Signaling from the Golgi: mechanisms and models for Golgi phosphoprotein 3-mediated oncogenesis

Protosappanin B enhances the chemosensitivity of 5-fluorouracil in colon adenocarcinoma by regulating the LINC00612/microRNA-590-3p/Golgi phosphoprotein 3 axis

BACKGROUND

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is conventionally used in chemotherapy for colon adenocarcinomas. Acquired resistance of 5-FU remains a clinical challenge in colon cancer, and efforts to develop targeted agents to reduce resistance have not yielded success. Protosappanin B (PSB), the main component of Lignum Sappan extract, is known to exhibit anti-tumor effects. However, whether and how PSB could improve 5-FU resistance in colon cancer have not yet been established. In this study, we aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of PSB in 5-FU-induced chemoresistance in colon adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Forty-seven paired colon cancer tissue samples from patients who received 5-FU chemotherapy were collected as clinical samples. Two 5-FU resistant colon cancer cell lines were established for in vitro experiments. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to determine the mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression levels in colon adenocarcinoma tissues and cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays were performed to evaluate cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively.

RESULTS

LINC00612 was highly expressed in colon adenocarcinoma samples and 5-FU resistant colon cancer cells. LINC00612 knockdown enhances 5-FU chemosensitivity in 5-FU resistant cells. Notably, PSB treatment attenuated LINC00612 expression in 5-FU resistant colon adenocarcinoma cells. Moreover, PSB treatment reversed the increase in LINC00612-induced 5-FU resistance. Mechanistically, LINC00612 specifically bound to miR-590-3p, which promoted 5-FU resistance in colon adenocarcinoma cells and attenuated the inhibitory effect of LINC00612 on GOLPH3 expression.

CONCLUSION

PSB attenuates 5-FU chemoresistance in colon adenocarcinoma by regulating the LINC00612/miRNA-590-3p/GOLPH3 axis.

Research progress on phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase inhibitors

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases (PI4Ks) could phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol (PI) to produce phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P) and maintain its metabolic balance and location. PI4P, the most abundant monophosphate inositol in eukaryotic cells, is a precursor of higher phosphoinositols and an essential substrate for the PLC/PKC and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. PI4Ks regulate vesicle transport, signal transduction, cytokinesis, and cell unity, and are involved in various physiological and pathological processes, including infection and growth of parasites such as Plasmodium and Cryptosporidium, replication and survival of RNA viruses, and the development of tumors and nervous system diseases. The development of novel drugs targeting PI4Ks and PI4P has been the focus of the research and clinical application of drugs, especially in recent years. In particular, PI4K inhibitors have made great progress in the treatment of malaria and cryptosporidiosis. We describe the biological characteristics of PI4Ks; summarize the physiological functions and effector proteins of PI4P; and analyze the structural basis of selective PI4K inhibitors for the treatment of human diseases in this review. Herein, this review mainly summarizes the developments in the structure and enzyme activity of PI4K inhibitors.

Identification of C4BPA as biomarker associated with immune infiltration and prognosis in breast cancer

Background

C4BPA is a gene that encodes the C4BP protein α chain and is involved in the complement system. C4BPA is regarded as a new biomarker for cancer, especially for non-small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer. However, its role in breast cancer (BC) has not yet been determined.

Methods

In this research, we used a bioinformatics approach to assess the prognostic significance of C4BPA in BC. Utilizing a variety of databases and analysis tools, including The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx), Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), R, STRING, and the Kaplan-Meier plotter, we specifically assessed the connection between C4BPA and BC.

Results

C4BPA expression was markedly decreased in BC tissues compared to its expression in normal breast tissues (P<0.05). Additionally, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that C4BPA has a significant capacity for prognostication and diagnostics. Additionally, C4BPA expression was linked to some immune infiltrating cells' functionality, according to gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune infiltration analysis. Low C4BPA expression was additionally related to poor progression-free interval (PFI) and overall survival (OS), according to the Kaplan-Meier method. We also found that C4BPA expression was independently connected to PFI and OS through Cox regression analysis. Finally, prognostic analysis of the various subgroups of breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA/BIC) in TCGA showed that patients with low C4BPA expression might have worse PFI and OS in patients with Luminal A compared to other BC subtypes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, these results revealed that C4BPA could potentially act as a diagnostic biomarker for BC patients indicating unfavorable prognoses and offers valuable knowledge for creating therapeutics and prognostic indicators.

MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of tumor angiogenesis in liver cancer

Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies in human digestive system. Despite the recent therapeutic methods, there is a high rate of mortality among liver cancer patients. Late diagnosis in the advanced tumor stages can be one of the main reasons for the poor prognosis in these patients. Therefore, investigating the molecular mechanisms of liver cancer can be helpful for the early stage tumor detection and treatment. Vascular expansion in liver tumors can be one of the important reasons for poor prognosis and aggressiveness. Therefore, anti-angiogenic drugs are widely used in liver cancer patients. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have key roles in the regulation of angiogenesis in liver tumors. Due to the high stability of miRNAs in body fluids, these factors are widely used as the non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic markers in cancer patients. Regarding, the importance of angiogenesis during liver tumor growth and invasion, in the present review, we discussed the role of miRNAs in regulation of angiogenesis in these tumors. It has been reported that miRNAs mainly exert an anti-angiogenic function by regulation of tumor microenvironment, transcription factors, and signaling pathways in liver tumors. This review can be an effective step to suggest the miRNAs for the non-invasive early detection of malignant and invasive liver tumors.

Comparative analysis of GOLPH3 expression in lymph node-positive prostate cancer: immunohistochemistry staining patterns and clinical significance

Introduction

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. Lymph node metastasis is a poor prognostic factor for PCa. Previous studies have found that Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) is overexpressed in various cancers, including PCa. We examined GOLPH3 expression in PCa cells from primary tumor and, as the first, also in metastatic lymph nodes to assess its potential as a new risk factor for PCa progression.

Methods

The study included 78 patients diagnosed with lymph node-positive PCa confirmed in the postoperative material. All the patients underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) with extended lymphadenectomy. The clinical data of the patients were retrospectively analyzed, and their histopathological specimens were selected for further analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed and the expression of GOLPH3 was assessed by an experienced uropathologist using an immunoreactive scale (IRS). A correlational analysis of the obtained data with the clinicopathological data of patients was performed.

Results

A positive IHC reaction for GOLPH3 was observed in all samples. IRS score for GOLPH3 expression was higher in the metastatic lymph nodes than in the prostate (not statistically significant; p=0.056). Several significant correlations were identified in connection with GOLPH3 expression levels in the prostate and metastatic lymph node tissues. No significant correlations were found between GOLPH3 expression and patient characteristics (e.g. BMI, EAU risk group, or preoperative PSA level), pathological features, or postoperative outcomes. However, we found that lymphovascular invasion (LVI) tended to be more common in patients with a higher percentage of GOLPH3-positive cells (p=0.02). We also found a positive association between the intensity of GOLPH3 staining in metastatic lymph nodes and the EAU classification. Finally, we found a significant negative correlation between the GOLPH3 expression and the efficacy of RP - the higher the expression of GOLPH3, the lower the efficacy of RP was (p<0.05).

Conclusion

GOLPH3 is expressed in both prostate and metastatic lymph nodes, with higher expression in metastatic lymph nodes. High GOLPH3 expression was associated with the occurrence of LVI, higher-risk group in the EAU classification, and lower efficacy of the RP, but there was no significant correlation with other pathological features or postoperative outcomes.

Golgi Apparatus Target Proteins in Gastroenterological Cancers: A Comprehensive Review of GOLPH3 and GOLGA Proteins

The Golgi apparatus plays a central role in protein sorting, modification and trafficking within cells; its dysregulation has been implicated in various cancers including those affecting the GI tract. This review highlights two Golgi target proteins, namely GOLPH3 and GOLGA proteins, from this apparatus as they relate to gastroenterological cancers. GOLPH3-a highly conserved protein of the trans-Golgi network-has become a key player in cancer biology. Abnormal expression of GOLPH3 has been detected in various gastrointestinal cancers including gastric, colorectal and pancreatic cancers. GOLPH3 promotes tumor cell proliferation, survival, migration and invasion via various mechanisms including activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as well as altering Golgi morphology and vesicular trafficking. GOLGA family proteins such as GOLGA1 (golgin-97) and GOLGA7 (golgin-84) have also been implicated in gastroenterological cancers. GOLGA1 plays an essential role in protein trafficking within the Golgi apparatus and has been associated with poor patient survival rates and increased invasiveness; GOLGA7 maintains Golgi structure while having been shown to affect protein glycosylation processes. GOLPH3 and GOLGA proteins play a pivotal role in gastroenterological cancer, helping researchers unlock molecular mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets. Their dysregulation affects various cellular processes including signal transduction, vesicular trafficking and protein glycosylation, all contributing to tumor aggressiveness and progression.

