSC cell migration by regulating ERK1/2 and increases resistance to platinum treatment. Platinum resistance was associated with rod and ring-like cellular structure formation. These structures contained, in addition to the fusion protein, CIN85, a key regulator of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling. Our data suggest that the fusion-driven structure formation induces a previously unrecognized cell survival and resistance mechanism, which depends on ERK1/2-activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Rausio
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Drug Research Doctoral Programme (DRDP), University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Alejandra Cervera
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Genómica Computacional, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Vanina D Heuser
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Gun West
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Jaana Oikkonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elena Pianfetti
- Department of Engineering, Enzo Ferrari, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marta Lovino
- Department of Engineering, Enzo Ferrari, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Ficarra
- Department of Engineering, Enzo Ferrari, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Pekka Taimen
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Pathology, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Johanna Hynninen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Rainer Lehtonen
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sampsa Hautaniemi
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Carpén
- Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUSLAB, University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaisa Huhtinen
- Institute of Biomedicine and FICAN West Cancer Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Research Program in Systems Oncology, Research Programs Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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Zheng J, Kim SJ, Saeidi S, Kim SH, Fang X, Lee YH, Guillen-Quispe YN, Ngo HKC, Kim DH, Kim D, Surh YJ. Overactivated NRF2 induces pseudohypoxia in hepatocellular carcinoma by stabilizing HIF-1α. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 194:347-356. [PMID: 36460215 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is highly expressed/activated in most hypoxic tumors including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Another key transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), is also constitutively overactivated in HCC. In an attempt to determine whether HIF-1α and NRF2 could play complementary roles in HCC growth and progression, we investigated the crosstalk between these two transcription factors and underlying molecular mechanisms in cultured HCC cells and experimentally induced hepatocarcinogenesis as well as clinical settings. While silencing of HIF-1α in HepG2 human hepatoma cells did not alter the protein expression of NRF2, NRF2 knockdown markedly reduced the nuclear accumulation of HIF-1α without influencing its mRNA expression. In diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in wild type mice, there was elevated NRF2 expression with concomitant upregulation of HIF-1α. However, this was abolished in Nrf2 knockout mice. NRF2 and HIF-1α co-localized and physically interacted with each other as assessed by in situ proximity ligation and immunoprecipitation assays. In addition, the interaction between NRF2 and HIF-1α as well as their overexpression was found in tumor specimens obtained from HCC patients. In normoxia, HIF-1α undergoes hydroxylation by a specific HIF-prolyl hydroxylase domain protein (PHD), which facilitates ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of HIF-1α. NRF2 contributes to pseudohypoxia, by directly binding to the oxygen-dependent degradation (ODD) domain of HIF-1α, which hampers the PHD2-mediated hydroxylation, concomitant recruitment of von-Hippel-Lindau and ubiquitination of HIF-1α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Su-Jung Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Soma Saeidi
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Seong Hoon Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Xizhu Fang
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Yeon-Hwa Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Yanymee N Guillen-Quispe
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Hoang Kieu Chi Ngo
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Do-Hee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Convergence and Integrated Science, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16627, South Korea
| | - Doojin Kim
- Department of Surgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University School of Medicine, Incheon 21565, South Korea
| | - Young-Joon Surh
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul 03080, South Korea.
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The multifaceted role of EGLN family prolyl hydroxylases in cancer: going beyond HIF regulation. Oncogene 2022; 41:3665-3679. [PMID: 35705735 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02378-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
EGLN1, EGLN2 and EGLN3 are proline hydroxylase whose main function is the regulation of the HIF factors. They work as oxygen sensors and are the main responsible of HIFα subunits degradation in normoxia. Being their activity strictly oxygen-dependent, when oxygen tension lowers, their control on HIFα is released, leading to activation of systemic and cellular response to hypoxia. However, EGLN family members activity is not limited to HIF modulation, but it includes the regulation of essential mechanisms for cell survival, cell cycle metabolism, proliferation and transcription. This is due to their reported hydroxylase activity on a number of non-HIF targets and sometimes to hydroxylase-independent functions. For these reasons, EGLN enzymes appear fundamental for development and progression of different cancer types, playing either a tumor-suppressive or a tumor-promoting role, according to EGLN isoform and to tumor context. Notably, EGLN1, the most studied isoform, has been shown to have also a central role in tumor micro-environment modulation, mediating CAF activation and impairing HIF1α -related angiogenesis, thus covering an important function in cancer metastasis promotion. Considering the recent knowledge acquired on EGLNs, the possibility to target these enzymes for cancer treatment is emerging. However, due to their multifaceted and controversial roles in different cancer types, the use of EGLN inhibitors as anti-cancer drugs should be carefully evaluated in each context.
