1
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Wu B, Song M, Dong Q, Xiang G, Li J, Ma X, Wei F. UBR5 promotes tumor immune evasion through enhancing IFN-γ-induced PDL1 transcription in triple negative breast cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:5086-5102. [PMID: 35836797 PMCID: PMC9274738 DOI: 10.7150/thno.74989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The up-regulation of PD-L1 is recognized as an adaption of cancer cells to evade immune surveillance and attack. However, the intrinsic mechanisms of the induction of PD-L1 by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in tumor microenvironment remain incompletely characterized. Ubiquitin ligase E3 component N-recognition protein 5 (UBR5) has a critical role in tumorigenesis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) by triggering specific immune responses to the tumor. Dual targeting of UBR5 and PD-L1 exhibited superior therapeutic benefits in a preclinical TNBC model in short term. Methods: The regulation of UBR5 to PD-L1 upon IFN-γ stimulation was evaluated through in UBR5 deficiency, reconstitution or overexpression cell line models by quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry and RNA-seq. The effects of PD-L1 regulation by UBR5 and double blockade of both genes were evaluated in mouse TNBC model. Luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR and bioinformatics analysis were performed to explore the transcription factors involved in the regulation of UBR5 to PD-L1. Results: E3 ubiquitin ligase UBR5 plays a key role in IFN-γ-induced PDL1 transcription in TNBC in an E3 ubiquitination activity-independent manner. RNA-seq-based transcriptomic analyses reveal that UBR5 globally affects the genes in the IFN-γ-induced signaling pathway. Through its poly adenylate binding (PABC) domain, UBR5 enhances the transactivation of PDL1 by upregulating protein kinase RNA-activated (PKR), and PKR's downstream factors including signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1). Restoration of PD-L1 expression in UBR5-deficient tumor cells recoups their malignancy in vivo, whereas CRISPR/Cas9-mediated simultaneous abrogation of UBR5 and PD-L1 expression yields synergistic therapeutic benefits than either blockade alone, with a strong impact on the tumor microenvironment. Conclusions: This study identifies a novel regulator of PDL1 transcription, elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms and provides a strong rationale for combination cancer immunotherapies targeting UBR5 and PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingbing Wu
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Song
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Qun Dong
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Xiang
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojing Ma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York.,✉ Corresponding author: Fang Wei, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minghang, Shanghai 200240, China. Phone: 86-21-34205287; Fax: 86-21-34205287; E-mail: ; Xiaojing Ma,
| | - Fang Wei
- Sheng Yushou Center of Cell Biology and Immunology, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,✉ Corresponding author: Fang Wei, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minghang, Shanghai 200240, China. Phone: 86-21-34205287; Fax: 86-21-34205287; E-mail: ; Xiaojing Ma,
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2
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Basolo A, Poma AM, Bonuccelli D, Proietti A, Macerola E, Ugolini C, Torregrossa L, Giannini R, Vignali P, Basolo F, Santini F, Toniolo A. Adipose tissue in COVID-19: detection of SARS-CoV-2 in adipocytes and activation of the interferon-alpha response. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1021-1029. [PMID: 35169984 PMCID: PMC8852916 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is a recognized risk factor for the progression to severe forms of COVID-19, yet the mechanisms of the association are unclear. METHODS Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue specimens of subjects deceased from COVID-19 (n = 23) were compared to those of controls dying abruptly from causes other than infectious (accidental trauma, sudden cardiac death). Alterations of lung parenchyma consistent with moderate to severe disease were detected in all COVID-19 cases, not in controls. Investigations included: histopathologic features, detection of virus antigens and genome, characterization of infiltrating leukocytes, transcription levels of immune-related genes. RESULTS By RT-PCR, the SARS-CoV-2 genome was detected in the adipose tissue of 13/23 (56%) cases of the COVID-19 cohort. The virus nucleocapsid antigen was detected in the cytoplasm of 1-5% adipocytes in 12/12 COVID-19 cases that were virus-positive by PCR in the adipose tissue (one case could not be assessed due insufficient tissue). The adipose tissue of COVID-19 cases showed leukocyte infiltrates and upregulation of the interferon-alpha pathway. After adjusting for age and sex, the activation score of IFN-alpha was directly related with transcription levels of the ACE2 gene, a key entry factor of SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS In lethal COVID-19 cases, the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen has been detected in a sizeable proportion of adipocytes, showing that the virus may directly infect the parenchymal cells of subcutaneous fat. Infection appears to activate the IFN alpha pathway and to attract infiltrating leukocytes. Due to the huge numbers of adipocytes in adults, the adipose tissue represents a significant reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 and an important source of inflammatory mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Basolo
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - A. M. Poma
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - D. Bonuccelli
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Azienda USL Toscana Nordovest, Lucca, Italy
| | - A. Proietti
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E. Macerola
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C. Ugolini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L. Torregrossa
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - R. Giannini
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P. Vignali
