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Erb HHH, Polishchuk N, Stasyk O, Kahya U, Weigel MM, Dubrovska A. Glutamine Metabolism and Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2871. [PMID: 39199642 PMCID: PMC11352381 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16162871] [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: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamine (Gln) is a non-essential amino acid that is involved in the development and progression of several malignancies, including prostate cancer (PCa). While Gln is non-essential for non-malignant prostate epithelial cells, PCa cells become highly dependent on an exogenous source of Gln. The Gln metabolism in PCa is tightly controlled by well-described oncogenes such as MYC, AR, and mTOR. These oncogenes contribute to therapy resistance and progression to the aggressive castration-resistant PCa. Inhibition of Gln catabolism impedes PCa growth, survival, and tumor-initiating potential while sensitizing the cells to radiotherapy. Therefore, given its significant role in tumor growth, targeting Gln metabolism is a promising approach for developing new therapeutic strategies. Ongoing clinical trials evaluate the safety and efficacy of Gln catabolism inhibitors in combination with conventional and targeted therapies in patients with various solid tumors, including PCa. Further understanding of how PCa cells metabolically interact with their microenvironment will facilitate the clinical translation of Gln inhibitors and help improve therapeutic outcomes. This review focuses on the role of Gln in PCa progression and therapy resistance and provides insights into current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holger H. H. Erb
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Nikita Polishchuk
- Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Cell Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine; (N.P.); (O.S.)
| | - Oleh Stasyk
- Department of Cell Signaling, Institute of Cell Biology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 79000 Lviv, Ukraine; (N.P.); (O.S.)
| | - Uğur Kahya
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Matthias M. Weigel
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, 01309 Dresden, Germany; (U.K.); (M.M.W.)
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, 01309 Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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2
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Hushmandi K, Einollahi B, Saadat SH, Lee EHC, Farani MR, Okina E, Huh YS, Nabavi N, Salimimoghadam S, Kumar AP. Amino acid transporters within the solute carrier superfamily: Underappreciated proteins and novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Mol Metab 2024; 84:101952. [PMID: 38705513 PMCID: PMC11112377 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Solute carrier (SLC) transporters, a diverse family of membrane proteins, are instrumental in orchestrating the intake and efflux of nutrients including amino acids, vitamins, ions, nutrients, etc, across cell membranes. This dynamic process is critical for sustaining the metabolic demands of cancer cells, promoting their survival, proliferation, and adaptation to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Amino acids are fundamental building blocks of cells and play essential roles in protein synthesis, nutrient sensing, and oncogenic signaling pathways. As key transporters of amino acids, SLCs have emerged as crucial players in maintaining cellular amino acid homeostasis, and their dysregulation is implicated in various cancer types. Thus, understanding the intricate connections between amino acids, SLCs, and cancer is pivotal for unraveling novel therapeutic targets and strategies. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review, we delve into the significant impact of amino acid carriers of the SLCs family on the growth and progression of cancer and explore the current state of knowledge in this field, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms that underlie these relationships and highlighting potential avenues for future research and clinical interventions. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS Amino acids transportation by SLCs plays a critical role in tumor progression. However, some studies revealed the tumor suppressor function of SLCs. Although several studies evaluated the function of SLC7A11 and SLC1A5, the role of some SLC proteins in cancer is not studied well. To exert their functions, SLCs mediate metabolic rewiring, regulate the maintenance of redox balance, affect main oncogenic pathways, regulate amino acids bioavailability within the TME, and alter the sensitivity of cancer cells to therapeutics. However, different therapeutic methods that prevent the function of SLCs were able to inhibit tumor progression. This comprehensive review provides insights into a rapidly evolving area of cancer biology by focusing on amino acids and their transporters within the SLC superfamily.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiavash Hushmandi
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Behzad Einollahi
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Hassan Saadat
- Nephrology and Urology Research Center, Clinical Sciences Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Marzieh Ramezani Farani
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Elena Okina
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yun Suk Huh
- NanoBio High-Tech Materials Research Center, Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urologic Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Shokooh Salimimoghadam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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3
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Perez RE, Eckerdt F, Platanias LC. Schlafens: Emerging Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1805. [PMID: 38791884 PMCID: PMC11119473 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The interferon (IFN) family of immunomodulatory cytokines has been a focus of cancer research for over 50 years with direct and indirect implications in cancer therapy due to their properties to inhibit malignant cell proliferation and modulate immune responses. Among the transcriptional targets of the IFNs is a family of genes referred to as Schlafens. The products of these genes, Schlafen proteins, exert important roles in modulating cellular proliferation, differentiation, immune responses, viral replication, and chemosensitivity of malignant cells. Studies have demonstrated that abnormal expression of various Schlafens contributes to the pathophysiology of various cancers. Schlafens are now emerging as promising biomarkers and potentially attractive targets for drug development in cancer research. Here, we highlight research suggesting the use of Schlafens as cancer biomarkers and the rationale for the development of specific drugs targeting Schlafen proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo E. Perez
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (R.E.P.); (F.E.)
