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Chang Y, Chen Q, Li H, Xu J, Tan M, Xiong X, Sun Y. The UBE2F-CRL5 ASB11-DIRAS2 axis is an oncogene and tumor suppressor cascade in pancreatic cancer cells. Dev Cell 2024; 59:1317-1332.e5. [PMID: 38574733 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2024.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
UBE2F, a neddylation E2, neddylates CUL5 to activate cullin-RING ligase-5, upon coupling with neddylation E3 RBX2/SAG. Whether and how UBE2F controls pancreatic tumorigenesis is previously unknown. Here, we showed that UBE2F is essential for the growth of human pancreatic cancer cells with KRAS mutation. In the mouse KrasG12D pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) model, Ube2f deletion suppresses cerulein-induced pancreatitis, and progression of acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) and pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Mechanistically, Ube2f deletion inactivates the Mapk-c-Myc signals via blocking ubiquitylation of Diras2, a substrate of CRL5Asb11 E3 ligase. Biologically, DIRAS2 suppresses growth and survival of human pancreatic cancer cells harboring mutant KRAS, and Diras2 deletion largely rescues the phenotypes induced by Ube2f deletion. Collectively, Ube2f or Diras2 plays a tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressive role in the mouse KrasG12D PDAC model, respectively. The UBE2F-CRL5ASB11 axis could serve as a valid target for pancreatic cancer, whereas the levels of UBE2F or DIRAS2 may serve as prognostic biomarkers for PDAC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chang
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China; Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Qian Chen
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Mingjia Tan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xiufang Xiong
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), The Second Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China; Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, China; Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Hangzhou 310009, China; Leading Innovative and Entrepreneur Team Introduction Program of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China; Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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Zhang X, Wei Y, Wu F, Li M, Han C, Huo C, Li Z, Tang F, He W, Zhao Y, Li Y. UBE2L3 expression in human gastric cancer and its clinical significance. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:210. [PMID: 38656363 PMCID: PMC11043109 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05669-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gastric cancer (GC) is prevalent as one of the most common malignant tumors globally, with a particularly high incidence in China. The role of UBE2L3 in the initiation and progression of various cancers has been well documented, but its specific significance in GC is not yet fully elucidated. The objective of this study is to examine the expression and importance of UBE2L3 in human gastric cancer tissues. METHODS Immunohistochemical staining and survival analysis were conducted on 125 cases of GC. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were employed to assess the expression of UBE2L3 in GC cell lines. Cell lines with UBE2L3 knockdown and overexpression were cultured through lentivirus transfection and subsequently assessed using Western blot analysis. The involvement of UBE2L3 in the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of GC cells was confirmed through in vitro experiments, and its capacity to facilitate tumor growth was also validated in in vivo studies. RESULTS The up-regulation of UBE2L3 expression was observed in GC, and its high expression was found to be significantly associated with the degree of differentiation (χ2 = 6.153, P = 0.0131), TNM stage (χ2 = 6.216, P = 0.0447), and poor overall survival. In vitro, UBE2L3 has been shown to enhance functions in GC cell lines, such as promoting proliferation and invasion, and inhibiting apoptosis. In vivo experiments have validated the role of UBE2L3 in promoting tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS The findings of our study demonstrate the significant involvement of UBE2L3 in the pathogenesis and advancement of gastric cancer, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxia Zhang
- Department of the Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Yujie Wei
- Department of the Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Fanqi Wu
- Department of the Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Department of Pneumology, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of the Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Cong Han
- Department of the Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Chengdong Huo
- Department of the Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of the Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Department of the Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Wenting He
- Department of the Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Department of the Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of the Second Hospital & Clinical Medical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, 730030, China.
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Zhang S, Yu Q, Li Z, Zhao Y, Sun Y. Protein neddylation and its role in health and diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:85. [PMID: 38575611 PMCID: PMC10995212 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01800-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
NEDD8 (Neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 8) is an ubiquitin-like protein that is covalently attached to a lysine residue of a protein substrate through a process known as neddylation, catalyzed by the enzyme cascade, namely NEDD8 activating enzyme (E1), NEDD8 conjugating enzyme (E2), and NEDD8 ligase (E3). The substrates of neddylation are categorized into cullins and non-cullin proteins. Neddylation of cullins activates CRLs (cullin RING ligases), the largest family of E3 ligases, whereas neddylation of non-cullin substrates alters their stability and activity, as well as subcellular localization. Significantly, the neddylation pathway and/or many neddylation substrates are abnormally activated or over-expressed in various human diseases, such as metabolic disorders, liver dysfunction, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancers, among others. Thus, targeting neddylation becomes an attractive strategy for the treatment of these diseases. In this review, we first provide a general introduction on the neddylation cascade, its biochemical process and regulation, and the crystal structures of neddylation enzymes in complex with cullin substrates; then discuss how neddylation governs various key biological processes via the modification of cullins and non-cullin substrates. We further review the literature data on dysregulated neddylation in several human diseases, particularly cancer, followed by an outline of current efforts in the discovery of small molecule inhibitors of neddylation as a promising therapeutic approach. Finally, few perspectives were proposed for extensive future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhen Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Qing Yu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
- Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Zhijian Li
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Yongchao Zhao
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China.
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310029, China.
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education), the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China.
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China.
- Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, 310029, China.
- Leading Innovative and Entrepreneur Team Introduction Program of Zhejiang, Hangzhou, 310024, China.
- Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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Pérez-González A, Ramírez-Díaz I, Guzmán-Linares J, Sarvari P, Sarvari P, Rubio K. ncRNAs Orchestrate Chemosensitivity Induction by Neddylation Blockades. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:825. [PMID: 38398217 PMCID: PMC10886669 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We performed an integrative transcriptomic in silico analysis using lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells treated with the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 and the gefitinib-resistant PC9 cell line (PC9GR). We focused on the transcriptional effects of the top differentially expressed ncRNA biotypes and their correlating stemness factors. Interestingly, MLN4924-treated cells showed a significant upregulation of mRNAs involved in carcinogenesis, cell attachment, and differentiation pathways, as well as a parallel downregulation of stemness maintenance and survival signaling pathways, an effect that was inversely observed in PC9GR cells. Moreover, we found that stemness factor expression could be contrasted by selected up-regulated ncRNAs upon MLN4924 treatment in a dose and time-independent manner. Furthermore, upregulated miRNAs and lncRNA-targeted mRNAs showed an evident enrichment of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis pathways, while downregulated ncRNA-targeted mRNAs were implicated in stem cell maintenance. Finally, our results proved that stemness (KLF4 and FGFR2) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (ZEB2, TWIST2, SNAI2, CDH2, and VIM) factors, which are highly expressed in PC9GR cells compared to gefitinib-sensitive PC9 cells, could be abrogated with the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 mainly through activation of epithelial differentiation pathways, thus exerting a protective role in lung cancer cells and chemosensitivity against lung tumorigenic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pérez-González
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico; (A.P.-G.); (I.R.-D.); (J.G.-L.)
| | - Ivonne Ramírez-Díaz
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico; (A.P.-G.); (I.R.-D.); (J.G.-L.)
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Popular and Autonomous, University of Puebla State (UPAEP), Puebla 72410, Mexico
| | - Josué Guzmán-Linares
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico; (A.P.-G.); (I.R.-D.); (J.G.-L.)
| | - Pouya Sarvari
- Iran National Elite Foundation (INEF), Tehran 1461965381, Iran; (P.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Pourya Sarvari
- Iran National Elite Foundation (INEF), Tehran 1461965381, Iran; (P.S.); (P.S.)
| | - Karla Rubio
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico; (A.P.-G.); (I.R.-D.); (J.G.-L.)
