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Gędaj A, Gregorczyk P, Żukowska D, Chorążewska A, Ciura K, Kalka M, Porębska N, Opaliński Ł. Glycosylation of FGF/FGFR: An underrated sweet code regulating cellular signaling programs. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 77:39-55. [PMID: 38719671 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.04.001] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) constitute plasma-membrane localized signaling hubs that transmit signals from the extracellular environment to the cell interior, governing pivotal cellular processes like motility, metabolism, differentiation, division and death. FGF/FGFR signaling is critical for human body development and homeostasis; dysregulation of FGF/FGFR units is observed in numerous developmental diseases and in about 10% of human cancers. Glycosylation is a highly abundant posttranslational modification that is critical for physiological and pathological functions of the cell. Glycosylation is also very common within FGF/FGFR signaling hubs. Vast majority of FGFs (15 out of 22 members) are N-glycosylated and few FGFs are O-glycosylated. Glycosylation is even more abundant within FGFRs; all FGFRs are heavily N-glycosylated in numerous positions within their extracellular domains. A growing number of studies points on the multiple roles of glycosylation in fine-tuning FGF/FGFR signaling. Glycosylation modifies secretion of FGFs, determines their stability and affects interaction with FGFRs and co-receptors. Glycosylation of FGFRs determines their intracellular sorting, constitutes autoinhibitory mechanism within FGFRs and adjusts FGF and co-receptor recognition. Sugar chains attached to FGFs and FGFRs constitute also a form of code that is differentially decrypted by extracellular lectins, galectins, which transform FGF/FGFR signaling at multiple levels. This review focuses on the identified functions of glycosylation within FGFs and FGFRs and discusses their relevance for the cell physiology in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Gędaj
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Paulina Gregorczyk
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Dominika Żukowska
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Chorążewska
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Ciura
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Marta Kalka
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Natalia Porębska
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland
| | - Łukasz Opaliński
- Department of Protein Engineering, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, Wroclaw 50-383, Poland.
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2
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Xiang K, Wang E, Mantyh J, Rupprecht G, Negrete M, Sanati G, Hsu C, Randon P, Dohlman A, Kretzschmar K, Bose S, Giroux N, Ding S, Wang L, Balcazar JP, Huang Q, Sundaramoorthy P, Xi R, McCall SJ, Wang Z, Jiang C, Kang Y, Kopetz S, Crawford GE, Lipkin SM, Wang XF, Clevers H, Hsu D, Shen X. Chromatin Remodeling in Patient-Derived Colorectal Cancer Models. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2303379. [PMID: 38380561 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Patient-Derived Organoids (PDO) and Xenografts (PDX) are the current gold standards for patient-derived models of cancer (PDMC). Nevertheless, how patient tumor cells evolve in these models and the impact on drug response remains unclear. Herein, the transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility landscapes of matched colorectal cancer (CRC) PDO, PDX, PDO-derived PDX (PDOX), and original patient tumors (PT) are compared. Two major remodeling axes are discovered. The first axis delineates PDMC from PT, and the second axis distinguishes PDX and PDO. PDOX are more similar to PDX than PDO, indicating the growth environment is a driving force for chromatin adaptation. Transcription factors (TF) that differentially bind to open chromatins between matched PDO and PDOX are identified. Among them, KLF14 and EGR2 footprints are enriched in PDOX relative to matched PDO, and silencing of KLF14 or EGR2 promoted tumor growth. Furthermore, EPHA4, a shared downstream target gene of KLF14 and EGR2, altered tumor sensitivity to MEK inhibitor treatment. Altogether, patient-derived CRC cells undergo both common and distinct chromatin remodeling in PDO and PDX/PDOX, driven largely by their respective microenvironments, which results in differences in growth and drug sensitivity and needs to be taken into consideration when interpreting their ability to predict clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Xiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Ergang Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - John Mantyh
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Gabrielle Rupprecht
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Marcos Negrete
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Golshid Sanati
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Carolyn Hsu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Peggy Randon
- Laboratory of Signal Transduction, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Anders Dohlman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Kai Kretzschmar
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, CT, 3584, The Netherlands
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Centre (MSNZ) for Cancer Research Würzburg, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Shree Bose
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Nicholas Giroux
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Shengli Ding
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Lihua Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Jorge Prado Balcazar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Terasaki Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
| | | | - Rui Xi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Shannon Jones McCall
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | | | - Yubin Kang
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal (GI) Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Gregory E Crawford
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Steven M Lipkin
- Department of Medicine and Program in Mendelian Genetics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10021, USA
| | - Xiao-Fan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Hans Clevers
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center (UMC) Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, CT, 3584, The Netherlands
| | - David Hsu
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Xiling Shen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
- Terasaki Institute, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA
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Chatzikalil E, Stergiou IE, Papadakos SP, Konstantinidis I, Theocharis S. The Clinical Relevance of the EPH/Ephrin Signaling Pathway in Pediatric Solid and Hematologic Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3834. [PMID: 38612645 PMCID: PMC11011407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073834] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neoplasms represent a complex group of malignancies that pose unique challenges in terms of diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of the underlying molecular pathogenetic mechanisms. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptors (EPHs), the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their membrane-tethered ligands, ephrins, orchestrate short-distance cell-cell signaling and are intricately involved in cell-pattern morphogenesis and various developmental processes. Unraveling the role of the EPH/ephrin signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of pediatric neoplasms and its clinical implications can contribute to deciphering the intricate landscape of these malignancies. The bidirectional nature of the EPH/ephrin axis is underscored by emerging evidence revealing its capacity to drive tumorigenesis, fostering cell-cell communication within the tumor microenvironment. In the context of carcinogenesis, the EPH/ephrin signaling pathway prompts a reevaluation of treatment strategies, particularly in pediatric oncology, where the modest progress in survival rates and enduring treatment toxicity necessitate novel approaches. Molecularly targeted agents have emerged as promising alternatives, prompting a shift in focus. Through a nuanced understanding of the pathway's intricacies, we aim to lay the groundwork for personalized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes for young patients grappling with neoplastic challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Chatzikalil
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
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4
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Shan KS, Dalal S, Thaw Dar NN, McLish O, Salzberg M, Pico BA. Molecular Targeting of the Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Pathway across Various Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:849. [PMID: 38255923 PMCID: PMC10815772 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020849] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are a family of receptor tyrosine kinases that are involved in the regulation of cell proliferation, survival, and development. FGFR alterations including amplifications, fusions, rearrangements, and mutations can result in the downstream activation of tyrosine kinases, leading to tumor development. Targeting these FGFR alterations has shown to be effective in treating cholangiocarcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms, and there are currently four FGFR inhibitors approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There have been developments in multiple agents targeting the FGFR pathway, including selective FGFR inhibitors, ligand traps, monoclonal antibodies, and antibody-drug conjugates. However, most of these agents have variable and low responses, with some intolerable toxicities and acquired resistances. This review will summarize previous clinical experiences and current developments in agents targeting the FGFR pathway, and will also discuss future directions for FGFR-targeting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khine S. Shan
- Memorial Health Care, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028, USA; (S.D.); (N.N.T.D.); (O.M.); (M.S.)
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5
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Pasquale EB. Eph receptors and ephrins in cancer progression. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:5-27. [PMID: 37996538 PMCID: PMC11015936 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00634-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Evidence implicating Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands (that together make up the 'Eph system') in cancer development and progression has been accumulating since the discovery of the first Eph receptor approximately 35 years ago. Advances in the past decade and a half have considerably increased the understanding of Eph receptor-ephrin signalling mechanisms in cancer and have uncovered intriguing new roles in cancer progression and drug resistance. This Review focuses mainly on these more recent developments. I provide an update on the different mechanisms of Eph receptor-ephrin-mediated cell-cell communication and cell autonomous signalling, as well as on the interplay of the Eph system with other signalling systems. I further discuss recent advances in elucidating how the Eph system controls tumour expansion, invasiveness and metastasis, supports cancer stem cells, and drives therapy resistance. In addition to functioning within cancer cells, the Eph system also mediates the reciprocal communication between cancer cells and cells of the tumour microenvironment. The involvement of the Eph system in tumour angiogenesis is well established, but recent findings also demonstrate roles in immune cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix. Lastly, I discuss strategies under evaluation for therapeutic targeting of Eph receptors-ephrins in cancer and conclude with an outlook on promising future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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6
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Li YL, Yan LJ, Chen HX, Ruan BK, Dao P, Du ZY, Dong CZ, Meunier B. Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel pyrimidinylaminothiophene derivatives as FGFR1 inhibitors against human glioblastoma multiforme. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115764. [PMID: 37651879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs) have emerged as the most promising anti-angiogenic therapeutic targets for the treatment of recurrent glioblastomas (GBM). However, anti-VEGF treatments led to the high proportion of non-responder patients or non lasting clinical response and the tumor progression to the greater malignant stage. To overcome these problems, there is an utmost need to develop innovative anti-angiogenic therapies. In this study, we report the development of a series of new FGFR1 inhibitors. Among them, compound 4i was able to potently inhibit FGFR1 kinase activities both in vitro and in vivo. This compound displayed strong anti-angiogenic activity in HUVECs and anti-tumor growth and anti-invasion effects in U-87MG cell line. These results emphasize the importance of FGFR1-mediated signaling pathways in GBM and reveal that pharmacological inhibition of FGFR1 can enhance the anti-tumoral, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic efficiency against GBM. These data support targeting of FGFR1 as a novel anti-angiogenic strategy and highlight the potential of compound 4i as a promising anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic candidate for GBM therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Liang Li
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Long-Jia Yan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Hui-Xiong Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China; Chemistry of RNA, Nucleosides, Peptides and Heterocycles, CNRS UMR8601, Université Paris Cité, UFR Biomédicale, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75270, Paris, Cedex 06, France.
| | - Ban-Kang Ruan
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Pascal Dao
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Chimie de Nice UMR7272, Nice, France
| | - Zhi-Yun Du
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Chang-Zhi Dong
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China; Université Paris Cité, ITODYS, UMR 7086 CNRS, 75013, Paris, France
| | - Bernard Meunier
- School of Chemical Engineering and Light Industry, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, PR China; Laboratoire de Chimie de Coordination du CNRS, 205 Route de Narbonne, 31077, Toulouse, Cedex, France
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7
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Zhang M, Lv L, Luo H, Cai H, Yu L, Jiang Y, Gao F, Tong W, Li L, Li G, Zhou Y, Tong G, Liu C. The CD2v protein of African swine fever virus inhibits macrophage migration and inflammatory cytokines expression by downregulating EGR1 expression through dampening ERK1/2 activity. Vet Res 2023; 54:106. [PMID: 37968713 PMCID: PMC10648359 DOI: 10.1186/s13567-023-01239-w] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a highly contagious and deadly virus that leads to high mortality rates in domestic swine populations. Although the envelope protein CD2v of ASFV has been implicated in immunomodulation, the molecular mechanisms underlying CD2v-mediated immunoregulation remain unclear. In this study, we generated a stable CD2v-expressing porcine macrophage (PAM-CD2v) line and investigated the CD2v-dependent transcriptomic landscape using RNA-seq. GO terms enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis revealed that CD2v predominantly affected the organization and assembly process of the extracellular matrix. Wound healing and Transwell assays showed that CD2v inhibited swine macrophage migration. Further investigation revealed a significant decrease in the expression of transcription factor early growth response 1 (EGR1) through inhibiting the activity of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Notably, EGR1 knockout in swine macrophages restricted cell migration, whereas EGR1 overexpression in PAM-CD2v restored the ability of macrophage migration, suggesting that CD2v inhibits swine macrophage motility by downregulating EGR1 expression. Furthermore, we performed chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing for EGR1 and the histone mark H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac), and we found that EGR1 co-localized with the activated histone modification H3K27ac neighboring the transcriptional start sites. Further analysis indicated that EGR1 and H3K27ac co-occupy the promoter regions of cell locomotion-related genes. Finally, by treating various derivatives of swine macrophages with lipopolysaccharides, we showed that depletion of EGR1 decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines including TNFα, IL1α, IL1β, IL6, and IL8, which play essential roles in inflammation and host immune response. Collectively, our results provide new insights into the immunomodulatory mechanism of ASFV CD2v.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China
| | - Lilei Lv
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Huaye Luo
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Hongming Cai
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Key Laboratory of Fujian-Taiwan Animal Pathogen Biology, College of Animal Sciences, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Lingxue Yu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yifeng Jiang
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Wu Tong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Liwei Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Guoxin Li
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Yanjun Zhou
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China
| | - Guangzhi Tong
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, China.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
| | - Changlong Liu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 200241, China.