Linking GOLPH3 and Extracellular Vesicles Content-a Potential New Route in Cancer Physiopathology and a Promising Therapeutic Target is in Sight?

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3), a highly conserved phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate effector, is required for maintenance of Golgi architecture, vesicle trafficking, and Golgi glycosylation. GOLPH3 overexpression has been reported in several human solid cancers, including glioblastoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, nonsmall cell lung cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the molecular mechanisms that link GOLPH3 to tumorigenesis require further investigation, it is likely that GOLPH3 may act by controlling the intracellular movement of key oncogenic molecules, between the Golgi compartments and/or between the Golgi and the endoplasmic reticulum. Indeed, numerous evidence indicates that deregulation of intracellular vesicle trafficking contributes to several aspects of cancer phenotypes. However, a direct and clear link between extracellular vesicle movements and GOLPH3 is still missing. In the past years several lines of evidence have implicated GOLPH3 in the regulation of extracellular vesicle content. Specifically, a new role for GOLPH3 has emerged in controlling the internalization of exosomes containing either oncogenic proteins or noncoding RNAs, especially micro-RNA. Although far from being elucidated, growing evidence indicates that GOLPH3 does not increase quantitatively the excretion of exosomes, but rather regulates the exosome content. In particular, recent data support a role for GOLPH3 for loading specific oncogenic molecules into the exosomes, driving both tumor malignancy and metastasis formation. Additionally, the older literature indirectly implicates GOLPH3 in cancerogenesis through its function in controlling hepatitis C virus secretion, which in turn is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma formation. Thus, GOLPH3 might promote tumorigenesis in unexpected ways, involving both direct and indirect routes. If these data are further confirmed, the spectrum of action of GOLPH3 in tumor formation will significantly expand, indicating this protein as a strong candidate for targeted cancer therapy.

Golgi Phosphoprotein 3 Regulates the Physical Association of Glycolipid Glycosyltransferases

Glycolipid glycosylation is an intricate process that mainly takes place in the Golgi by the complex interplay between glycosyltransferases. Several features such as the organization, stoichiometry and composition of these complexes may modify their sorting properties, sub-Golgi localization, enzymatic activity and in consequence, the pattern of glycosylation at the plasma membrane. In spite of the advance in our comprehension about physiological and pathological cellular states of glycosylation, the molecular basis underlying the metabolism of glycolipids and the players involved in this process remain not fully understood. In the present work, using biochemical and fluorescence microscopy approaches, we demonstrate the existence of a physical association between two ganglioside glycosyltransferases, namely, ST3Gal-II (GD1a synthase) and β3GalT-IV (GM1 synthase) with Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) in mammalian cultured cells. After GOLPH3 knockdown, the localization of both enzymes was not affected, but the fomation of ST3Gal-II/β3GalT-IV complex was compromised and glycolipid expression pattern changed. Our results suggest a novel control mechanism of glycolipid expression through the regulation of the physical association between glycolipid glycosyltransferases mediated by GOLPH3.

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 induces autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition to promote metastasis in colon cancer

In this study, we aimed to investigate whether and how Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) facilitates colon cancer metastasis via the regulation of autophagy and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The role GOLPH3 plays in colon cancer metastasis was analyzed using western blotting, immunohistochemistry, transwell, wound-healing, and zebrafish assays. Autophagy and EMT were assessed via RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis, mRFP-GFP-LC3 reporter assays, and their related markers. Significant associations were found between colon cancer clinical and pathological stages and poor prognosis. GOLPH3 facilitates colon cancer metastasis, both in vitro and in vivo. RNA-seq analysis of GOLPH3-overexpressing and control cell models revealed that GOLPH3 enhances EMT and autophagy. Moreover, examination of autophagic, epithelial, and mesenchymal markers in GOLPH3-overexpressing, -silenced, and control cell lines revealed that GOLPH3 promotes EMT and autophagy. When autophagy was inhibited, GOLPH3-promoted metastasis and EMT were counteracted in vitro and in vivo. Using RNA-seq, PI3K/Akt signaling was identified as the key downstream pathway on which GOLPH3 acts. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that GOLPH3 stimulates autophagy and induces EMT via the suppression of the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) at Ser473. In summary, GOLPH3 induces autophagy and EMT, promoting metastasis in colon cancer. Beyond this, and in contrast to conventional perspectives, we discovered that GOLPH3 represses the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473.

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 promotes angiogenesis and sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma via upregulating exosomal miR-494-3p

Background

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been frequently reported as an oncoprotein in a variety of tumors. However, its role in the cancer-associated intercellular signaling communication has not yet been explored. This study aimed at exploring whether GOLPH3 regulates angiogenesis and sorafenib resistance via exosomal mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

In vivo assays were performed to elucidate the function of GOLPH3 in HCC. Exosomes of HCC cells were isolated by differential centrifugation, and then measured and quantified using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), BCA assay, western blot (WB), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Differentially expressed miRNAs in exosome were analyzed and verified through small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq) and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, a series of in vitro assays were performed to determine the function of exosomes and miR-494-3p in HCC. The candidate target gene of miR-494-3p was identified by bioinformatics prediction and dual-luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Downregulation of GOLPH3 expression could suppress angiogenesis and enhance sorafenib sensitivity in HCC. Exosomes derived from GOLPH3 overexpression HCC cells promoted the angiogenesis ability of HUVECs and induced sorafenib resistance in HCC cells. A total of 13 differentially expressed miRNAs between negative control and GOLPH3 knockdown group were found in exosomes. However, GOLPH3 was only associated with miR-494-3p expression level in exosomes derived from HCC cells without affecting total cellular miR-494-3p content. Results confirmed that exosomal miR-494-3p promotes angiogenesis of HUVECs and sorafenib resistance in HCC cells through directly targeting PTEN.

Conclusions

HCC cells with high expression levels of GOLPH3 could promote angiogenesis and sorafenib resistance by enhancing exosomal miR-494-3p secretion to recipient HUVECs and HCC cells, respectively.

Golgi Phosphoprotein 3 Confers Radioresistance via Stabilizing EGFR in Lung Adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

Radioresistance is a major cause of treatment failure in tumor radiotherapy and the underlying mechanisms of radioresistance are still elusive. Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been reported to associate tightly with cancer progression and chemoresistance. Herein, we explored whether GOLPH3 mediated radioresistance of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and whether targeted suppression of GOLPH3 sensitized LUAD to radiotherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The aberrant expression of GOLPH3 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in LUAD clinical samples. To evaluate the association between GOLPH3 and radioresistance, colony formation and apoptosis were assessed in control and GOLPH3 knockdown cells. γ-H2AX foci/level determination and micronucleus test were used to analyze DNA damage production and repair. The rescue of GOLPH3 knockdown was then performed by exogenous expression of siRNA-resistant mutant GOLPH3 to confirm the role of GOLPH3 in DNA damage repair. Mechanistically, the effect of GOLPH3 on regulating stability and nuclear accumulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the activation of DNA-PK were investigated by qRT-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation. The role of GOLPH3 in vivo in radioresistance was determined in a xenograft model.

RESULTS

In tumor tissues of 33 patients with LUAD, the expression of GOLPH3 showed significantly increases compared with those in matched normal tissues. Knocking down GOLPH3 reduced the clonogenic capacity, impaired DSB repair and enhanced apoptosis after irradiation. In contrast, reversal of GOLPH3 depletion rescued the impaired repair of radiation-induced DSBs. Mechanistically, loss of GOLPH3 accelerated the degradation of EGFR in lysosome, causing the reduction in EGFR levels, thereby weakening nuclear accumulation of EGFR and attenuating the activation of DNA-PK. Furthermore, adenovirus-mediated GOLPH3 knockdown could enhance the ionizing-radiation response in LUAD xenograft model.

CONCLUSIONS

GOLPH3 conferred resistance of LUAD to ionizing-radiation via stabilizing EGFR and targeted suppression of GOLPH3 might be considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for sensitizing LUAD to radiotherapy.

Clinicopathologic and prognostic implications of Golgi Phosphoprotein 3 in colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis

Background

Golgi Phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been implicated in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the clinicopathological and prognostic roles of GOLPH3 in CRC remain undefined. We thus did a meta-analysis to assess GOLPH3 association with the clinicopathological characteristics of patients and evaluate the prognostic significance of GOLPH3 in CRC.