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Guo YJ, Pang JR, Zhang Y, Li ZR, Zi XL, Liu HM, Wang N, Zhao LJ, Gao Y, Wang B, Herdewijn P, Jin CY, Liu Y, Zheng YC. Neddylation-dependent LSD1 destabilization inhibits the stemness and chemoresistance of gastric cancer. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 254:126801. [PMID: 37689288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Histone lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) expression has been evaluated in multiple tumors, including gastric cancer (GC). However, the mechanisms underlying LSD1 dysregulation in GC remain largely unclear. In this study, neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8 (NEDD8) was identified to be conjugated to LSD1 at K63 by ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 M (UBE2M), and this neddylated LSD1 could promote LSD1 ubiquitination and degradation, leading to a decrease of GC cell stemness and chemoresistance. Herein, our findings revealed a novel mechanism of LSD1 neddylation and its contribution to decreasing GC cell stemness and chemoresistance. Taken together, our findings may whistle about the future application of neddylation inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jia Guo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing-Ru Pang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Rui Li
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Zi
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ning Wang
- The School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Piet Herdewijn
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Rega Institute for Medical Research, Medicinal Chemistry, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49-Box 1041, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cheng-Yun Jin
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Application & Translation of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Yi-Chao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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6
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Jiang Y, Ni S, Xiao B, Jia L. Function, mechanism and drug discovery of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like modification with multiomics profiling for cancer therapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:4341-4372. [PMID: 37969742 PMCID: PMC10638515 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin (Ub) and ubiquitin-like (Ubl) pathways are critical post-translational modifications that determine whether functional proteins are degraded or activated/inactivated. To date, >600 associated enzymes have been reported that comprise a hierarchical task network (e.g., E1-E2-E3 cascade enzymatic reaction and deubiquitination) to modulate substrates, including enormous oncoproteins and tumor-suppressive proteins. Several strategies, such as classical biochemical approaches, multiomics, and clinical sample analysis, were combined to elucidate the functional relations between these enzymes and tumors. In this regard, the fundamental advances and follow-on drug discoveries have been crucial in providing vital information concerning contemporary translational efforts to tailor individualized treatment by targeting Ub and Ubl pathways. Correspondingly, emphasizing the current progress of Ub-related pathways as therapeutic targets in cancer is deemed essential. In the present review, we summarize and discuss the functions, clinical significance, and regulatory mechanisms of Ub and Ubl pathways in tumorigenesis as well as the current progress of small-molecular drug discovery. In particular, multiomics analyses were integrated to delineate the complexity of Ub and Ubl modifications for cancer therapy. The present review will provide a focused and up-to-date overview for the researchers to pursue further studies regarding the Ub and Ubl pathways targeted anticancer strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Biying Xiao
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lijun Jia
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
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7
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Mamun M, Liu Y, Geng YP, Zheng YC, Gao Y, Sun JG, Zhao LF, Zhao LJ, Liu HM. Discovery of neddylation E2s inhibitors with therapeutic activity. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:45. [PMID: 37717015 PMCID: PMC10505188 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00490-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neddylation is the writing of monomers or polymers of neural precursor cells expressed developmentally down-regulated 8 (NEDD8) to substrate. For neddylation to occur, three enzymes are required: activators (E1), conjugators (E2), and ligators (E3). However, the central role is played by the ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes E2M (UBE2M) and E2F (UBE2F), which are part of the E2 enzyme family. Recent understanding of the structure and mechanism of these two proteins provides insight into their physiological effects on apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and genome stability. To treat cancer, it is therefore appealing to develop novel inhibitors against UBE2M or UBE2F interactions with either E1 or E3. In this evaluation, we summarized the existing understanding of E2 interaction with E1 and E3 and reviewed the prospective of using neddylation E2 as a pharmacological target for evolving new anti-cancer remedies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maa Mamun
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center for Application & Translation of Precision Clinical Pharmacy; Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yin-Ping Geng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yi-Chao Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Jian-Gang Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Long-Fei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Li-Juan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, China; State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment; Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation; Institute of Drug Discovery and Development; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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8
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He ZX, Yang WG, Zengyangzong D, Gao G, Zhang Q, Liu HM, Zhao W, Ma LY. Targeting cullin neddylation for cancer and fibrotic diseases. Theranostics 2023; 13:5017-5056. [PMID: 37771770 PMCID: PMC10526667 DOI: 10.7150/thno.78876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein neddylation is a post-translational modification, and its best recognized substrates are cullin family proteins, which are the core component of Cullin-RING ligases (CRLs). Given that most neddylation pathway proteins are overactivated in different cancers and fibrotic diseases, targeting neddylation becomes an emerging approach for the treatment of these diseases. To date, numerous neddylation inhibitors have been developed, of which MLN4924 has entered phase I/II/III clinical trials for cancer treatment, such as acute myeloid leukemia, melanoma, lymphoma and solid tumors. Here, we systematically describe the structures and biological functions of the critical enzymes in neddylation, highlight the medicinal chemistry advances in the development of neddylation inhibitors and propose the perspectives concerning targeting neddylation for cancer and fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Xu He
- Pharmacy College, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 450046, Zhengzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Wei-guang Yang
- Children's hospital affiliated of Zhengzhou university; Henan children's hospital; Zhengzhou children's hospital, Henan Zhengzhou 450000, China
| | - Dan Zengyangzong
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Ge Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Wen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Li-Ying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment; Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
- China Meheco Topfond Pharmaceutical Co., Zhumadian 463000, China
- Key Laboratory of Cardio-cerebrovascular Drug, Henan Province, Zhumadian 463000, China
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9
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Aubry A, Pearson JD, Charish J, Yu T, Sivak JM, Xirodimas DP, Avet-Loiseau H, Corre J, Monnier PP, Bremner R. Deneddylation of ribosomal proteins promotes synergy between MLN4924 and chemotherapy to elicit complete therapeutic responses. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112925. [PMID: 37552601 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The neddylation inhibitor MLN4924/Pevonedistat is in clinical trials for multiple cancers. Efficacy is generally attributed to cullin RING ligase (CRL) inhibition, but the contribution of non-CRL targets is unknown. Here, CRISPR screens map MLN4924-monotherapy sensitivity in retinoblastoma to a classic DNA damage-induced p53/E2F3/BAX-dependent death effector network, which synergizes with Nutlin3a or Navitoclax. In monotherapy-resistant cells, MLN4924 plus standard-of-care topotecan overcomes resistance, but reduces DNA damage, instead harnessing ribosomal protein nucleolar-expulsion to engage an RPL11/p21/MYCN/E2F3/p53/BAX synergy network that exhibits extensive cross-regulation. Strikingly, unneddylatable RPL11 substitutes for MLN4924 to perturb nucleolar function and enhance topotecan efficacy. Orthotopic tumors exhibit complete responses while preserving visual function. Moreover, MLN4924 plus melphalan deploy this DNA damage-independent strategy to synergistically kill multiple myeloma cells. Thus, MLN4924 synergizes with standard-of-care drugs to unlock a nucleolar death effector network across cancer types implying broad therapeutic relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Aubry
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre Hospitalo-universitaire (CHU) de Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse-Oncopole (IUCT-O), Université de Toulouse, UPS, Unité de Génomique du Myélome, Toulouse, France
| | - Joel D Pearson
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jason Charish
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tao Yu
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeremy M Sivak
- Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Hervé Avet-Loiseau
- Centre Hospitalo-universitaire (CHU) de Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse-Oncopole (IUCT-O), Université de Toulouse, UPS, Unité de Génomique du Myélome, Toulouse, France; Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM, Toulouse, France
| | - Jill Corre
- Centre Hospitalo-universitaire (CHU) de Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse-Oncopole (IUCT-O), Université de Toulouse, UPS, Unité de Génomique du Myélome, Toulouse, France; Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse (CRCT), INSERM, Toulouse, France
| | - Philippe P Monnier
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rod Bremner
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Lab Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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10
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Zhou H, Zhou L, Guan Q, Hou X, Wang C, Liu L, Wang J, Yu X, Li W, Liu H. Skp2-mediated MLKL degradation confers cisplatin-resistant in non-small cell lung cancer cells. Commun Biol 2023; 6:805. [PMID: 37532777 PMCID: PMC10397346 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05166-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Chemotherapeutic resistance is a major obstacle in treating NSCLC patients. Here, we discovered that the E3 ligase Skp2 is overexpressed, accompanied by the downregulation of necroptosis-related regulator MLKL in human NSCLC tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of Skp2 inhibited viability, anchorage-independent growth, and in vivo tumor development of NSCLC cells. We also found that the Skp2 protein is negatively correlated with MLKL in NSCLC tissues. Moreover, Skp2 is increased and accompanied by an upregulation of MLKL ubiquitination and degradation in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells. Accordingly, inhibition of Skp2 partially restores MLKL and sensitizes NSCLC cells to cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, Skp2 interacts and promotes ubiquitination-mediated degradation of MLKL in cisplatin-resistant NSCLC cells. Our results provide evidence of an Skp2-dependent mechanism regulating MLKL degradation and cisplatin resistance, suggesting that targeting Skp2-ubiquitinated MLKL degradation may overcome NSCLC chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, The Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qing Guan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuyang Hou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lijun Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinfang Yu
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Haidan Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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11
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Fu DJ, Wang T. Targeting NEDD8-activating enzyme for cancer therapy: developments, clinical trials, challenges and future research directions. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:87. [PMID: 37525282 PMCID: PMC10388525 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01485-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
NEDDylation, a post-translational modification through three-step enzymatic cascades, plays crucial roles in the regulation of diverse biological processes. NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE) as the only activation enzyme in the NEDDylation modification has become an attractive target to develop anticancer drugs. To date, numerous inhibitors or agonists targeting NAE have been developed. Among them, covalent NAE inhibitors such as MLN4924 and TAS4464 currently entered into clinical trials for cancer therapy, particularly for hematological tumors. This review explains the relationships between NEDDylation and cancers, structural characteristics of NAE and multistep mechanisms of NEDD8 activation by NAE. In addition, the potential approaches to discover NAE inhibitors and detailed pharmacological mechanisms of NAE inhibitors in the clinical stage are explored in depth. Importantly, we reasonably investigate the challenges of NAE inhibitors for cancer therapy and possible development directions of NAE-targeting drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Jun Fu
- Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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12
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Wu Y, Song Y, Wang R, Wang T. Molecular mechanisms of tumor resistance to radiotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:96. [PMID: 37322433 PMCID: PMC10268375 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01801-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is the most prevalent cause of death globally, and radiotherapy is considered the standard of care for most solid tumors, including lung, breast, esophageal, and colorectal cancers and glioblastoma. Resistance to radiation can lead to local treatment failure and even cancer recurrence. MAIN BODY In this review, we have extensively discussed several crucial aspects that cause resistance of cancer to radiation therapy, including radiation-induced DNA damage repair, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis escape, abundance of cancer stem cells, modification of cancer cells and their microenvironment, presence of exosomal and non-coding RNA, metabolic reprogramming, and ferroptosis. We aim to focus on the molecular mechanisms of cancer radiotherapy resistance in relation to these aspects and to discuss possible targets to improve treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Studying the molecular mechanisms responsible for radiotherapy resistance and its interactions with the tumor environment will help improve cancer responses to radiotherapy. Our review provides a foundation to identify and overcome the obstacles to effective radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, No.44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, 110042 Liaoning Province China
- School of Graduate, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044 China
| | - Yingqiu Song
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, No.44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, 110042 Liaoning Province China
| | - Runze Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, No.44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, 110042 Liaoning Province China
- School of Graduate, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044 China
| | - Tianlu Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, No.44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, 110042 Liaoning Province China
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024 China
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13
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Sun Y, Li H, Tan M, Sun Y. Sag/Rbx2 Partial Inactivation Sensitizes Mice to Radiation and Radiation-Induced Tumorigenesis1. Radiat Res 2023; 199:273-282. [PMID: 36745565 DOI: 10.1667/rade-22-00152.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
SAG (sensitive to apoptosis gene)/RBX2 (RING box-2), is the second family member of RING component of cullin-RING ligase (CRL) complex required for its enzymatic activity. Using total or conditional Sag knockout mouse models, we previously showed that Sag plays an essential role in embryonic development, apoptosis, vasculogenesis, angiogenesis and tumorigenesis. We also found that Sag-null ES cells are more sensitive to radiation. In this study, we generated the SagΔ/flneo mice with partial Sag inactivation due to deletion in one allele (Δ allele), and disrupted expression in the another (by a neo cassette). Compared to wild-type, SagΔ/fl-neo mice are more sensitive to a lethal dose of radiation with significantly shortened life span, resulting from an increased tissue damage with reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in the intestines. Similar observations were made when SagΔ/fl-neo mice received a high dose of radiation directly delivered to the abdomen with reduced proliferation and prolonged DNA damage repair. Mechanistically, we found accumulations of Sag substrates, p21 and p27, explaining the proliferation defect. Finally, we found that SagΔ/fl-neo mice are more prone to tumorigenesis induced by a low dose of radiation with shortened life-span and increased incidence of lymphoma. Collectively, our study demonstrates that Sag protects mice from radiation-induced tissue damages and tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute of the 2nd Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China, 310009.,Zhejiang University, Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China.,Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China, 310053
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Mingjia Tan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Yilun Sun
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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14
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Zhang S, You X, Zheng Y, Shen Y, Xiong X, Sun Y. The UBE2C/CDH1/DEPTOR axis is an oncogene and tumor suppressor cascade in lung cancer cells. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:162434. [PMID: 36548081 PMCID: PMC9927933 DOI: 10.1172/jci162434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C (UBE2C) mediates ubiquitylation chain formation via the K11 linkage. While previous in vitro studies showed that UBE2C plays a growth-promoting role in cancer cell lines, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Still unknown is whether and how UBE2C plays a promoting role in vivo. Here we report that UBE2C was indeed essential for growth and survival of lung cancer cells harboring Kras mutations, and UBE2C was required for KrasG12D-induced lung tumorigenesis, since Ube2c deletion significantly inhibited tumor formation and extended the lifespan of mice. Mechanistically, KrasG12D induced expression of UBE2C, which coupled with APC/CCDH1 E3 ligase to promote ubiquitylation and degradation of DEPTOR, leading to activation of mTORC signaling. Importantly, DEPTOR levels fluctuated during cell cycle progression in a manner dependent on UBE2C and CDH1, indicating their physiological connection. Finally, Deptor deletion fully rescued the tumor inhibitory effect of Ube2c deletion in the KrasG12D lung tumor model, indicating a causal role of Deptor. Taken together, our study shows that the UBE2C/CDH1/DEPTOR axis forms an oncogene and tumor suppressor cascade that regulates cell cycle progression and autophagy and validates UBE2C an attractive target for lung cancer associated with Kras mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhen Zhang
- Cancer Institute and.,Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, the Second Affiliated Hospital, and
| | - Xiahong You
- Cancer Institute and.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yawen Zheng
- Cancer Institute and.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanwen Shen
- Cancer Institute and.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiufang Xiong
- Cancer Institute and.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute and.,Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou, China.,Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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15
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Zhou L, Lin X, Zhu J, Zhang L, Chen S, Yang H, Jia L, Chen B. NEDD8-conjugating enzyme E2s: critical targets for cancer therapy. Cell Death Dis 2023; 9:23. [PMID: 36690633 PMCID: PMC9871045 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01337-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
NEDD8-conjugating enzymes, E2s, include the well-studied ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 M (UBE2M) and the poorly characterized ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 F (UBE2F). UBE2M and UBE2F have distinct and prominent roles in catalyzing the neddylation of Cullin or non-Cullin substrates. These enzymes are overexpressed in various malignancies, conferring a worse overall survival. Targeting UBE2M to influence tumor growth by either modulating several biological responses of tumor cells (such as DNA-damage response, apoptosis, or senescence) or regulating the anti-tumor immunity holds strong therapeutic potential. Multiple inhibitors that target the interaction between UBE2M and defective cullin neddylation protein 1 (DCN1), a co-E3 for neddylation, exhibit promising anti-tumor effects. By contrast, the potential benefits of targeting UBE2F are still to be explored. It is currently reported to inhibit apoptosis and then induce cell growth; hence, targeting UBE2F serves as an effective chemo-/radiosensitizing strategy by triggering apoptosis. This review highlights the most recent advances in the roles of UBE2M and UBE2F in tumor progression, indicating these E2s as two promising anti-tumor targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Zhou
- grid.440657.40000 0004 1762 5832Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Xiongzhi Lin
- grid.412026.30000 0004 1776 2036Graduate School of Medicine, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, Hebei China
| | - Jin Zhu
- grid.452533.60000 0004 1763 3891Department of Surgical Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi China
| | - Luyi Zhang
- grid.440657.40000 0004 1762 5832Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- grid.440657.40000 0004 1762 5832Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Hui Yang
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Jia
- grid.411480.80000 0004 1799 1816Cancer Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Baofu Chen
- grid.440657.40000 0004 1762 5832Taizhou Central Hospital (Taizhou University Hospital), Taizhou University, Taizhou, Zhejiang China
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16
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Kaloni D, Diepstraten ST, Strasser A, Kelly GL. BCL-2 protein family: attractive targets for cancer therapy. Apoptosis 2023; 28:20-38. [PMID: 36342579 PMCID: PMC9950219 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-022-01780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Acquired resistance to cell death is a hallmark of cancer. The BCL-2 protein family members play important roles in controlling apoptotic cell death. Abnormal over-expression of pro-survival BCL-2 family members or abnormal reduction of pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins, both resulting in the inhibition of apoptosis, are frequently detected in diverse malignancies. The critical role of the pro-survival and pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins in the regulation of apoptosis makes them attractive targets for the development of agents for the treatment of cancer. This review describes the roles of the various pro-survival and pro-apoptotic members of the BCL-2 protein family in normal development and organismal function and how defects in the control of apoptosis promote the development and therapy resistance of cancer. Finally, we discuss the development of inhibitors of pro-survival BCL-2 proteins, termed BH3-mimetic drugs, as novel agents for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Kaloni
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Sarah T Diepstraten
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Andreas Strasser
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Gemma L Kelly
- Blood Cells and Blood Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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17
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Tan M, Chang Y, Liu X, Li H, Tang Z, Nyati MK, Sun Y. The Sag-Shoc2 axis regulates conversion of mPanINs to cystic lesions in Kras pancreatic tumor model. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111837. [PMID: 36543126 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
SAG/RBX2 is an E3 ligase, whereas SHOC2 is a RAS-RAF positive regulator. In this study, we address how Sag-Shoc2 crosstalk regulates pancreatic tumorigenesis induced by KrasG12D. Sag deletion increases the size of pancreas and causes the conversion of murine pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasms (mPanINs) to neoplastic cystic lesions with a mechanism involving Shoc2 accumulation, suggesting that Sag determines the pathological process via targeting Shoc2. Shoc2 deletion significantly inhibits pancreas growth, mPanIN formation, and acinar cell transdifferentiation, indicating that Shoc2 is essential for KrasG12D-induced pancreatic tumorigenesis. Likewise, in a primary acinar 3D culture, Sag deletion inhibits acinar-to-ductal transdifferentiation, while Shoc2 deletion significantly reduces the duct-like structures. Mechanistically, SAG is an E3 ligase that targets SHOC2 for degradation to affect both Mapk and mTorc1 pathways. Shoc2 deletion completely rescues the phenotype of neoplastic cystic lesions induced by Sag deletion, indicating physiological relevance of the Sag-Shoc2 crosstalk. Thus, the Sag-Shoc2 axis specifies the pancreatic tumor types induced by KrasG12D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjia Tan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, NCRC, Building 520, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Yu Chang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, NCRC, Building 520, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Xiaoqiang Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, NCRC, Building 520, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, NCRC, Building 520, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Zaiming Tang
- Cancer Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Mukesh K Nyati
- Department of Radiation Oncology, NCRC, Building 520, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China; Zhejiang University Cancer Center, Hangzhou 310029, China; Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310053, China.