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Disease and Zoonosis, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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8
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Faria Assoni A, Giove Mitsugi T, Wardenaar R, Oliveira Ferreira R, Farias Jandrey EH, Machado Novaes G, Fonseca de Oliveira Granha I, Bakker P, Kaid C, Zatz M, Foijer F, Keith Okamoto O. Neurodegeneration-associated protein VAPB regulates proliferation in medulloblastoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19481. [PMID: 37945695 PMCID: PMC10636017 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45319-5] [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: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
VAMP (Vesicle-associated membrane protein)-associated protein B and C (VAPB) has been widely studied in neurodegenerative diseases such as ALS, but little is known about its role in cancer. Medulloblastoma is a common brain malignancy in children and arises from undifferentiated cells during neuronal development. Therefore, medulloblastoma is an interesting model to investigate the possible relationship between VAPB and tumorigenesis. Here we demonstrate that high VAPB expression in medulloblastoma correlates with decreased overall patient survival. Consistent with this clinical correlation, we find that VAPB is required for normal proliferation rates of medulloblastoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Knockout of VAPB (VAPBKO) delayed cell cycle progression. Furthermore, transcript levels of WNT-related proteins were decreased in the VAPBKO. We conclude that VAPB is required for proliferation of medulloblastoma cells, thus revealing VAPB as a potential therapeutic target for medulloblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Faria Assoni
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106, Rua do Matão, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil.
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, 1, Antonius Deusinglaan, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Thiago Giove Mitsugi
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106, Rua do Matão, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - René Wardenaar
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, 1, Antonius Deusinglaan, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Raiane Oliveira Ferreira
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106, Rua do Matão, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Elisa Helena Farias Jandrey
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106, Rua do Matão, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Machado Novaes
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106, Rua do Matão, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Isabela Fonseca de Oliveira Granha
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106, Rua do Matão, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Petra Bakker
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, 1, Antonius Deusinglaan, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Carolini Kaid
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106, Rua do Matão, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Mayana Zatz
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106, Rua do Matão, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil
| | - Floris Foijer
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, 1, Antonius Deusinglaan, 9713 AV, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Oswaldo Keith Okamoto
- Human Genome and Stem Cell Research Center, Institute of Biosciences, University of São Paulo, 106, Rua do Matão, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, 05508-090, Brazil.
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9
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Chiang CW, Lin YS, Chang FL, Lin TY, Tsai KC, HuangFu WC, Lee YC. Single-chain fragment antibody disrupting the EphA4 function as a therapeutic drug for gastric cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 680:161-170. [PMID: 37741263 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Studies have shown that the high expression of EphA4 in gastric cancer tissues may correlate with unfavorable clinical pathological characteristics. Therefore, EphA4 may be an effective target for treating gastric cancer in addition to HER-2/neu. In this study, generated scFv S3 can bind endogenous EphA4 of gastric cancer cells and has significant membrane staining. Additionally, scFv S3 binding to EphA4 inhibits the growth and migration of cancer cells and the growth induction that ephrinA1 generates in gastric cancer cells. We found that EphA4 molecules may degrade through antibody treatment of cells, and the increase in LAMP1 and LAMP2 indicates that lysosome is involved in the degradation. The scFv S3 administration leads to the signals pAKT, pERK, and pSTAT3 decrease in cancer cells. The xenograft model of HER-2/neu low expressing gastric cancer cell SNU-16 exhibits better therapeutic effects by scFv S3 than trastuzumab scFv. The scFv S3 administration in vivo can degrade EphA4 molecules in tumor tissues, decreasing Ki67 and increasing cleaved C3 molecule expression. Furthermore, we identified and validated that scFv S3 generates essential ionic bonding with R162 on EphA4. The antibody may provide effective treatment for patients with gastric cancer and abnormal activation or overexpression of EphA4 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Wei Chiang
- Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Shih Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Ling Chang
- Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tsai-Yu Lin
- Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Keng-Chang Tsai
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan; Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chun HuangFu
- Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Ching Lee
- Drug Discovery and Development Industry, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Medical Biotechnology, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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10
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Alshahrany N, Begum A, Siebzehnrubl D, Jimenez-Pascual A, Siebzehnrubl FA. Spatial distribution and functional relevance of FGFR1 and FGFR2 expression for glioblastoma tumor invasion. Cancer Lett 2023; 571:216349. [PMID: 37579831 PMCID: PMC10840508 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216349] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most lethal brain cancer in adults. These incurable tumors are characterized by profound heterogeneity, therapy resistance, and diffuse infiltration. These traits have been linked to cancer stem cells, which are important for glioblastoma tumor progression and recurrence. The fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) signaling pathway is a known regulator of therapy resistance and cancer stemness in glioblastoma. FGFR1 expression shows intertumoral heterogeneity and higher FGFR1 expression is associated with a significantly poorer survival in glioblastoma patients. The role of FGFR1 in tumor invasion has been studied in many cancers, but whether and how FGFR1 mediates glioblastoma invasion remains to be determined. Here, we investigated the distribution and functional relevance of FGFR1 and FGFR2 in human glioblastoma xenograft models. We found FGFR1, but not FGFR2, expressed in invasive glioblastoma cells. Loss of FGFR1, but not FGFR2, significantly reduced cell migration in vitro and tumor invasion in human glioblastoma xenografts. Comparative analysis of RNA-sequencing data of FGFR1 and FGFR2 knockdown glioblastoma cells revealed a FGFR1-specific gene regulatory network associated with tumor invasion. Our study reveals new gene candidates linked to FGFR1-mediated glioblastoma invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal Alshahrany
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom; Cardiff University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom
| | - Ayesha Begum
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Dorit Siebzehnrubl
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Jimenez-Pascual
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Florian A Siebzehnrubl
- Cardiff University School of Biosciences, European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, United Kingdom.
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11
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Li Z, Gao Y, Cao Y, He F, Jiang R, Liu H, Cai H, Zan T. Extracellular RNA in melanoma: Advances, challenges, and opportunities. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1141543. [PMID: 37215082 PMCID: PMC10192583 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1141543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma, a malignant mass lesion that originates in melanocytes and has a high rate of malignancy, metastasis, and mortality, is defined by these characteristics. Malignant melanoma is a kind of highly malignant tumor that produces melanin and has a high mortality rate. Its incidence accounts for 1%-3% of all malignant tumors and shows an obvious upward trend. The discovery of biomolecules for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant melanoma has important application value. So far, the exact molecular mechanism of melanoma development relevant signal pathway still remains unclear. According to previous studies, extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) have been implicated in tumorigenesis and spread of melanoma. They can influence the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of melanoma by controlling the expression of target genes and can also influence tumor progression by participating in signal transduction mechanisms. Therefore, understanding the relationship between exRNA and malignant melanoma and targeting therapy is of positive significance for its prevention and treatment. In this review, we did an analysis of extracellular vesicles of melanoma which focused on the role of exRNAs (lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs) and identifies several potential therapeutic targets. In addition, we discuss the typical signaling pathways involved in exRNAs, advances in exRNA detection and how they affect the tumor immune microenvironment in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouxiao Li
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiyang Gao
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feifan He
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Runyi Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedic Oncology, Spinal Tumor Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanyuan Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongzhou Cai
- Department of Urology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Zan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Marques C, Poças J, Gomes C, Faria-Ramos I, Reis CA, Vivès RR, Magalhães A. Glycosyltransferases EXTL2 and EXTL3 cellular balance dictates Heparan Sulfate biosynthesis and shapes gastric cancer cell motility and invasion. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102546. [PMID: 36181793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans (HSPGs) are abundant glycoconjugates in cells' glycocalyx and Extracellular Matrix (ECM). By acting as scaffolds for protein-protein interactions, HSPGs modulate extracellular ligand gradients, cell signaling networks, and cell-ECM crosstalk. Aberrant expression of HSPGs and enzymes involved in HSPG biosynthesis and processing has been reported in tumors, with impact in cancer cell behavior and tumor microenvironment properties. However, the roles of specific glycosyltransferases in the deregulated biosynthesis of HSPGs are not fully understood. In this study, we established glycoengineered gastric cancer cell models lacking either Exostosin Like glycosyltransferase 2 (EXTL2) or EXTL3, and revealed their regulatory roles in both Heparan Sulfate (HS) and Chondroitin Sulfate (CS) biosynthesis and structural features. We showed that EXTL3 is key for initiating the synthesis of HS chains in detriment of CS biosynthesis, intervening in the fine-tuned balance of the HS/CS ratio in cells, while EXTL2 functions as a negative regulator of HS biosynthesis, with impact over the glycoproteome of gastric cancer cells. We demonstrated that knock-out of EXTL2 enhanced HS levels along with concomitant upregulation of Syndecan-4, which is a major cell-surface carrier of HS. This aberrant HS expression profile promoted a more aggressive phenotype, characterized by higher cellular motility and invasion, and impaired activation of Ephrin type-A 4 cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase. Our findings uncover the biosynthetic roles of EXTL2 and EXTL3 in the regulation of cancer cell GAGosylation and proteoglycans expression, and unravel the functional consequences of aberrant HS/CS balance in cellular malignant features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Marques
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; IPATIMUP - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; Programa Doutoral em Biologia Molecular e Celular (MCbiology), Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Juliana Poças
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; IPATIMUP - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Gomes
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; IPATIMUP - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Faria-Ramos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; IPATIMUP - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Celso A Reis
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; IPATIMUP - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; FMUP - Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Magalhães
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; IPATIMUP - Instituto de Patologia e Imunologia Molecular da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal; ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.