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Frank Eckerdt
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (R.E.P.); (F.E.)
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (R.E.P.); (F.E.)
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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4
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Zhu K, Liu C, Guo X, Zhang X, Xie J, Xie S, Qi Q, Yang B. Exosomal miR-126-3p: Potential protection against vascular damage by regulating the SLC7A5/mTOR Signalling pathway in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Scand J Immunol 2024; 99:e13354. [PMID: 39008522 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13354] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disease. Vascular damage is one of the important features of SSc, which affects the progression and prognosis of the disease. MiR-126-3p is an important microRNA (miRNA) that regulates vascular structure and function, which can be transported through exosomes. However, the role of miR-126-3p in vascular damage in SSc is still unclear. Therefore, we focused on the connection between miR-126-3p and vascular damage in SSc, as well as investigated the potential role of miR-126-3p in vascular damage in SSc. First, this study successfully extracted extracellular vesicles from clinical plasma samples and characterized the exosomes within them. Then, we predicted and screened the target pathway mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the target gene SLC7A5 of miR-126-3p through online databases. Next, we constructed SSc mice for in vivo studies. The results showed that the expression of miR-126-3p was decreased in the plasma exosomes, while the SLC7A5 expression, autophagy, and lipid peroxidation were increased in the aorta. Luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that miR-126-3p can bind to SLC7A5, resulting in a decrease in its expression. In vitro experiments have shown that exosomal miR-126-3p can be internalized by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The miR-126-3p group exhibited enhanced cell viability and tube formation ability, along with increased expression of the vascular formation marker CD31. Additionally, miR-126-3p downregulated the protein expression of SLC7A5 and LC3 in HUVECs, while upregulating the protein expression of mTOR, P62, PPARγ, and CPT-1. However, the effects of miR-126-3p on HUVECs were counteracted by mTOR inhibitors and enhanced by mTOR activators. The results indicated that exosomal miR-126-3p has the potential to protect against vascular injury in SSc by regulating the SLC7A5/mTOR signalling pathway in HUVECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaofang Guo
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuting Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxin Xie
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Songmiao Xie
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qing Qi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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5
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Tu T, Yuan Y, Liu X, Liang X, Yang X, Yang Y. Progress in investigating the relationship between Schlafen5 genes and malignant tumors. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1248825. [PMID: 37771431 PMCID: PMC10523568 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1248825] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Schlafen5(SLFN5)gene belongs to the third group of the Schlafen protein family. As a tumor suppressor gene, SLFN5 plays a pivotal role in inhibiting tumor growth, orchestrating cell cycle regulation, and modulating the extent of cancer cell infiltration and metastasis in various malignancies. However, the high expression of SLFN 5 in some tumors was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis, tumor stage, and tumor grade. This article endeavors to elucidate the reciprocal relationship between the SLFN5 gene and malignant tumors, thereby enhancing our comprehension of the intricate mechanisms underlying the SLFN5 gene and its implications for the progression, invasive potential, and metastatic behavior of malignant tumors. At the same time, this paper summarizes the basis of SLFN 5 as a new biomarker of tumor diagnosis and prognosis, and provides new ideas for the target treatment of tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teng Tu
- School of Basic Medicine, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Ye Yuan
- Beidahuang Industry Group General Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoxue Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xin Liang
- Beidahuang Industry Group General Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaofan Yang
- The 1st Clinical Medical College, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yue Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, China
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6
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Liu D, Wang H, Li X, Liu J, Zhang Y, Hu J. Small molecule inhibitors for cancer metabolism: promising prospects to be explored. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:8051-8076. [PMID: 37002510 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04501-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal metabolism is the main hallmark of cancer, and cancer metabolism plays an important role in tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Therefore, studying the changes of tumor metabolic pathways is beneficial to find targets for the treatment of cancer diseases. The success of metabolism-targeted chemotherapy suggests that cancer metabolism research will provide potential new targets for the treatment of malignant tumors. PURPOSE The aim of this study was to systemically review recent research findings on targeted inhibitors of tumor metabolism. In addition, we summarized new insights into tumor metabolic reprogramming and discussed how to guide the exploration of new strategies for cancer-targeted therapy. CONCLUSION Cancer cells have shown various altered metabolic pathways, providing sufficient fuel for their survival. The combination of these pathways is considered to be a more useful method for screening multilateral pathways. Better understanding of the clinical research progress of small molecule inhibitors of potential targets of tumor metabolism will help to explore more effective cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - HongPing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - XingXing Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - JiFang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - YanLing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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7