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18
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Mittler F, Obeïd P, Haguet V, Allier C, Gerbaud S, Rulina AV, Gidrol X, Balakirev MY. Mechanical stress shapes the cancer cell response to neddylation inhibition. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:115. [PMID: 35354476 PMCID: PMC8966269 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02328-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The inhibition of neddylation by the preclinical drug MLN4924 represents a new strategy to combat cancer. However, despite being effective against hematologic malignancies, its success in solid tumors, where cell–cell and cell-ECM interactions play essential roles, remains elusive. Methods Here, we studied the effects of MLN4924 on cell growth, migration and invasion in cultured prostate cancer cells and in disease-relevant prostate tumoroids. Using focused protein profiling, drug and RNAi screening, we analyzed cellular pathways activated by neddylation inhibition. Results We show that mechanical stress induced by MLN4924 in prostate cancer cells significantly affects the therapeutic outcome. The latter depends on the cell type and involves distinct Rho isoforms. In LNCaP and VCaP cells, the stimulation of RhoA and RhoB by MLN4924 markedly upregulates the level of tight junction proteins at cell–cell contacts, which augments the mechanical strain induced by Rho signaling. This “tight junction stress response” (TJSR) causes the collapse of cell monolayers and a characteristic rupture of cancer spheroids. Notably, TJSR is a major cause of drug-induced apoptosis in these cells. On the other hand, in PC3 cells that underwent partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the stimulation of RhoC induces an adverse effect by promoting amoeboid cell scattering and invasion. We identified complementary targets and drugs that allow for the induction of TJSR without stimulating RhoC. Conclusions Our finding that MLN4924 acts as a mechanotherapeutic opens new ways to improve the efficacy of neddylation inhibition as an anticancer approach. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02328-y.
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19
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Xu T, Ma Q, Li Y, Yu Q, Pan P, Zheng Y, Li Z, Xiong X, Hou T, Yu B, Liu H, Sun Y. A small molecule inhibitor of the UBE2F-CRL5 axis induces apoptosis and radiosensitization in lung cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:354. [PMID: 36253371 PMCID: PMC9576757 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01182-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein neddylation is catalyzed by a neddylation activating enzyme (NAE, E1), an E2 conjugating enzyme, and an E3 ligase. In various types of human cancers, the neddylation pathway is abnormally activated. Our previous study validated that the neddylation E2 UBE2F is a promising therapeutic target in lung cancer. Although the NAE inhibitor MLN4924/pevonedistat is currently under clinical investigation as an anti-cancer agent, there are no small molecules available that selectively target UBE2F. Here, we report, for the first time, the discovery, via structure-based virtual screen and chemical optimization, of such a small molecule, designated as HA-9104. HA-9104 binds to UBE2F, reduces its protein levels, and consequently inhibits cullin-5 neddylation. Blockage of cullin-5 neddylation inactivates cullin-RING ligase-5 (CRL5) activity, leading to accumulation of the CRL5 substrate, NOXA, to induce apoptosis. Moreover, HA-9104 appears to form the DNA adduct via its 7-azaindole group to induce DNA damage and G2/M arrest. Biologically, HA-9104 effectively suppresses the growth and survival of lung cancer cells and confers radiosensitization in both in vitro cell culture and in vivo xenograft tumor models. In summary, we discovered a small molecule, designated HA-9104, that targets the UBE2F-CRL5 axis with anti-cancer activity alone or in combination with radiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Xu
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Qisheng Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Military of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yanan Li
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qing Yu
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Peichen Pan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yawen Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, China
| | - Zhijian Li
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Xiufang Xiong
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China.,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.,Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Tingjun Hou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Bin Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Military of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Hongmin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Military of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China. .,Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,Research Center for Life Science and Human Health, Binjiang Institute of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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20
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Zheng J, Cao Y, Yang J, Jiang H. UBXD8 mediates mitochondria-associated degradation to restrain apoptosis and mitophagy. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54859. [PMID: 35979733 PMCID: PMC9535754 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202254859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The hexameric AAA-ATPase valosin-containing protein (VCP) is essential for mitochondrial protein quality control. How VCP is recruited to mammalian mitochondria remains obscure. Here we report that UBXD8, an ER- and lipid droplet-localized VCP adaptor, also localizes to mitochondria and locally recruits VCP. UBXD8 associates with mitochondrial and ER ubiquitin E3 ligases and targets their substrates for degradation. Remarkably, both mitochondria- and ER-localized UBXD8 can degrade mitochondrial and ER substrates in cis and in trans. UBXD8 also associates with the TOM complex but is dispensable for translocation-associated degradation. UBXD8 knockout impairs the degradation of the pro-survival protein Mcl1 but surprisingly sensitizes cells to apoptosis and mitochondrial stresses. UBXD8 knockout also hyperactivates mitophagy. We identify pro-apoptotic BH3-only proteins Noxa, Bik, and Bnip3 as novel UBXD8 substrates and determine that UBXD8 inhibits apoptosis via degrading Noxa and restrains mitophagy via degrading Bnip3. Collectively, our characterizations reveal UBXD8 as the major mitochondrial adaptor of VCP and unveil its role in apoptosis and mitophagy regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zheng
- School of Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- National Institute of Biological SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cell Biology for Animal AgingBeijingChina
| | - Yu Cao
- National Institute of Biological SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cell Biology for Animal AgingBeijingChina
- College of Life SciencesBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jun Yang
- National Institute of Biological SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cell Biology for Animal AgingBeijingChina
- School of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hui Jiang
- School of Life SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina
- National Institute of Biological SciencesBeijingChina
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cell Biology for Animal AgingBeijingChina
- Tsinghua Institute of Multidisciplinary Biomedical ResearchTsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
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21
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Cui Y, Chen Z, Pan B, Chen T, Ding H, Li Q, Wan L, Luo G, Sun L, Ding C, Yang J, Tong X, Zhao J. Neddylation pattern indicates tumor microenvironment characterization and predicts prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:979262. [PMID: 36176276 PMCID: PMC9513323 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.979262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common type of lung cancer with a complex tumor microenvironment. Neddylation, as a type of post-translational modification, plays a vital role in the development of LUAD. To date, no study has explored the potential of neddylation-associated genes for LUAD classification, prognosis prediction, and treatment response evaluation.Methods: Seventy-six neddylation-associated prognostic genes were identified by Univariate Cox analysis. Patients with LUAD were classified into two patterns based on unsupervised consensus clustering analysis. In addition, a 10-gene prognostic signature was constructed using LASSO-Cox and a multivariate stepwise regression approach.Results: Substantial differences were observed between the two patterns of LUAD in terms of prognosis. Compared with neddylation cluster2, neddylation cluster1 exhibited low levels of immune infiltration that promote tumor progression. Additionally, the neddylation-related risk score correlated with clinical parameters and it can be a good predictor of patient outcomes, gene mutation levels, and chemotherapeutic responses.Conclusion: Neddylation patterns can distinguish tumor microenvironment and prognosis in patients with LUAD. Prognostic signatures based on neddylation-associated genes can predict patient outcomes and guide personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Cui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhike Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bin Pan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qifan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Li Wan
- Soochow University Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Gaomeng Luo
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lang Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Cheng Ding
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Yang, ; Xin Tong, ; Jun Zhao,
| | - Xin Tong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Yang, ; Xin Tong, ; Jun Zhao,
| | - Jun Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Institute of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Yang, ; Xin Tong, ; Jun Zhao,
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22
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Yang K, Xiao W. Functions and mechanisms of the Ubc13-UEV complex and lysine 63-linked polyubiquitination in plants. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:5372-5387. [PMID: 35640002 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is one of the best-known post-translational modifications in eukaryotes, in which different linkage types of polyubiquitination result in different outputs of the target proteins. Distinct from the well-characterized K48-linked polyubiquitination that usually serves as a signal for degradation of the target protein, K63-linked polyubiquitination often requires a unique E2 heterodimer Ubc13-UEV and alters the target protein activity instead of marking it for degradation. This review focuses on recent advances on the roles of Ubc13-UEV-mediated K63-linked polyubiquitination in plant growth, development, and response to environmental stresses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of DNA Damage Responses and College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of DNA Damage Responses and College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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23
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Aurora-A/FOXO3A/SKP2 axis promotes tumor progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma and dual-targeting Aurora-A/SKP2 shows synthetic lethality. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:606. [PMID: 35831273 PMCID: PMC9279325 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04973-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignant tumor in the world. Histologically, most of RCC is classified as clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), which is the most prevalent subtype. The overall survival of patients with ccRCC is poor, thus it is urgent to further explore its mechanism and target. S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) is overexpressed in a variety of human cancers and is associated with poor prognosis by enhancing tumor progression. However, it is unclear whether or how SKP2 is involved in ccRCC progression. Here, we reported that overexpression of SKP2 enhanced cell proliferation of ccRCC, while SKP2 depletion exhibited the opposite effect. Bioinformatic analyses found that SKP2 was positively correlated with Aurora-A (Aur-A) in ccRCC. The protein and mRNA levels of SKP2 were elevated or reduced by Aur-A overexpression or silencing, respectively. It was further found that Aur-A caused an increase phosphorylation of FOXO3A, which is a negatively transcription factor for SKP2. Interestingly, SKP2 mediated ubiquitylation and degradation of FOXO3A depend on the kinase activity of Aur-A. The combination of Aur-A inhibitor MLN8237 and SKP2 inhibitor SZL P1-41 showed a synergistic tumor growth inhibition in vivo and in vitro of ccRCC models. Thus, our data reveal that Aurora-A/FOXO3A/SKP2 axis promotes tumor progression in ccRCC, and the double inhibition of SKP2 and Aur-A shows significant synergistic effect, which indicates a potential new therapeutic strategy for ccRCC.