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13
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The genomic and transcriptional landscape of primary central nervous system lymphoma. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2558. [PMID: 35538064 PMCID: PMC9091224 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30050-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary lymphomas of the central nervous system (PCNSL) are mainly diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (DLBCLs) confined to the central nervous system (CNS). Molecular drivers of PCNSL have not been fully elucidated. Here, we profile and compare the whole-genome and transcriptome landscape of 51 CNS lymphomas (CNSL) to 39 follicular lymphoma and 36 DLBCL cases outside the CNS. We find recurrent mutations in JAK-STAT, NFkB, and B-cell receptor signaling pathways, including hallmark mutations in MYD88 L265P (67%) and CD79B (63%), and CDKN2A deletions (83%). PCNSLs exhibit significantly more focal deletions of HLA-D (6p21) locus as a potential mechanism of immune evasion. Mutational signatures correlating with DNA replication and mitosis are significantly enriched in PCNSL. TERT gene expression is significantly higher in PCNSL compared to activated B-cell (ABC)-DLBCL. Transcriptome analysis clearly distinguishes PCNSL and systemic DLBCL into distinct molecular subtypes. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)+ CNSL cases lack recurrent mutational hotspots apart from IG and HLA-DRB loci. We show that PCNSL can be clearly distinguished from DLBCL, having distinct expression profiles, IG expression and translocation patterns, as well as specific combinations of genetic alterations.
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14
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Zhu B, Li Y, Mao X. A review on the role of different ephrins in glioma. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 917:174588. [PMID: 34688637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Gliomas, tumors of glial cells, are the most common malignant tumors of the brain. Ephrins are protein ligands that act through tyrosine kinases receptor family, Eph receptors. In glioma, an inverse relationship has been identified between ephrin A1 ligand and EphA2 receptors i.e. there has been a decrease in the expression of ephrin A1 and increase in the expression of EphA2. The forced expression of ephrin A1 decreases the proliferation of glioma by internalizing the EphA2 receptors. The ligand (ephrin A1)-independent effects of EphA2 receptors are oncogenic in nature, while the binding of EphA2 with ephrin A1 decreases the glioma proliferation. An increase in EphA4 may be important in enhancing cellular proliferation and migration of glioblastoma through FGFR-MAPK-Akt signaling pathway, while a decrease in the expression of EphA5 may be crucial in increasing the cellular proliferation and thus, ephrin A5 acts as a tumor suppressor in glioma by negatively regulating the expression of EGFR. The higher expression levels of EphB2 and its ligand, ephrin B1 may decrease the cell adhesion and increase the invasion capacity of glioma through HIF-2α-EphB2-paxillin signalling. There is also a key role of ephrin B2 and EphB2 in promoting migration, invasion and conferring resistance to glioma cell. Ephrin B2 contributes in the pathogenesis of glioma by promoting angiogenesis through VEGF-A. An increase in ephrin B3 may also be important in the increasing tumorigenicity of glioma. The present review describes the role of different ephrins in the pathogenesis of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bochi Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Chang Chun City, Jilin Province, 130041, China.
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Chang Chun City, Jilin Province, 130041, China.
| | - Xijing Mao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Nanguan District, Chang Chun City, Jilin Province, 130041, China.
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15
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Cecchini A, Cornelison DDW. Eph/Ephrin-Based Protein Complexes: The Importance of cis Interactions in Guiding Cellular Processes. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:809364. [PMID: 35096972 PMCID: PMC8793696 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.809364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although intracellular signal transduction is generally represented as a linear process that transmits stimuli from the exterior of a cell to the interior via a transmembrane receptor, interactions with additional membrane-associated proteins are often critical to its success. These molecules play a pivotal role in mediating signaling via the formation of complexes in cis (within the same membrane) with primary effectors, particularly in the context of tumorigenesis. Such secondary effectors may act to promote successful signaling by mediating receptor-ligand binding, recruitment of molecular partners for the formation of multiprotein complexes, or differential signaling outcomes. One signaling family whose contact-mediated activity is frequently modulated by lateral interactions at the cell surface is Eph/ephrin (EphA and EphB receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands ephrin-As and ephrin-Bs). Through heterotypic interactions in cis, these molecules can promote a diverse range of cellular activities, including some that are mutually exclusive (cell proliferation and cell differentiation, or adhesion and migration). Due to their broad expression in most tissues and their promiscuous binding within and across classes, the cellular response to Eph:ephrin interaction is highly variable between cell types and is dependent on the cellular context in which binding occurs. In this review, we will discuss interactions between molecules in cis at the cell membrane, with emphasis on their role in modulating Eph/ephrin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Cecchini
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - D. D. W. Cornelison
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: D. D. W. Cornelison,
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16
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Ho KH, Shih CM, Liu AJ, Chen KC. Hypoxia-inducible lncRNA MIR210HG interacting with OCT1 is involved in glioblastoma multiforme malignancy. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:540-552. [PMID: 34897892 PMCID: PMC8819343 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
An insufficient oxygen supply within the intratumoral environment, also known as hypoxia, induces glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) invasion, stemness, and temozolomide (TMZ) drug resistance. Long noncoding (lnc)RNAs have been reported to be involved in hypoxia and GBM progression. However, their roles in hypoxic GBM malignancy are still unclear. We investigated the mechanisms of hypoxia-mediated lncRNAs in regulating GBM processes. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and data mining, hypoxia-correlated lncRNAs were identified. A hypoxia-upregulated lncRNA, MIR210HG, locating in nuclear regions, predicted poor prognoses of patients and modulated hypoxia-promoted glioma stemness, TMZ resistance, and invasion. Depletion of hypoxic MIR210HG suppressed GBM and patient-derived cell growth and increased TMZ sensitivity in vitro and vivo. Using RNA sequencing and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), MIR210HG-upregulated genes significantly belonged to the targets of octamer transcription factor 1 (OCT1) transcription factor. The direct interaction between OCT1 and MIR210HG was also validated. Two well-established worse prognostic factors of GBM, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), were identified as downstream targets of OCT1 through MIR210HG mediation in hypoxia. Consequently, the lncRNA MIR210HG is upregulated by hypoxia and interacts with OCT1 for modulating hypoxic GBM, leading to poor prognoses. These findings might provide a better understanding in functions of hypoxia/MIR210HG signaling for regulating GBM malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Hao Ho
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chwen-Ming Shih
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ann-Jeng Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei City Hospital Ren-Ai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ku-Chung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
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17
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Rani A, Jakhmola S, Karnati S, Parmar HS, Chandra Jha H. Potential entry receptors for human γ-herpesvirus into epithelial cells: A plausible therapeutic target for viral infections. Tumour Virus Res 2021; 12:200227. [PMID: 34800753 PMCID: PMC8628264 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvr.2021.200227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpesviruses are ubiquitous viruses, specifically the Epstein Barr virus (EBV). EBV and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) establish their latency for a long period in B-cells and their reactivation instigates dreadful diseases from cancer to neurological modalities. The envelope glycoprotein of these viruses makes an attachment with several host receptors. For instance; glycoprotein 350/220, gp42, gHgL and gB of EBV establish an attachment with CD21, HLA-DR, Ephs, and other receptor molecules to hijack the B- and epithelial cell machinery. Ephs are reported recently as potent receptors for EBV entry into epithelial cells. Eph receptors play a role in the maintenance and control of various cellular processes including morphology, adhesion, proliferation, survival and differentiation. Alterations in the structure and expression of Eph and ephrin (Eph ligands) molecules is entangled with various pathologies including tumours and neurological complications. Along with Eph, integrins, NRP, NMHC are also key players in viral infections as they are possibly involved in viral transmission, replication and persistence. Contrarily, KSHV gH is known to interact with EphA2 and -A4 molecules, whereas in the case of EBV only EphA2 receptors are being reported to date. The ELEFN region of KSHV gH was involved in the interaction with EphA2, however, the interacting region of EBV gH is elusive. Further, the gHgL of KSHV and EBV form a complex with the EphA2 ligand-binding domain (LBD). Primarily by using gL both KSHV and EBV gHgL bind to the peripheral regions of LBD. In addition to γ-herpesviruses, several other viruses like Nipah virus, Cedar virus, Hepatitis C virus and Rhesus macaque rhadinovirus (RRV) also access the host cells via Eph receptors. Therefore, we summarise the possible roles of Eph and ephrins in virus-mediated infection and these molecules could serve as potential therapeutic targets. Crucial understanding of human γ-herpesviruses entry mechanism. Eph receptors relate to changed biomolecular profile upon EBV infection. EBV association with neurological disorders. Eph receptors could be an elegant drug for human γ-herpesviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annu Rani
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India
| | - Shweta Jakhmola
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India
| | - Srikanth Karnati
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Julius Maximilians University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Hamendra Singh Parmar
- School of Biotechnology, Devi Ahilya University, Takshashila Campus, Khandwa Road, Indore, 452001, MP, India
| | - Hem Chandra Jha
- Department of Biosciences and Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, India.
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18
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Baggio C, Kulinich A, Dennys CN, Rodrigo R, Meyer K, Ethell I, Pellecchia M. NMR-Guided Design of Potent and Selective EphA4 Agonistic Ligands. J Med Chem 2021; 64:11229-11246. [PMID: 34293864 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we applied an innovative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-guided screening and ligand design approach, named focused high-throughput screening by NMR (fHTS by NMR), to derive potent, low-molecular-weight ligands capable of mimicking interactions elicited by ephrin ligands on the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA4. The agents bind with nanomolar affinity, trigger receptor activation in cellular assays with motor neurons, and provide remarkable motor neuron protection from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patient-derived astrocytes. Structural studies on the complex between EphA4 ligand-binding domain and a most active agent provide insights into the mechanism of the agents at a molecular level. Together with preliminary in vivo pharmacology studies, the data form a strong foundation for the translation of these agents for the treatment of ALS and potentially other human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Baggio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Anna Kulinich
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Cassandra N Dennys
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Rochelle Rodrigo
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Kathrin Meyer
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205, United States
| | - Iryna Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, California 92521, United States
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19
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Light TP, Gomez-Soler M, Wang Z, Karl K, Zapata-Mercado E, Gehring MP, Lechtenberg BC, Pogorelov TV, Hristova K, Pasquale EB. A cancer mutation promotes EphA4 oligomerization and signaling by altering the conformation of the SAM domain. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100876. [PMID: 34139238 PMCID: PMC8260879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands regulate many physiological and pathological processes. EphA4 plays important roles in nervous system development and adult homeostasis, while aberrant EphA4 signaling has been implicated in neurodegeneration. EphA4 may also affect cancer malignancy, but the regulation and effects of EphA4 signaling in cancer are poorly understood. A correlation between decreased patient survival and high EphA4 mRNA expression in melanoma tumors that also highly express ephrinA ligands suggests that enhanced EphA4 signaling may contribute to melanoma progression. A search for EphA4 gain-of-function mutations in melanoma uncovered a mutation of the highly conserved leucine 920 in the EphA4 sterile alpha motif (SAM) domain. We found that mutation of L920 to phenylalanine (L920F) potentiates EphA4 autophosphorylation and signaling, making it the first documented EphA4 cancer mutation that increases kinase activity. Quantitative Föster resonance energy transfer and fluorescence intensity fluctuation (FIF) analyses revealed that the L920F mutation induces a switch in EphA4 oligomer size, from a dimer to a trimer. We propose this switch in oligomer size as a novel mechanism underlying EphA4-linked tumorigenesis. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the L920F mutation alters EphA4 SAM domain conformation, leading to the formation of EphA4 trimers that assemble through two aberrant SAM domain interfaces. Accordingly, EphA4 wild-type and the L920F mutant are affected differently by the SAM domain and are differentially regulated by ephrin ligand stimulation. The increased EphA4 activation induced by the L920F mutation, through the novel mechanism we uncovered, supports a functional role for EphA4 in promoting pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor P Light
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maricel Gomez-Soler
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Zichen Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and National Center for Supercomputing Applications, School of Chemical Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Kelly Karl
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elmer Zapata-Mercado
- Program in Molecular Biophysics, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marina P Gehring
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Bernhard C Lechtenberg
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Taras V Pogorelov
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, and National Center for Supercomputing Applications, School of Chemical Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Program in Molecular Biophysics, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | - Elena B Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California, USA.