Methods

An electronic search for relevant articles was conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Medline, Embase, CNKI, and WanFang databases. Two independent reviewers searched all the literature and finished the data extraction and quality assessment. Odds ratio (OR) or hazard ratio (HR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess estimates. Stata software (version12.0) was employed to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 8 published studies were eligible (N = 723 participants). Meta-analysis revealed that GOLPH3 was found to be highly expressed in tumor tissues compared to that of adjacent colorectal tissues (OR, 2.63), and overexpression of GOLPH3 had significant relationship with advanced clinical stage (OR, 3.42). GOLPH3 expression was not correlated with gender (OR, 0.89), age (OR, 0.95), positive lymphatic metastasis (OR, 1.27), tumor size (OR, 1.12), poor differentiation of tumor (OR, 0.56) or T stage (OR, 0.70). Moreover, GOLPH3 overexpression was not associated with worse overall survival (OS) (HR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.42–1.86, P>0.05) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 0.80, 95% CI:-0.26–1.86, P>0.05).

Conclusions

GOLPH3 overexpression is correlated with tumor stage, which is an adverse clinicopathological characteristic of CRC. But, GOLPH3 can not serve as a useful biomarker in evaluating the progression of CRC.

Integrated transcriptomics and proteomics revealed the distinct toxicological effects of multi-metal contamination on oysters

The Pearl River Estuary (PRE) is the largest estuary in southern China and under high metal stress. In the present study, we employed an integrated method of transcriptomics and proteomics to investigate the ecotoxicological effects of trace metals on the Hong Kong oyster Crassostrea hongkongensis. Three oyster populations with distinct spatial distributions of metals were sampled, including the Control (Station QA, the lowest metal levels), the High Cd (Station JZ, the highest Cd), and the High Zn-Cu-Cr-Ni (Station LFS, with the highest levels of zinc, copper, chromium, and nickel). Dominant metals in oysters were differentiated by principal component analysis (PCA), and theirgene and protein profiles were studied using RNA-seq and iTRAQ techniques. Of the 2250 proteins identified at both protein and RNA levels, 70 proteins exhibited differential expressions in response to metal stress in oysters from the two contaminated stations. There were 8 proteins altered at both stations, with the potential effects on mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum by Ag. The genotoxicity, including impaired DNA replication and transcription, was specifically observed in the High Cd oysters with the dominating influence of Cd. The structural components (cytoskeleton and chromosome-associated proteins) were impaired by the over-accumulated Cu, Zn, Cr, and Ni at Station LFS. However, enhanced tRNA biogenesis and exosome activity might help the oysters to alleviate the toxicities resulting from their exposure to these metals. Our study provided comprehensive information on the molecular changes in oysters at both protein and RNA levels in responding to multi-levels of trace metal stress.

Golgi maturation-dependent glycoenzyme recycling controls glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and cell growth via GOLPH3

Glycosphingolipids are important components of the plasma membrane where they modulate the activities of membrane proteins including signalling receptors. Glycosphingolipid synthesis relies on competing reactions catalysed by Golgi-resident enzymes during the passage of substrates through the Golgi cisternae. The glycosphingolipid metabolic output is determined by the position and levels of the enzymes within the Golgi stack, but the mechanisms that coordinate the intra-Golgi localisation of the enzymes are poorly understood. Here, we show that a group of sequentially-acting enzymes operating at the branchpoint among glycosphingolipid synthetic pathways binds the Golgi-localised oncoprotein GOLPH3. GOLPH3 sorts these enzymes into vesicles for intra-Golgi retro-transport, acting as a component of the cisternal maturation mechanism. Through these effects, GOLPH3 controls the sub-Golgi localisation and the lysosomal degradation rate of specific enzymes. Increased GOLPH3 levels, as those observed in tumours, alter glycosphingolipid synthesis and plasma membrane composition thereby promoting mitogenic signalling and cell proliferation. These data have medical implications as they outline a novel oncogenic mechanism of action for GOLPH3 based on glycosphingolipid metabolism.

Tissue specific expression of sialic acid metabolic pathway: role in GNE myopathy

GNE myopathy is an adult-onset degenerative muscle disease that leads to extreme disability in patients. Biallelic mutations in the rate-limiting enzyme UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine-kinase (GNE) of sialic acid (SA) biosynthetic pathway, was shown to be the cause of this disease. Other genetic disorders with muscle pathology where defects in glycosylation are known. It is yet not clear why a defect in SA biosynthesis and glycosylation affect muscle cells selectively even though they are ubiquitously present in all tissues. Here we have comprehensively examined the complete SA metabolic pathway involving biosynthesis, sialylation, salvage, and catabolism. To understand the reason for tissue-specific phenotype caused by mutations in genes of this pathway, we analysed the expression of different SA pathway genes in various tissues, during the muscle tissue development and in muscle tissues from GNE myopathy patients (p.Met743Thr) using publicly available databases. We have also analysed gene co-expression networks with GNE in different tissues as well as gene interactions that are unique to muscle tissues only. The results do show a few muscle specific interactions involving ANLN, MYO16 and PRAMEF25 that could be involved in specific phenotype. Overall, our results suggest that SA biosynthetic and catabolic genes are expressed at a very low level in skeletal muscles that also display a unique gene interaction network.

GOLPH3 inhibition reverses oxaliplatin resistance of colon cancer cells via suppression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

OBJECTIVE

To explore whether GOLPH3 regulated oxaliplatin (L-OHP) resistance of colon cancer cells via PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

METHODS

HCT116/L-OHP cells were divided into Blank, Control/GOLPH3 shRNA, BEZ235 (a PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitor), and GOLPH3 + BEZ235 groups followed by the detection with MTT, soft agar colony formation, flow cytometry and TUNEL assays. Mice bearing HCT116/L-OHP xenografts were randomized into Control, L-OHP, NC/GOLPH3 shRNA, L-OHP + NC/GOLPH3 shRNA groups. The expressions of Ki67, Caspase-3, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway proteins were examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

HCT116/L-OHP cells had increased GOLPH3 expression compared to HCT116 cells, which positively regulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in HCT116/L-OHP cells. BEZ235 declined IC50 of HCT116/L-OHP cells to L-OHP, decreased the expressions of ABCB1, ABCC1, ABCG2, ATP7A, ATP7B, MATE1, p-gp, MRP1 and BCRP, induced cell apoptosis, reduced cell proliferation, and arrested cells at G0/G1, which was reversed by GOLPH3 overexpression. L-OHP and GOLPH3 shRNA decreased tumor volume and reduced expression of Ki67 in tumor tissues with the increased Caspase-3. Meanwhile, the combined treatment had the better treatment effect.

CONCLUSION

GOLPH3 inhibition reduced proliferation and promoted apoptosis of HCT116/L-OHP cells, and also reversed the L-OHP resistance of HCT116/L-OHP, which may be associated with the suppression of P13K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Oncogenic Roles of GOLPH3 in the Physiopathology of Cancer

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3), a Phosphatidylinositol 4-Phosphate [PI(4)P] effector at the Golgi, is required for Golgi ribbon structure maintenance, vesicle trafficking and Golgi glycosylation. GOLPH3 has been validated as an oncoprotein through combining integrative genomics with clinopathological and functional analyses. It is frequently amplified in several solid tumor types including melanoma, lung cancer, breast cancer, glioma, and colorectal cancer. Overexpression of GOLPH3 correlates with poor prognosis in multiple tumor types including 52% of breast cancers and 41% to 53% of glioblastoma. Roles of GOLPH3 in tumorigenesis may correlate with several cellular activities including: (i) regulating Golgi-to-plasma membrane trafficking and contributing to malignant secretory phenotypes; (ii) controlling the internalization and recycling of key signaling molecules or increasing the glycosylation of cancer relevant glycoproteins; and (iii) influencing the DNA damage response and maintenance of genomic stability. Here we summarize current knowledge on the oncogenic pathways involving GOLPH3 in human cancer, GOLPH3 influence on tumor metabolism and surrounding stroma, and its possible role in tumor metastasis formation.