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24
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The Ube2m-Rbx1 neddylation-Cullin-RING-Ligase proteins are essential for the maintenance of Regulatory T cell fitness. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3021. [PMID: 35641500 PMCID: PMC9156764 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30707-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neddylation-mediated activation of Cullin-RING E3 Ligases (CRLs) are necessary for the degradation of specific immune regulatory proteins. However, little is known about how these processes govern the function of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Here we show that mice with Treg cell-specific deletion of Rbx1, a dual E3 for both neddylation and ubiquitylation by CRLs, develop an early-onset fatal inflammatory disorder, characterized by disrupted Treg cell homeostasis and suppressive functions. Specifically, Rbx1 is essential for the maintenance of an effector Treg cell subpopulation, and regulates several inflammatory pathways. Similar but less severe phenotypes are observed in mice having Ube2m, a neddylation E2 conjugation enzyme, deleted in their Treg cells. Interestingly, Treg-specific deletion of Rbx2/Sag or Ube2f, components of a similar but distinct neddylation-CRL complex, yields no obvious phenotype. Thus, our work demonstrates that the Ube2m-Rbx1 axis is specifically required for intrinsic regulatory processes in Treg cells; and that Rbx1 might also play Ube2m-independent roles in maintaining the fitness of Treg cells, suggesting a layer of complexity in neddylation-dependent activation of CRLs. Absence of regulatory T cells results in a severe inflammatory disease which leads to death in infancy in both human patients and in mouse models. Authors show here that in mice, conditional deletion of Rbx1, the RING component of Cullin-RING ligases in regulatory T cells causes a similar phenotype, due to the disrupted degradation of important regulatory proteins.
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25
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FBXW2 inhibits prostate cancer proliferation and metastasis via promoting EGFR ubiquitylation and degradation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:268. [PMID: 35499593 PMCID: PMC9061686 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04320-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
FBXW2 is a poorly characterized F-box protein, as a tumor suppressor that inhibits growth and metastasis of lung cancer by promoting ubiquitylation and degradation of oncogenic proteins, including SKP2 and β-catenin. However, what the biological functions of FBXW2 in prostate cancer cells and whether FBXW2 targets other substrates to involve in progression of prostate cancer is still unclear. Here, we reported that overexpression of FBXW2 attenuated proliferation and metastasis of PCa models both in vitro and in vivo, while FBXW2 depletion exhibited the opposite effects. Intriguingly, FBXW2 was an E3 ligase for EGFR in prostate cancer. EGFR protein level and its half-life were extended by FBXW2 depletion, while EGFR protein level was decreased, and its half-life was shortened upon overexpression of FBXW2, but not its dominant-negative mutant. Importantly, FBXW2 bond to EGFR via its consensus degron motif (TSNNST), and ubiquitylated and degraded EGFR, resulting in repression of EGF function. Thus, our data uncover a novel that FBXW2 as a tumor suppressor of prostate cancer, inhibits EGFR downstream by promoting EGFR ubiquitination and degradation, resulting in repression of cell proliferation and metastasis.
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26
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Potassium Effects on NCC Are Attenuated during Inhibition of Cullin E3-Ubiquitin Ligases. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010095. [PMID: 35011657 PMCID: PMC8750104 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (NCC) plays a vital role in maintaining sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) homeostasis. NCC activity is modulated by with-no-lysine kinases 1 and 4 (WNK1 and WNK4), the abundance of which is controlled by the RING-type E3 ligase Cullin 3 (Cul3) and its substrate adapter Kelch-like protein 3. Dietary K+ intake has an inverse correlation with NCC activity, but the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the involvement of other members of the cullin family in mediating K+ effects on NCC phosphorylation (active form) and abundance. In kidneys from mice fed diets varying in K+ content, there were negative correlations between NCC (phosphorylated and total) and active (neddylated) forms of cullins (Cul1, 3, 4, and 5). High dietary K+ effects on phosphorylated NCC were attenuated in Cul3 mutant mice (CUL3-Het/Δ9). Short-term (30 min) and long-term (24 h) alterations in the extracellular K+ concentration did not affect cullin neddylation levels in ex vivo renal tubules. In the short term, the ability of high extracellular K+ to decrease NCC phosphorylation was preserved in the presence of MLN4924 (pan-cullin inhibitor), but the response to low extracellular K+ was absent. In the long term, MLN4924 attenuated the effects of high extracellular K+ on NCC phosphorylation, and responses to low extracellular K+ were absent. Our data suggest that in addition to Cul3, other cullins are involved in mediating the effects of K+ on NCC phosphorylation and abundance.
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27
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Zhou L, Dong C, Xu Z, Wang X, Zhang L, Chen S, Chen J, Zhu Y. NEDD8-conjugating enzyme E2 UBE2F confers radiation resistance by protecting lung cancer cells from apoptosis. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2021; 22:959-965. [PMID: 34783226 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2100170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer, which is exacerbated by environmental pollution and tobacco use, has become the most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a five-year overall survival rate of only 19% (Siegel et al., 2020; Yang et al., 2020; Yu and Li, 2020). Nearly 85% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancers, of which lung adenocarcinoma is the most common subtype accounting for 50% of non-small cell lung cancer cases. At present, radiotherapy is the primary therapeutic modality for lung cancer at different stages, with significant prolongation of survival time (Hirsch et al., 2017; Bai et al., 2019; Shi et al., 2020). Irradiation can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the radiolysis reaction of water and oxygen, cause DNA damage and oxidative stress, and subsequently result in cancer cell death (Kim et al., 2019). Nevertheless, radioresistance seriously hinders the success of treatment for lung cancer, owing to local recurrence and distant metastasis (Huang et al., 2021). Compared with small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer shows more tolerance to radiotherapy. Therefore, it is of great importance to decipher key mechanisms of radioresistance and identify effective molecular radiosensitizers to improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Zhou
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China.
| | - Changsheng Dong
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhuoming Xu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Luyi Zhang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Siyuan Chen
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Jiahao Chen
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China
| | - Yingying Zhu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Taizhou University, Taizhou 318000, China.
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28
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Discovery of a small molecule inhibitor of cullin neddylation that triggers ER stress to induce autophagy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:3567-3584. [PMID: 34900537 PMCID: PMC8642603 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein neddylation is catalyzed by a three-enzyme cascade, namely an E1 NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE), one of two E2 NEDD8 conjugation enzymes and one of several E3 NEDD8 ligases. The physiological substrates of neddylation are the family members of cullin, the scaffold component of cullin RING ligases (CRLs). Currently, a potent E1 inhibitor, MLN4924, also known as pevonedistat, is in several clinical trials for anti-cancer therapy. Here we report the discovery, through virtual screening and structural modifications, of a small molecule compound HA-1141 that directly binds to NAE in both in vitro and in vivo assays and effectively inhibits neddylation of cullins 1–5. Surprisingly, unlike MLN4924, HA-1141 also triggers non-canonical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and PKR-mediated terminal integrated stress response (ISR) to activate ATF4 at an early stage, and to inhibit protein synthesis and mTORC1 activity at a later stage, eventually leading to autophagy induction. Biologically, HA-1141 suppresses growth and survival of cultured lung cancer cells and tumor growth in in vivo xenograft lung cancer models at a well-tolerated dose. Taken together, our study has identified a small molecule compound with the dual activities of blocking neddylation and triggering ER stress, leading to growth suppression of cancer cells.