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Zhao X, Sakamoto S, Wei J, Pae S, Saito S, Sazuka T, Imamura Y, Anzai N, Ichikawa T. Contribution of the L-Type Amino Acid Transporter Family in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076178. [PMID: 37047148 PMCID: PMC10094571 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The L-type amino acid transporter (LAT) family contains four members, LAT1~4, which are important amino acid transporters. They mainly transport specific amino acids through cell membranes, provide nutrients to cells, and are involved in a variety of metabolic pathways. They regulate the mTOR signaling pathway which has been found to be strongly linked to cancer in recent years. However, in the field of prostate cancer (PCa), the LAT family is still in the nascent stage of research, and the importance of LATs in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer is still unknown. Therefore, this article aims to report the role of LATs in prostate cancer and their clinical significance and application. LATs promote the progression of prostate cancer by increasing amino acid uptake, activating the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and downstream signals, mediating castration-resistance, promoting tumor angiogenesis, and enhancing chemotherapy resistance. The importance of LATs as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for prostate cancer was emphasized and the latest research results were introduced. In addition, we introduced selective LAT1 inhibitors, including JPH203 and OKY034, which showed excellent inhibitory effects on the proliferation of various tumor cells. This is the future direction of amino acid transporter targeting therapy drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhao
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Shinichi Sakamoto
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Jiaxing Wei
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Sangjon Pae
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Shinpei Saito
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Sazuka
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Yusuke Imamura
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Naohiko Anzai
- Department of Pharmacology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Ichikawa
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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8
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ATF4 Transcriptionally Activates SHH to Promote Proliferation, Invasion, and Migration of Gastric Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15051429. [PMID: 36900220 PMCID: PMC10000907 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15051429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is a DNA-binding protein widely generated in mammals, which has two biological characteristics that bind the cAMP response element (CRE). The mechanism of ATF4 as a transcription factor in gastric cancer affecting the Hedgehog pathway remains unclear. Here, we observed that ATF4 was markedly upregulated in gastric cancer (GC) using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting assays in 80 paraffin-embedded GC samples and 4 fresh samples and para-cancerous tissues. ATF4 knockdown using lentiviral vectors strongly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of GC cells. ATF4 upregulation using lentiviral vectors promoted the proliferation and invasion of GC cells. We predicted that the transcription factor ATF4 is bound to the SHH promoter via the JASPA database. Transcription factor ATF4 is bound to the promoter region of SHH to activate the Sonic Hedgehog pathway. Mechanistically, rescue assays showed that ATF4 regulated gastric cancer cells' proliferation and invasive ability through SHH. Similarly, ATF4 enhanced the tumor formation of GC cells in a xenograft model.
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9
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Choi SYC, Ribeiro CF, Wang Y, Loda M, Plymate SR, Uo T. Druggable Metabolic Vulnerabilities Are Exposed and Masked during Progression to Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1590. [PMID: 36358940 PMCID: PMC9687810 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for exploring new actionable targets other than androgen receptor to improve outcome from lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer. Tumor metabolism has reemerged as a hallmark of cancer that drives and supports oncogenesis. In this regard, it is important to understand the relationship between distinctive metabolic features, androgen receptor signaling, genetic drivers in prostate cancer, and the tumor microenvironment (symbiotic and competitive metabolic interactions) to identify metabolic vulnerabilities. We explore the links between metabolism and gene regulation, and thus the unique metabolic signatures that define the malignant phenotypes at given stages of prostate tumor progression. We also provide an overview of current metabolism-based pharmacological strategies to be developed or repurposed for metabolism-based therapeutics for castration-resistant prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Y. C. Choi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Caroline Fidalgo Ribeiro
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Massimo Loda
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10021, USA
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Stephen R. Plymate
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA 98108, USA
| | - Takuma Uo
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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Fischietti M, Eckerdt F, Perez RE, Guillen Magaña JN, Mazewski C, Ho S, Gonzalez C, Streich LD, Beauchamp EM, Heimberger AB, Baran AH, Yue F, James CD, Platanias LC. SLFN11 Negatively Regulates Noncanonical NFκB Signaling to Promote Glioblastoma Progression. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:966-978. [PMID: 36382088 PMCID: PMC9648417 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and incurable brain tumor in nearly all instances, whose disease progression is driven in part by the glioma stem cell (GSC) subpopulation. Here, we explored the effects of Schlafen family member 11 (SLFN11) in the molecular, cellular, and tumor biology of GBM. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of SLFN11 inhibited GBM cell proliferation and neurosphere growth and was associated with reduced expression of progenitor/stem cell marker genes, such as NES, SOX2, and CD44. Loss of SLFN11 stimulated expression of NFκB target genes, consistent with a negative regulatory role for SLFN11 on the NFκB pathway. Furthermore, our studies identify p21 as a direct transcriptional target of NFκB2 in GBM whose expression was stimulated by loss of SLFN11. Genetic disruption of SLFN11 blocked GBM growth and significantly extended survival in an orthotopic patient-derived xenograft model. Together, our results identify SLFN11 as a novel component of signaling pathways that contribute to GBM and GSC with implications for future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Significance:
We identify a negative regulatory role for SLFN11 in noncanonical NFκB signaling that results in suppression of the cell-cycle inhibitor p21. We provide evidence that SLFN11 contributes to regulation of stem cell markers in GBM, promoting the malignant phenotype. In addition, SLFN11 targeting triggers p21 expression and antitumor responses. Our studies define a highly novel function for SLFN11 and identify it as a potential therapeutic target for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariafausta Fischietti
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Frank Eckerdt
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ricardo E. Perez