Role of GOLPH3 and TPX2 in Neuroblastoma DNA Damage Response and Cell Resistance to Chemotherapy

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an aggressive, relapse-prone infancy tumor of the sympathetic nervous system and is the leading cause of death among preschool age diseases, so the search for novel therapeutic targets is crucial. Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been reported to be involved in the development, and in the DNA damage response, of various human cancers. Golgi dispersal is a common feature of DNA damage response in mammalian cells. Understanding how cells react to DNA damage is essential in order to recognize the systems used to escape from elimination. We induced DNA damage in two human neuroblastoma cell lines by curcumin. The exposure of neuroblastoma cells to curcumin induced: (a) up-regulation of GOLPH3⁺ cells; (b) augmentation of double-strand breaks; (c) Golgi fragmentation and dispersal throughout the cytoplasm; (d) increase of apoptosis and autophagy; (e) increased expression of TPX2 oncoprotein, able to repair DNA damage. Primary neuroblastoma samples analysis confirmed these observations. Our findings suggest that GOLPH3 expression levels may represent a clinical marker of neuroblastoma patients’ responsiveness to DNA damaging therapies—and of possible resistance to them. Novel molecules able to interfere with GOLPH3 and TPX2 pathways may have therapeutic benefits when used in combination with standard DNA damaging therapeutic agents in neuroblastoma

GOLM1 silencing inhibits the proliferation and motility of human glioblastoma cells via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

Golgi membrane protein 1 (GOLM1) is a type II transmembrane protein located in the cis- and medial-Golgi. Due to its function as an oncogene and proprotein convertase (PC) consensus site, GOLM1 will play a vital role in gene-targeted therapies and serve as a candidate tumor biomarker. However, few studies have explored its correlation with glioblastoma (GBM) progression. In this study, we detected the overexpression of the GOLM1 mRNA and protein in clinical GBM samples. The level of secreted GOLM1 in the serum from patients with GBM was also abnormally elevated, as determined by an Elisa. Then we utilized small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to silence GOLM1 expression in GBM U87 and U251 cells. After silencing GOLM1 expression, the proliferation of cells decreased, the cell cycle was arrested in G1/S phase, and tumor cell motility was also inhibited. Moreover, the levels of proliferation-associated proteins and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related markers were also altered. Additionally, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was significantly suppressed, particularly the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Knockdown of GOLM1 also inhibits xenograft tumor growth in nude mouse models.GOLM1 acts as a critical oncogene in GBM by promoting cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Its mechanism may be related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. GOLM1 also exhibits great potential as a biomarker for GBM.

Golgi Oncoprotein GOLPH3 Gene Expression Is Regulated by Functional E2F and CREB/ATF Promoter Elements

The Golgi organelle duplicates its protein and lipid content to segregate evenly between two daughter cells after mitosis. However, how Golgi biogenesis is regulated during interphase remains largely unknown. Here we show that messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of GOLPH3 and GOLGA2, two genes encoding Golgi proteins, is induced specifically in G1 phase, suggesting a link between cell cycle regulation and Golgi growth. We have examined the role of E2F transcription factors, critical regulators of G1 to S progression of the cell cycle, in the expression of Golgi proteins during interphase. We show that promoter activity for GOLPH3, a Golgi protein that is also oncogenic, is induced by E2F1-3 and repressed by E2F7. Mutation of the E2F motifs present in the GOLPH3 promoter region abrogates E2F1-mediated induction of a GOLPH3 luciferase reporter construct. Furthermore, we identify a critical CREB/ATF element in the GOLPH3 promoter that is required for its steady state and ATF2-induced expression. Interestingly, depletion of GOLPH3 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) delays the G1 to S transition in synchronized U2OS cells. Taken together, our results reveal a link between cell cycle regulation and Golgi function, and suggest that E2F-mediated regulation of Golgi genes is required for the timely progression of the cell cycle.

The knocking down of the oncoprotein Golgi phosphoprotein 3 in T98G cells of glioblastoma multiforme disrupts cell migration by affecting focal adhesion dynamics in a focal adhesion kinase-dependent manner

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) is a conserved protein of the Golgi apparatus that in humans has been implicated in tumorigenesis. However, the precise function of GOLPH3 in malignant transformation is still unknown. Nevertheless, clinicopathological data shows that in more than a dozen kinds of cancer, including gliomas, GOLPH3 could be found overexpressed, which correlates with poor prognosis. Experimental data shows that overexpression of GOLPH3 leads to transformation of primary cells and to tumor growth enhancement. Conversely, the knocking down of GOLPH3 in GOLPH3-overexpressing tumor cells reduces tumorigenic features, such as cell proliferation and cell migration and invasion. The cumulative evidence indicate that GOLPH3 is an oncoprotein that promotes tumorigenicity by a mechanism that impact at different levels in different types of cells, including the sorting of Golgi glycosyltransferases, signaling pathways, and the actin cytoskeleton. How GOLPH3 connects mechanistically these processes has not been determined yet. Further studies are important to have a more complete understanding of the role of GOLPH3 as oncoprotein. Given the genetic diversity in cancer, a still outstanding aspect is how in this inherent heterogeneity GOLPH3 could possibly exert its oncogenic function. We have aimed to evaluate the contribution of GOLPH3 overexpression in the malignant phenotype of different types of tumor cells. Here, we analyzed the effect on cell migration that resulted from stable, RNAi-mediated knocking down of GOLPH3 in T98G cells of glioblastoma multiforme, a human glioma cell line with unique features. We found that the reduction of GOLPH3 levels produced dramatic changes in cell morphology, involving rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton and reduction in the number and dynamics of focal adhesions. These effects correlated with decreased cell migration and invasion due to affected persistence and directionality of cell motility. Moreover, the knocking down of GOLPH3 also caused a reduction in autoactivation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that regulates focal adhesions. Our data support a model in which GOLPH3 in T98G cells promotes cell migration by stimulating the activity of FAK.

GOLPH3 promotes glioma progression via facilitating JAK2-STAT3 pathway activation

INTRODUCTION

Our recent work reported that GOLPH3 promotes glioma progression via inhibiting endocytosis and degradation of EGFR. The current study aimed to explore the potential regulating mechanism of GOLPH3 on JAK2-STAT3 signaling, a downstream effector of EGFR, in glioma progression.

METHODS

The expression of JAK2, STAT3 and GOLPH3 in glioma tissues was detected by western blotting, tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry. The U251 and U87 cells with GOLPH3 down-regulation or over-expression were generated by lentivirus system. The effects of GOLPH3 on the activity of JAK2 and STAT3 were detected by western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to detect the association of GOLPH3 with JAK2 and STAT3. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 and EdU assay.

RESULTS

The level of JAK2, STAT3 and GOLPH3 were significantly up-regulated and exhibited pairwise correlation in human glioma tissues. The level of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3, as well as the mRNA and protein levels of cyclin D1 and c-myc, two target genes of STAT3, decreased after GOLPH3 down-regulation, while they increased after GOLPH3 over-expression both in U251 and U87 cells. Interestingly, GOLPH3, JAK2 and STAT3 existed in the same protein complex and GOLPH3 affected the interaction of JAK2 and STAT3. Importantly, down-regulation of STAT3 partially abolished cell proliferation induced by GOLPH3 over-expression.

CONCLUSIONS

GOLPH3 may act as a scaffold protein to regulate JAK2-STAT3 interaction and then its activation, which therefore mediates the effect of GOLPH3 on cell proliferation.

GOLPH3 overexpression correlates with poor response to neoadjuvant therapy and prognosis in locally advanced rectal cancer

Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) combined with surgery is a standard therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The aim of this study was to assess the expression of GOLPH3 (Golgi phosphoprotein 3), a newly found oncogene, in LARC as well as its relationship with nCRT sensitivity and prognosis. We retrospectively analyzed 148 LARC cases receiving nCRT and total mesorectal excision (TME). Immunohistochemistry was used to assess GOLPH3 and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) in tumor tissues. Then, the associations of GOLPH3 with pathological characteristics and prognosis of rectal cancer were assessed. The 148 cases included 77 with high GOLPH3 expression (52.03%), which was associated with tumor invasive depth and lymphatic metastasis. Cases with high GOLPH3 expression had 2.58 and 2.71 fold higher local relapse and distant metastasis rates compared with the low expression group. Correlation analyses showed that GOLPH3 was an independent indicator for judging tumor down-staging and postoperative TRG (tumor regression grade), indicating it could predict nCRT sensitivity. In addition, GOLPH3 expression was associated with mTOR levels. Multiple-factor analysis indicated that GOLPH3 was an independent prognosis indicator for 5 year-DFS (disease free survival) and OS (overall survival) in LARC. These results reveal that GOLPH3 is an independent predictive factor for nCRT sensitivity and prognosis in LARC, with a mechanism related to mTOR.