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29
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Li Z, Hu N, Dai L, Hou X, Hu W, Liang W, Wang X. Cullin-5 (CUL5) as a potential prognostic marker in a pan-cancer analysis of human tumors. Bioengineered 2021; 12:5348-5360. [PMID: 34415831 PMCID: PMC8806887 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1940042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There is some evidence supporting an association between Cullin-5 (CUL5) and cancer, but no research using pan-cancer analysis has been conducted previously. We therefore investigated the oncogenic role of CUL5 in 33 tumors from the Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas databases. Many cancers reduce CUL5 levels, and the prognosis of certain cancers is vitally linked with CUL5 expression. CUL5 expression is associated with CD8 + T-cell infiltration levels in uveal melanomas and head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, and we observed a positive relationship between CUL5 and Tcm (T central memory) cells, and a negative relationship between T helper (Th) cells and pDC (plasmacytoid DC). CUL5 had negative associations with NK cells, NK CD56bright cells, NK CD56dim cells, Tregs, cytotoxic cells, and Th17 cells. Functions relating to protein processing and ubiquitin were included in the CUL5 functional mechanisms. The top 100 genes that are most strongly related to CUL5 were identified, and enrichment analysis indicated that the biological process with the closest relationship was neddylation, related pathways included the TGF-beta signaling pathway and intracellular receptor signaling pathway. CUL5 is related to biological cell behaviors such as chromosome segregation and positive regulation of chromosome organization. As the first study to perform a pan-cancer analysis of CUL5, the present findings will improve the understanding of the oncogenic role of CUL5 in different tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zian Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Nan Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lirui Dai
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xuelei Hou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weihua Hu
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wulong Liang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xinjun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Henan International Joint Laboratory of Glioma Metabolism and Microenvironment Research, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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30
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Jones TM, Carew JS, Bauman JE, Nawrocki ST. Targeting NEDDylation as a Novel Approach to Improve the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3250. [PMID: 34209641 PMCID: PMC8268527 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is diagnosed in nearly 900,000 new patients worldwide each year. Despite this alarming number, patient outcomes, particularly for those diagnosed with late-stage and human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative disease, have only marginally improved in the last three decades. New therapeutics that target novel pathways are desperately needed. NEDDylation is a key cellular process by which NEDD8 proteins are conjugated to substrate proteins in order to modulate their function. NEDDylation is closely tied to appropriate protein degradation, particularly proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA damage repair, and cellular stress response. Components of the NEDDylation pathway are frequently overexpressed or hyperactivated in many cancer types including head and neck cancer, which contribute to disease progression and drug resistance. Therefore, targeting NEDDylation could have a major impact for malignancies with alterations in the pathway, and this has already been demonstrated in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Here, we will survey the mechanisms by which aberrant NEDDylation contributes to disease pathogenesis and discuss the potential clinical implications of inhibiting NEDDylation as a novel approach for the treatment of head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Steffan T. Nawrocki
- Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA; (T.M.J.); (J.S.C.); (J.E.B.)
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31
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Jiang Y, Li L, Li Y, Liu G, Hoffman RM, Jia L. Neddylation Regulates Macrophages and Implications for Cancer Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:681186. [PMID: 34164400 PMCID: PMC8215544 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.681186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) promote cancer progression via stimulating angiogenesis, invasion/metastasis, and suppressing anti-cancer immunity. Targeting TAMs is a potential promising cancer therapeutic strategy. Neddylation adds the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8 to substrates, and thereby regulates diverse biological processes in multiple cell types, including macrophages. By controlling cellular responses, the neddylation pathway regulates the function, migration, survival, and polarization of macrophages. In the present review we summarized how the neddylation pathway modulates Macrophages and its implications for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyu Jiang
- Longhua Hospital, Cancer Institute, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihui Li
- Longhua Hospital, Cancer Institute, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Guangwei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Robert M Hoffman
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.,AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Lijun Jia
- Longhua Hospital, Cancer Institute, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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32
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Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes in Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061383. [PMID: 34199813 PMCID: PMC8227520 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-mediated degradation system is responsible for controlling various tumor-promoting processes, including DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, migration and invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. The conjugation of ubiquitin to a target protein is mediated sequentially by the E1 (activating)‒E2 (conjugating)‒E3 (ligating) enzyme cascade. Thus, E2 enzymes act as the central players in the ubiquitination system, modulating various pathophysiological processes in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the types and functions of E2s in various types of cancer and discuss the possibility of E2s as targets of anticancer therapeutic strategies.
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33
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Zhang S, Shen Y, Li H, Bi C, Sun Y, Xiong X, Wei W, Sun Y. The Negative Cross-Talk between SAG/RBX2/ROC2 and APC/C E3 Ligases in Regulation of Cell Cycle Progression and Drug Resistance. Cell Rep 2021; 32:108102. [PMID: 32905768 PMCID: PMC7505520 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) is a well-characterized E3 ligase that couples with UBE2C and UBE2S E2s for substrate ubiquitylation by the K11 linkage. Our recent data show that SAG/RBX2/ROC2, a RING component of Cullin-RING E3 ligase, also complexes with these E2s for K11-linked substrate polyubiquitylation. Whether these two E3s cross-talk with each other was previously unknown. Here, we report that SAG competes with APC2 for UBE2C/UBE2S binding to act as a potential endogenous inhibitor of APC/C, thereby regulating the G2-to-M progression. As such, SAG knockdown triggers premature activation of APC/C, leading to mitotic slippage and resistance to anti-microtubule drugs. On the other hand, SAG itself is a substrate of APC/CCDH1 for targeted degradation at the G1 phase. The degradation-resistant mutant of SAG-R98A/L101A accelerates the G1-to-S progression. Our study reveals that the negative cross-talk between SAG and APC/C is likely a mechanism to ensure the fidelity of cell cycle progression. Zhang et al. provide a mechanistic insight of how negative cross-talk between E3 ligases SAG and APC/C ensures proper cell cycle progression. SAG knockdown prematurely activates APC/C to promote mitotic progression and trigger anti-microtubule drugs resistance, whereas SAG degradation by APC/CCDH1 mainly occurs in G1 phase for proper G1-to-S transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhen Zhang
- Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Yanwen Shen
- Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Hua Li
- Division of Radiation and Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, 4424B MS-1, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Chao Bi
- Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Yilun Sun
- Division of Radiation and Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, 4424B MS-1, 1301 Catherine Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xiufang Xiong
- Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310029, China.
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34
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Gu Y, Ma X, Li J, Ma Y, Zhang Y. Identification of candidate targets for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis by bioinformatics analysis. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:4137-4151. [PMID: 34150004 PMCID: PMC8205787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is the primary cause of most cardiovascular diseases. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) were reported to serve as post-transcriptional regulators and diagnostic markers in various diseases, but the underlying correlation between circRNAs and atherosclerosis remains elusive. In this study, we downloaded the microarray dataset GSE107522 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and identified nine differentially expressed circRNAs (DECs). DECs expression in exosomes were investigated, and hsa_circ_0005699 was selected for subsequent analysis. We then identified 14 RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and 71 possible hsa_circ_0005699-interacting microRNAs. Subsequently, target gene prediction and enrichment analyses were performed. The enriched pathways of RBP eIF4AIII include spliceosome, cell cycle, and pathways in cancer. We constructed a protein-protein interaction network, and 20 hub genes were identified using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins and Cytoscape. Hub gene analysis revealed significant enrichment in mRNA splicing via the spliceosome, RNA splicing, protein binding, neurotrophin signaling pathway, and Ras signaling pathway. Using DrugMatrix of the Enrichr database, we identified 16 most significant small-molecule compounds that interacted with hub genes. Finally, seven hub genes (NEDD4L, FBXO44, FBXO27, WSB1, FBXW8, UBE2F, and ASB1) in cluster 1 were considered key targets associated with atherosclerosis according to MCODE analysis and the intersection between the module and hub genes. Thus, hsa_circ_0005699, RBP eIF4AIII, and the seven identified hub genes (NEDD4L, FBXO44, FBXO27, WSB1, FBXW8, UBE2F, and ASB1) could help to elucidate the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis. This work may contribute to providing candidate targets for the diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Gu
- Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhot 010050, The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Ma
- Chinese People’s Liberation Army No. 969 HospitalHohhot 010051, The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhot 010050, The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Yuhong Ma
- Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhot 010050, The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, P. R. China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical UniversityHohhot 010050, The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, P. R. China
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35
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Gai W, Peng Z, Liu CH, Zhang L, Jiang H. Advances in Cancer Treatment by Targeting the Neddylation Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:653882. [PMID: 33898451 PMCID: PMC8060460 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.653882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental down-regulation protein 8 (NEDD8), expressed by neural progenitors, is a ubiquitin-like protein that conjugates to and regulates the biological function of its substrates. The main target of NEDD8 is cullin-RING E3 ligases. Upregulation of the neddylation pathway is closely associated with the progression of various tumors, and MLN4924, which inhibits NEDD8-activating enzyme (NAE), is a promising new antitumor compound for combination therapy. Here, we summarize the latest progress in anticancer strategies targeting the neddylation pathway and their combined applications, providing a theoretical reference for developing antitumor drugs and combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Gai
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhiqiang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| | - Cui Hua Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lingqiang Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.,State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China.,Peixian People's Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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36
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Zheng YC, Guo YJ, Wang B, Wang C, Mamun MAA, Gao Y, Liu HM. Targeting neddylation E2s: a novel therapeutic strategy in cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:57. [PMID: 33827629 PMCID: PMC8028724 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01070-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 M (UBE2M) and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 F (UBE2F) are the two NEDD8-conjugating enzymes of the neddylation pathway that take part in posttranslational modification and change the activity of target proteins. The activity of E2 enzymes requires both a 26-residue N-terminal docking peptide and a conserved E2 catalytic core domain, which is the basis for the transfer of neural precursor cell-expressed developmentally downregulated 8 (NEDD8). By recruiting E3 ligases and targeting cullin and non-cullin substrates, UBE2M and UBE2F play diverse biological roles. Currently, there are several inhibitors that target the UBE2M-defective in cullin neddylation protein 1 (DCN1) interaction to treat cancer. As described above, this review provides insights into the mechanism of UBE2M and UBE2F and emphasizes these two E2 enzymes as appealing therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yan-Jia Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - M A A Mamun
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Ya Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, Institute of Drug Discovery and Development, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
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37
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Du X, Song H, Shen N, Hua R, Yang G. The Molecular Basis of Ubiquitin-Conjugating Enzymes (E2s) as a Potential Target for Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073440. [PMID: 33810518 PMCID: PMC8037234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2s) are one of the three enzymes required by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway to connect activated ubiquitin to target proteins via ubiquitin ligases. E2s determine the connection type of the ubiquitin chains, and different types of ubiquitin chains regulate the stability and activity of substrate proteins. Thus, E2s participate in the regulation of a variety of biological processes. In recent years, the importance of E2s in human health and diseases has been particularly emphasized. Studies have shown that E2s are dysregulated in variety of cancers, thus it might be a potential therapeutic target. However, the molecular basis of E2s as a therapeutic target has not been described systematically. We reviewed this issue from the perspective of the special position and role of E2s in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, the structure of E2s and biological processes they are involved in. In addition, the inhibitors and microRNAs targeting E2s are also summarized. This article not only provides a direction for the development of effective drugs but also lays a foundation for further study on this enzyme in the future.