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20
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Teo L, Boghdadi AG, Homman-Ludiye J, Mundinano IC, Kwan WC, Bourne JA. Replicating infant-specific reactive astrocyte functions in the injured adult brain. Prog Neurobiol 2021; 204:102108. [PMID: 34147584 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2021.102108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Infants and adults respond differently to brain injuries. Specifically, improved neuronal sparing along with reduced astrogliosis and glial scarring often observed earlier in life, likely contributes to improved long-term outcomes. Understanding the underlying mechanisms could enable the recapitulation of neuroprotective effects, observed in infants, to benefit adults after brain injuries. We reveal that in primates, Eph/ ephrin signaling contributes to age-dependent reactive astrocyte behavior. Ephrin-A5 expression on astrocytes was more protracted in adults, whereas ephrin-A1 was only expressed on infant astrocytes. Furthermore, ephrin-A5 exacerbated major hallmarks of astrocyte reactivity via EphA2 and EphA4 receptors, which was subsequently alleviated by ephrin-A1. Rather than suppressing reactivity, ephrin-A1 signaling shifted astrocytes towards GAP43+ neuroprotection, accounting for improved neuronal sparing in infants. Reintroducing ephrin-A1 after middle-aged focal ischemic injury significantly attenuated glial scarring, improved neuronal sparing and preserved circuitry. Therefore, beneficial infant mechanisms can be recapitulated in adults to improve outcomes after CNS injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Teo
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, 15 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Anthony G Boghdadi
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, 15 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Jihane Homman-Ludiye
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, 15 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Inaki-Carril Mundinano
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, 15 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - William C Kwan
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, 15 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - James A Bourne
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, 15 Innovation Walk, Monash University, Clayton VIC, 3800, Australia.
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21
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Ferguson HR, Smith MP, Francavilla C. Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors (FGFRs) and Noncanonical Partners in Cancer Signaling. Cells 2021; 10:1201. [PMID: 34068954 PMCID: PMC8156822 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that success of targeted therapies in the treatment of cancer is context-dependent and is influenced by a complex crosstalk between signaling pathways and between cell types in the tumor. The Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)/FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling axis highlights the importance of such context-dependent signaling in cancer. Aberrant FGFR signaling has been characterized in almost all cancer types, most commonly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), breast cancer, glioblastoma, prostate cancer and gastrointestinal cancer. This occurs primarily through amplification and over-expression of FGFR1 and FGFR2 resulting in ligand-independent activation. Mutations and translocations of FGFR1-4 are also identified in cancer. Canonical FGF-FGFR signaling is tightly regulated by ligand-receptor combinations as well as direct interactions with the FGFR coreceptors heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and Klotho. Noncanonical FGFR signaling partners have been implicated in differential regulation of FGFR signaling. FGFR directly interacts with cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, contributing to invasive and migratory properties of cancer cells, whereas interactions with other receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate angiogenic, resistance to therapy, and metastatic potential of cancer cells. The diversity in FGFR signaling partners supports a role for FGFR signaling in cancer, independent of genetic aberration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet R. Ferguson
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health (FBMH), The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Michael P. Smith
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health (FBMH), The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
| | - Chiara Francavilla
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Science, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health (FBMH), The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
- Manchester Breast Centre, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester M20 4GJ, UK
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22
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Cahill T, da Silveira WA, Renaud L, Williamson T, Wang H, Chung D, Overton I, Chan SSL, Hardiman G. Induced Torpor as a Countermeasure for Low Dose Radiation Exposure in a Zebrafish Model. Cells 2021; 10:906. [PMID: 33920039 PMCID: PMC8071006 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the Artemis programme with the goal of returning to the moon is spurring technology advances that will eventually take humans to Mars and herald a new era of interplanetary space travel. However, long-term space travel poses unique challenges including exposure to ionising radiation from galactic cosmic rays and potential solar particle events, exposure to microgravity and specific nutritional challenges arising from earth independent exploration. Ionising radiation is one of the major obstacles facing future space travel as it can generate oxidative stress and directly damage cellular structures such as DNA, in turn causing genomic instability, telomere shortening, extracellular-matrix remodelling and persistent inflammation. In the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) this can lead to leaky gut syndrome, perforations and motility issues, which impact GIT functionality and affect nutritional status. While current countermeasures such as shielding from the spacecraft can attenuate harmful biological effects, they produce harmful secondary particles that contribute to radiation exposure. We hypothesised that induction of a torpor-like state would confer a radioprotective effect given the evidence that hibernation extends survival times in irradiated squirrels compared to active controls. To test this hypothesis, a torpor-like state was induced in zebrafish using melatonin treatment and reduced temperature, and radiation exposure was administered twice over the course of 10 days. The protective effects of induced-torpor were assessed via RNA sequencing and qPCR of mRNA extracted from the GIT. Pathway and network analysis were performed on the transcriptomic data to characterise the genomic signatures in radiation, torpor and torpor + radiation groups. Phenotypic analyses revealed that melatonin and reduced temperature successfully induced a torpor-like state in zebrafish as shown by decreased metabolism and activity levels. Genomic analyses indicated that low dose radiation caused DNA damage and oxidative stress triggering a stress response, including steroidal signalling and changes to metabolism, and cell cycle arrest. Torpor attenuated the stress response through an increase in pro-survival signals, reduced oxidative stress via the oxygen effect and detection and removal of misfolded proteins. This proof-of-concept model provides compelling initial evidence for utilizing an induced torpor-like state as a potential countermeasure for radiation exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Cahill
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.); (H.W.)
| | - Willian Abraham da Silveira
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.); (H.W.)
| | - Ludivine Renaud
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
| | - Tucker Williamson
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (T.W.); (S.S.L.C.)
| | - Hao Wang
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.); (H.W.)
| | - Dongjun Chung
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA;
| | - Ian Overton
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK;
| | - Sherine S. L. Chan
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; (T.W.); (S.S.L.C.)
| | - Gary Hardiman
- School of Biological Sciences & Institute for Global Food Security, Queens University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, UK; (T.C.); (W.A.d.S.); (H.W.)
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA;
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23
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Exosomal miR-106b-5p derived from melanoma cell promotes primary melanocytes epithelial-mesenchymal transition through targeting EphA4. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:107. [PMID: 33741023 PMCID: PMC7980627 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01906-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Cancer-secreted exosomal miRNAs regulates the biological processes of many tumours. The serum level of exosomal miR-106b-5p is significantly increased in melanoma patients. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of exosomal miR-106b-5p in melanoma remains unclear. Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of miR-106b-5p and EphA4 in melanoma tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and western blotting were used to identify exosome. QRT-qPCR and Cy3-labelled miR-106b-5p were used to demonstrated the transmission of melanoma cell-secreted exosomal miR-106b-5p. Western blotting, Immunofluorescence, adhesion, transwell and scratch wound assay were used to explore the role of exosomal miR-106b-5p in melanocytes. Luciferase reporter assays and RNA-Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were used to confirm whether erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor A4 (EphA4) was a direct target of miR-106b-5p. Results We found that miR-106b-5p levels were increased in melanoma tissue, and high miR-106b-5p expression is an independent risk factor for the overall survival of patients with melanoma. miR-106b-5p is enriched in melanoma cell-secreted exosomes and transferred to melanocytes. Exosomal miR-106b-5p promotes the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, invasion and adhesion of melanocytes. Exosomal miR-106b-5p exerted its role by targeting EphA4 to activate the ERK pathway. We demonstrated that exosomal miR-106b-5p promoted melanoma metastasis in vivo through pulmonary metastasis assay. Conclusions Thus, melanoma cell-secreted exosomal miR-106b-5p may serve as a diagnostic indicator and potential therapeutic target in melanoma patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01906-w.
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24
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Abdalla Y, Luo M, Mäkilä E, Day BW, Voelcker NH, Tong WY. Effectiveness of porous silicon nanoparticle treatment at inhibiting the migration of a heterogeneous glioma cell population. J Nanobiotechnology 2021; 19:60. [PMID: 33637089 PMCID: PMC7908697 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-00798-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 80% of brain tumours are gliomas. Despite treatment, patient mortality remains high due to local metastasis and relapse. It has been shown that transferrin-functionalised porous silicon nanoparticles (Tf@pSiNPs) can inhibit the migration of U87 glioma cells. However, the underlying mechanisms and the effect of glioma cell heterogeneity, which is a hallmark of the disease, on the efficacy of Tf@pSiNPs remains to be addressed. RESULTS Here, we observed that Tf@pSiNPs inhibited heterogeneous patient-derived glioma cells' (WK1) migration across small perforations (3 μm) by approximately 30%. A phenotypical characterisation of the migrated subpopulations revealed that the majority of them were nestin and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 positive, an indication of their cancer stem cell origin. The treatment did not inhibit cell migration across large perforations (8 μm), nor cytoskeleton formation. This is in agreement with our previous observations that cellular-volume regulation is a mediator of Tf@pSiNPs' cell migration inhibition. Since aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is closely linked to cellular-volume regulation, and is highly expressed in glioma, the effect of AQP9 expression on WK1 migration was investigated. We showed that WK1 migration is correlated to the differential expression patterns of AQP9. However, AQP9-silencing did not affect WK1 cell migration across perforations, nor the efficacy of cell migration inhibition mediated by Tf@pSiNPs, suggesting that AQP9 is not a mediator of the inhibition. CONCLUSION This in vitro investigation highlights the unique therapeutic potentials of Tf@pSiNPs against glioma cell migration and indicates further optimisations that are required to maximise its therapeutic efficacies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youssef Abdalla
- School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, UK.,Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutics Science, Monash University, Parkville Campus, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Meihua Luo
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutics Science, Monash University, Parkville Campus, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
| | - Ermei Mäkilä
- Industrial Physics Laboratory, Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Bryan W Day
- Sid Faithfull Brain Cancer Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicolas H Voelcker
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutics Science, Monash University, Parkville Campus, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. .,Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), Clayton, VIC, Australia. .,Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, Clayton, VIC, Australia. .,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia. .,Leibniz Institut für Neue Materialien (INM), Campus D2 2, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - Wing Yin Tong
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutics Science, Monash University, Parkville Campus, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia. .,Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, Victorian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility, Clayton, VIC, Australia.