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | | | - Candice Mazewski
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sang Ho
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Christopher Gonzalez
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lukas D. Streich
- 4Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Elspeth M. Beauchamp
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 5Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Amy B. Heimberger
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Aneta H. Baran
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 5Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Feng Yue
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 6Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - C. David James
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 3Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- 1Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 2Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- 5Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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11
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Dual contribution of the mTOR pathway and of the metabolism of amino acids in prostate cancer. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:831-859. [PMID: 36036882 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00706-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer in men, and its incidence increases with age. Among other risk factors, pre-existing metabolic diseases have been recently linked with prostate cancer, and our current knowledge recognizes prostate cancer as a condition with important metabolic anomalies as well. In malignancies, metabolic disorders are commonly associated with aberrations in mTOR, which is the master regulator of protein synthesis and energetic homeostasis. Although there are reports demonstrating the high dependency of prostate cancer cells for lipid derivatives and even for carbohydrates, the understanding regarding amino acids, and the relationship with the mTOR pathway ultimately resulting in metabolic aberrations, is still scarce. CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES In this review, we briefly provide evidence supporting prostate cancer as a metabolic disease, and discuss what is known about mTOR signaling and prostate cancer. Next, we emphasized on the amino acids glutamine, leucine, serine, glycine, sarcosine, proline and arginine, commonly related to prostate cancer, to explore the alterations in their regulatory pathways and to link them with the associated metabolic reprogramming events seen in prostate cancer. Finally, we display potential therapeutic strategies for targeting mTOR and the referred amino acids, as experimental approaches to selectively attack prostate cancer cells.
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12
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Xu J, Chen S, Liang J, Hao T, Wang H, Liu G, Jin X, Li H, Zhang J, Zhang C, He Y. Schlafen family is a prognostic biomarker and corresponds with immune infiltration in gastric cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:922138. [PMID: 36090985 PMCID: PMC9452737 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.922138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Schlafen (SLFN) gene family plays an important role in immune cell differentiation and immune regulation. Previous studies have found that the increased SLFN5 expression in patients with intestinal metaplasia correlates with gastric cancer (GC) progression. However, no investigation has been conducted on the SLFN family in GC. Therefore, we systematically explore the expression and prognostic value of SLFN family members in patients with GC, elucidating their possible biological function and its correlation with tumor immune cells infiltration. TCGA database results indicated that the SLFN5, SLFN11, SLFN12, SLFN12L, and SLFN13 expression was significantly higher in GC. The UALCAN and KM plotter databases indicated that enhanced the SLFN family expression was associated with lymph node metastasis, tumor stage, and tumor grade and predicted an adverse prognosis. cBioportal database revealed that the SLFN family had a high frequency of genetic alterations in GC (about 12%), including mutations and amplification. The GeneMANIA and STRING databases identified 20 interacting genes and 16 interacting proteins that act as potential targets of the SLFN family. SLFN5, SLFN11, SLFN12, SLFN12L, and SLFN14 may be implicated in the immunological response, according to Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Additionally, Timer and TISIDB databases indicate that SLFN5, SLFN11, SLFN12, SLFN12L, and SLFN14 are involved in the immune response. Furthermore, Timer, TCGA, and TISIDB databases suggested that the SLFN5, SLFN11, SLFN12, SLFN12L, and SLFN14 expression in GC is highly linked with immune cell infiltration levels, immune checkpoint, and the many immune cell marker sets expression. We isolated three samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and activated T cells; the results showed the expression of SLFN family members decreased significantly when T cell active. In conclusion, the SLFN family of proteins may act as a prognostic indicator of GC and is associated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoint expression in GC. Additionally, it may be involved in tumor immune evasion by regulating T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Xu
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songyao Chen
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianming Liang
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tengfei Hao
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huabin Wang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guangyao Liu
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xinghan Jin
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huan Li
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junchang Zhang
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Changhua Zhang
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Changhua Zhang, ; Yulong He,
| | - Yulong He
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Center of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Changhua Zhang, ; Yulong He,
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13
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Ding J, Wang S, Wang Z, Chen S, Zhao J, Solomon M, Liu Z, Guo F, Ma L, Wen J, Li X, Liang C, Cen S. Schlafen 5 suppresses human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transcription by commandeering cellular epigenetic machinery. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6137-6153. [PMID: 35687115 PMCID: PMC9226525 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Schlafen-5 (SLFN5) is an interferon-induced protein of the Schlafen family, which are involved in immune responses and oncogenesis. To date, little is known regarding its anti-HIV-1 function. Here, the authors report that overexpression of SLFN5 inhibits HIV-1 replication and reduces viral mRNA levels, whereas depletion of endogenous SLFN5 promotes HIV-1 replication. Moreover, they show that SLFN5 markedly decreases the transcriptional activity of HIV-1 long terminal repeat (LTR) via binding to two sequences in the U5-R region, which consequently represses the recruitment of RNA polymerase II to the transcription initiation site. Mutagenesis studies show the importance of nuclear localization and the N-terminal 1-570 amino acids fragment in the inhibition of HIV-1. Further mechanistic studies demonstrate that SLFN5 interacts with components of the PRC2 complex, G9a and Histone H3, thereby promoting H3K27me2 and H3K27me3 modification leading to silencing HIV-1 transcription. In concert with this, they find that SLFN5 blocks the activation of latent HIV-1. Altogether, their findings demonstrate that SLFN5 is a transcriptional repressor of HIV-1 through epigenetic modulation and a potential determinant of HIV-1 latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Ding