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F. Basolo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Area, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F. Santini
- Obesity and Lipodystrophy Center, Endocrinology Unit, University Hospital of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - A. Toniolo
- Global Virus Network, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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3
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El-Kott AF, ElBealy ER, Alshehri AS, El-Kenawy AE, Khalifa HS, AlRamlawy AM. Salidroside induces cell apoptosis and inhibits the invasiveness of HT29 colorectal cells by regulating protein kinase R, NF-κB and STAT3. Cancer Biomark 2021; 31:13-25. [PMID: 33749640 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-203257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Protein kinase R (PKR) can suppress various types of solid tumors by inducing cellular oxidative stress and apoptosis. Likewise, Slaidorside, a plant flavonoid, was shown to have anti-tumorigenesis in many solid tumors. OBJECTIVE This study evaluated anti-tumorigenesis of Salidroside in HT29 colorectal cancer and investigated if the underlying mechanism involves activation of PKR. METHODS Control or PKR deficient cells were cultured in DMEM media treated with 100 μM Salidroside and cell survival, apoptosis, and other biochemical-related markers were evaluated. RESULTS Salidroside significantly reduced cell survival and proliferation and increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and levels of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). It also increased the protein levels of caspases 3 and 8. Concomitantly, Salidroside increased the protein level and activity of PKR and increased the expression of its downstream targets, p-eIF2α (Ser51), p53 MAPK, and p53. On the contrary, it inhibited the nuclear activation of STAT-3 and NF-κB p65. In PKR deficient cells, the partial effects of Salidroside on cell survival, proliferation, and apoptotic markers were observed coincided with no effects on the expression of eIF-2α, and JNK, p53, p38 MAPK, and caspase 8 but with a significant decrease in the nuclear activities of STAT3 and NF-κB. CONCLUSION Salidroside suppresses the tumorigenesis of HT29 CRC by increasing activation of eIF-2α and JNK and upregulation of p53, p38 MAPK, and caspase-8 through upregulating and activation of PKR. However, the tumor suppressor effect of Salidroside requires also inhibition of STAT3 and NF-κB in a PKR-independent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attalla F El-Kott
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Zoology Department, College of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Eman R ElBealy
- Biology Department, College of Science for Girls, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali S Alshehri
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman E El-Kenawy
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba S Khalifa
- Zoology Department, College of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Amira M AlRamlawy
- Mansoura Research Centre for Cord Stem Cell (MARC-CSC), Stem Cells Bank, Children's Hospital, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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4
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Emanuelli G, Nassehzadeh-Tabriz N, Morrell NW, Marciniak SJ. The integrated stress response in pulmonary disease. Eur Respir Rev 2020; 29:29/157/200184. [PMID: 33004527 PMCID: PMC7116220 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0184-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The respiratory tract and its resident immune cells face daily exposure
to stress, both from without and from within. Inhaled pathogens, including
severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and toxins from pollution
trigger a cellular defence system that reduces protein synthesis to minimise
viral replication or the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Simultaneously, a
gene expression programme enhances antioxidant and protein folding machineries
in the lung. Four kinases (PERK, PKR, GCN2 and HRI) sense a diverse range of
stresses to trigger this “integrated stress response”. Here we review recent
advances identifying the integrated stress response as a critical pathway in the
pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases, including pneumonias, thoracic malignancy,
pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. Understanding the integrated
stress response provides novel targets for the development of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Emanuelli
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Division of Respiratory Medicine, Dept of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Equal first authors
| | - Nikou Nassehzadeh-Tabriz
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Equal first authors
| | - Nick W Morrell
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Dept of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stefan J Marciniak
- Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK .,Division of Respiratory Medicine, Dept of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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5
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Nguyen TA, Bieging-Rolett KT, Putoczki TL, Wicks IP, Attardi LD, Pang KC. SIDT2 RNA Transporter Promotes Lung and Gastrointestinal Tumor Development. iScience 2019; 20:14-24. [PMID: 31546103 PMCID: PMC6817685 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNautophagy is a newly described type of selective autophagy whereby cellular RNAs are transported into lysosomes for degradation. This process involves the transmembrane protein SIDT2, which transports double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) across the endolysosomal membrane. We previously demonstrated that SIDT2 is a transcriptional target of p53, but its role in tumorigenesis, if any, is unclear. Unexpectedly, we show here that Sidt2−/− mice with concurrent oncogenic KrasG12D activation develop significantly fewer tumors than littermate controls in a mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma. Consistent with this observation, loss of SIDT2 also leads to enhanced survival and delayed tumor development in an Apcmin/+ mouse model of intestinal cancer. Within the intestine, Apcmin/+;Sidt2−/− mice display accumulation of dsRNA in association with increased phosphorylation of eIF2α and JNK as well as elevated rates of apoptosis. Taken together, our data demonstrate a role for SIDT2, and by extension RNautophagy, in promoting tumor development. Loss of the SIDT2 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) transporter leads to accumulation of dsRNA in tissues is associated with increased apoptosis reduces tumor burden in mouse models of lung adenocarcinoma and intestinal cancer
