1
|
Xia Y, Wu Y, Gong Y, Yue C, Tao L, Xin T, Shen C, Zhu Y, Shen M, Shen J. Brachyury promotes extracellular matrix synthesis through transcriptional regulation of Smad3 in nucleus pulposus. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1384-C1397. [PMID: 38690917 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00475.2023] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is one of the primary causes of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Previous studies have demonstrated that the transcription factor Brachyury (Bry) has the potential to promote the synthesis of collagen II and aggrecan, while the specific mechanism is still unknown. In this study, we used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced model of nucleus pulposus cell (NPC) degeneration and a rat acupuncture IVDD model to elucidate the precise mechanism through which Bry affects collagen II and aggrecan synthesis in vitro and in vivo. First, we confirmed Bry expression decreased in degenerated human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells (NPCs). Knockdown of Bry exacerbated the decrease in collagen II and aggrecan expression in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NPCs degeneration in vitro model. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that Smad3 may participate in the regulatory pathway of ECM synthesis regulated by Bry. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (ChIP-qPCR) and luciferase reporter gene assays demonstrated that Bry enhances the transcription of Smad3 by interacting with a specific motif on the promoter region. In addition, Western blot and reverse transcription-qPCR assays demonstrated that Smad3 positively regulates the expression of aggrecan and collagen II in NPCs. The following rescue experiments revealed that Bry-mediated regulation of ECM synthesis is partially dependent on Smad3 phosphorylation. Finally, the findings from the in vivo rat acupuncture-induced IVDD model were consistent with those obtained from in vitro assays. In conclusion, this study reveals that Bry positively regulates the synthesis of collagen II and aggrecan in NP through transcriptional activation of Smad3.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mechanically, in the nucleus, Bry enhances the transcription of Smad3, leading to increased expression of Smad3 protein levels; in the cytoplasm, elevated substrate levels further lead to an increase in the phosphorylation of Smad3, thereby regulating collagen II and aggrecan expression. Further in vivo experiments provide additional evidence that Bry can alleviate IVDD through this mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhang Xia
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinghui Wu
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhao Gong
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Caichun Yue
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Linfeng Tao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianwen Xin
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Minghong Shen
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Orthopedics Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
- Suzhou Key Laboratory of Orthopedic Medical Engineering, Suzhou University, Suzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kawaai K, Oishi Y, Kuroda Y, Tamura R, Toda M, Matsuo K. Chordoma cells possess bone-dissolving activity at the bone invasion front. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-024-00946-6. [PMID: 38652222 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-024-00946-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Chordomas are malignant tumors that destroy bones, compress surrounding nerve tissues and exhibit phenotypes that recapitulate notochordal differentiation in the axial skeleton. Chordomas recur frequently, as they resist radio-chemotherapy and are difficult to completely resect, leading to repeated bone destruction and local expansion via unknown mechanisms. Here, using chordoma specimens and JHC7 chordoma cells, we asked whether chordoma cells possess bone-dissolving activity. METHODS CT imaging and histological analysis were performed to evaluate the structure and mineral density of chordoma-invaded bone and osteolytic marker expression. JHC7 cells were subjected to immunocytochemistry, imaging of cell fusion, calcium dynamics and acidic vacuoles, and bone lysis assays. RESULTS In patients, we found that the skull base invaded by chordoma was highly porous, showed low mineral density and contained brachyury-positive chordoma cells and conventional osteoclasts both expressing the osteolytic markers tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and collagenases. JHC7 cells expressed TRAP and cathepsin K, became multinucleated via cell-cell fusion, showed spontaneous calcium oscillation, and were partly responsive to the osteoclastogenic cytokine RANKL. JHC7 cells exhibited large acidic vacuoles, and nonregulatory bone degradation without forming actin rings. Finally, bone-derived factors, calcium ions, TGF-β1, and IGF-1 enhanced JHC7 cell proliferation. CONCLUSION In chordoma, we propose that in addition to conventional bone resorption by osteoclasts, chordoma cells possess bone-dissolving activity at the tumor-bone boundary. Furthermore, bone destruction and tumor expansion may occur in a positive feedback loop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiro Kawaai
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, 160-8582, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumiko Oishi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, 160-8582, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kuroda