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25
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Wang JL, Chen WG, Zhang JJ, Xu CJ. Nogo-A-Δ20/EphA4 interaction antagonizes apoptosis of neural stem cells by integrating p38 and JNK MAPK signaling. J Mol Histol 2021; 52:521-537. [PMID: 33555537 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-021-09960-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Nogo-A protein consists of two main extracellular domains: Nogo-66 (rat amino acid [aa] 1019-1083) and Nogo-A-Δ20 (extracellular, active 180 amino acid Nogo-A region), which serve as strong inhibitors of axon regeneration in the adult CNS (Central Nervous System). Although receptors S1PR2 and HSPGs have been identified as Nogo-A-Δ20 binding proteins, it remains at present elusive whether other receptors directly interacting with Nogo-A-Δ20 exist, and decrease cell death. On the other hand, the key roles of EphA4 in the regulation of glioblastoma, axon regeneration and NSCs (Neural Stem Cells) proliferation or differentiation are well understood, but little is known the relationship between EphA4 and Nogo-A-Δ20 in NSCs apoptosis. Thus, we aim to determine whether Nogo-A-Δ20 can bind to EphA4 and affect survival of NSCs. Here, we discover that EphA4, belonging to a member of erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors family, could be acting as a high affinity ligand for Nogo-A-Δ20. Trans-membrane protein of EphA4 is needed for Nogo-A-Δ20-triggered inhibition of NSCs apoptosis, which are mediated by balancing p38 inactivation and JNK MAPK pathway activation. Finally, we predict at the atomic level that essential residues Lys-205, Ile-190, Pro-194 in Nogo-A-Δ20 and EphA4 residues Gln-390, Asn-425, Pro-426 might play critical roles in Nogo-A-Δ20/EphA4 binding via molecular docking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ling Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital 1 of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Guang Chen
- Department of Histology & Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Cha Shan University Town, No.1 Central North Road, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Jia Zhang
- School of 1St Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao-Jin Xu
- Department of Histology & Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Cha Shan University Town, No.1 Central North Road, Wenzhou, 325035, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Anderton M, van der Meulen E, Blumenthal MJ, Schäfer G. The Role of the Eph Receptor Family in Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020206. [PMID: 33430066 PMCID: PMC7826860 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Eph receptor family is implicated in both tumour promotion and suppression, depending on the tissue-specific context of available receptor interactions with ligands, adaptor proteins and triggered downstream signalling pathways. This complex interplay has not only consequences for tumorigenesis but also offers a basis from which new cancer-targeting strategies can be developed. This review comprehensively summarises the current knowledge of Eph receptor implications in oncogenesis in a tissue- and receptor-specific manner, with the aim to develop a better understanding of Eph signalling pathways for potential targeting in novel cancer therapies. Abstract The Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family, activated by binding to their cognate ephrin ligands, are important components of signalling pathways involved in animal development. More recently, they have received significant interest due to their involvement in oncogenesis. In most cases, their expression is altered, affecting the likes of cell proliferation and migration. Depending on the context, Eph receptors have the potential to act as both tumour promoters and suppressors in a number of cancers, such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, brain cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), the latter being intrinsically linked to EphA2 as this is the receptor used for endothelial cell entry by the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). In addition, EphA2 deregulation is associated with KS, indicating that it has a dual role in this case. Associations between EphA2 sequence variation and KSHV infection/KS progression have been detected, but further work is required to formally establish the links between EphA2 signalling and KS oncogenesis. This review consolidates the available literature of the role of the Eph receptor family, and particularly EphA2, in tumorigenesis, with the aim to develop a better understanding of Eph signalling pathways for potential targeting in novel cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meg Anderton
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.A.); (E.v.d.M.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Emma van der Meulen
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.A.); (E.v.d.M.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Melissa J. Blumenthal
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.A.); (E.v.d.M.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Correspondence: (M.J.B.); (G.S.); Tel.: +27-21-4047630 (M.J.B.)
| | - Georgia Schäfer
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa; (M.A.); (E.v.d.M.)
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- Correspondence: (M.J.B.); (G.S.); Tel.: +27-21-4047630 (M.J.B.)
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27
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McCullough D, Atofanei C, Knight E, Trim SA, Trim CM. Kinome scale profiling of venom effects on cancer cells reveals potential new venom activities. Toxicon 2020; 185:129-146. [PMID: 32682827 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The search for novel and relevant cancer therapeutics is continuous and ongoing. Cancer adaptations, resulting in therapeutic treatment failures, fuel this continuous necessity for new drugs to novel targets. Recently, researchers have started to investigate the effect of venoms and venom components on different types of cancer, investigating their mechanisms of action. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) comprise a family of highly conserved and functionally important druggable targets for cancer therapy. This research exploits the novelty of complex venom mixtures to affect phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and related RTK family members, dually identifying new activities and unexplored avenues for future cancer and venom research. Six whole venoms from diverse species taxa, were evaluated for their ability to illicit changes in the phosphorylated expression of a panel of 49 commonly expressed RTKs. The triple negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 was treated with optimised venom doses, pre-determined by SDS PAGE and Western blot analysis. The phosphorylated expression levels of 49 RTKs in response to the venoms were assessed with the use of Human Phospho-RTK Arrays and analysed using ImageLab 5.2.1 analysis software (BioRad). Inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation occurred with treatment of venom from Acanthoscurria geniculata (Theraphosidae), Heterometrus swammerdami (Scorpionidae), Crotalus durissus vegrandis (Crotalidae) and Naja naja (Elapidae). Western green mamba Dendroaspis viridis venom increased EGFR phosphorylation. Eph, HGFR and HER were the most affected receptor families by venoms. Whilst the importance of these changes in terms of effect on MDA-MB-468 cells' long-term viability and functionality are still unclear, the findings present exciting opportunities for further investigation as potential drug targets in cancer and as tools to understand better how these pathways interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle McCullough
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Cristina Atofanei
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK
| | - Emily Knight
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK; Life Sciences Industry Liaison laboratory, Canterbury Christ Church University, Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF, UK
| | - Steven A Trim
- Venomtech Ltd., Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF, UK
| | - Carol M Trim
- School of Human and Life Sciences, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, CT1 1QU, UK.
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28
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Galvão MLTDC, Coimbra EC. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cervical carcinogenesis: New molecular targets, current prospects. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 156:103111. [PMID: 33080526 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of lncRNAs has been seen as a key factor in a wide range of diseases including cancer. The role of lncRNAs in cervical cancer has not been clearly explained, and has been the subject of recent studies. In this review, we have compiled an updated list of previously reported lncRNAs and established a general profile of these transcripts in accordance with the role they play in cervical carcinogenesis. Thus, information here includes the influence of lncRNAs on cervical tumorigenic process through a disturbance of cellular activities. Additionally, we described recent discoveries about how HPV contributes to lncRNAs expression in cervical cancer and we summarized exploratory studies of strategies adopted to modulate the expression levels of lncRNAs to treat cervical neoplasia, by drawing attention to radio and chemo-resistance. Finally, this paper provides a broad overview that sets out new research directions about the role of lncRNAs in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luiza Tabosa de Carvalho Galvão
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Pernambuco, Brazil; Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Viruses, Biological Sciences Institute, University of Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Eliane Campos Coimbra
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Viruses, Biological Sciences Institute, University of Pernambuco, Brazil.
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29
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Buckens OJ, El Hassouni B, Giovannetti E, Peters GJ. The role of Eph receptors in cancer and how to target them: novel approaches in cancer treatment. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:567-582. [PMID: 32348169 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1762566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors are among the largest family of tyrosine kinases that are divided into two classes: EphA and EphB receptors. Over the past two decades, their role in cancer has become more evident. AREAS COVERED There is a need for new anticancer treatments and more insight in the emerging role of Eph receptors in cancer. Molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-tumorigenic effects of Eph receptors could be exploited for future therapeutic strategies. This review describes the variability in expression levels and different effects on oncogenic and tumor suppressive downstream signaling of Eph receptors in various cancer types, and the small molecules, antibodies and peptides that target these receptors. EXPERT OPINION The complexity of Eph signaling is a challenge for the definition of clear targets for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, numerous drugs that target EphA2 and EphB4 are currently in clinical trials. However, some Eph targeted drugs also inhibit other tyrosine kinases, so it is unclear to what extent the targeting of Eph receptors contributes to their efficacy. Future research is warranted for an improved understanding of the full network in which Eph receptors function. This will be critical for the improvement of the anticancer effects of drugs that target the Eph receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar J Buckens
- Amsterdam University College , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Btissame El Hassouni
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Pharmacology Lab, AIRC Start up Unit, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza , Pisa, Italy
| | - Godefridus J Peters
- Laboratory Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC Location VUMC, CCA , Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk , Gdansk, Poland
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30
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Georgiou V, Gkretsi V. The role of fibroblast growth factors and their receptors in gliomas: the mutations involved. Rev Neurosci 2020; 30:543-554. [PMID: 30379640 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2018-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) comprises of neurons, which are responsible for impulse transmission, and glial cells, which surround neurons providing protection and nutrition. Glial cells are categorized into astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglial cells, and ependymal cells. Tumors forming from glial cells are called gliomas, and they are classified accordingly into astrocytomas, oligodendrogliomas, and ependymomas. Gliomas are characterized by high mortality rates and degree of malignancy, heterogeneity, and resistance to treatment. Among the molecular players implicated in glioma pathogenesis are members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) superfamily as well as their receptors (FGFRs). In the present study, we provide a review of the literature on the role of FGFs and FGFRs in glioma pathogenesis. We also demonstrate that FGFs, and particularly FGF1 and FGF2, bear a variety of mutations in gliomas, while FGFRs are also crucially involved. In fact, several studies show that in gliomas, FGFRs bear mutations, mainly in the tyrosine kinase domains. Specifically, it appears that FGFR1-TACC1 and FGFR3-TACC3 fusions are common in these receptors. A better understanding of the mutations and the molecular players involved in glioma formation will benefit the scientific community, leading to the development of more effective and innovative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Georgiou