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Shujie Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill AIDS Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shumin Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyuan Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Magan Solomon
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill AIDS Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Zhenlong Liu
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill AIDS Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fei Guo
- Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Ma
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jiajia Wen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill AIDS Centre, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shan Cen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China.,CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing, China
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14
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Yu Q, Tu H, Yin X, Peng C, Dou C, Yang W, Wu W, Guan X, Li J, Yan H, Zang Y, Jiang H, Xia Q. Targeting Glutamine Metabolism Ameliorates Autoimmune Hepatitis via Inhibiting T Cell Activation and Differentiation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:880262. [PMID: 35663990 PMCID: PMC9160195 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.880262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is mediated by a cascade of T cell-mediated events directed at liver cells and persistent inflammation within the liver can eventually result in liver cirrhosis. Targeting glutamine metabolism has an impact on T cell activation and differentiation. However, the effect of glutamine metabolism blocking upon AIH remains unknown. We use glutaminase antagonist 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine (DON) for in vitro assays and its prodrug 2-(2-amino-4-methylpentanamido)-DON (JHU083) for in vivo assays to investigate the potential therapeutic effect and molecular mechanism of glutamine metabolism blocking in an AIH murine model. Methods AIH mice were treated with JHU083 or vehicle before concanavalin A (ConA) administration, and disease severity was examined. Then activation and differentiation [including Th1/Th17 cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL)] of T cells from Vehicle-WT, JHU083-AIH and Vehicle-AIH mice were tested. Furthermore, in vitro T cell activation and differentiation were measured using separated splenocytes stimulated with ConA with or without DON. The activation and differentiation of T cells were tested using flow cytometry, qRT-PCR and ELISA. Phosphorylation level of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and 70 kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (P70S6K) were examined by western blotting. Results JHU083 and DON significantly suppressed the activation of T cells and inhibited the differentiation of Th1/Th17 cells and CTL in vivo and in vitro. Besides, we demonstrated that glutamine metabolism blocking inhibited T cells activation and differentiation through decreasing the mRNA expression of amino acid transporter solute carrier family 7 member 5 (SLC7A5) and mitigating the activation of mTOR signaling. Conclusions We proved that targeting glutamine metabolism represents a potential new treatment strategy for patients with AIH and other T cell-mediated disease. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that glutamine metabolism blocking inhibits T cells activation and suppresses the differentiation of Th1/Th17 cells and CTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Honghu Tu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueyi Yin
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chuanyun Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhua Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenbiao Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaotong Guan
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hexin Yan
- Department of Anesthesia, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), Hangzhou, China
| | - Haowen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Transplantation and Immunology, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
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15
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Structural, molecular, and functional insights into Schlafen proteins. EXPERIMENTAL & MOLECULAR MEDICINE 2022; 54:730-738. [PMID: 35768579 PMCID: PMC9256597 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00794-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Schlafen (SLFN) genes belong to a vertebrate gene family encoding proteins with high sequence homology. However, each SLFN is functionally divergent and differentially expressed in various tissues and species, showing a wide range of expression in cancer and normal cells. SLFNs are involved in various cellular and tissue-specific processes, including DNA replication, proliferation, immune and interferon responses, viral infections, and sensitivity to DNA-targeted anticancer agents. The fundamental molecular characteristics of SLFNs and their structures are beginning to be elucidated. Here, we review recent structural insights into the N-terminal, middle and C-terminal domains (N-, M-, and C-domains, respectively) of human SLFNs and discuss the current understanding of their biological roles. We review the distinct molecular activities of SLFN11, SLFN5, and SLFN12 and the relevance of SLFN11 as a predictive biomarker in oncology. The diverse roles that Schlafen family proteins play in cell proliferation, immune modulation, and other biological processes make them promising targets for treating and tracking diseases, especially cancer. Ukhyun Jo and Yves Pommier from the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, USA, review the molecular characteristics and structural features of Schlafen proteins. These proteins take their name from the German word for “sleep”, as the first described Schlafen proteins caused cells to stop dividing, although later reports found that related members of the same protein family serve myriad cellular functions, including in the regulation of DNA replication. A better understanding of Schlafen proteins could open up new avenues in cancer management, for instance, diagnostics that monitor activity levels of one such protein, SLFN11, could help oncologists predict how well patients might respond to anti-cancer therapies.