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, 160-8582, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Tamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, 160-8582, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Toda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, 160-8582, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichi Matsuo
- Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Biology, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, 160-8582, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Urzi A, Lahmann I, Nguyen LVN, Rost BR, García-Pérez A, Lelievre N, Merritt-Garza ME, Phan HC, Bassell GJ, Rossoll W, Diecke S, Kunz S, Schmitz D, Gouti M. Efficient generation of a self-organizing neuromuscular junction model from human pluripotent stem cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8043. [PMID: 38114482 PMCID: PMC10730704 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43781-3] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex neuromuscular network that controls body movements is the target of severe diseases that result in paralysis and death. Here, we report the development of a robust and efficient self-organizing neuromuscular junction (soNMJ) model from human pluripotent stem cells that can be maintained long-term in simple adherent conditions. The timely application of specific patterning signals instructs the simultaneous development and differentiation of position-specific brachial spinal neurons, skeletal muscles, and terminal Schwann cells. High-content imaging reveals self-organized bundles of aligned muscle fibers surrounded by innervating motor neurons that form functional neuromuscular junctions. Optogenetic activation and pharmacological interventions show that the spinal neurons actively instruct the synchronous skeletal muscle contraction. The generation of a soNMJ model from spinal muscular atrophy patient-specific iPSCs reveals that the number of NMJs and muscle contraction is severely affected, resembling the patient's pathology. In the future, the soNMJ model could be used for high-throughput studies in disease modeling and drug development. Thus, this model will allow us to address unmet needs in the neuromuscular disease field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Urzi
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ines Lahmann
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lan Vi N Nguyen
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin R Rost
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Angélica García-Pérez
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Noemie Lelievre
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Megan E Merritt-Garza
- Department of Cell Biology, Laboratory for Translational Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Han C Phan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA
| | - Gary J Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Laboratory for Translational Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Wilfried Rossoll
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Sebastian Diecke
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Technology Platform Pluripotent Stem Cells, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Severine Kunz
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Technology Platform Electron Microscopy, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dietmar Schmitz
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mina Gouti
- Stem Cell Modeling of Development & Disease Group, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), 13125, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gameiro SR, Strauss J, Gulley JL, Schlom J. Preclinical and clinical studies of bintrafusp alfa, a novel bifunctional anti-PD-L1/TGFβRII agent: Current status. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:1124-1134. [PMID: 35473390 PMCID: PMC9335510 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221089910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bintrafusp alfa (anti-PD-L1/TGFβRII) is a first-in-class bifunctional agent designed to act both as a checkpoint inhibitor and as a "trap" for TGFβ in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This article is designed to review the preclinical studies interrogating the mode of action of bintrafusp alfa and to present a comprehensive overview of recent bintrafusp alfa clinical studies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that bintrafusp alfa immune-mediating and antitumor activity can be enhanced by combining it with a human papillomavirus (HPV) therapeutic cancer vaccine, a tumor-targeting interleukin 12 (IL-12) immunocytokine and/or an IL-15 superagonist. The importance of TGFβ in HPV-associated malignancies is also reviewed. The clinical studies reviewed span extended phase I cohorts in patients with a spectrum of malignancies, two randomized phase II studies in lung and one in biliary tract cancers in which bintrafusp alfa did not demonstrate superiority over standard-of-care therapies, and provocative results in patients with HPV-associated malignancies, where as a monotherapy, bintrafusp alfa has shown response rates of 35%, compared to overall response rate (ORR) of 12-24% seen with other Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved or standard-of-care agents. This article also reviews preliminary phase II study results of patients with HPV+ malignancies employing bintrafusp alfa in combination with an HPV therapeutic vaccine and a tumor-targeting IL-12 immunocytokine in which the combination therapy outperforms standard-of-care therapies in both checkpoint naïve and checkpoint refractory patients. This review thus provides an example of the importance of conducting clinical studies in an appropriate patient population - in this case, exemplified by the role of TGFβ in HPV-associated malignancies. This review also provides preclinical and preliminary clinical study results of the combined use of multiple immune-modulating agents, each designed to engage different immune components and tumor cells in the TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Julius Strauss