GOLPH3 expression promotes the resistance of HT29 cells to 5‑fluorouracil by activating multiple signaling pathways

The novel proto‑oncogene Golgi phosphoprotein (GOLPH)3 is overexpressed in a variety of tumor tissues and is associated with poor prognosis. The authors previously demonstrated that GOLPH3 gene is overexpressed in colorectal cancer tissues and promotes the proliferation of colonic cancer cells by activating the phosphatidylinositol‑3‑kinase/protein kinase B/the mammalian target of rapamycin and Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathways. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, if and how the GOLPH3 gene is involved in inducing resistance to colonic cancer chemotherapy has not been reported. In the present study, the association between the overexpression of the GOLPH3 gene and resistance of HT29 colonic cancer cells to 5‑fluorouracil (5‑FU) was investigated. Following confirmation of the effective silencing of the GOLPH3 gene, proliferation and apoptosis of colonic cancer cells were detected by MTT assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry, and then the mechanism of GOLPH3‑induced resistance to 5‑FU chemotherapy in colonic cancer cells was investigated by western blotting. The results demonstrated that the expression of phosphorylated (p)‑glycoprotein and GOLPH3 was increased in HT29 cells following treatment with 5‑FU, which resulted in the development of drug resistance. Silencing GOLPH3 increased the sensitivity of HT29 cells to 5‑FU, reduced their tumorigenicity and partly reversed their resistance to 5‑FU. The expression of p‑extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (pERK)1/2 and β‑catenin was decreased, which indicated that its mechanism was associated with the activation of the mitogen‑activated protein kinase/ERK and Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathways. Therefore, GOLPH3 may be a potential, novel target for reversing chemotherapy resistance in colon cancer.

miR34a/GOLPH3 Axis abrogates Urothelial Bladder Cancer Chemoresistance via Reduced Cancer Stemness

Rationale: Chemoresistance and subsequent recurrence of human urothelial bladder cancer (UBC) is partially driven by a subpopulation of tumor initiating cells, namely cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, the underlying molecular mechanism in chemotherapy-induced CSCs enrichment and following chemoresistance and recurrence remains largely unclear.

Methods: Gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) chemoresistant cell lines (T24 GC 3^rd and 5637 GC 3^rd cells) and the chemo-sensitive UBC cell lines T24 and 5637 were established in vivo for the investigation of acquired resistance mechanisms. The role of miR34a/GOLPH3 axis in regulating UBC chemoresistance and recurrence was evaluated in cell and animal models. The expression levels of miR34a/GOLPH3 axis and CSCs markers were assayed in specimens of UBC. The association of GOLPH3 with clinicopathologic features and prognosis was analysed.

Results: RT-PCR and western blotting confirmed that the expression levels of miR34a were decreased and GOLPH3 were increased in GC chemoresistant UBC cell lines. Downregulation of miR34a resulted in the overexpression of GOLPH3, which is a target gene of miR34a confirmed by luciferase experiment. The ectopic expression of miR34a decreased the stem cell properties of chemoresistant UBC cells and re-sensitized these cells to GC treatment in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, miR34a/GOLPH3 axis has obvious clinical relevance with prognosis and recurrence in human UBC patients with standard GC chemotherapy.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that miR34a/GOLPH3 axis exert key role in CSCs involved UBC drug resistance and recurrence and warrant further development as a promising therapeutic approach in treating drug-resistant UBC.

Proteomics Identifies Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) with A Link Between Golgi Structure, Cancer, DNA Damage and Protection from Cell Death

GOLPH3 is the first example of a Golgi resident oncogene protein. It was independently identified in multiple screens; first in proteomic-based screens as a resident protein of the Golgi apparatus, and second as an oncogene product in a screen for genes amplified in cancer. A third screen uncovered the association of GOLPH3 with the Golgi resident phospholipid, phosphatidyl inositol 4 phosphate (PI4P) to maintain the characteristic ribbon structure of the Golgi apparatus favoring vesicular transport of secretory proteins.

CENPH Inhibits Rapamycin Sensitivity by Regulating GOLPH3-dependent mTOR Signaling Pathway in Colorectal Cancer

Background: Centromere protein H (CENPH) is known as a fundamental component of the active centromere complex, and its overexpression is correlated with poor prognosis in various solid tumors. mTOR inhibitor rapamycin has been shown to possess antitumor activity, as well as prevent intestinal tumorigenesis. However, the prognostic value of CENPH in colorectal cancer (CRC) and the role of CENPH in rapamycin sensitivity remain unknown. Materials and methods: The effect of CENPH on the cell proliferation, clonogenicity, and cell response to rapamycin in CRC were evaluated by MTT and/or colony formation assays. For the underlying mechanisms, the interaction between CENPH and GOLPH3 were detected by co-immunoprecipitation, GST pull-down, and His-tag pull-down assays, as well as the laser scanning confocal microscopy. The status of kinases in mTOR signaling was determined by Western blot. Finally, the clinical significance of CENPH was analyzed using public CRC datasets with CENPH transcripts and clinical information. Results: CENPH inhibited CRC malignant phenotypes, conferred reduced sensitivity to rapamycin, and attenuated both mTORC1 and mTORC2 in mTOR signaling pathway through the interaction with golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3), which has been identified as a potential oncogene and modulates the response to rapamycin. Moreover, elevated levels of CENPH were detected in CRC tissues, compared with normal colorectal tissues. High levels of CENPH expression gradually decreased according to CRC tumor stages. Patients with high CENPH expression had favorable survival. Conclusions: Our results suggest that CENPH inhibits rapamycin sensitivity by regulating GOLPH3 dependent mTOR pathway. High CENPH expression is associated with better prognosis in CRC patients. Taken together, CENPH may serve as a potential predictor for rapamycin sensitivity and therapeutic target for CRC patients.

Golgi Phosphoprotein 3 Inhibits the Apoptosis of Human Glioma Cells in Part by Downregulating N-myc Downstream Regulated Gene 1

Background

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been reported to be involved in the development of several human cancers. Our previous study showed that GOLPH3 expression in glioma tissues was related to the severity of the malignancy of the cancer. However, the mechanism by which GOLPH3 affects cell apoptosis is largely unknown. The present study was designed to explore the possible mechanism of GOLPH3 in cell apoptosis.

Material/Methods

To analyze the biological role of GOLPH3 in glioma cells, we used GOLPH3 small interference RNA in apoptosis of glioma cells. The apoptosis of glioma cells was detected by flow cytometry. The expression level of GOLPH3 and NDRG1 protein was determined by Western blot analyses and immunohistochemical staining, respectively, to evaluate their association with glioma. Tumor tissues were collected from patients with glioma. Normal cerebral tissues were acquired from cerebral trauma patients undergoing internal decompression surgery.

Results

We confirm that the decrease of GOLPH3 that promotes the apoptosis of glioma cells may be regulated by the activation of NDRG1 and cleaved capcase 3. There was a inverse association between GOLPH3 and NDRG1 in glioma samples.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that GOLPH3 and NDRG1 both play an important role in glioma etiology. Either GOLPH3 or NDRG1 might be a potential candidate for malignant glioma therapy.

Cigarette Smoking Condensate Disrupts Endoplasmic Reticulum-Golgi Network Homeostasis Through GOLPH3 Expression in Normal Lung Epithelial Cells

INTRODUCTION

Cigarette smoke (CS) is associated with a broad range of diseases including lung cancer. Many researchers have suggested that cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) may be more toxic compared to cigarette smoke extract (CSE) because CSC contains the lipid-soluble faction of smoke while CSE contains the hydrophilic or gas phase. The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of CSC on the disruption of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Golgi homeostasis in normal lung epithelial cells.

METHODS

CS was generated according to the ISO 3308 method. To ascertain the mechanistic effects of CSC on lung toxicity, normal lung epithelial cells of the cell line 16HBE14o- were treated with CSC (0.1mg/mL) for 48 hours. The toxic effects of CSC on ER-Golgi homeostasis and GOLPH3 expression were observed through diverse molecular tools including transmission electron microscope analysis.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that CSC treatment increased reactive oxygen species generation in lung cells and led to the alteration of ER-Golgi homeostasis in conjunction with increased autophagy. In particular, GOLPH3, known as an oncogene and a marker protein for the trans-Golgi network, was upregulated in CSC-treated cells. GOLPH3 protein overexpression was also confirmed in the lungs of human lung cancer patients as well as NNK-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that CSC caused lung damage through the disruption of ER-Golgi homeostasis and autophagy induction. The expression level of the trans-Golgi marker protein GOLPH3 could serve as a reliable bio-indicator for CS-related lung cancer.

IMPLICATIONS

CS is a harmful factor in the development of many diseases including cancer. In this research, we demonstrated that CSC treatment led to malfunction of the ER-Golgi network, with the disrupted ER and Golgi causing GOLPH3 overexpression and abnormal autophagy accumulation. In addition, although the value of GOLPH3 as a predictor remains to be fully elucidated, our data suggest that GOLPH3 levels may be a novel prognostic biomarker of tobacco related lung disease.