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Transcription of the Envelope Protein by 1-L Protein–RNA Recognition Code Leads to Genes/Proteins That Are Relevant to the SARS-CoV-2 Life Cycle and Pathogenesis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:791-816. [PMID: 35723340 PMCID: PMC8928949 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44020055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The theoretical protein–RNA recognition code was used in this study to research the compatibility of the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein (E) with mRNAs in the human transcriptome. According to a review of the literature, the spectrum of identified genes showed that the virus post-transcriptionally promotes or represses the genes involved in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. The identified genes/proteins are also involved in adaptive immunity, in the function of the cilia and wound healing (EMT and MET) in the pulmonary epithelial tissue, in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and in type 2 diabetes. For example, the E-protein promotes BHLHE40, which switches off the IL-10 inflammatory “brake” and inhibits antiviral THαβ cells. In the viral cycle, E supports the COPII-SCAP-SREBP-HSP90α transport complex by the lowering of cholesterol in the ER and by the repression of insulin signaling, which explains the positive effect of HSP90 inhibitors in COVID-19 (geldanamycin), and E also supports importin α/β-mediated transport to the nucleus, which explains the positive effect of ivermectin, a blocker of importins α/β. In summary, transcription of the envelope protein by the 1-L protein–RNA recognition code leads to genes/proteins that are relevant to the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle and pathogenesis.
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Romero Y, Aquino-Gálvez A. Hypoxia in Cancer and Fibrosis: Part of the Problem and Part of the Solution. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8335. [PMID: 34361103 PMCID: PMC8348404 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adaptive responses to hypoxia are involved in the progression of lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis. However, it has not been pointed out that hypoxia may be the link between these diseases. As tumors or scars expand, a lack of oxygen results in the activation of the hypoxia response, promoting cell survival even during chronic conditions. The role of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) as master regulators of this adaptation is crucial in both lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which have shown the active transcriptional signature of this pathway. Emerging evidence suggests that interconnected feedback loops such as metabolic changes, fibroblast differentiation or extracellular matrix remodeling contribute to HIF overactivation, making it an irreversible phenomenon. This review will focus on the role of HIF signaling and its possible overlapping in order to identify new opportunities in therapy and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yair Romero
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Arnoldo Aquino-Gálvez
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias “Ismael Cosío Villegas”, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
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HIF-Prolyl Hydroxylase Domain Proteins (PHDs) in Cancer-Potential Targets for Anti-Tumor Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13050988. [PMID: 33673417 PMCID: PMC7956578 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13050988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In solid tumors, proliferation of cancer cells typically outpaces the growth of functional vessels. The net result is often an obstructed blood circulation and areas of deprived oxygen (hypoxia). To overcome this acute stress, hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) stimulate the expression of numerous proteins that will support adaptation to this situation and stimulate further growth, differentiation, and even dissemination. The HIF-response is closely controlled by a class of enzymes known as the HIF prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs). They are true oxygen sensors and directly regulate the activity of HIFs. Although many studies are currently focusing on inhibiting the activity of HIFs in tumors, the role of hypoxia signaling is complex and regulating PHDs in a number of tumor settings might be beneficial. This review gives an overview of the literature on the nature of PHDs in tumor-associated cells and discusses available PHD inhibitors and their potential use as an anti-tumor therapy. Abstract Solid tumors are typically associated with unbridled proliferation of malignant cells, accompanied by an immature and dysfunctional tumor-associated vascular network. Consequent impairment in transport of nutrients and oxygen eventually leads to a hypoxic environment wherein cells must adapt to survive and overcome these stresses. Hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are central transcription factors in the hypoxia response and drive the expression of a vast number of survival genes in cancer cells and in cells in the tumor microenvironment. HIFs are tightly controlled by a class of oxygen sensors, the HIF-prolyl hydroxylase domain proteins (PHDs), which hydroxylate HIFs, thereby marking them for proteasomal degradation. Remarkable and intense research during the past decade has revealed that, contrary to expectations, PHDs are often overexpressed in many tumor types, and that inhibition of PHDs can lead to decreased tumor growth, impaired metastasis, and diminished tumor-associated immune-tolerance. Therefore, PHDs represent an attractive therapeutic target in cancer research. Multiple PHD inhibitors have been developed that were either recently accepted in China as erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESA) or are currently in phase III trials. We review here the function of HIFs and PHDs in cancer and related therapeutic opportunities.
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Song H, Wang Y, Shi C, Lu J, Yuan T, Wang X. SH3KBP1 Promotes Glioblastoma Tumorigenesis by Activating EGFR Signaling. Front Oncol 2021; 10:583984. [PMID: 33643898 PMCID: PMC7905166 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.583984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive brain tumor in adults. Overexpression or activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) occurs commonly in multiple human cancers and promotes tumorigenesis. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of EGFR aberrant activation and the downstream signaling pathways remains largely unknown. In this study, we report that both SH3-domain kinase binding protein 1 (SH3KBP1) mRNA and protein levels are highly expressed in GBM and its high expression is associated with worse survival of glioma patients. In addition, we provide evidence that SH3KBP1 is prominently expressed in GBM stem cells (GSCs) and have potential to serve as a novel GSCs marker. Moreover, silencing SH3KBP1 dramatically impairs GBM cell proliferation, migration and GSCs self-renewal ability in vitro and xenograft tumors growth in vivo. Most importantly, we found that SH3KBP1 directly interacts with EGFR and may act as an adaptor protein to transduce EGFR signaling. Together, our work uncovers SH3KBP1 as a novel regulator of oncogenic EGFR signaling and also as a potential therapeutic target for GBM patients with EGFR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiangpeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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