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James L Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Niu G, Hao J, Sheng S, Wen F. Role of T-box genes in cancer, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cancer stem cells. J Cell Biochem 2021; 123:215-230. [PMID: 34897787 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sharing a common DNA binding motif called T-box, transcription factor T-box gene family controls embryonic development and is also involved in cancer progression and metastasis. Cancer metastasis shows therapy resistance and involves complex processes. Among them, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) triggers cancer cell invasiveness and the acquisition of stemness of cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs are a small fraction of tumor bulk and are capable of self-renewal and tumorsphere formation. Recent progress has highlighted the critical roles of T-box genes in cancer progression, EMT, and CSC function, and such regulatory functions of T-box genes have emerged as potential therapeutic candidates for cancer. Herein we summarize the current understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of T-box genes in cancer, EMT, and CSCs, and discuss the implications of targeting T-box genes as anticancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gengle Niu
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jin Hao
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Surui Sheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyuan Wen
- Department of Outpatient, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.,Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Trivedi T, Pagnotti GM, Guise TA, Mohammad KS. The Role of TGF-β in Bone Metastases. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1643. [PMID: 34827641 PMCID: PMC8615596 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Complications associated with advanced cancer are a major clinical challenge and, if associated with bone metastases, worsen the prognosis and compromise the survival of the patients. Breast and prostate cancer cells exhibit a high propensity to metastasize to bone. The bone microenvironment is unique, providing fertile soil for cancer cell propagation, while mineralized bone matrices store potent growth factors and cytokines. Biologically active transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), one of the most abundant growth factors, is released following tumor-induced osteoclastic bone resorption. TGF-β promotes tumor cell secretion of factors that accelerate bone loss and fuel tumor cells to colonize. Thus, TGF-β is critical for driving the feed-forward vicious cycle of tumor growth in bone. Further, TGF-β promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), increasing cell invasiveness, angiogenesis, and metastatic progression. Emerging evidence shows TGF-β suppresses immune responses, enabling opportunistic cancer cells to escape immune checkpoints and promote bone metastases. Blocking TGF-β signaling pathways could disrupt the vicious cycle, revert EMT, and enhance immune response. However, TGF-β's dual role as both tumor suppressor and enhancer presents a significant challenge in developing therapeutics that target TGF-β signaling. This review presents TGF-β's role in cancer progression and bone metastases, while highlighting current perspectives on the therapeutic potential of targeting TGF-β pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trupti Trivedi
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.T.); (G.M.P.); (T.A.G.)
| | - Gabriel M. Pagnotti
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.T.); (G.M.P.); (T.A.G.)
| | - Theresa A. Guise
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.T.); (G.M.P.); (T.A.G.)
| | - Khalid S. Mohammad
- Department of Endocrine Neoplasia and Hormonal Disorders, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.T.); (G.M.P.); (T.A.G.)
- College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
miR-219-5p targets TBXT and inhibits breast cancer cell EMT and cell migration and invasion. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:229438. [PMID: 34339487 PMCID: PMC8360836 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
miR-219-5p has been reported to act as either a tumor suppressor or a tumor promoter in different cancers by targeting different genes. In the present study, we demonstrated that miR-219-5p negatively regulated the expression of TBXT, a known epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducer, by directly binding to TBXT 3′-untranslated region. As a result of its inhibition on TBXT expression, miR-219-5p suppressed EMT and cell migration and invasion in breast cancer cells. The re-introduction of TBXT in miR-219-5p overexpressing cells decreased the inhibitory effects of miR-219 on EMT and cell migration and invasion. Moreover, miR-219-5p decreased breast cancer stem cell (CSC) marker genes expression and reduced the mammosphere forming capability of cells. Overall, our study highlighted that TBXT is a novel target of miR-219-5p. By suppressing TBXT, miR-219-5p plays an important role in EMT and cell migration and invasion of breast cancer cells.