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan A Nguyen
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathryn T Bieging-Rolett
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Tracy L Putoczki
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian P Wicks
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura D Attardi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA; Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ken C Pang
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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6
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Matveeva OV, Chumakov PM. Defects in interferon pathways as potential biomarkers of sensitivity to oncolytic viruses. Rev Med Virol 2018; 28:e2008. [PMID: 30209859 PMCID: PMC6906582 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Increased sensitivity of cancer cells to viruses is a prerequisite for the success of oncolytic virotherapy. One of the major causes of such a phenotype is the disruption of innate antiviral defenses associated with dysfunction of type 1 interferons (IFNs) that permits unlimited replication of viruses in cancer cells. Defects in IFN pathways help cancer progression by providing additional advantages to tumor cells. However, while these defects promote the survival and accelerated proliferation of malignant cells, they facilitate viral replication and thus enhance the efficiency of viral oncolysis. This review describes a broad spectrum of defects in genes that participate in IFN induction and IFN response pathways. Expression levels and/or functional activities of these genes are frequently low or absent in cancer cells, making them sensitive to virus infection. Therefore, certain specific defects in IFN signaling cascades might serve as potential biomarkers to help in identifying individual cancer patients who are likely to benefit from oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter M Chumakov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Moscow, Russia.,Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products, Moscow, Russia
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7
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Pataer A, Shao R, Correa AM, Behrens C, Roth JA, Vaporciyan AA, Wistuba II, Swisher SG. Major pathologic response and RAD51 predict survival in lung cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Cancer Med 2018; 7:2405-2414. [PMID: 29673125 PMCID: PMC6010873 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In a previous study, we determined that major pathologic response (MPR) as indicated by the percentage of residual viable tumor cells predicted overall survival (OS) in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In this study, we assessed whether two genes and five protein biomarkers could predict MPR and OS in 98 patients with NSCLC receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We collected formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens of resected NSCLC tumors from 98 patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We identified mutations in KRAS and EGFR genes using pyrosequencing and examined the expression of protein markers VEGFR2, EZH2, ERCC1, RAD51, and PKR using immunohistochemistry. We assessed whether gene mutation status or protein expression was associated with MPR or OS. We observed that KRAS mutation tended to be associated with OS (P = .06), but EGFR mutation was not associated with OS. We found that patients with high RAD51 expression levels had a poorer prognosis than did those with low RAD51 expression. We also observed that RAD51 expression was associated with MPR. MPR and RAD51 expression were associated with OS in univariate and multivariate analyses (P = .04 and P = .02, respectively). Combination of MPR with RAD51 is a significant predictor of prognosis in patients with NSCLC who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We demonstrated that MPR or RAD51 expression was associated with OS in patients with NSCLC receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Prediction of a patient's prognosis could be improved by combined assessment of MPR and RAD51 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apar Pataer
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Ruping Shao
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Arlene M. Correa
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Carmen Behrens
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical OncologyThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Jack A. Roth
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Ara A. Vaporciyan
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Ignacio I. Wistuba
- Department of Translational Molecular PathologyThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
| | - Stephen G. Swisher
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular SurgeryThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTexas
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8
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Hao C, Shao R, Raju U, Fang B, Swisher SG, Pataer A. Accumulation of RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) in the nuclei of lung cancer cells mediates radiation resistance. Oncotarget 2018; 7:38235-38242. [PMID: 27203671 PMCID: PMC5122385 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