Identification of prostate cancer biomarkers in urinary exosomes

Exosomes have recently appeared as a novel source of non-invasive cancer biomarkers since tumour-specific molecules can be found in exosomes isolated from biological fluids. We have here investigated the proteome of urinary exosomes by using mass spectrometry to identify proteins differentially expressed in prostate cancer patients compared to healthy male controls. In total, 15 control and 16 prostate cancer samples of urinary exosomes were analyzed. Importantly, 246 proteins were differentially expressed in the two groups. The majority of these proteins (221) were up-regulated in exosomes from prostate cancer patients. These proteins were analyzed according to specific criteria to create a focus list that contained 37 proteins. At 100% specificity, 17 of these proteins displayed individual sensitivities above 60%. Even though several of these proteins showed high sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer as individual biomarkers, combining them in a multi-panel test has the potential for full differentiation of prostate cancer from non-disease controls. The highest sensitivity, 94%, was observed for transmembrane protein 256 (TM256; chromosome 17 open reading frame 61). LAMTOR proteins were also distinctly enriched with very high specificity for patient samples. TM256 and LAMTOR1 could be used to augment the sensitivity to 100%. Other prominent proteins were V-type proton ATPase 16 kDa proteolipid subunit (VATL), adipogenesis regulatory factor (ADIRF), and several Rab-class members and proteasomal proteins. In conclusion, this study clearly shows the potential of using urinary exosomes in the diagnosis and clinical management of prostate cancer.

Correlation of GOLPH3 Gene with Wnt Signaling Pathway in Human Colon Cancer Cells

Objective: Overexpression of GOLPH3 in colorectal cancer tissue may promote cell proliferation and activate the Wnt signaling pathway. We investigated the correlation between GOLPH3 gene expression and the Wnt signaling pathway to explore the mechanism of the overexpression of GOLPH3 gene which promotes proliferation in human colon cancer cells.

Methods: We measured expression of GOLPH3 mRNA in the human colon cancer cell lines HCT116, HT29, SW480 and SW620 by RT-PCR, and the cells with the highest expression were selected and divided into four groups: negative control, GOLPH3 siRNA transfection (siRNA-GOLPH3), Akt inhibitor (Tricinbine), and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β inhibitor (TWS119). After human colon cancer cells were transfected with siRNA-GOLPH3, we used RT-PCR to investigate the silencing effect of GOLPH3 gene. We assessed the activity of the Wnt signaling pathway in all groups using the Topflash method. Proliferation and apoptosis of colon cancer SW620 cells were detected by MTT assay, colony formation assay and flow cytometry. Expression of Golgi phosphoprotein (GOLPH)3, β-catenin, GSK-3β and pS9-GSK-3β in cancer cells was determined by Western blotting.

Results: SW620 cells expressed the highest level of GOLPH3 mRNA, and the silence effect was good after they were transfected with siRNA-GOLPH3. The relative luminescence units (RLU) values in the experimental groups were significantly lower than in the negative control group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the RLU values among the experimental groups (P> 0.05). The growth inhibition ratio and apoptosis rate of cancer cells in each experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the cell colony count in the experimental group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.05). In addition, the RLU value, proliferation and apoptosis rate of cancer cells did not differ significantly between each two experimental groups. Western blotting showed that, compared with the control group, expression of β-catenin and pS9-GSK3 proteins were significantly decreased in the experimental group. Expression of GSK-3β in the experimental group did not different from that of the control group.

Conclusions: Overexpression of GOLPH3 gene activated the Wnt signaling pathway, as well as increasing expression of β-catenin, promoting proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis in human colon cancer cells. The mechanism of action was that overexpression of GOLPH3 gene activated Akt, which may also further activate the Wnt signaling pathway via GSK-3β, and promote proliferation in human colon cancer cells.

Overexpression of GOLPH3 is associated with poor survival in Non-small-cell lung cancer

As a highly conserved protein of the Golgi apparatus, Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been shown to be involved in tumorigenesis. This study aims to explore the expression and significance of GOLPH3 in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We found that GOLPH3 expression was significantly elevated in NSCLC tissues when compared with adjacent lung tissues (p<0.01). Moreover, GOLPH3 expression was significantly associated with histological type (p<0.01), differentiation (p<0.01), and lymph node metastasis (p<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that overall survival of patients with high expression of GOLPH3 was significantly shorter (n=100, p<0.05). In addition, GOLPH3 knock-down in two independent NSCLC cell lines inhibited cell viability through the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In conclusion, GOLPH3 is closely related to the progression in NSCLC and could be served as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Polysome Profiling Links Translational Control to the Radioresponse of Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells

Changes in polysome-bound mRNA (translatome) are correlated closely with changes in the proteome in cells. Therefore, to better understand the processes mediating the response of glioblastoma to ionizing radiation (IR), we used polysome profiling to define the IR-induced translatomes of a set of human glioblastoma stem-like cell (GSC) lines. Although cell line specificity accounted for the largest proportion of genes within each translatome, there were also genes that were common to the GSC lines. In particular, analyses of the IR-induced common translatome identified components of the DNA damage response, consistent with a role for the translational control of gene expression in cellular radioresponse. Moreover, translatome analyses suggested that IR enhanced cap-dependent translation processes, an effect corroborated by the finding of increased eIF4F-cap complex formation detected after irradiation in all GSC lines. Translatome analyses also predicted that Golgi function was affected by IR. Accordingly, Golgi dispersal was detected after irradiation of each of the GSC lines. In addition to the common responses seen, translatome analyses predicted cell line-specific changes in mitochondria, as substantiated by changes in mitochondrial mass and DNA content. Together, these results suggest that analysis of radiation-induced translatomes can provide new molecular insights concerning the radiation response of cancer cells. More specifically, they suggest that the translational control of gene expression may provide a source of molecular targets for glioblastoma radiosensitization. Cancer Res; 76(10); 3078-87. ©2016 AACR.

GOLPH3 and YB-1 Are Novel Markers Correlating With Poor Prognosis in Prostate Cancer

Background

Prostate cancer is a common and aggressive cancer among men. Despite advances in the treatment, the mechanisms involved in progression are still unclear. New prognostic markers should be explored for better design of patient-specific therapeutic regimens.

Methods

This study was performed on 120 patients stratified as 76 with prostatic carcinoma, 12 with low-grade prostate intraepithelial lesion, 12 with high-grade prostate intraepithelial lesion and 20 with benign prostate hyperplasia. Immunohistochemical study was done for Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) and Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) analysis. Correlation with clinicopathological data and overall survival was analyzed.

Results

Both GOLPH3 and YB-1 showed increased expression from benign to malignant tumors. In prostatic carcinoma, cytoplasmic GOLPH3 was associated with Gleason score, stage and androgen receptor (P = 0.034, P < 0.001, and P = 0.008 respectively). Nuclear YB-1 expression was associated with Gleason score and androgen receptor (P = 0.018 and P = 0.024 respectively). Cytoplasmic YB-1 expression was associated with Gleason score, stage and androgen receptor (P = 0.008, P = 0.027, and P < 0.001 respectively). High Gleason score (P = 0.004), high stage (P < 0.001) and androgen receptor (P = 0.006) were the only detected adverse prognostic clinicopathological factors. Moderate/intense GOLPH3 and high nuclear and cytoplasmic YB-1 expression were correlated with shorter overall survival (P < 0.001, P = 0.020, and P < 0.001 respectively). In the multivariate analysis, moderate/intense GOLPH3 expression was the only predictor of overall survival (P = 0.025).

Conclusions

High GOLPH3 and nuclear/cytoplasmic YB-1 expression correlated with poor prognosis in prostate cancer. Both markers can be promising targets for new treatment strategies.

Correlational research of Golgi phosphorylation protein 3 expression in colorectal cancer

AIM

To investigate the effect of Golgi phosphorylation protein 3 (GOLPH3) expression on cell apoptosis, angiogenesis and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS

The expression of GOLPH3 in CRC tissues and normal colorectal mucosae was determined by immunohistochemistry in 62 patients. In addition, immunohistochemistry was also carried out to detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CD34 and microvessel density (MVD). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay was used to determine the apoptotic index (AI). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the relationship between GOLPH3 expression and survival in another 123 CRC cases.