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang L, Guan X, Hu Q, Wu Z, Chen W, Song L, Wang K, Tian K, Cao C, Zhang D, Ma J, Tong X, Zhang B, Zhang J, Zeng C. TGFB3 downregulation causing chordomagenesis and its tumor suppression role maintained by Smad7. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:913-923. [PMID: 34057989 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Chordoma is a rare bone tumor arising from notochordal remnants, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. By integrated mRNA and microRNA analyses, we found significant downregulation of TGFB3 along with upregulation of its inhibitor, miR-29 family in chordoma comparing with notochord. Somatic copy number gains of miR-29 loci in chordoma highlighted a mechanism of inactivation of TGFB3 signaling in tumor formation. In zebrafish, knockout and knockdown homologous tgfb3 resulted in a chordoma-like neoplasm. On the other hand, Smad7 negative feedback regulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is retentive in chordoma cell UM-Chor1 despite its disruption in most cancer cells (e.g. A549). Therefore, contrary to other cancers, exogenous TGF-β activated Smad7 by downregulating miR-182 and inhibited cell migration and invasion in UM-Chor1. Meanwhile, TGF-β decreased chordoma characteristic protein Brachyury. Altogether, downregulation of TGFB3 causes chordomagenesis, showing a feasible target for therapies. The retention of Smad7 negative regulation may maintain the suppressor role of TGF-β in chordoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- Neurosurgery Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, NCRC-ND, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaonan Guan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences/China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingtao Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences/China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Neurosurgery Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, NCRC-ND, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Lairong Song
- Neurosurgery Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, NCRC-ND, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Wang
- Neurosurgery Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, NCRC-ND, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Kaibing Tian
- Neurosurgery Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, NCRC-ND, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Chunwei Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Dake Zhang
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of Education, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Junpeng Ma
- Neurosurgery Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, NCRC-ND, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangjun Tong
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation of the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Junting Zhang
- Neurosurgery Department, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, NCRC-ND, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing, China
| | - Changqing Zeng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences/China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Palena C, Fernando RI, Hamilton DH. An immunotherapeutic intervention against tumor progression: Targeting a driver of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Oncoimmunology 2021; 3:e27220. [PMID: 24575384 PMCID: PMC3929358 DOI: 10.4161/onci.27220] [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: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is emerging as a novel intervention against tumor progression and metastatic dissemination, as well as the resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy displayed by multiple carcinomas. We have recently developed an immunotherapeutic approach to target a major driver of EMT, the T-box transcription factor T (also known as brachyury). This therapeutic paradigm is currently being tested in patients with advanced carcinomas in the context of a Phase I clinical trial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology; Center for Cancer Research; National Cancer Institute; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Romaine I Fernando
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology; Center for Cancer Research; National Cancer Institute; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Duane H Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology; Center for Cancer Research; National Cancer Institute; National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ungefroren H. Autocrine TGF-β in Cancer: Review of the Literature and Caveats in Experimental Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:977. [PMID: 33478130 PMCID: PMC7835898 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autocrine signaling is defined as the production and secretion of an extracellular mediator by a cell followed by the binding of that mediator to receptors on the same cell to initiate signaling. Autocrine stimulation often operates in autocrine loops, a type of interaction, in which a cell produces a mediator, for which it has receptors, that upon activation promotes expression of the same mediator, allowing the cell to repeatedly autostimulate itself (positive feedback) or balance its expression via regulation of a second factor that provides negative feedback. Autocrine signaling loops with positive or negative feedback are an important feature in cancer, where they enable context-dependent cell signaling in the regulation of growth, survival, and cell motility. A growth factor that is intimately involved in tumor development and progression and often produced by the cancer cells in an autocrine manner is transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). This review surveys the many observations of autocrine TGF-β signaling in tumor biology, including data from cell culture and animal models as well as from patients. We also provide the reader with a critical discussion on the various experimental approaches employed to identify and prove the involvement of autocrine TGF-β in a given cellular response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hendrik Ungefroren