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16
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Resurreccion EP, Fong KW. The Integration of Metabolomics with Other Omics: Insights into Understanding Prostate Cancer. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12060488. [PMID: 35736421 PMCID: PMC9230859 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12060488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of prostate cancer (PCa) has shifted from solely caused by a few genetic aberrations to a combination of complex biochemical dysregulations with the prostate metabolome at its core. The role of metabolomics in analyzing the pathophysiology of PCa is indispensable. However, to fully elucidate real-time complex dysregulation in prostate cells, an integrated approach based on metabolomics and other omics is warranted. Individually, genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics are robust, but they are not enough to achieve a holistic view of PCa tumorigenesis. This review is the first of its kind to focus solely on the integration of metabolomics with multi-omic platforms in PCa research, including a detailed emphasis on the metabolomic profile of PCa. The authors intend to provide researchers in the field with a comprehensive knowledge base in PCa metabolomics and offer perspectives on overcoming limitations of the tool to guide future point-of-care applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleazer P. Resurreccion
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
| | - Ka-wing Fong
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-859-562-3455
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17
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Blomme A, Peter C, Mui E, Rodriguez Blanco G, An N, Mason LM, Jamieson LE, McGregor GH, Lilla S, Ntala C, Patel R, Thiry M, Kung SHY, Leclercq M, Ford CA, Rushworth LK, McGarry DJ, Mason S, Repiscak P, Nixon C, Salji MJ, Markert E, MacKay GM, Kamphorst JJ, Graham D, Faulds K, Fazli L, Gleave ME, Avezov E, Edwards J, Yin H, Sumpton D, Blyth K, Close P, Murphy DJ, Zanivan S, Leung HY. THEM6-mediated reprogramming of lipid metabolism supports treatment resistance in prostate cancer. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e14764. [PMID: 35014179 PMCID: PMC8899912 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the clinical benefit of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), the majority of patients with advanced prostate cancer (PCa) ultimately develop lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). In this study, we identified thioesterase superfamily member 6 (THEM6) as a marker of ADT resistance in PCa. THEM6 deletion reduces in vivo tumour growth and restores castration sensitivity in orthograft models of CRPC. Mechanistically, we show that the ER membrane-associated protein THEM6 regulates intracellular levels of ether lipids and is essential to trigger the induction of the ER stress response (UPR). Consequently, THEM6 loss in CRPC cells significantly alters ER function, reducing de novo sterol biosynthesis and preventing lipid-mediated activation of ATF4. Finally, we demonstrate that high THEM6 expression is associated with poor survival and correlates with high levels of UPR activation in PCa patients. Altogether, our results highlight THEM6 as a novel driver of therapy resistance in PCa as well as a promising target for the treatment of CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ernest Mui
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | | | - Ning An
- Laboratory of Cancer SignalingGIGA‐InstituteUniversity of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | | | - Lauren E Jamieson
- Centre for Molecular NanometrologyDepartment of Pure and Applied ChemistryTechnology and Innovation CentreUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Grace H McGregor
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | | | - Chara Ntala
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | | | - Marc Thiry
- GIGA‐NeurosciencesUnit of Cell and Tissue BiologyUniversity of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Sonia H Y Kung
- Department of Urologic SciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
- Vancouver Prostate CentreVancouverBCCanada
| | - Marine Leclercq
- Laboratory of Cancer SignalingGIGA‐InstituteUniversity of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | | | - Linda K Rushworth
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | | | - Susan Mason
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | | | - Colin Nixon
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | - Mark J Salji
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | - Elke Markert
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | | | - Jurre J Kamphorst
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | - Duncan Graham
- Centre for Molecular NanometrologyDepartment of Pure and Applied ChemistryTechnology and Innovation CentreUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Karen Faulds
- Centre for Molecular NanometrologyDepartment of Pure and Applied ChemistryTechnology and Innovation CentreUniversity of StrathclydeGlasgowUK
| | - Ladan Fazli
- Department of Urologic SciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
- Vancouver Prostate CentreVancouverBCCanada
| | - Martin E Gleave
- Department of Urologic SciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
- Vancouver Prostate CentreVancouverBCCanada
| | - Edward Avezov
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University of CambridgeDepartment of Clinical NeurosciencesUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeUK
| | - Joanne Edwards
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | - Huabing Yin
- School of EngineeringUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowUK
| | | | - Karen Blyth
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | - Pierre Close
- Laboratory of Cancer SignalingGIGA‐InstituteUniversity of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Daniel J Murphy
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | - Sara Zanivan
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
| | - Hing Y Leung
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
- Institute of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowGarscube EstateGlasgowUK
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18