RESULTS

Compared with normal colorectal mucosae, a notably higher level of GOLPH3 protein expression was identified in CRC tissues (53.2% vs 24.2%, P < 0.05). Positive GOLPH3 expression was significantly associated with tumor invasion depth, TNM stage, and lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001; P = 0.020; P = 0.020; P < 0.05, respectively), but not with tumor length, tumor site, and age (P = 0.363; P = 0.819; P = 0.599; P > 0.05, respectively). VEGF expression and MVD in GOLPH3-positive CRC was significantly higher than in GOLPH3-negative CRC (VEGF: 69.7% vs 31.0%; MVD: 21.45 ± 9.39 vs 14.24 ± 8.97; P < 0.05). GOLPH3 expression was negatively correlated with AI in CRC as shown by Spearman correlation analysis (r = -0.320, P < 0.05). The 5-year survival rate in GOLPH3-negative CRC (69.4%) was significantly higher than in GOLPH3-positive CRC (48.6%) (log-rank test, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

High expression of GOLPH3 is found in CRC tissues. GOLPH3 expression may be a novel prognostic marker for CRC patients.

Golgi Phosphoprotein-3 and Y-Box-Binding Protein-1 Are Novel Markers Correlating With Poor Prognosis in Prostate Cancer

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is a common and aggressive cancer among men. Despite advances in treatment, the mechanisms involved in progression are still unclear. New prognostic markers are needed to better design patient-specific therapeutic regimens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study included 120 patients: 76 with prostate carcinoma, 12 with low-grade prostate intraepithelial lesions, 12 with high-grade prostate intraepithelial lesions, and 20 with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Immunohistochemical study was performed for Golgi phosphoprotein-3 (GOLPH3) and Y-box-binding protein-1 (YB-1) analysis. The correlation with clinicopathologic data and overall survival was analyzed.

RESULTS

Both GOLPH3 and YB-1 showed increased expression from benign to malignant tumors. In prostate carcinoma, cytoplasmic GOLPH3 was associated with Gleason score, tumor stage, and androgen receptor status (P = .034, P < .001, and P = .008, respectively). Nuclear YB-1 expression was associated with Gleason score and androgen receptor status (P = .018 and P = .024, respectively). Cytoplasmic YB-1 expression was associated with Gleason score, tumor stage, and androgen receptor status (P = .008, P = .027, and P < .001, respectively). A high Gleason score (P = .004), high tumor stage (P < .001), and androgen receptor-independent cancer (P = .006) were the only detected adverse prognostic clinicopathologic factors. Moderate to intense GOLPH3 and high nuclear and cytoplasmic YB-1 expression correlated with shorter overall survival (P < .001, P = .020, and P < .001, respectively). On multivariate analysis, moderate to intense GOLPH3 expression was the only predictor of overall survival (P = .025).

CONCLUSION

High GOLPH3 and nuclear/cytoplasmic YB-1 expression correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with prostate cancer. Both markers could be promising targets for new treatment strategies.

GOLPH3 is a potential therapeutic target and a prognostic indicator of poor survival in bladder cancer treated by cystectomy

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has been reported to be involved in the development of several human cancers. However, its clinical significance and biological role in bladder cancer remains unclear. In this study, we sought to analyze the GOLPH3 expression in bladder cancer samples and cells, and explore its clinical significance and biological role. We found that GOLPH3 was significantly increased in bladder cancer tissues and cells. Overexpression of GOLPH3 had significant correlation with poorer survival for bladder cancer patients treated by cystectomy. Knockdown of GOLPH3 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of cancer cells, and tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. GOLPH3 silencing inhibited AKT/m-TOR signaling, increased the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor p27 and decreased the CDK regulator cyclin D1 and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9). Thus, GOLPH3 is likely to play important roles in bladder cancer progression via modulating AKT/mTOR signaling, and it is a novel prognostic biomarker and promising therapeutic target for bladder cancer.

Short interfering RNA directed against the GOLPH3 gene enhances the effect of chemotherapy against oral squamous cell carcinoma by regulating Caspase3, Bcl2 and cytochrome-c expression

Growing evidence reported that Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) was involved in the progression of several human cancers. To determine whether knockout of GOLPH3 enhances the effect of Chemotherapy against cell growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro. OSCC cells were transfected with Golph3 plasmid, Golph3-RNAi and the relative control plasmids. Transfected Tca-8113 cells treated with cis-Dichlorodiamineplatinum (DDP; 0, 0.05, 0.25, 1.25, 6.25 and 31.25 ug/ml) or Paclitaxe (0, 2, 10, 50, 250 and 1250 nM) or Adriamycin (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 ug/ml) for 24 h, respectively, was determined using MTT assay. Apoptosis-related protein expression Cytochrome-C, Caspase3 and Bcl-2 was analyzed by RT-PCR and western blots. Result of MTT showed that Golph3-RNAi transfected Tca-8113 cells enhanced the effect of chemotherapy, and the effect was strengthened with the increasing concentration of drugs, and the Golph3 plasmid transfected Tca-8113 cells showed the opposite effect. RT-PCR and western blots assays revealed that expression of cytochrome-C and caspase3 were up-regulated, while Bcl-2 expression was down-regulated in Golph3-RNAi transfected Tca-8113 cells. Taken together, this study demonstrated that GOLPH3 had potent pro-tumor growth and decreased the effect of Chemotherapy, and its mechanism is primarily via cell anti-apoptosis, down-regulating the expression of cytochrome-C and caspase3, up-regulating Bcl-2 expression.

GOLPH3L is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer

OBJECTIVE

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) is a highly conserved membrane protein that is involved in a variety of cancers such as colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. GOLPH3L is a paralog of GOLPH3. Although these proteins share a similar amino acid sequence, much less is known regarding the subcellular functions or effects of GOLPH3L on cancer compared with GOLPH3. The role of GOLPH3L in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has not yet been investigated.

METHODS

Using western blot, PCR and immunohistochemical analyses, we studied the clinical significance of GOLPH3L expression in EOC. The correlations between GOLPH3L expression and the clinicopathological variables of patients with EOC were assessed using Pearson's χ2 test. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the postoperative survival between groups of patients with EOC with varying levels of GOLPH3L expression.

RESULTS

High expression of GOLPH3L was more frequently observed in EOC tissues than in corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues. The expression of GOLPH3L correlated closely with pre-operative CA125 level (P=0.031). Univariate analysis showed that age, FIGO stage, pre-operative cancer antigen (CA) 125, pre-operative albumin concentration (AC), optimal cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and GOLPH3L expression correlate significantly with overall survival (OS). Multivariate analysis revealed that GOLPH3L expression was an independent prognostic factor for OS of patients with EOC (102 months versus 72 months; P=0.013). What's more, knocked down of GOLPH3L with small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology of OVCAR3 and SKOV3 cell lines reduced cell viability obviously, compared to the negative control and blank control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that increased expression of GOLPH3L is associated with poor prognosis of patients with EOC and may act as a novel, useful and independent prognostic indicator. Therefore, further studies are warranted.

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 regulates metastasis of prostate cancer via matrix metalloproteinase 9

Recent studies suggest that Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) protein is a candidate metastasis gene in human cancer. The goal of this study was to determine the function of GOLPH3 in prostate cancer metastasis and to identify GOLPH3-regulated pathways and genes involved in prostate cancer metastasis. GOLPH3 expression was detected in prostate cancer. To investigate its function, PC-3 cells were stably transfected with shRNA targeting GOLPH3. Cell abilities of invasion and migration were measured in vitro. Downstream regulatory pathways of GOLPH3 were characterized using quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis. Immunohistochemical studies in prostate cancer specimens revealed a positive correlation of GOLPH3 expression with prostate cancer. GOLPH3 was expressed in prostate cancer cell lines. GOLPH3 repression resulted in the reduction of mRNA level and protein level of MMP9, accompanied with reduced phosphorylation of mTOR, EGFR and Src. Our findings suggest GOLPH3 regulate MMP9 expression which impact cell migration and invasion. This regulation is probably mediated by EGFR and Src signaling pathways.

The multiple cellular functions of the oncoprotein Golgi phosphoprotein 3

The highly conserved Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) protein, a component of Trans-Golgi Network (TGN), has been defined as a "first-in-class Golgi oncoprotein" and characterized as a Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate [PI(4)P] effector at the Golgi. GOLPH3 is commonly amplified in several solid tumors. Furthermore this protein has been associated with poor prognosis in many cancers. Highly conserved from yeast to humans, GOLPH3 provides an essential function in vesicle trafficking and Golgi structure. Recent data have also implicated this oncoprotein in regulation of cytokinesis, modulation of mitochondrial mass and cellular response to DNA damage. A minute dissection of the molecular pathways that require GOLPH3 protein will be helpful to develop new therapeutic cancer strategies.