- First Department of Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, D-23538 Lübeck, Germany;
- Clinic for General Surgery, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Aghbash PS, Hemmat N, Nahand JS, Shamekh A, Memar MY, Babaei A, Baghi HB. The role of Th17 cells in viral infections. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 91:107331. [PMID: 33418239 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The present review provides an overview of recent advances regarding the function of Th17 cells and their produced cytokines in the progression of viral diseases. Viral infections alone do not lead to virus-induced malignancies, as both genetic and host safety factors are also involved in the occurrence of malignancies. Acquired immune responses, through the differentiation of Th17 cells, form the novel components of the Th17 cell pathway when reacting with viral infections all the way from the beginning to its final stages. As a result, instead of inducing the right immune responses, these events lead to the suppression of the immune system. In fact, the responses from Th17 cells during persistent viral infections causes chronic inflammation through the production of IL-17 and other cytokines which provide a favorable environment for tumor growth and its development. Additionally, during the past decade, these cells have been understood to be involved in tumor progression and metastasis. However, further research is required to understand Th17 cells' immune mechanisms in the vast variety of viral diseases. This review aims to determine the roles and effects of the immune system, especially Th17 cells, in the progression of viral diseases; which can be highly beneficial for the diagnosis and treatment of these infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Shiri Aghbash
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nima Hemmat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran; Drug Applied Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran
| | - Javid Sadri Nahand
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 14155 Tehran, Iran; Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 14155 Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Shamekh
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Yousef Memar
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abouzar Babaei
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, ZIP Code 14155 Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran; Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran; Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, ZIP Code 15731 Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Silveira DA, Gupta S, Mombach JCM. Systems biology approach suggests new miRNAs as phenotypic stability factors in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200693. [PMID: 33050781 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0693] [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] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular programme on which epithelial cells undergo a phenotypic transition to mesenchymal ones acquiring metastatic properties such as mobility and invasion. TGF-β signalling can promote the EMT process. However, the dynamics of the concentration response of TGF-β-induced EMT is not well explained. In this work, we propose a logical model of TGF-β dose dependence of EMT in MCF10A breast cells. The model outcomes agree with experimentally observed phenotypes for the wild-type and perturbed/mutated cases. As important findings of the model, it predicts the coexistence of more than one hybrid state and that the circuit between TWIST1 and miR-129 is involved in their stabilization. Thus, miR-129 should be considered as a phenotypic stability factor. The circuit TWIST1/miR-129 associates with ZEB1-mediated circuits involving miRNAs 200, 1199, 340, and the protein GRHL2 to stabilize the hybrid state. Additionally, we found a possible new autocrine mechanism composed of the circuit involving TGF-β, miR-200, and SNAIL1 that contributes to the stabilization of the mesenchymal state. Therefore, our work can extend our comprehension of TGF-β-induced EMT in MCF10A cells to potentially improve the strategies for breast cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daner A Silveira
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Shantanu Gupta