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University of Cyprus, 6, Diogenis Str, Engomi 2404, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vasiliki Gkretsi
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University of Cyprus, 6, Diogenis Str, Engomi 2404, Nicosia, Cyprus
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31
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Jimenez-Pascual A, Mitchell K, Siebzehnrubl FA, Lathia JD. FGF2: a novel druggable target for glioblastoma? Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:311-318. [PMID: 32174197 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1736558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are key mitogens in tissue homeostasis and cancer. FGF2 regulates self-renewal of multiple stem-cell types, is widely used in stem cell culture paradigms and has been adopted for cultivating the growth of cancer stem cells ex vivo. Research has shed light on the functions of FGF2 in brain tumors, particularly malignant glioma, and this has demonstrated that FGF2 increases self-renewal of glioblastoma stem cells.Areas covered: This review examines the potential targeting of FGF2 signaling as a possible treatment avenue for glioblastoma. The expression of FGF ligands and the FGFR family of receptor tyrosine kinases in the normal brain and in glioblastoma is described. Moreover, the paper sheds light on FGF/FGFR signaling, including the function of heparin/heparan sulfate proteoglycans in facilitating FGF signaling. We speculate on potential avenues for the therapeutic targeting of the FGF2-FGF receptor signaling axis in glioblastoma and the associated challenges envisioned with these approaches.Expert opinion: Precision targeting of FGF/FGFR signaling could improve prospective glioblastoma therapeutics and moderate adverse effects. Shrewd development of experimental models and FGF2 inhibitors could provide a 'pharmacological toolbox' for targeting diverse ligand/receptor combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Jimenez-Pascual
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff, UK
| | - Kelly Mitchell
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Florian A Siebzehnrubl
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff, UK
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
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32
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Anjitha R, Antony A, Shilpa O, Anupama KP, Mallikarjunaiah S, Gurushankara HP. Malathion induced cancer-linked gene expression in human lymphocytes. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 182:109131. [PMID: 32069766 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malathion is the most widely used organophosphate pesticide in agriculture. Increasing cancer incidence in agricultural workers and their children links to the exposure of malathion. Identification of genes involved in the process of carcinogenesis is essential for exploring the role of malathion. The alteration in gene expression by malathion in human lymphocytes has not been explored yet, although hematological malignancies are rampant in humans. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the malathion induced expression of cancer associated genes in human lymphocytes. METHODS Human lymphocyte viability and colony-forming ability were analyzed in malathion treated and control groups. Gene expression profile in control and malathion treated human lymphocytes were performed using a microarray platform. The genes which have significant functions and those involved in different pathways were analyzed using the DAVID database. Differential gene expression upon malathion exposure was validated by quantitative real-time (qRT)-PCR. RESULTS Malathion caused a concentration-dependent reduction in human lymphocyte viability. At low concentration (50 μg/mL) of malathion treatment, human lymphocytes were viable indicating that low concentration of malathion is not cytotoxic and induces the colony formation. Total of 659 genes (15%) were up regulated and 3729 genes (85%) were down regulated in malathion treated human lymphocytes. About 57 cancer associated genes related to the growth and differentiation of B and T cells, immunoglobulin production, haematopoiesis, tumor suppression, oncogenes and signal transduction pathways like MAPK and RAS were induced by malathion. CONCLUSION This study evidences the carcinogenic nature of malathion. Low concentration of this pesticide is not cytotoxic and induces differentially regulated genes in human lymphocytes, which are involved in the initiation, progression, and pathogenesis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramakrishnan Anjitha
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Periya, 671 320, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| | - Anet Antony
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Periya, 671 320, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| | - Olakkaran Shilpa
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Periya, 671 320, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| | - Kizhakke P Anupama
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Periya, 671 320, Kasaragod, Kerala, India
| | - Shanthala Mallikarjunaiah
- Center for Applied Genetics, Department of Studies in Zoology, Bangalore University, Jnanabharathi, Bengaluru, 560 056, Karnataka, India
| | - Hunasanahally P Gurushankara
- Department of Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Central University of Kerala, Periya, 671 320, Kasaragod, Kerala, India.
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Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: Principles and Functions in Glioma Invasion. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1202:151-178. [PMID: 32034713 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30651-9_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Protein tyrosine kinases are enzymes that are capable of adding a phosphate group to specific tyrosines on target proteins. A receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is a tyrosine kinase located at the cellular membrane and is activated by binding of a ligand via its extracellular domain. Protein phosphorylation by kinases is an important mechanism for communicating signals within a cell and regulating cellular activity; furthermore, this mechanism functions as an "on" or "off" switch in many cellular functions. Ninety unique tyrosine kinase genes, including 58 RTKs, were identified in the human genome; the products of these genes regulate cellular proliferation, survival, differentiation, function, and motility. Tyrosine kinases play a critical role in the development and progression of many types of cancer, in addition to their roles as key regulators of normal cellular processes. Recent studies have revealed that RTKs such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), c-Met, Tie, Axl, discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), and erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular carcinoma (Eph) play a major role in glioma invasion. Herein, we summarize recent advances in understanding the role of RTKs in glioma pathobiology, especially the invasive phenotype, and present the perspective that RTKs are a potential target of glioma therapy.
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Raja E, Morikawa M, Nishida J, Tanabe R, Takahashi K, Seeherman HJ, Saito N, Todo T, Miyazono K. Tyrosine kinase Eph receptor A6 sensitizes glioma-initiating cells towards bone morphogenetic protein-induced apoptosis. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:3486-3496. [PMID: 31483918 PMCID: PMC6825014 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling plays important roles in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a lethal form of brain tumor. BMP reduces GBM tumorigenicity through its differentiation‐ and apoptosis‐inducing effects on glioma‐initiating cells (GIC). However, some GIC do not respond to the tumor suppressive effects of BMP. Using a phosphoreceptor tyrosine kinase array, we found that EPHA6 (erythropoietin‐producing hepatocellular carcinoma receptor A6) phosphorylation was regulated by BMP‐2 signaling in some GIC. Analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas showed that EPHA6 expression was lower in patients with GBM than in the normal brain, and that high EPHA6 expression was correlated with better prognosis. EPHA6 receptor increased the susceptibility of both sensitive and resistant GIC to BMP‐2‐induced apoptosis. The cooperative effect on apoptosis induction depended on the kinase activity of BMP type I receptor but was independent of EPHA6 kinase function. Overexpression of the EPHA6 receptor in GIC resulted in the formation of a protein complex of EPHA6 receptor and the BMP type I receptor ALK‐2, which was associated with BMP‐induced apoptosis in GIC. Intracranial injection of GIC into nude mice showed that gain‐of‐function of EPHA6 together with BMP‐2 pretreatment slowed GBM tumor progression in the mouse brain and promoted mouse survival. In summary, EPHA6 together with BMP‐2 signaling led to apoptotic cell death in GIC, and thus is a putative tumor suppressor in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erna Raja
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Morikawa
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Nishida
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Tanabe
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Takahashi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Nobuhito Saito
- Department of Neurosurgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoki Todo
- Division of Innovative Cancer Therapy, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Miyazono
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Jimenez-Pascual A, Siebzehnrubl FA. Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor Functions in Glioblastoma. Cells 2019; 8:E715. [PMID: 31337028 PMCID: PMC6678715 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most lethal brain cancer in adults, with no known cure. This cancer is characterized by a pronounced genetic heterogeneity, but aberrant activation of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling is among the most frequent molecular alterations in glioblastoma. Somatic mutations of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) are rare in these cancers, but many studies have documented that signaling through FGFRs impacts glioblastoma progression and patient survival. Small-molecule inhibitors of FGFR tyrosine kinases are currently being trialed, underlining the therapeutic potential of blocking this signaling pathway. Nevertheless, a comprehensive overview of the state of the art of the literature on FGFRs in glioblastoma is lacking. Here, we review the evidence for the biological functions of FGFRs in glioblastoma, as well as pharmacological approaches to targeting these receptors.
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MESH Headings
- Brain Neoplasms/metabolism
- Disease Progression
- Glioblastoma/metabolism
- Humans
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/chemistry
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/physiology
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2/chemistry
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2/physiology
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3/chemistry
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 3/physiology
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 4/chemistry
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 4/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Jimenez-Pascual
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Florian A Siebzehnrubl
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK.
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Cross-Talk between Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors and Other Cell Surface Proteins. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050455. [PMID: 31091809 PMCID: PMC6562592 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) constitute signaling circuits that transmit signals across the plasma membrane, regulating pivotal cellular processes like differentiation, migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. The malfunction of FGFs/FGFRs signaling axis is observed in numerous developmental and metabolic disorders, and in various tumors. The large diversity of FGFs/FGFRs functions is attributed to a great complexity in the regulation of FGFs/FGFRs-dependent signaling cascades. The function of FGFRs is modulated at several levels, including gene expression, alternative splicing, posttranslational modifications, and protein trafficking. One of the emerging ways to adjust FGFRs activity is through formation of complexes with other integral proteins of the cell membrane. These proteins may act as coreceptors, modulating binding of FGFs to FGFRs and defining specificity of elicited cellular response. FGFRs may interact with other cell surface receptors, like G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) or receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). The cross-talk between various receptors modulates the strength and specificity of intracellular signaling and cell fate. At the cell surface FGFRs can assemble into large complexes involving various cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). The interplay between FGFRs and CAMs affects cell–cell interaction and motility and is especially important for development of the central nervous system. This review summarizes current stage of knowledge about the regulation of FGFRs by the plasma membrane-embedded partner proteins and highlights the importance of FGFRs-containing membrane complexes in pathological conditions, including cancer.