We have previously demonstrated that radiation induced cell death in PKR (−/−) deficient mouse embryo fibroblasts (MEFs) but not in PKR (+/+) wild type MEFs. Our study indicated that PKR can also be involved in survival pathways following radiation therapy through activation of the AKT survival pathways in these MEFs is mediated in part through PKR. The role of PKR on radiation sensitivity in cancer cells has not been evaluated. In this study, we demonstrated that radiation treatment causes nuclear translocation of PKR in human lung cancer cells. The transduction of lung cancer cells with a dominant negative adenoviral PKR vector blocks nuclear translocation of PKR and leads to the reversal of radiation resistance. Plasmid transduction of lung cancer cells with nuclear targeted wild type PKR vectors also increased radiation resistance. This effect is selectively abrogated by plasmid transduction of dominant negative PKR vectors which restore radiation sensitivity. These findings suggest a novel role for PKR in lung cancer cells as a mediator of radiation resistance possibly through translocation of the protein product to the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuncheng Hao
- Departments of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Current Address: Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, the Cancer Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ruping Shao
- Departments of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Uma Raju
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Bingliang Fang
- Departments of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Stephen G Swisher
- Departments of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Apar Pataer
- Departments of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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9
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Clinical and therapeutic potential of protein kinase PKR in cancer and metabolism. Expert Rev Mol Med 2017; 19:e9. [PMID: 28724458 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2017.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The protein kinase R (PKR, also called EIF2AK2) is an interferon-inducible double-stranded RNA protein kinase with multiple effects on cells that plays an active part in the cellular response to numerous types of stress. PKR has been extensively studied and documented for its relevance as an antiviral agent and a cell growth regulator. Recently, the role of PKR related to metabolism, inflammatory processes, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases has gained interest. In this review, we summarise and discuss the involvement of PKR in several cancer signalling pathways and the dual role that this kinase plays in cancer disease. We emphasise the importance of PKR as a molecular target for both conventional chemotherapeutics and emerging treatments based on novel drugs, and its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for several pathologies. Finally, we discuss the impact that the recent knowledge regarding PKR involvement in metabolism has in our understanding of the complex processes of cancer and metabolism pathologies, highlighting the translational research establishing the clinical and therapeutic potential of this pleiotropic kinase.
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10
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Chan WH, Mohamad MS, Deris S, Zaki N, Kasim S, Omatu S, Corchado JM, Al Ashwal H. Identification of informative genes and pathways using an improved penalized support vector machine with a weighting scheme. Comput Biol Med 2016; 77:102-15. [PMID: 27522238 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2016.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Incorporation of pathway knowledge into microarray analysis has brought better biological interpretation of the analysis outcome. However, most pathway data are manually curated without specific biological context. Non-informative genes could be included when the pathway data is used for analysis of context specific data like cancer microarray data. Therefore, efficient identification of informative genes is inevitable. Embedded methods like penalized classifiers have been used for microarray analysis due to their embedded gene selection. This paper proposes an improved penalized support vector machine with absolute t-test weighting scheme to identify informative genes and pathways. Experiments are done on four microarray data sets. The results are compared with previous methods using 10-fold cross validation in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and F-score. Our method shows consistent improvement over the previous methods and biological validation has been done to elucidate the relation of the selected genes and pathway with the phenotype under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weng Howe Chan
- Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics Research Group, Faculty of Computing, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Saberi Mohamad
- Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics Research Group, Faculty of Computing, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
| | - Safaai Deris
- Faculty of Creative Technology & Heritage, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Locked Bag 01, Bachok, 16300 Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nazar Zaki
- College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirate University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shahreen Kasim
- Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400 Batu Pahat, Malaysia
| | - Sigeru Omatu
- Department of Electronics, Information and Communication Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology, Osaka 535-8585, Japan
| | - Juan Manuel Corchado
- Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca/BISITE Research Group, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Hany Al Ashwal
- College of Information Technology, United Arab Emirate University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
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11