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen M, Wu Y, Zhang H, Li S, Zhou J, Shen J. The Roles of Embryonic Transcription Factor BRACHYURY in Tumorigenesis and Progression. Front Oncol 2020; 10:961. [PMID: 32695672 PMCID: PMC7338565 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor brachyury, with a DNA-binding T-domain, regulates posterior mesoderm formation and notochord development through binding with highly conserved palindromic consensus sequence in a variety of organisms. The absence of brachyury expression in majority of adult normal tissues and exclusive tumor-specific expression provides the potential to be developed into a novel and promising diagnostic and therapeutic target in cancer. As a sensitive and specific marker in the diagnosis of chordoma, brachyury protein has been verified to involve in the process of carcinogenesis and progression of chordoma and several epithelial carcinomas in various studies, but the mechanism by which brachyury promotes tumor cells migrate, invade and metastasis still remains less clear. To this end, we attempt to summarize the literature on the upstream regulatory pathway of brachyury transcription and downstream controlling network by brachyury activation, all of which involve in both the embryonic development and tumor progression. We present the respective correlation of brachyury expression with tumor progression, distant metastasis, survival rate and prognosis in several types of tumor samples (including chordoma, lung cancer, breast carcinoma, and prostate cancer), and various brachyury gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments are summarized to explore its specific role in respective tumor cell line in vitro. In addition, we also discuss another two programs relating to brachyury function: epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell cycle control, both of which implicate in the regulation of brachyury on biological behavior of tumor cells. This review will provide an overview of the function of master transcriptional factor brachyury, compare the similarities and differences of its role between embryonic development and carcinogenesis, and list the evidence on which brachyury-target therapies have the potential to help control advanced cancer populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Chen
- Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yinghui Wu
- Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Suoyuan Li
- Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Jundong Zhou
- Suzhou Cancer Center Core Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jun Shen
- Department of Orthopeadic Surgery, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity contributes to many biological processes, including tumor progression. Various epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) responses have been reported and no common, EMT-defining gene expression program has been identified. Here, we have performed a comparative analysis of the EMT response, leveraging highly multiplexed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to measure expression profiles of 103,999 cells from 960 samples, comprising 12 EMT time course experiments and independent kinase inhibitor screens for each. We demonstrate that the EMT is vastly context specific, with an average of only 22% of response genes being shared between any two conditions, and over half of all response genes were restricted to 1–2 time course experiments. Further, kinase inhibitor screens revealed signaling dependencies and modularity of these responses. These findings suggest that the EMT is not simply a single, linear process, but is highly variable and modular, warranting quantitative frameworks for understanding nuances of the transition. It is unclear if a common EMT expression program exists. Here, the authors perform multiplexed single-cell RNA sequencing across 12 EMT time courses and 16 kinase inhibitor screens, and find that EMT transcriptional responses are context specific and EMT is not a single, linear transition.
Collapse
|
15
|
Identifying Therapies to Combat Epithelial Mesenchymal Plasticity-Associated Chemoresistance to Conventional Breast Cancer Therapies Using An shRNA Library Screen. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051123. [PMID: 32365878 PMCID: PMC7281530 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is a heterogeneous disease for which the commonly used chemotherapeutic agents primarily include the anthracyclines (doxorubicin, epirubicin), microtubule inhibitors (paclitaxel, docetaxel, eribulin), and alkylating agents (cyclophosphamide). While these drugs can be highly effective, metastatic tumours are frequently refractory to treatment or become resistant upon tumour relapse. METHODS We undertook a cell polarity/epithelial mesenchymal plasticity (EMP)-enriched short hairpin RNA (shRNA) screen in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells to identify factors underpinning heterogeneous responses to three chemotherapeutic agents used clinically in breast cancer: Doxorubicin, docetaxel, and eribulin. shRNA-transduced cells were treated for 6 weeks with the EC10 of each drug, and shRNA representation assessed by deep sequencing. We first identified candidate genes with depleted shRNA, implying that their silencing could promote a response. Using the Broad Institute's Connectivity Map (CMap), we identified partner inhibitors targeting the identified gene families that may induce cell death in combination with doxorubicin, and tested them with all three drug treatments. RESULTS In total, 259 shRNAs were depleted with doxorubicin treatment (at p < 0.01), 66 with docetaxel, and 25 with eribulin. Twenty-four depleted hairpins overlapped between doxorubicin and docetaxel, and shRNAs for TGFB2, RUNX1, CCDC80, and HYOU1 were depleted across all the three drug treatments. Inhibitors of MDM/TP53, TGFBR, and FGFR were identified by CMap as the top pharmaceutical perturbagens and we validated the combinatorial benefits of the TGFBR inhibitor (SB525334) and MDM inhibitor (RITA) with doxorubicin treatment, and also observed synergy between the inhibitor SB525334 and eribulin in MDA-MB-468 cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, a cell polarity/EMP-enriched shRNA library screen identified relevant gene products that could be targeted alongside current chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of invasive BC.