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38
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Xu S, Ma Y, Tong Q, Yang J, Liu J, Wang Y, Li G, Zeng J, Fang S, Li F, Xie X, Zhang J. Cullin-5 neddylation-mediated NOXA degradation is enhanced by PRDX1 oligomers in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:265. [PMID: 33712558 PMCID: PMC7954848 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03557-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
NOXA, a BH3-only proapoptotic protein involved in regulating cell death decisions, is highly expressed but short-lived in colorectal cancer (CRC). Neddylated cullin-5 (CUL5)-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of NOXA is crucial to prevent its overaccumulation and maintain an appropriate action time. However, how this process is manipulated by CRC cells commonly exposed to oxidative stress remain unknown. The peroxiredoxin PRDX1, a conceivable antioxidant overexpressed in CRC tissues, has been shown to inhibit apoptosis and TRAF6 ubiquitin-ligase activity. In this study, we found that PRDX1 inhibits CRC cell apoptosis by downregulating NOXA. Mechanistically, PRDX1 promotes NOXA ubiquitination and degradation, which completely depend on CUL5 neddylation. Further studies have demonstrated that PRDX1 oligomers bind with both the Nedd8-conjugating enzyme UBE2F and CUL5 and that this tricomplex is critical for CUL5 neddylation, since silencing PRDX1 or inhibiting PRDX1 oligomerization greatly dampens CUL5 neddylation and NOXA degradation. An increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) is not only a hallmark of cancer cells but also the leading driving force for PRDX1 oligomerization. As shown in our study, although ROS play a role in upregulating NOXA mRNA transcription, ROS scavenging in CRC cells by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) can significantly reduce CUL5 neddylation and extend the NOXA protein half-life. Therefore, in CRC, PRDX1 plays a key role in maintaining intracellular homeostasis under conditions of high metabolic activity by reinforcing UBE2F-CUL5-mediated degradation of NOXA, which is also evidenced in the resistance of CRC cells to etoposide treatment. Based on these findings, targeting PRDX1 could be an effective strategy to overcome the resistance of CRC to DNA damage-inducing chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoufang Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yilei Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Qingchao Tong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Department of Cytopathology, Ningbo Diagnostic Pathology Center, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Yanzhong Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Guoli Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Jin Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Sining Fang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Fengying Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China
| | - Xinyou Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P.R. China.
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39
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A highly expressed mRNA signature for predicting survival in patients with stage I/II non-small-cell lung cancer after operation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5855. [PMID: 33712694 PMCID: PMC7955117 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85246-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify novel biomarkers that predict the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. In this study,we aim to find out mRNA signature closely related to the prognosis of NSCLC by new algorithm of bioinformatics. Identification of highly expressed mRNA in stage I/II patients with NSCLC was performed with the “Limma” package of R software. Survival analysis of patients with different mRNA expression levels was subsequently calculated by Cox regression analysis, and a multi-RNA signature was obtained by using the training set. Kaplan–Meier estimator, log-rank test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse the predictive ability of the multi-RNA signature. RT-PCR used to verify the expression of the multi-RNA signature, and Westernblot used to verify the expression of proteins related to the multi-RNA signature. We identified fifteen survival-related mRNAs in the training set and classified the patients as high risk or low risk. NSCLC patients with low risk scores had longer disease-free survival than patients with high risk scores. The fifteen-mRNA signature was an independent prognostic factor, as shown by the ROC curve. ROC curve also showed that the combined model of the fifteen-mRNA signature and tumour stage had higher precision than stage alone. The expression of fifteen mRNAs and related proteins were higher in stage II NSCLC than in stage I NSCLC. Multi-gene expression profiles provide a moderate prognostic tool for NSCLC patients with stage I/II disease.
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40
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Osborne HC, Irving E, Forment JV, Schmidt CK. E2 enzymes in genome stability: pulling the strings behind the scenes. Trends Cell Biol 2021; 31:628-643. [PMID: 33685796 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) function as critical post-translational modifiers in the maintenance of genome stability. Ubiquitin/UBL-conjugating enzymes (E2s) are responsible, as part of a wider enzymatic cascade, for transferring single moieties or polychains of ubiquitin/UBLs to one or multiple residues on substrate proteins. Recent advances in structural and mechanistic understanding of how ubiquitin/UBL substrate attachment is orchestrated indicate that E2s can exert control over chain topology, substrate-site specificity, and downstream physiological effects to help maintain genome stability. Drug discovery efforts have typically focussed on modulating other members of the ubiquitin/UBL cascades or the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Here, we review the current standing of E2s in genome stability and revisit their potential as pharmacological targets for developing novel anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh C Osborne
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
| | - Elsa Irving
- Bioscience, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Josep V Forment
- Bioscience, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB4 0WG, UK
| | - Christine K Schmidt
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, 555 Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK.
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41
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Song Q, Feng S, Peng W, Li A, Ma T, Yu B, Liu HM. Cullin-RING Ligases as Promising Targets for Gastric Carcinoma Treatment. Pharmacol Res 2021; 170:105493. [PMID: 33600940 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gastric carcinoma has serious morbidity and mortality, which seriously threats human health. The studies on gastrointestinal cell biology have shown that the ubiquitination modification that occurs after protein translation plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma. Protein ubiquitination is catalyzed by E3 ubiquitin ligase and can regulate various substrate proteins in different cellular pathways. Cullin-RING E3 ligase (CRLs) is a representative of the E3 ubiquitin ligase family, which requires cullin (CUL) neddylation modification for activation to regulate homeostasis of ~20% of cellular proteins. The substrate molecules regulated by CRLs are often involved in many cell progressions such as cell cycle progression, cell apoptosis, DNA damage and repair. Given that CRLs play an important role in modulation of biological activities, so targeting a certain CULs member neddylation may be an attractive strategy for selectively controlling the cellular proteins levels to achieve the goal of cancer treatment. In this review, we will discuss the roles of CULs and Ring protein in gastric carcinoma and summarize the current neddylation modulators for gastric carcinoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China
| | - Siqi Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China
| | - Wenjun Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China
| | - Anqi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China
| | - Ting Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Bin Yu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, PR China.