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Guo C, Hao C, Shao R, Fang B, Correa AM, Hofstetter WL, Roth JA, Behrens C, Kalhor N, Wistuba II, Swisher SG, Pataer A. RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) depletes nutrients, inducing phosphorylation of AMP-activated kinase in lung cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:11114-24. [PMID: 25798539 PMCID: PMC4484443 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We have demonstrated that RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) and its downstream protein p-eIF2α are independent prognostic markers for overall survival in lung cancer. In the current study, we further investigate the interaction between PKR and AMPK in lung tumor tissue and cancer cell lines. We examined PKR protein expression in 55 frozen primary lung tumor tissues by Western blotting and analyzed the association between PKR expression and expresson of 139 proteins on tissue samples examined previously by Reverse Phase Protein Array (RPPA) from the same 55 patients. We observed that biomarkers were either positively (phosphorylated AMP-activated kinaseT172 [p-AMPK]) or negatively (insulin receptor substrate 1, meiotic recombination 11, ATR interacting protein, telomerase, checkpoint kinase 1, and cyclin E1) correlated with PKR. We further confirmed that induction of PKR with expression vectors in lung cancer cells causes activation of the AMPK protein independent of the LKB1, TAK1, and CaMKKβ pathway. We found that PKR causes nutrient depletion, which increases AMP levels and decreases ATP levels, causing AMPK phosphorylation. We further demonstrated that inhibiting AMPK expression with compound C or siRNA enhanced PKR-mediated cell death. We next explored the combination of PKR and p-AMPK expression in NSCLC patients and observed that expression of p-AMPK predicted a poor outcome for adenocarcinoma patients with high PKR expression and a better prognosis for those with low PKR expression. These findings were consistent with our in vitro results. AMPK might rescue cells facing metabolic stresses, such as ATP depletion caused by PKR. Our data indicate that PKR causes nutrient depletion, which induces the phosphorylation of AMPK. AMPK might act as a protective response to metabolic stresses, such as nutrient deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Guo
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Current address: Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuncheng Hao
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Current address: Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, The Cancer Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - RuPing Shao
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bingliang Fang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Arlene M Correa
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wayne L Hofstetter
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jack A Roth
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carmen Behrens
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Neda Kalhor
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ignacio I Wistuba
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stephen G Swisher
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Apar Pataer
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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12
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Kubis AM, Piwowar A. The new insight on the regulatory role of the vitamin D3 in metabolic pathways characteristic for cancerogenesis and neurodegenerative diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2015; 24:126-37. [PMID: 26238411 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Apart from the classical function of regulating intestinal, bone and kidney calcium and phosphorus absorption as well as bone mineralization, there is growing evidence for the neuroprotective function of vitamin D3 through neuronal calcium regulation, the antioxidative pathway, immunomodulation and detoxification. Vitamin D3 and its derivates influence directly or indirectly almost all metabolic processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, inflammatory processes and mutagenesis. Such multifactorial effects of vitamin D3 can be a profitable source of new therapeutic solutions for two radically divergent diseases, cancer and neurodegeneration. Interestingly, an unusual association seems to exist between the occurrence of these two pathological states, called "inverse comorbidity". Patients with cognitive dysfunctions or dementia have considerably lower risk of cancer, whereas survivors of cancer have lower prevalence of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. To our knowledge, there are few publications analyzing the role of vitamin D3 in biological pathways existing in carcinogenic and neuropathological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Maria Kubis
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211 Str., 50-552 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Piwowar
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska 211 Str., 50-552 Wrocław, Poland
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Marchal JA, Lopez GJ, Peran M, Comino A, Delgado JR, García-García JA, Conde V, Aranda FM, Rivas C, Esteban M, Garcia MA. The impact of PKR activation: from neurodegeneration to cancer. FASEB J 2014; 28:1965-74. [PMID: 24522206 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-248294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
An inverse association between cancer and neurodegeneration is plausible because these biological processes share several genes and signaling pathways. Whereas uncontrolled cell proliferation and decreased apoptotic cell death governs cancer, excessive apoptosis contributes to neurodegeneration. Protein kinase R (PKR), an interferon-inducible double-stranded RNA protein kinase, is involved in both diseases. PKR activation blocks global protein synthesis through eIF2α phosphorylation, leading to cell death in response to a variety of cellular stresses. However, PKR also has the dual role of activating the nuclear factor κ-B pathway, promoting cell proliferation. Whereas PKR is recognized for its negative effects on neurodegenerative diseases, in part, inducing high level of apoptosis, the role of PKR activation in cancer remains controversial. In general, PKR is considered to have a tumor suppressor function, and some clinical data show a correlation between suppressed or inactivated PKR and a poor prognosis for several cancers. However, other studies show high PKR expression and activation levels in various cancers, suggesting that PKR might contribute to neoplastic progression. Understanding the cellular factors and signals involved in the regulation of PKR in these age-related diseases is relevant and may have important clinical implications. The present review highlights the current knowledge on the role of PKR in neurodegeneration and cancer, with special emphasis on its regulation and clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Marchal
- 1University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Azpitarte sn., Granada E-18012, Spain.