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Zhao X, Sakamoto S, Maimaiti M, Anzai N, Ichikawa T. Contribution of LAT1-4F2hc in Urological Cancers via Toll-like Receptor and Other Vital Pathways. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14010229. [PMID: 35008399 PMCID: PMC8750950 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary LAT1-4F2hc complex is an important amino acid transporter. It mainly transports specific amino acids through the cell membrane, provides nutrition for cells, and participates in a variety of metabolic pathways. LAT1 plays a role in transporting essential amino acids including leucine, which regulates the mTOR signaling pathway. However, the importance of SLCs is still not well known in the field of urological cancer. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to report the role of the LAT1-4F2hc complex in urological cancers, as well as their clinical significance and application. Moreover, the inhibitor of LAT1-4F2hc complex is a promising direction as a targeted therapy to improve the treatment and prognosis of urological cancers. Abstract Tumor cells are known for their ability to proliferate. Nutrients are essential for rapidly growing tumor cells. In particular, essential amino acids are essential for tumor cell growth. Tumor cell growth nutrition requires the regulation of membrane transport proteins. Nutritional processes require amino acid uptake across the cell membrane. Leucine, one of the essential amino acids, has recently been found to be closely associated with cancer, which activate mTOR signaling pathway. The transport of leucine into cells requires an L-type amino acid transporter protein 1, LAT1 (SLC7A5), which requires the 4F2 cell surface antigen heavy chain (4F2hc, SLC3A2) to form a heterodimeric amino acid transporter protein complex. Recent evidence identified 4F2hc as a specific downstream target of the androgen receptor splice variant 7 (AR-V7). We stressed the importance of the LAT1-4F2hc complex as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in urological cancers in this review, which covered the recent achievements in research on the involvement of the LAT1-4F2hc complex in urinary system tumors. In addition, JPH203, which is a selective LAT1 inhibitor, has shown excellent inhibitory effects on the proliferation in a variety of tumor cells. The current phase I clinical trials of JPH203 in patients with biliary tract cancer have also achieved good results, which is the future research direction for LAT1 targeted therapy drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhao
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (X.Z.); (T.I.)
- Department of Urology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Shinichi Sakamoto
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (X.Z.); (T.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-43-226-2134; Fax: +81-43-226-2136
| | - Maihulan Maimaiti
- Department of Tumor Pathology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan;
| | - Naohiko Anzai
- Department of Pharmacology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan;
| | - Tomohiko Ichikawa
- Department of Urology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan; (X.Z.); (T.I.)
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19
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Wang M, Lu Y, Wang H, Wu Y, Xu X, Li Y. High ATF4 Expression Is Associated With Poor Prognosis, Amino Acid Metabolism, and Autophagy in Gastric Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 11:740120. [PMID: 34976799 PMCID: PMC8718699 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.740120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The role of activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) underlying gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression levels and biological functions of ATF4 in GC. Methods Expression of ATF4 was detected by quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Cox regression was used for survival analysis and the construction of the nomogram. Immunofluorescence was used to identify the intracellular localization of ATF4. Knockdown and overexpression of ATF4 in GC cells followed by wound healing and Transwell assays, EdU and Calcein-AM/propidium iodide (PI) staining, and cell cycle detection were performed to examine its function in vitro. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to assess the autophagy levels upon ATF4 silencing. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were used to determine gene enrichment. SPSS 22.0 software, GraphPad Prism 7.0, and R version 3.6.1 were used for statistical analysis. Results ATF4 expression was upregulated in GC cells and tissues compared with corresponding normal tissues. Survival analysis suggested that a high ATF4 expression was strongly associated with worse overall survival (OS) of GC patients (p < 0.001). The nomogram and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated that ATF4 was a highly sensitive and specific prognostic marker of GC [C-index = 0.797, area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 3-year OS = 0.855, and AUC of 5-year OS = 0.863]. In addition, ATF4 knockdown inhibited the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and cell cycle progression of GC cells in vitro, while overexpression of ATF4 exerted the opposite effects. Bioinformatics analysis showed that ATF4 could promote GC progression possibly by regulating asparagine (Asn) metabolism and autophagy pathways. Further experiments indicated that ATF4 expression was significantly positively correlated with ASNS expression. The inhibition of cell clone formation in Asn-deprived conditions was more significant in the shATF4 group. Finally, we found that ATF4 promoted autophagy through regulating the mTORC1 pathway in GC cells. Conclusion These findings suggested that ATF4 can significantly promote GC development and serve as an independent prognostic factor for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Wang
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yida Lu
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huizhen Wang
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Youliang Wu
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Xu
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yongxiang Li
- General Surgery Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Schlafens: Emerging Proteins in Cancer Cell Biology. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092238. [PMID: 34571887 PMCID: PMC8465726 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Schlafens (SLFN) are a family of genes widely expressed in mammals, including humans and rodents. These intriguing proteins play different roles in regulating cell proliferation, cell differentiation, immune cell growth and maturation, and inhibiting viral replication. The emerging evidence is implicating Schlafens in cancer biology and chemosensitivity. Although Schlafens share common domains and a high degree of homology, different Schlafens act differently. In particular, they show specific and occasionally opposing effects in some cancer types. This review will briefly summarize the history, structure, and non-malignant biological functions of Schlafens. The roles of human and mouse Schlafens in different cancer types will then be outlined. Finally, we will discuss the implication of Schlafens in the anti-tumor effect of interferons and the use of Schlafens as predictors of chemosensitivity.