Increased Expression of GOLPH3 is Associated with the Proliferation of Prostate Cancer

Background: Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) is a metastasis-associated gene, however its role in cell proliferation of prostate cancer (PCa) has not yet been elucidated.

Methods: The level of expression of GOLPH3 and other genes was examined by quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR) and western blot analysis. Furthermore, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the expression of GOLPH3 in PCa using a tissue microarray (TMA) and correlated our findings with pathological parameters of PCa. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to silence the expression of GOLPH3 in PC-3 cells and to measure the effects on proliferation and cell cycle using the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Western blots were also employed to assess AKT-mTOR and cell cycle-related proteins.

Results: We showed that the expression of GOLPH3 was located at the trans-Golgi membranes in PCa cells. We found that GOLPH3 was expressed in all PCa cells and was significantly higher in two androgen-independent cell lines, DU145 and PC-3. TMA immunohistochemistry showed that GOLPH3 was positive in 64% of cancer tissue samples compared with 20% in normal and 30% in benign samples (P<0.05). In vitro, silencing GOLPH3 expression inhibited cell proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at the G2/M phase. Silencing GOLPH3 also activated P21 expression but suppressed the expression of CDK1/2 and cyclinB1 protein together with the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR.

Conclusions: The expression of the GOLPH3 protein was significantly elevated in PCa. GOLPH3 can promote cell proliferation by enhancing the activity of AKT-mTOR signaling. Altogether, these findings suggest that GOLPH3 play important roles in proliferation and cell cycle regulation in PCa and might serve as promising biomarkers for PCa progression as well as potential therapeutic targets.

An oncogenic protein Golgi phosphoprotein 3 up-regulates cell migration via sialylation

Recently, the Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) and its yeast homolog Vps74p have been characterized as essential for the Golgi localization of glycosyltransferase in yeast. GOLPH3 has been identified as a new oncogene that is commonly amplified in human cancers to modulate mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms of the carcinogenic signaling pathway remain largely unclear. To investigate whether the expression of GOLPH3 was involved in the glycosylation processes in mammalian cells, and whether it affected cell behavior, we performed a loss-of-function study. Cell migration was suppressed in GOLPH3 knockdown (KD) cells, and the suppression was restored by a re-introduction of the GOLPH3 gene. HPLC and LC/MS analysis showed that the sialylation of N-glycans was specifically decreased in KD cells. The specific interaction between sialyltransferases and GOLPH3 was important for the sialylation. Furthermore, overexpression of α2,6-sialyltransferase-I rescued cell migration and cellular signaling, both of which were blocked in GOLPH3 knockdown cells. These results are the first direct demonstration of the role of GOLPH3 in N-glycosylation to regulate cell biological functions.

The Cosmc connection to the Tn antigen in cancer

The Tn antigen is a tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen that is not normally expressed in peripheral tissues or blood cells. Expression of this antigen, which is found in a majority of human carcinomas of all types, arises from a blockage in the normal O-glycosylation pathway in which glycans are extended from the common precursor GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr (Tn antigen). This precursor is generated in the Golgi apparatus on newly synthesized glycoproteins by a family of polypeptide α-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (ppGalNAcTs) and then extended to the common core 1 O-glycan Galβ1-3GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr (T antigen) by a single enzyme termed the T-synthase (core 1 β3-galactosyltransferase or C1GalT). Formation of the active form of the T-synthase requires a unique molecular chaperone termed Cosmc, encoded by Cosmc on the X-chromosome (Xq24 in humans, Xc3 in mice). Cosmc resides in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and prevents misfolding, aggregation, and proteasome-dependent degradation of newly synthesized T-synthase. Loss of expression of active T-synthase or Cosmc can lead to expression of the Tn antigen, along with its sialylated version Sialyl Tn antigen as observed in several cancers. Both genetic and epigenetic pathways, in addition to potential metabolic regulation, can result in abnormal expression of the Tn antigen. Engineered expression of the Tn antigen by disruption of either C1GalT (T-syn) or Cosmc in mice is associated with a tremendous range of pathologies and engineered expression of the Tn antigen in mouse embryos leads to embryonic death. Studies indicate that many membrane glycoproteins expressing the Tn antigen and/or truncated O-glycans may be dysfunctional, due to degradation and/or misfolding. Thus, expression of normal O-glycans is associated with health and homeostasis whereas truncation of O-glycans, e.g. the Tn and/or Sialyl Tn antigens is associated with cancer and other pathologies.

Mechanisms of GOLPH3 associated with the progression of gastric cancer: a preliminary study

Study Design

To investigate the specific mechanisms by which Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) affects the progression of gastric cancer and to explore its clinical significance.

Methods

Immunohistochemical analysis was used to evaluate the correlations between GOLPH3, phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), phosphorylated p70S6 (p-p70S6), phosphorylated 4E-BP1 (p-4E-BP1) and the clinicopathological features of gastric cancer. The mRNA expression levels of GOLPH3, mTOR, Akt, p70S6 and 4E-BP1 in gastric cancer, carcinoma-adjacent and paired normal tissue were analyzed using RT-PCR. Western blotting was used to determine the protein expression of GOLPH3, p-mTOR, p-Akt, p-p70S6 and p-4E-BP1 in tissues.

Results

High expression protein levels of GOLPH3, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p70S6, p-4E-BP1 were positively associated with histological grade (p<0.05), depth of invasion (p<0.05), distant metastasis (p<0.05) and lymph node involvement (p<0.05). Compared with carcinoma-adjacent and paired normal tissues, the mRNA expression levels of GOLPH3, AKT, mTOR, p70S6 and 4EBP1 in gastric cancer tissues were significantly higher. The protein expression levels of GOLPH3, p-AKT, p-mTOR, p-p70S6 and p-4E-BP1 in gastric cancer tissues were also significantly higher than in carcinoma-adjacent and paired normal tissues. A strong positive correlation was observed between GOLPH3, p-mTOR, p-p70S6 and p-4EBP1 expression (r = 0.410, 0.303 and 0.276, respectively, p<0.05), but no significant correlation between the expression of GOLPH3 and p-Akt was observed.

Conclusions

The GOPLH3 expression level is highly correlated with Akt/mTOR signaling in human gastric cancer samples. GOLPH3 combined with Akt/mTOR signaling activation may play an important role in the development, differentiation, invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer.

Protein kinase D2 promotes the proliferation of glioma cells by regulating Golgi phosphoprotein 3

Protein kinase D2 (PKD2) has been demonstrated to promote tumorigenesis in many types of cancers. However, how PKD2 regulates cancer cell growth is largely unknown. In this study, we found that over-expression of PKD2 promoted glioma cell growth but down-regulation of PKD2 inhibited it. Further investigation indicated that PKD2 down-regulation decreased the protein level of Golgi phosphoprotein 3(GOLPH3) as well as p-AKT level. On the contrary, over-expression of PKD2 increased the protein level of GOLPH3 and p-AKT. In addition, GOLPH3 exhibited similar effect on glioma cell growth to that of PKD2. Importantly, GOLPH3 down-regulation partially abolished glioma cell proliferation induced by PKD2 over-expression, while over-expression of GOLPH3 also partially rescued the inhibition effect of PKD2 down-regulation on glioma cell growth. Interestingly, the level of PKD2 and GOLPH3 significantly increased and was positively correlated in a cohort of glioma patients, as well as in patients from TCGA database. Taken together, these results reveal that PKD2 promotes glioma cell proliferation by regulating GOLPH3 and then AKT activation. Our findings indicate that both PKD2 and GOLPH3 play important roles in the progression of human gliomas and PKD2-GOLPH3-AKT signaling pathway might be a potential glioma therapeutic target.

Overexpression of GOLPH3 protein is associated with worse prognosis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer

Golgi phosphoprotein 3 (GOLPH3) has important roles in the pathogenesis of cancer, and overexpression of GOLPH3 has been found in several kinds of cancers. However, the relationship between GOLPH3 overexpression and prognosis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between GOLPH3 overexpression and overall survival in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. The expression of GOLPH3 protein in tumor tissue was evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Seventy-five patients with epithelial ovarian cancer with the data of GOLPH3 expression and follow-up were included. GOLPH3 overexpression was significantly associated with advanced stage, histology, high grade, and lymph node metastases (P < 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with GOLPH3 overexpression had significantly poorer overall survival than those with low expression of GOLPH3 (log-rank P < 0.001). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis, GOLPH3 overexpression was independently associated with poorer overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.60; 95 % confidence interval (CI0 1.14-11.33, P = 0.03). Therefore, overexpression of GOLPH3 protein is closely related to poorer prognosis in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.