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Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) play important roles in cell growth, motility, differentiation, and survival. These single-pass membrane proteins are grouped into subfamilies based on the similarity of their extracellular domains. They are generally thought to be activated by ligand binding, which promotes homodimerization and then autophosphorylation in trans. However, RTK interactions are more complicated, as RTKs can interact in the absence of ligand and heterodimerize within and across subfamilies. Here, we review the known cross-subfamily RTK heterointeractions and their possible biological implications, as well as the methodologies which have been used to study them. Moreover, we demonstrate how thermodynamic models can be used to study RTKs and to explain many of the complicated biological effects which have been described in the literature. Finally, we discuss the concept of the RTK interactome: a putative, extensive network of interactions between the RTKs. This RTK interactome can produce unique signaling outputs; can amplify, inhibit, and modify signaling; and can allow for signaling backups. The existence of the RTK interactome could provide an explanation for the irreproducibility of experimental data from different studies and for the failure of some RTK inhibitors to produce the desired therapeutic effects. We argue that a deeper knowledge of RTK interactome thermodynamics can lead to a better understanding of fundamental RTK signaling processes in health and disease. We further argue that there is a need for quantitative, thermodynamic studies that probe the strengths of the interactions between RTKs and their ligands and between different RTKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Paul
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD 21218
| | - Kalina Hristova
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Institute for NanoBioTechnology, and Program in Molecular Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore MD 21218
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38
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Pan Y, Lu S, Lei L, Lamberto I, Wang Y, Pasquale EB, Wang Y. Genetically Encoded FRET Biosensor for Visualizing EphA4 Activity in Different Compartments of the Plasma Membrane. ACS Sens 2019; 4:294-300. [PMID: 30608127 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.8b00465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The EphA4 receptor tyrosine kinase is well-known for its pivotal role in development, cancer progression, and neurological disorders. However, how EphA4 kinase activity is regulated in time and space still remains unclear. To visualize EphA4 activity in different membrane microdomains, we developed a sensitive EphA4 biosensor based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), and targeted it in or outside raft-like microdomains in the plasma membrane. We showed that our biosensor can produce a robust and specific FRET response upon EphA4 activation, both in vitro and in live cells. Interestingly, we observed stronger FRET responses for the non-raft targeting biosensor than for the raft targeting biosensor, suggesting that stronger EphA4 activation may occur in non-raft regions. Further investigations revealed the importance of the actin cytoskeleton in suppressing EphA4 activity in raft-like microdomains. Therefore, our FRET-based EphA4 biosensor could serve as a powerful tool to visualize and investigate EphA4 activation and signaling in specific subcellular compartments of single live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ilaria Lamberto
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States,
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Urbana−Champaign, Champaign, Illinois 61820, United States
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States,
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Defourny J, Peuckert C, Kullander K, Malgrange B. EphA4-ADAM10 Interplay Patterns the Cochlear Sensory Epithelium through Local Disruption of Adherens Junctions. iScience 2018; 11:246-257. [PMID: 30639848 PMCID: PMC6327856 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The cochlear sensory epithelium contains a functionally important triangular fluid-filled space between adjacent pillar cells referred to as the tunnel of Corti. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to local cell-cell separation during development remain elusive. Here we show that EphA4 associates with ADAM10 to promote the destruction of E-cadherin-based adhesions between adjacent pillar cells. These cells fail to separate from each other, and E-cadherin abnormally persists at the pillar cell junction in EphA4 forward-signaling-deficient mice, as well as in the presence of ADAM10 inhibitor. Using immunolabeling and an in situ proximity ligation assay, we found that EphA4 forms a complex with E-cadherin and its sheddase ADAM10, which could be activated by ephrin-B2 across the pillar cell junction to trigger the cleavage of E-cadherin. Altogether, our findings provide a new molecular insight into the regulation of adherens junctions, which might be extended to a variety of physiological or pathological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Defourny
- GIGA-Neurosciences, Unit of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of Liège, C.H.U. B36, 4000 Liège, Belgium; GIGA-Neurosciences, Developmental Neurobiology Unit, University of Liège, C.H.U. B36, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Christiane Peuckert
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Box 593, Uppsala 75124, Sweden
| | - Klas Kullander
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Box 593, Uppsala 75124, Sweden
| | - Brigitte Malgrange
- GIGA-Neurosciences, Developmental Neurobiology Unit, University of Liège, C.H.U. B36, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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Luo L, Yu ZP, Qin H, Zhu ZX, Liao MH, Liao HT, Yuan KF, Zeng Y. Exosomal MicroRNA-10a Is Associated with Liver Regeneration in Rats through Downregulation of EphA4. Chin Med J (Engl) 2018; 131:454-460. [PMID: 29451151 PMCID: PMC5830831 DOI: 10.4103/0366-6999.225057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play vital roles in liver regeneration. Previous studies mainly focused on the functions of intracellular miRNAs, while the functions of circulating exosomal miRNAs in liver regeneration remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to identify the key exosomal miRNA that played vital roles in liver regeneration. Methods: The Sprague–Dawley male rats were assigned to 70% partially hepatectomized group (n = 6) and sham surgery group (n = 6). The peripheral blood of both groups was collected 24 h after surgery. The exosomal miRNAs were extracted, and microarray was used to find out the key miRNA implicated in liver regeneration. Adenovirus was used to overexpress the key miRNA in rats, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining was applied to study the effect of key miRNA overexpression on liver regeneration. Western blotting was used to validate the predicted target of the key miRNA. Results: Exosomal miR-10a was upregulated more than nine times in hepatectomized rats. The level of miR-10a was increased in the early phase of liver regeneration, reached the top at 72 h postsurgery, and decreased to perioperative level 168 h after surgery. Moreover, enforced expression of miR-10a by adenovirus facilitated the process of liver regeneration as evidenced by immunohistochemical staining of PCNA. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A4 (EphA4) has been predicted to be a target of miR-10a. The protein level of EphA4 was decreased in the early phase of liver regeneration, reached the bottom at 72 h postsurgery, and rose to perioperative level 168 h after surgery, which was negatively correlated with miR-10a, confirming that EphA4 served as a downstream target of miR-10a. Moreover, inhibition of EphA4 by rhynchophylline could promote the proliferation of hepatocytes by regulating the cell cycle. Conclusion: Exosomal miR-10a might accelerate liver regeneration through downregulation of EphA4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Luo
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ze-Ping Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Han Qin
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ze-Xin Zhu
- Department of Orthopedics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ming-Heng Liao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hao-Tian Liao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Ke-Fei Yuan
- Laboratory of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Transplantation Division, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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Liu Q, Guo X, Que S, Yang X, Fan H, Liu M, Li X, Tang H. LncRNA RSU1P2 contributes to tumorigenesis by acting as a ceRNA against let-7a in cervical cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:43768-43781. [PMID: 27487126 PMCID: PMC5546439 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate gene expression at different levels and are widely participate in various physiological and pathological processes. Emerging evidences suggests that a number of differentially expressed lncRNAs are involved in tumorigenesis. However, the function and expression regulation of a vast majority of these unique RNAs is little known. Here, we found that the lncRNA Ras suppressor protein 1 pseudogene 2 (RSU1P2) is upregulateded in cervical cancer tissues and has a tumour-promoting role. We revealed that RSU1P2 acts as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) through regulating the expression of IGF1R, N-myc and EphA4. The mechanism of this regulation is via competition for the shared microRNA let-7a. This competition promotes the malignant phenotype of cervical carcinoma cells. The transcription factor N-myc forms a positive feedback loop with RSU1P2 by in turn activating its expression, thereby enhancing its oncogenic capacity. Hence, cancer-selective targeting of RSU1P2 could have strong benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xu Guo
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shengshun Que
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongxia Fan
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Liu
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Li
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Tang
- Tianjin Life Science Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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42
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Kou CTJ, Kandpal RP. Differential Expression Patterns of Eph Receptors and Ephrin Ligands in Human Cancers. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:7390104. [PMID: 29682554 PMCID: PMC5851329 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7390104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Eph receptors constitute the largest family of receptor tyrosine kinases, which are activated by ephrin ligands that either are anchored to the membrane or contain a transmembrane domain. These molecules play important roles in the development of multicellular organisms, and the physiological functions of these receptor-ligand pairs have been extensively documented in axon guidance, neuronal development, vascular patterning, and inflammation during tissue injury. The recognition that aberrant regulation and expression of these molecules lead to alterations in proliferative, migratory, and invasive potential of a variety of human cancers has made them potential targets for cancer therapeutics. We present here the involvement of Eph receptors and ephrin ligands in lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, glioblastoma, and medulloblastoma. The aberrations in their abundances are described in the context of multiple signaling pathways, and differential expression is suggested as the mechanism underlying tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Ting Jimmy Kou
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Raj P. Kandpal
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
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Hua KT, Hong JB, Sheen YS, Huang HY, Huang YL, Chen JS, Liao YH. miR-519d Promotes Melanoma Progression by Downregulating EphA4. Cancer Res 2017; 78:216-229. [PMID: 29093007 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 10/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that there is a unique cell subpopulation in melanoma that can form nonadherent melanospheres in serum-free stem cell medium, mimicking aggressive malignancy. Using melanospheres as a model to investigate progression mechanisms, we found that miR-519d overexpression was sufficient to promote cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and adhesion in vitro and lung metastatic capability in vivo The cell adhesion receptor EphA4 was determined to be a direct target of miR-519d. Forced expression of EphA4 reversed the effects of miR-519d overexpression, whereas silencing of EphA4 phenocopied the effect of miR-519d. Malignant progression phenotypes were also affected at the level of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and the ERK1/2 signaling pathway inversely affected by miR-519d or EphA4 expression. In clinical specimens of metastatic melanoma, we observed significant upregulation of miR-519d and downregulation of EphA4, in the latter case correlated inversely with overall survival. Taken together, our results suggest a significant functional role for miR-519d in determining EphA4 expression and melanoma progression.Significance: These results suggest a significant role for miR-519d in determining expression of a pivotal cell adhesion molecule that may impact risks of malignant progression in many cancers. Cancer Res; 78(1); 216-29. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Tai Hua
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Bong Hong
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shuan Sheen
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Huang
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Huang
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jau-Shiuh Chen
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hua Liao
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Dong Y, Liu Y, Jiang A, Li R, Yin M, Wang Y. MicroRNA-335 suppresses the proliferation, migration, and invasion of breast cancer cells by targeting EphA4. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 439:95-104. [PMID: 28795314 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-3139-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that exert their functions by targeting specific mRNA sequences. Many studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are crucial for cancer progression, during which they can act as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors. Previous research has shown that miR-335 is downregulated in breast cancer, and it has been shown to be a breast cancer suppressor. In addition, emerging evidence indicates that erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A4 (EphA4) is implicated in cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. However, little is known about the relationship between miR-335 and EphA4 in breast cancer. In the present study, we used bioinformatic and biochemical analyses to demonstrate that EphA4 is a direct downstream target of miR-335 in human breast cancer MCF-7 and MDA-MB-23 cells and revealed that miR-335 negatively regulates the expression of EphA4 in these cells. Further investigation revealed that miR-335 overexpression inhibits MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation and that this inhibition is attenuated by EphA4 coexpression. Similarly, miR-335 overexpression also inhibited growth and downregulated EphA4 expression in tumors in nude mice. Moreover, our results demonstrated that miR-335 overexpression suppresses migration and invasion in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells, an effect that was reversed by EphA4 overexpression. These findings confirmed that EphA4 is a direct target gene of miR-335 and that miR-335 suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation and motility in part by directly inhibiting EphA4 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilong Dong
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, 2 Cuihu Bei Road, Kunming, 650091, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, 2 Cuihu Bei Road, Kunming, 650091, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Aimei Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295 Xichang Road, Kunming, 650031, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiqian Li
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 519 Kunzhou Road, Kunming, 650031, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Yin
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, 2 Cuihu Bei Road, Kunming, 650091, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanmei Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, 295 Xichang Road, Kunming, 650031, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