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Zhang S, Sun Y. Mutual inactivation of two RING-finger-type E3 ubiquitin ligases during cell cycle progression. Mol Cell Oncol 2021; 8:1837582. [PMID: 33553599 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2020.1837582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
CRL and APC/C belong to the RING-finger-type E3 ligases, and both play important roles in cell cycle regulation. Recently, we found that SAG, a RING component of CRL, acts as an endogenous inhibitor of APC/C by competing with APC2 for E2s binding; while APC/CCDH1 targets SAG for ubiquitylation and degradation at G1 phase. The negative crosstalk between these two E3s ensures the orderly cell cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shizhen Zhang
- Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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43
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Chen X, Yang X, Mao F, Wei J, Xu Y, Li B, Zhu J, Ni S, Jia L, Li J. Development of novel benzimidazole-derived neddylation inhibitors for suppressing tumor growth invitro and invivo. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 210:112964. [PMID: 33129593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitin-like protein neddylation is overactivated in various human cancers and correlates with disease progression, and targeting this pathway represents a valuable therapeutic strategy. Our previous work disclosed an antihypertensive agent, candesartan cilexetic (CDC), serves as a novel neddylation inhibitor for suppressing tumor growth by targeting Nedd8-activating enzyme (NAE). In this study, 42 benzimidazole derivatives were designed and synthesized based on lead compound CDC to improve the neddylation inhibition and anticancer efficacy. Optimal benzimidazole-derived 35 displayed superior neddylation inhibition in enzyme assay compared to CDC (IC50 = 5.51 μM vs 16.43 μM), along with promising target inhibitory activity and killing selectivity in cancer cell. The results of cellular mechanism research combined with tumor growth suppression in human lung cancer cell A549 in vivo, accompanied with docking model, revealed that 35 has the potential to be developed as a promising neddylation inhibitor for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Fei Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jinlian Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yixiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Baoli Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Shuaishuai Ni
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Lijun Jia
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Jian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; College of Pharmacy and Chemistry, Dali University, 5 Xue Ren Road, Dali, Yunnan, 671000, China; Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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44
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Yu Q, Sun Y. Targeting Protein Neddylation to Inactivate Cullin-RING Ligases by Gossypol: A Lucky Hit or a New Start? DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:1-8. [PMID: 33442232 PMCID: PMC7797302 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s286373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Cullin-RING E3 ligases (CRLs) are the largest family of E3 ubiquitin ligases, responsible for about 20% of the protein degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). Given their vital roles in multiple cellular processes, and over-activation in many human cancers, CRLs are validated as promising targets for anti-cancer therapies. Activation of CRLs requires cullin neddylation, a process catalysed by three neddylation enzymes. Recently, our group established an AlphaScreen-based in vitro cullin neddylation assay and employed it for high-throughput screening to search for small-molecule inhibitors targeting cullin neddylation. During our pilot screen, gossypol, a natural product extracted from cottonseeds, was identified as one of the most potent neddylation inhibitors of cullin-1 and cullin-5. We further demonstrated that gossypol blocks cullin neddylation by binding to cullin-1/-5 to inactivate CRL1/5 ligase activity, leading to accumulation of MCL-1 and NOXA, the substrates of CRL1 and CRL5, respectively. The combination of gossypol and an MCL-1 inhibitor synergistically enhanced the anti-proliferative effect in multiple human cancer cell lines. Our study unveiled a rational combination of two previously known inhibitors of the Bcl-2 family for enhanced anti-cancer efficacy and identified a novel activity of gossypol as an inhibitor of CRL1 and CRL5 E3s, thus providing a new possibility in the development of novel CRL inhibitors for anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Yu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Science, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Head & Neck Cancer Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.,Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Sun
- Cancer Institute of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Tracz M, Bialek W. Beyond K48 and K63: non-canonical protein ubiquitination. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2021; 26:1. [PMID: 33402098 PMCID: PMC7786512 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-020-00245-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein ubiquitination has become one of the most extensively studied post-translational modifications. Originally discovered as a critical element in highly regulated proteolysis, ubiquitination is now regarded as essential for many other cellular processes. This results from the unique features of ubiquitin (Ub) and its ability to form various homo- and heterotypic linkage types involving one of the seven different lysine residues or the free amino group located at its N-terminus. While K48- and K63-linked chains are broadly covered in the literature, the other types of chains assembled through K6, K11, K27, K29, and K33 residues deserve equal attention in the light of the latest discoveries. Here, we provide a concise summary of recent advances in the field of these poorly understood Ub linkages and their possible roles in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Tracz
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Bialek
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland.
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46
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Wu W, Howard D, Sibille E, French L. Differential and spatial expression meta-analysis of genes identified in genome-wide association studies of depression. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:8. [PMID: 33414381 PMCID: PMC7791035 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01127-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder worldwide and affects individuals of all ages. It causes significant psychosocial impairments and is a major cause of disability. A recent consortium study identified 102 genetic variants and 269 genes associated with depression. To provide targets for future depression research, we prioritized these recently identified genes using expression data. We examined the differential expression of these genes in three studies that profiled gene expression of MDD cases and controls across multiple brain regions. In addition, we integrated anatomical expression information to determine which brain regions and transcriptomic cell types highly express the candidate genes. We highlight 12 of the 269 genes with the most consistent differential expression: MANEA, UBE2M, CKB, ITPR3, SPRY2, SAMD5, TMEM106B, ZC3H7B, LST1, ASXL3, ZNF184 and HSPA1A. The majority of these top genes were found to have sex-specific differential expression. We place greater emphasis on ZNF184 as it is the top gene in a more conservative analysis of the 269. Specifically, the differential expression of ZNF184 was strongest in subcortical regions in males and females. Anatomically, our results suggest the importance of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus, cholinergic, monoaminergic and enteric neurons. These findings provide a guide for targeted experiments to advance our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wennie Wu
- Institute for Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Derek Howard
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Etienne Sibille
- Institute for Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leon French
- Institute for Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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47
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Wang SY, Liu X, Liu Y, Zhang HY, Zhang YB, Liu C, Song J, Niu JB, Zhang SY. Review of NEDDylation inhibition activity detection methods. Bioorg Med Chem 2021; 29:115875. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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48
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Gossypol inhibits cullin neddylation by targeting SAG-CUL5 and RBX1-CUL1 complexes. Neoplasia 2020; 22:179-191. [PMID: 32145688 PMCID: PMC7076571 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2020.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cullin-RING E3 ligase (CRL) is the largest family of E3 ubiquitin ligase, responsible for ubiquitylation of ∼20% of cellular proteins. CRL plays an important role in many biological processes, particularly in cancers due to abnormal activation. CRL activation requires neddylation, an enzymatic cascade transferring small ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8 to a conserved lysine residue on cullin proteins. Recent studies have validated that neddylation is an attractive anticancer target. In this study, we report the establishment of an Alpha-Screen-based high throughput screen (HTS) assay for in vitro CUL5 neddylation, and screened a library of 17,000 compounds including FDA approved drugs, natural products and synthetic drug-like small-molecule compounds. Gossypol, a natural compound derived from cotton seed, was identified as an inhibitor of cullin neddylation. Biochemical studies showed that gossypol blocked neddylation of both CUL5 and CUL1 through direct binding to SAG-CUL5 or RBX1-CUL1 complex, and CUL5-H572 plays a key role for gossypol binding. On cellular level, gossypol inhibited cullin neddylation in a variety of cancer cell lines and selectively caused accumulation of NOXA and MCL1, the substrates of CUL5 and CUL1, respectively, in multiple cancer cell lines. Combination of gossypol with specific MCL1 inhibitor synergistically suppress growth of human cancer cells. Our study revealed a previously unknown anti-cancer mechanism of gossypol with potential to develop a new class of neddylation inhibitors.
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Zhou L, Zhu J, Chen W, Jiang Y, Hu T, Wang Y, Ye X, Zhan M, Ji C, Xu Z, Wang X, Gu Y, Jia L. Induction of NEDD8-conjugating enzyme E2 UBE2F by platinum protects lung cancer cells from apoptosis and confers to platinum-insensitivity. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:975. [PMID: 33184273 PMCID: PMC7665193 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03184-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Platinum is a widely used first-line chemotherapy in treating non-small cell lung cancer of adenocarcinoma. Unfortunately, platinum resistance leads to relapse and therapeutic failure, enabling the development of platinum-sensitization strategies to be of great clinical significance. Here, we report that the upregulation of the NEDD8-conjugating enzyme UBE2F is an important way for lung cancer cells to escape platinum-induced cell apoptosis, which confers to insensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy. Mechanistically, platinum treatment impairs the complex formation for proteasome-mediated UBE2F degradation, evidenced by the weaker association between UBE2F and Ring-box protein 1 (RBX1), an essential component of Cullin-Ring E3 ligases (CRLs), thus leading to the accumulation of UBE2F. The accumulated UBE2F promotes the neddylation levels and activity of Cullin5, in accord with the lower expression of pro-apoptotic protein NOXA, a well-known substrate of Cullin-Ring E3 ligase 5 (CRL5). Additionally, knockout of UBE2F significantly sensitizes lung cancer cells to platinum treatment by enhancing the protein levels of NOXA and subsequently promoting cell apoptosis. Our observations uncover a previously unknown regulatory mechanism of UBE2F stability upon platinum chemotherapy and suggest that UBE2F might be a novel therapy target for sensitizing lung cancer cells to platinum-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Zhou
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jin Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, 330029, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wangyang Chen
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanyu Jiang
- Cancer Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Hu
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinxia Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoling Ye
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengxi Zhan
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenghao Ji
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuoming Xu
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanlong Gu
- Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijun Jia
- Cancer Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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50
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Chen T, Xu J, Fu W. EGFR/FOXO3A/LXR-α Axis Promotes Prostate Cancer Proliferation and Metastasis and Dual-Targeting LXR-α/EGFR Shows Synthetic Lethality. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1688. [PMID: 33224867 PMCID: PMC7667376 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. Early prostate cancer has a high 5-year survival rate. However, the five-year survival rate is low in progressive prostate cancer, which manifests as bone metastasis. The EGF receptor overexpression increases during disease progression and in the development of castration-resistant disease, and may be a potential therapeutic target. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are ligand-dependent nuclear receptor transcription factors and consist of two subtypes, LXR-α and LXR-β, which can inhibit tumor growth in various cancer cells. We revealed that LXR-α, but not LXR-β, was reduced in prostate cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. LXRs' agonist GW3965 enhanced the inhibitory action of LXR-α on the proliferation and metastasis of prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, our results support the notion that LXR-α is regulated by the EGFR/AKT/FOXO3A pathway. As an EGFR inhibitor, Afatinib could weaken AKT activation and increase the expression level of FOXO3A in prostate cancer. In addition, we indicated that the combination of Afatinib and GW3965 simultaneously increased and activated LXR-α, which led to an increase of tumor suppressors, and eventually inhibited tumor progression. Therefore, the combination of EGFR inhibitor and LXRs agonist may become a potential treatment strategy for prostate cancer, especially metastatic prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Weihua Fu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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