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PKR negatively regulates leukemia progression in association with PP2A activation, Bcl-2 inhibition and increased apoptosis. Blood Cancer J 2013; 3:e144. [PMID: 24013665 PMCID: PMC3789206 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2013.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2013] [Revised: 07/21/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced expression and activity of the proapoptotic, double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase, PKR (protein kinase R) is observed in breast, lung and various leukemias, suggesting that loss of PKR potentiates transformation. Now we report that decreased PKR activity inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis of leukemia cells both in vitro and in vivo. Inhibition of PKR expression or activity reduces protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) activity, a B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) phosphatase, resulting in enhanced Bcl-2 phosphorylation. Thus, inhibition of PKR activity leads to hyperphosphorylation of Bcl-2, stabilization of Bcl-2/Bax interaction and decreased Bax insertion into the outer mitochondrial membrane. Treatment with the PP2A activator, FTY720, restores Bcl-2 dephosphorylation and apoptosis in cells with reduced PKR expression following stress. Significantly, xenografts of REH leukemic cells with reduced PKR display significantly increased tumor volume, increased resistance to doxorubicin treatment and shorter survival. Importantly, FTY720 treatment restores sensitivity to chemotherapy and prolongs overall survival of these mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that PP2A activation is a downstream target of PKR and the PKR/PP2A signaling axis is required for rapid and potent stress-induced apoptosis. Importantly, loss of PKR promotes leukemia progression and may serve as a biomarker for predicting chemosensitivity.
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15
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Kunkeaw N, Jeon SH, Lee K, Johnson BH, Tanasanvimon S, Javle M, Pairojkul C, Chamgramol Y, Wongfieng W, Gong B, Leelayuwat C, Lee YS. Cell death/proliferation roles for nc886, a non-coding RNA, in the protein kinase R pathway in cholangiocarcinoma. Oncogene 2013; 32:3722-31. [PMID: 22926522 PMCID: PMC3869796 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
We have recently identified nc886 (pre-miR-886 or vtRNA2-1) as a novel type of non-coding RNA that inhibits activation of protein kinase R (PKR). PKR's pro-apoptotic role through eukaryotic initiation factor 2 α (eIF2α) phosphorylation is well established in the host defense against viral infection. Paradoxically, some cancer patients have elevated PKR activity; however, its cause and consequence are not understood. Initially, we evaluated the expression of nc886, PKR and eIF2α in non-malignant cholangiocyte and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells. nc886 is repressed in CCA cells and this repression is the cause of PKR's activation therein. nc886 alone is necessary and sufficient for suppression of PKR via direct physical interaction. Consistently, artificial suppression of nc886 in cholangiocyte cells activates the canonical PKR/eIF2α cell death pathway, suggesting a potential significance of the nc886 suppression and the consequent PKR activation in eliminating pre-malignant cells during tumorigenesis. In comparison, active PKR in CCA cells does not induce phospho-eIF2α nor apoptosis, but promotes the pro-survival nuclear factor-κB pathway. Thus, PKR has a dual life or death role during tumorigenesis. Similarly to the CCA cell lines, nc886 tends to be decreased but PKR tends to be activated in our clinical samples from CCA patients. Collectively from our data, we propose a tumor surveillance model for nc886's role in the PKR pathway during tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawapol Kunkeaw
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555-1072, USA
- The Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sung Ho Jeon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555-1072, USA
- Department of Life Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-702, Korea
| | - Kwanbok Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555-1072, USA
| | - Betty H. Johnson
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555-1072, USA
| | - Suebpong Tanasanvimon
- Department of Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Milind Javle
- Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Chawalit Pairojkul
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Yaovalux Chamgramol
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Wipaporn Wongfieng
- The Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Bin Gong
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Chanvit Leelayuwat
- The Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Yong Sun Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555-1072, USA