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Horiuchi M, Suzuki-Horiuchi Y, Akiyama T, Itoh A, Pleasure D, Carstens E, Itoh T. Differing intrinsic biological properties between forebrain and spinal oligodendroglial lineage cells. J Neurochem 2017; 142:378-391. [PMID: 28512742 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation of oligodendroglial progenitor cells (OPCs) into myelinating oligodendrocytes is known to be regulated by the microenvironment where they differentiate. However, current research has not verified whether or not oligodendroglial lineage cells (OLCs) derived from different anatomical regions of the central nervous system (CNS) respond to microenvironmental cues in the same manner. Here, we isolated pure OPCs from rat neonatal forebrain (FB) and spinal cord (SC) and compared their phenotypes in the same in vitro conditions. We found that although FB and SC OLCs responded differently to the same external factors; they were distinct in proliferation response to mitogens, oligodendrocyte phenotype after differentiation, and cytotoxic responses to α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate-type glutamate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity at immature stages of differentiation in a cell-intrinsic manner. Moreover, transcriptome analysis identified genes differentially expressed between these OPC populations, including those encoding transcription factors (TFs), cell surface molecules, and signaling molecules. Particularly, FB and SC OPCs retained the expression of FB- or SC-specific TFs, such as Foxg1 and Hoxc8, respectively, even after serial passaging in vitro. Given the essential role of these TFs in the regional identities of CNS cells along the rostrocaudal axis, our results suggest that CNS region-specific gene regulation by these TFs may cause cell-intrinsic differences in cellular responses between FB and SC OLCs to extracellular molecules. Further understanding of the regional differences among OPC populations will help to improve treatments for demyelination in different CNS regions and to facilitate the development of stem cell-derived OPCs for cell transplantation therapies for demyelination. Cover Image for this issue: doi. 10.1111/jnc.13809.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Horiuchi
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yoko Suzuki-Horiuchi
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Tasuku Akiyama
- Temple Itch Center, Department of Dermatology, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aki Itoh
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - David Pleasure
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Earl Carstens
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Takayuki Itoh
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine, Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, California, USA.,Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
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Lin CY, Lee YE, Tian YF, Sun DP, Sheu MJ, Lin CY, Li CF, Lee SW, Lin LC, Chang IW, Wang CT, He HL. High Expression of EphA4 Predicted Lesser Degree of Tumor Regression after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Rectal Cancer. J Cancer 2017; 8:1089-1096. [PMID: 28529623 PMCID: PMC5436263 DOI: 10.7150/jca.17471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Numerous transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase pathways have been found to play an important role in tumor progression in some cancers. This study was aimed to evaluate the clinical impact of Eph receptor A4 (EphA4) in patients with rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) combined with mesorectal excision, with special emphasis on tumor regression. Methods: Analysis of the publicly available expression profiling dataset of rectal cancer disclosed that EphA4 was the top-ranking, significantly upregulated, transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase pathway-associated gene in the non-responders to CCRT, compared with the responders. Immunohistochemical study was conducted to assess the EphA4 expression in pre-treatment biopsy specimens from 172 rectal cancer patients without distant metastasis. The relationships between EphA4 expression and various clinicopathological factors or survival were statistically analyzed. Results: EphA4 expression was significantly associated with vascular invasion (P=0.015), post-treatment depth of tumor invasion (P=0.006), pre-treatment and post-treatment lymph node metastasis (P=0.004 and P=0.011, respectively). More importantly, high EphA4 expression was significantly predictive for lesser degree of tumor regression after CCRT (P=0.031). At univariate analysis, high EphA4 expression was a negative prognosticator for disease-specific survival (P=0.0009) and metastasis-free survival (P=0.0001). At multivariate analysis, high expression of EphA4 still served as an independent adverse prognostic factor for disease-specific survival (HR, 2.528; 95% CI, 1.131-5.651; P=0.024) and metastasis-free survival (HR, 3.908; 95% CI, 1.590-9.601; P=0.003). Conclusion: High expression of EphA4 predicted lesser degree of tumor regression after CCRT and served as an independent negative prognostic factor in patients with rectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Yih Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Leisure, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-En Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Feng Tian
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Health & Nutrition, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Ping Sun
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Pharmacy, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jen Sheu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yi Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Feng Li
- Department of Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan.,National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Biotechnology, Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Tainan, Taiwan.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sung-Wei Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - I-Wei Chang
- Department of Pathology, E-DA Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Tien Wang
- Department of Pathology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liuying, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology
| | - Hong-Lin He
- Department of Pathology, E-DA Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Science, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Asaduzzaman M, Constantinou S, Min H, Gallon J, Lin ML, Singh P, Raguz S, Ali S, Shousha S, Coombes RC, Lam EWF, Hu Y, Yagüe E. Tumour suppressor EP300, a modulator of paclitaxel resistance and stemness, is downregulated in metaplastic breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 163:461-474. [PMID: 28341962 PMCID: PMC5427146 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4202-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We have previously described a novel pathway controlling drug resistance, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness in breast cancer cells. Upstream in the pathway, three miRs (miR-106b, miR-93 and miR-25) target EP300, a transcriptional activator of E-cadherin. Upregulation of these miRs leads to the downregulation of EP300 and E-cadherin with initiation of an EMT. However, miRs regulate the expression of many genes, and the contribution to EMT by miR targets other than EP300 cannot be ruled out. METHODS We used lentiviruses expressing EP300-targeting shRNA to downregulate its expression in MCF-7 cells as well as an EP300-knocked-out colon carcinoma cell line. An EP300-expression plasmid was used to upregulate its expression in basal-like CAL51 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Drug resistance was determined by short-term proliferation and long-term colony formation assays. Stemness was determined by tumour sphere formation in both soft agar and liquid cultures as well as by the expression of CD44/CD24/ALDH markers. Gene expression microarray analysis was performed in MCF-7 cells lacking EP300. EP300 expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry in 17 samples of metaplastic breast cancer. RESULTS Cells lacking EP300 became more resistant to paclitaxel whereas EP300 overexpression increased their sensitivity to the drug. Expression of cancer stem cell markers, as well as tumour sphere formation, was also increased in EP300-depleted cells, and was diminished in EP300-overexpressing cells. The EP300-regulated gene signature highlighted genes associated with adhesion (CEACAM5), cytoskeletal remodelling (CAPN9), stemness (ABCG2), apoptosis (BCL2) and metastasis (TGFB2). Some genes in this signature were also validated in a previously generated EP300-depleted model of breast cancer using minimally transformed mammary epithelial cells. Importantly, two key genes in apoptosis and stemness, BCL2 and ABCG2, were also upregulated in EP300-knockout colon carcinoma cells and their paclitaxel-resistant derivatives. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that EP300 expression was low in metaplastic breast cancer, a rare, but aggressive form of the disease with poor prognosis that is characterized by morphological and physiological features of EMT. CONCLUSIONS EP300 plays a major role in the reprogramming events, leading to a more malignant phenotype with the acquisition of drug resistance and cell plasticity, a characteristic of metaplastic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asaduzzaman
- Division of Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Stephanie Constantinou
- Division of Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.,MRC Cancer Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Haoxiang Min
- Division of Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - John Gallon
- Division of Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Meng-Lay Lin
- Division of Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Poonam Singh
- Centre for Pathology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Rd, London, W6 8RF, UK
| | - Selina Raguz
- Division of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Simak Ali
- Division of Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Sami Shousha
- Centre for Pathology, Department of Medicine, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Rd, London, W6 8RF, UK
| | - R Charles Coombes
- Division of Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Division of Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Yunhui Hu
- The 3rd Department of Breast Cancer, China Tianjin Breast Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Research Center, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Huan Hu Xi Road, Ti Yuan Bei, He xi District, Tianjin, 300060, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ernesto Yagüe
- Division of Cancer, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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Wu B, De SK, Kulinich A, Salem AF, Koeppen J, Wang R, Barile E, Wang S, Zhang D, Ethell I, Pellecchia M. Potent and Selective EphA4 Agonists for the Treatment of ALS. Cell Chem Biol 2017; 24:293-305. [PMID: 28196613 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive degenerative disease that affects motor neurons. Recent studies identified the receptor tyrosine kinase EphA4 as a disease-modifying gene that is critical for the progression of motor neuron degeneration. We report on the design and characterization of a family of EphA4 targeting agents that bind to its ligand binding domain with nanomolar affinity. The molecules exhibit excellent selectivity and display efficacy in a SOD1 mutant mouse model of ALS. Interestingly, the molecules appear to act as agonists for the receptor in certain surrogate cellular assays. While the exact mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic effect of the new agonists remain to be elucidated, we believe that the described agent represents both an invaluable pharmacological tool to further decipher the role of the EphA4 in ALS and potentially other human diseases, and a significant stepping stone for the development of novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bainan Wu
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Surya K De
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Anna Kulinich
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Ahmed F Salem
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jordan Koeppen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Rengang Wang
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Brain Development, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92090, USA
| | - Elisa Barile
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Si Wang
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Dongxiang Zhang
- Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Iryna Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Maurizio Pellecchia
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
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Gentile G, Ceccarelli M, Micheli L, Tirone F, Cavallaro S. Functional Genomics Identifies Tis21-Dependent Mechanisms and Putative Cancer Drug Targets Underlying Medulloblastoma Shh-Type Development. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:449. [PMID: 27965576 PMCID: PMC5127835 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently generated a novel medulloblastoma (MB) mouse model with activation of the Shh pathway and lacking the MB suppressor Tis21 (Patched1+/-/Tis21KO ). Its main phenotype is a defect of migration of the cerebellar granule precursor cells (GCPs). By genomic analysis of GCPs in vivo, we identified as drug target and major responsible of this defect the down-regulation of the promigratory chemokine Cxcl3. Consequently, the GCPs remain longer in the cerebellum proliferative area, and the MB frequency is enhanced. Here, we further analyzed the genes deregulated in a Tis21-dependent manner (Patched1+/-/Tis21 wild-type vs. Ptch1+/-/Tis21 knockout), among which are a number of down-regulated tumor inhibitors and up-regulated tumor facilitators, focusing on pathways potentially involved in the tumorigenesis and on putative new drug targets. The data analysis using bioinformatic tools revealed: (i) a link between the Shh signaling and the Tis21-dependent impairment of the GCPs migration, through a Shh-dependent deregulation of the clathrin-mediated chemotaxis operating in the primary cilium through the Cxcl3-Cxcr2 axis; (ii) a possible lineage shift of Shh-type GCPs toward retinal precursor phenotype, i.e., the neural cell type involved in group 3 MB; (iii) the identification of a subset of putative drug targets for MB, involved, among the others, in the regulation of Hippo signaling and centrosome assembly. Finally, our findings define also the role of Tis21 in the regulation of gene expression, through epigenetic and RNA processing mechanisms, influencing the fate of the GCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gentile
- Institute of Neurological Sciences, National Research Council Catania, Italy
| | - Manuela Ceccarelli
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Micheli
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Tirone
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome, Italy
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de Marcondes PG, Morgado-Díaz JA. The Role of EphA4 Signaling in Radiation-Induced EMT-Like Phenotype in Colorectal Cancer Cells. J Cell Biochem 2016; 118:442-445. [PMID: 27632701 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is widely used for advanced rectal tumors. However, refractory metastasis has become the major cause of therapy failure in rectal cancer patients. Understanding the molecular mechanism that controls the aggressive cellular response to this treatment is essential for developing new therapeutic applications and improving radiotherapy response in colorectal cancer patients. Using the progeny of cells that were submitted to irradiation, we have demonstrated that the PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways as well as ERK1/2 downstream of EPHA4 receptor activation, play an important role in the regulation of events related with the EMT development, which may be associated with the therapeutic failure in rectal cancer after radiotherapy. Here, we further discuss about EphA4 receptor as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of this cancer type. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 442-445, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Guimarães de Marcondes
- Cellular Biology Program, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), 37 André Cavalcanti Street, 5th Floor, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20230-051, Brazil
| | - José Andrés Morgado-Díaz
- Cellular Biology Program, Brazilian National Cancer Institute (INCA), 37 André Cavalcanti Street, 5th Floor, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 20230-051, Brazil
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