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Cangiano M, Grudniewska M, Salji MJ, Nykter M, Jenster G, Urbanucci A, Granchi Z, Janssen B, Hamilton G, Leung HY, Beumer IJ. Gene Regulation Network Analysis on Human Prostate Orthografts Highlights a Potential Role for the JMJD6 Regulon in Clinical Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092094. [PMID: 33925994 PMCID: PMC8123677 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Prostate cancer is a very common malignancy worldwide. Treatment resistant prostate cancer poses a big challenge to clinicians and is the second most common cause of premature death in men with cancer. Gene expression analysis has been performed on clinical tumours but to date none of the gene expression-based biomarkers for prostate cancer have been successfully integrated to into clinical practice to improve patient management and treatment choice. We applied a novel laboratory prostate cancer model to mimic clinical hormone responsive and resistant prostate cancer and tested whether a network of genes similarly regulated by transcription factors (gene products that control the expression of target genes) are associated with patient outcome. We identified regulons (networks of genes similarly regulated) from our preclinical prostate cancer models and further evaluated the top ranked JMJD6 gene related regulated network in three independent clinical patient cohorts. Abstract Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common tumour diagnosed in men. Tumoral heterogeneity in PCa creates a significant challenge to develop robust prognostic markers and novel targets for therapy. An analysis of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) in PCa may provide insight into progressive PCa. Herein, we exploited a graph-based enrichment score to integrate data from GRNs identified in preclinical prostate orthografts and differentially expressed genes in clinical resected PCa. We identified active regulons (transcriptional regulators and their targeted genes) associated with PCa recurrence following radical prostatectomy. Methods: The expression of known transcription factors and co-factors was analysed in a panel of prostate orthografts (n = 18). We searched for genes (as part of individual GRNs) predicted to be regulated by the highest number of transcriptional factors. Using differentially expressed gene analysis (on a per sample basis) coupled with gene graph enrichment analysis, we identified candidate genes and associated GRNs in PCa within the UTA cohort, with the most enriched regulon being JMJD6, which was further validated in two additional cohorts, namely EMC and ICGC cohorts. Cox regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of the JMJD6 regulon activity with disease-free survival time in the three clinical cohorts as well as compared to three published prognostic gene signatures (TMCC11, BROMO-10 and HYPOXIA-28). Results: 1308 regulons were correlated to transcriptomic data from the three clinical prostatectomy cohorts. The JMJD6 regulon was identified as the top enriched regulon in the UTA cohort and again validated in the EMC cohort as the top-ranking regulon. In both UTA and EMC cohorts, the JMJD6 regulon was significantly associated with cancer recurrence. Active JMJD6 regulon also correlated with disease recurrence in the ICGC cohort. Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed shorter time to recurrence in patients with active JMJD6 regulon for all three clinical cohorts (UTA, EMC and ICGC), which was not the case for three published prognostic gene signatures (TMCC11, BROMO-10 and HYPOXIA-28). In multivariate analysis, the JMJD6 regulon status significantly predicted disease recurrence in the UTA and EMC, but not ICGC datasets, while none of the three published signatures significantly prognosticate for cancer recurrence. Conclusions: We have characterised gene regulatory networks from preclinical prostate orthografts and applied transcriptomic data from three clinical cohorts to evaluate the prognostic potential of the JMJD6 regulon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Cangiano
- GenomeScan B.V. Plesmanlaan 1D, 2333 BZ Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.C.); (M.G.); (Z.G.); (B.J.)
| | - Magda Grudniewska
- GenomeScan B.V. Plesmanlaan 1D, 2333 BZ Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.C.); (M.G.); (Z.G.); (B.J.)
| | - Mark J. Salji
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Matti Nykter
- Laboratory of Computational Biology, Institute of Biomedical Technology, Arvo Ylpön katu 34, 33520 Tampere, Finland;
| | - Guido Jenster
- Department of Urology, Erasmus Medical Center, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Alfonso Urbanucci
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0424 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Zoraide Granchi
- GenomeScan B.V. Plesmanlaan 1D, 2333 BZ Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.C.); (M.G.); (Z.G.); (B.J.)
| | - Bart Janssen
- GenomeScan B.V. Plesmanlaan 1D, 2333 BZ Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.C.); (M.G.); (Z.G.); (B.J.)
| | - Graham Hamilton
- Glasgow Polyomics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
| | - Hing Y. Leung
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK;
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
- Correspondence: (H.Y.L.); (I.J.B.)
| | - Inès J. Beumer
- GenomeScan B.V. Plesmanlaan 1D, 2333 BZ Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.C.); (M.G.); (Z.G.); (B.J.)
- Correspondence: (H.Y.L.); (I.J.B.)
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