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Prognostic significance of combinations of RNA-dependent protein kinase and EphA2 biomarkers for NSCLC. J Thorac Oncol 2013; 8:301-8. [PMID: 23370317 DOI: 10.1097/jto.0b013e318282def7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is an independent prognostic variable in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In the current study, we investigated the correlation between PKR and 25 other biomarkers for NSCLC, identified the markers that could further improve the prognostic significance of PKR and elucidated the mechanisms of interaction between these markers and PKR. METHODS Tissue microarray samples obtained from 218 patients with lung cancer were stained with an anti-PKR antibody and antibodies against 25 biomarkers. Immunohistochemical expression was scored and used for Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The interaction between PKR and EphA2 in NSCLC cell lines was examined. RESULTS We found that PKR was associated with EphA2 and that the prognostic information regarding NSCLC provided by the combination of PKR and EphA2 (P/E) was significantly more accurate than that provided by either marker alone. The 5-year overall survival rate in patients with PKR/EphA2 (20%) was significantly lower than that of patients with PKR/EphA2 (74%), patients with PKR/EphA2 (55%), and patients with PKR/EphA2 (55%) (p < 0.0001). We also found that the PKR:EphA2 (P/E) ratio was significantly associated with prognosis (p < 0.0001). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses revealed that this P/E combination or ratio was an independent predictor of overall survival. In addition, induction of PKR expression reduced EphA2 protein expression levels in NSCLC cell lines. CONCLUSIONS PKR/EphA2 is a significant predictor of prognosis for NSCLC. PKR/EphA2 may be a promising approach to improving screening efficiency and predicting prognosis in patients with NSCLC.
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Increased expression of the dsRNA-activated protein kinase PKR in breast cancer promotes sensitivity to doxorubicin. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46040. [PMID: 23029376 PMCID: PMC3454339 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 08/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been reported that the expression and activity of the interferon-inducible, dsRNA-dependent protein kinase, PKR, is increased in mammary carcinoma cell lines and primary tumor samples. To extend these findings and determine how PKR signaling may affect breast cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy, we measured PKR expression by immunohistochemical staining of 538 cases of primary breast cancer and normal tissues. Significantly, PKR expression was elevated in ductal, lobular and squamous cell carcinomas or lymph node metastases but not in either benign tumor specimens or cases of inflammation compared to normal tissues. Furthermore, PKR expression was increased in precancerous stages of mammary cell hyperplasia and dysplasia compared to normal tissues, indicating that PKR expression may be upregulated by the process of tumorigenesis. To test the function of PKR in breast cancer, we generated MCF7, T-47D and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines with significantly reduced PKR expression by siRNA knockdown. Importantly, while knockdown of PKR expression had no effect on cell proliferation under normal growth conditions, MCF7, T-47D or MDA-MB-231 cells with reduced PKR expression or treated with a small molecule PKR inhibitor were significantly less sensitive to doxorubicin or H2O2-induced toxicity compared to control cells. In addition, the rate of eIF2α phosphorylation following treatment with doxorubicin was delayed in breast cancer cell lines with decreased PKR expression. Significantly, treatment of breast cancer lines with reduced PKR expression with either interferon-α, which increases PKR expression, or salubrinal, which increases eIF2α phosphorylation, restored doxorubicin sensitivity to normal levels. Taken together these results indicate that increased PKR expression in primary breast cancer tissues may serve as a biomarker for response to doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy and that future therapeutic approaches to promote PKR expression/activation and eIF2α phosphorylation may be beneficial for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Fang X, Netzer M, Baumgartner C, Bai C, Wang X. Genetic network and gene set enrichment analysis to identify biomarkers related to cigarette smoking and lung cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2012; 39:77-88. [PMID: 22789435 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2012.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cigarette smoking is the most demonstrated risk factor for the development of lung cancer, while the related genetic mechanisms are still unclear. METHODS The preprocessed microarray expression dataset was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database. Samples were classified according to the disease state, stage and smoking state. A new computational strategy was applied for the identification and biological interpretation of new candidate genes in lung cancer and smoking by coupling a network-based approach with gene set enrichment analysis. MEASUREMENTS Network analysis was performed by pair-wise comparison according to the disease states (tumor or normal), smoking states (current smokers or nonsmokers or former smokers), or the disease stage (stages I-IV). The most activated metabolic pathways were identified by gene set enrichment analysis. RESULTS Panels of top ranked gene candidates in smoking or cancer development were identified, including genes involved in cell proliferation and drug metabolism like cytochrome P450 and WW domain containing transcription regulator 1. Semaphorin 5A and protein phosphatase 1F are the common genes represented as major hubs in both the smoking and cancer related network. Six pathways, e.g. cell cycle, DNA replication, RNA transport, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, vascular smooth muscle contraction and endocytosis were commonly involved in smoking and lung cancer when comparing the top ten selected pathways. CONCLUSION New approach of bioinformatics for biomarker identification and validation can probe into deep genetic relationships between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. Our studies indicate that disease-specific network biomarkers, interaction between genes/proteins, or cross-talking of pathways provide more specific values for the development of precision therapies for lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaocong Fang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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He Y, Correa AM, Raso MG, Hofstetter WL, Fang B, Behrens C, Roth JA, Zhou Y, Yu L, Wistuba II, Swisher SG, Pataer A. The role of PKR/eIF2α signaling pathway in prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24855. [PMID: 22102852 PMCID: PMC3213082 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we investigated whether PKR protein expression is correlated with mRNA levels and also evaluated molecular biomarkers that are associated with PKR, such as phosphorylated PKR (p-PKR) and phosphorylated eIF2α (p-eIF2α). METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS We determined the levels of PKR protein expression and mRNA in 36 fresh primary lung tumor tissues by using Western blot analysis and real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), respectively. We used tissue microarrays for immunohistochemical evaluation of the expression of p-PKR and p-eIF2α proteins. We demonstrated that PKR mRNA levels are significantly correlated with PKR protein levels (Spearman's rho = 0.55, p<0.001), suggesting that PKR protein levels in tumor samples are regulated by PKR mRNA. We also observed that the patients with high p-PKR or p-eIF2α expression had a significantly longer median survival than those with little or no p-PKR or p-eIF2α expression (p = 0.03 and p = 0.032, respectively). We further evaluated the prognostic effect of combined expression of p-PKR plus PKR and p-eIF2α plus PKR and found that both combinations were strong independent prognostic markers for overall patient survival on stage I and all stage patients. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that PKR protein expression may controlled by transcription level. Combined expression levels of PKR and p-PKR or p-eIF2α can be new markers for predicting the prognosis of patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Arlene M. Correa
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Maria Gabriela Raso
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wayne L. Hofstetter
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Bingliang Fang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Carmen Behrens
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jack A. Roth
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Yihong Zhou
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Liping Yu
- Ziren Research LLC, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Ignacio I. Wistuba
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Thoracic Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Stephen G. Swisher
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Apar Pataer
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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García MA, Carrasco E, Aguilera M, Alvarez P, Rivas C, Campos JM, Prados JC, Calleja MA, Esteban M, Marchal JA, Aránega A. The chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil promotes PKR-mediated apoptosis in a p53-independent manner in colon and breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e23887. [PMID: 21887339 PMCID: PMC3161074 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0023887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/29/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The chemotherapeutic drug 5-FU is widely used in the treatment of a range of cancers, but resistance to the drug remains a major clinical problem. Since defects in the mediators of apoptosis may account for chemo-resistance, the identification of new targets involved in 5-FU-induced apoptosis is of main clinical interest. We have identified the ds-RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) as a key molecular target of 5-FU involved in apoptosis induction in human colon and breast cancer cell lines. PKR distribution and activation, apoptosis induction and cytotoxic effects were analyzed during 5-FU and 5-FU/IFNα treatment in several colon and breast cancer cell lines with different p53 status. PKR protein was activated by 5-FU treatment in a p53-independent manner, inducing phosphorylation of the protein synthesis translation initiation factor eIF-2α and cell death by apoptosis. Furthermore, PKR interference promoted a decreased response to 5-FU treatment and those cells were not affected by the synergistic antitumor activity of 5-FU/IFNα combination. These results, taken together, provide evidence that PKR is a key molecular target of 5-FU with potential relevance in the clinical use of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Angel García
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa (IBIMER), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Esther Carrasco
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa (IBIMER), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Margarita Aguilera
- Unidad de Farmacogenética, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Pablo Alvarez
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa (IBIMER), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Carmen Rivas
- Centro Nacional de Biotecnología, CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquin María Campos
- Departamento de Química Farmacéutica y Orgánica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Carlos Prados
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa (IBIMER), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Calleja
- Unidad de Farmacogenética, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Juan Antonio Marchal
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa (IBIMER), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Antonia Aránega
- Instituto de Biopatología y Medicina Regenerativa (IBIMER), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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