Collapse
|
16
|
Pinto F, Costa ÂM, Santos GC, Matsushita MM, Costa S, Silva VA, Miranda-Gonçalves V, Lopes CM, Clara CA, Becker AP, Neder L, Hajj GN, da Cunha IW, Jones C, Andrade RP, Reis RM. The T-box transcription factor brachyury behaves as a tumor suppressor in gliomas. J Pathol 2020; 251:87-99. [PMID: 32154590 DOI: 10.1002/path.5419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The oncogene brachyury (TBXT) is a T-box transcription factor that is overexpressed in multiple solid tumors and is associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor patient prognosis. Gliomas comprise the most common and aggressive group of brain tumors, and at the present time the functional and clinical impact of brachyury expression has not been investigated previously in these neoplasms. Brachyury expression (mRNA and protein) was assessed in normal brain (n = 67), glioma tissues (n = 716) and cell lines (n = 42), and further in silico studies were undertaken using genomic databases totaling 3115 samples. Our glioma samples were analyzed for copy number (n = 372), promoter methylation status (n = 170), and mutation status (n = 1569 tissues and n = 52 cell lines) of the brachyury gene. The prognostic impact of brachyury expression was studied in 1524 glioma patient tumors. The functional impact of brachyury on glioma proliferation, viability, and cell death was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Brachyury was expressed in the normal brain, and significantly downregulated in glioma tissues. Loss of brachyury was associated with tumor aggressiveness and poor survival in glioma patients. Downregulation of brachyury was not associated with gene deletion, promoter methylation, or inactivating point mutations. Brachyury re-expression in glioma cells was found to decrease glioma tumorigenesis by induction of autophagy. These data strongly suggest that brachyury behaves as a tumor suppressor gene in gliomas by modulating autophagy. It is important to note that brachyury constitutes an independent positive biomarker of patient prognosis. Our findings indicate that the role of brachyury in tumorigenesis may be tissue-dependent and demands additional investigation to guide rational interventions. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal.,I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto - IPATIMUP, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ângela M Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal.,I3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Gisele C Santos
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sandra Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Viviane Ao Silva
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera Miranda-Gonçalves
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Celeste M Lopes
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carlos A Clara
- Neurosurgery Department, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Aline P Becker
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luciano Neder
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Glaucia Nm Hajj
- International Research Center, AC Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabela W da Cunha
- Department of Molecular Diagnosis, Anatomic Pathology Department, AC Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chris Jones
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), Sutton, UK
| | - Raquel P Andrade
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal.,Regenerative Medicine Program; Department of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.,CBMR, Centre for Biomedical Research, Universidade do Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rui M Reis
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Guimarães, Portugal.,Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ozair MZ, Shah PP, Mathios D, Lim M, Moss NS. New Prospects for Molecular Targets for Chordomas. Neurosurg Clin N Am 2020; 31:289-300. [PMID: 32147018 DOI: 10.1016/j.nec.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chordomas are malignant, highly recurrent tumors of the midline skeleton that arise from the remnants of the notochord. The development of systemic therapy is critically important to ultimately managing this tumor. Several ongoing trials are attempting to use molecular targeted therapies for mutated pathways in recurrent and advanced chordomas and have shown promise. In addition, immunotherapies, including brachyury-directed vaccination and checkpoint inhibition, have also been attempted with encouraging results. This article discusses the major pathways that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chordoma with an emphasis on molecular vulnerabilities that future therapies are attempting to exploit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Zeeshan Ozair
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology and Molecular Embryology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Pavan Pinkesh Shah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Dimitrios Mathios
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 733 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Nelson S Moss
- Department of Neurosurgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yan X, Li Z, Li H, Liu P, Zhao Z, Cheng S, Wang Z, Zhang Q. Inhibition Of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta Suppresses The Growth And Survival Of Skull Base Chordoma Cells By Downregulating Brachyury Expression. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:9783-9791. [PMID: 31819479 PMCID: PMC6874116 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s218930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Chordomas are locally aggressive tumors arising from notochordal remnants. Brachyury, a protein coded by T-gene, is crucial for chordoma cell proliferation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) activity on brachyury expression and on the growth and survival of skull base chordoma cells. Patients and methods In this study, 16 paraffin-embedded specimens of primary skull base chordomas were analyzed for the expression of phosphorylated GSK3β and brachyury using immunohistochemistry. The UM-Chor1 cell line derived from a clival chordoma was treated with AR-A014418 (AR), an inhibitor of GSK3β, and brachyury expression was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The possible mechanism by which brachyury regulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was investigated by immunocytochemistry. The effects of AR on cell proliferation as well as sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs were also examined. Results The results suggested that phosphorylated GSK3β and brachyury were upregulated in chordoma tissues. The GSK3β inhibitor (AR) decreased brachyury expression and suppressed the growth and survival of the chordoma cells, possibly via regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Moreover, AR increased the sensitivity of chordoma cells to chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro. Conclusion This study provides evidence for the clinical development of the GSK3β inhibitor (AR-A014418) as a potential chemotherapeutic adjuvant for the treatment of chordoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Li
- Key Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, People's Republic of China
| | - Zehang Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenlin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuhang Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery Center, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Haddad A, Gaudet M, Plesa M, Allakhverdi Z, Mogas AK, Audusseau S, Baglole CJ, Eidelman DH, Olivenstein R, Ludwig MS, Hamid Q. Neutrophils from severe asthmatic patients induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition in healthy bronchial epithelial cells. Respir Res 2019; 20:234. [PMID: 31665016 PMCID: PMC6819645 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-019-1186-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a heterogenous disease characterized by chronic inflammation and airway remodeling. An increase in the severity of airway remodeling is associated with a more severe form of asthma. There is increasing interest in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition process and mechanisms involved in the differentiation and repair of the airway epithelium, especially as they apply to severe asthma. Growing evidence suggests that Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) could contribute to airway remodeling and fibrosis in asthma. Severe asthmatic patients with remodeled airways have a neutrophil driven inflammation. Neutrophils are an important source of TGF-β1, which plays a role in recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) production and fibrosis development, and is a potent inducer of EMT. OBJECTIVE As there is little data examining the contribution of neutrophils and/or their mediators to the induction of EMT in airway epithelial cells, the objective of this study was to better understand the potential role of neutrophils in severe asthma in regards to EMT. METHODS We used an in vitro system to investigate the neutrophil-epithelial cell interaction. We obtained peripheral blood neutrophils from severe asthmatic patients and control subjects and examined for their ability to induce EMT in primary airway epithelial cells. RESULTS Our data indicate that neutrophils from severe asthmatic patients induce changes in morphology and EMT marker expression in bronchial epithelial cells consistent with the EMT process when co-cultured. TGF-β1 levels in the culture medium of severe asthmatic patients were increased compared to that from co-cultures of non-asthmatic neutrophils and epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE As an inducer of EMT and an important source of TGF-β1, neutrophils may play a significant role in the development of airway remodeling and fibrosis in severe asthmatic airways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Haddad
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Mellissa Gaudet
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Maria Plesa
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Zoulfia Allakhverdi
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Andrea K Mogas
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Severine Audusseau
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Carolyn J Baglole
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - David H Eidelman
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Ronald Olivenstein
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Mara S Ludwig
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada. .,Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Canada. .,College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bilusic M, Heery CR, Collins JM, Donahue RN, Palena C, Madan RA, Karzai F, Marté JL, Strauss J, Gatti-Mays ME, Schlom J, Gulley JL. Phase I trial of HuMax-IL8 (BMS-986253), an anti-IL-8 monoclonal antibody, in patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:240. [PMID: 31488216 PMCID: PMC6729083 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0706-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HuMax-IL8 (now known as BMS-986253) is a novel, fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine that promotes tumor progression, immune escape, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Studies have demonstrated that high serum IL-8 levels correlate with poor prognosis in many malignant tumors. Preclinical studies have shown that IL-8 blockade may reduce mesenchymal features in tumor cells, making them less resistant to treatment. METHODS Fifteen patients with metastatic or unresectable locally advanced solid tumors were enrolled in this 3 + 3 dose-escalation trial at four dose levels (4, 8, 16, or 32 mg/kg). HuMax-IL8 was given IV every 2 weeks, and patients were followed for safety and immune monitoring at defined intervals up to 52 weeks. RESULTS All enrolled patients (five chordoma, four colorectal, two prostate, and one each of ovarian, papillary thyroid, chondrosarcoma, and esophageal) received at least one dose of HuMax-IL8. Eight patients had received three or more prior lines of therapy and five patients had received prior immunotherapy. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in five patients (33%), mostly grade 1. Two patients receiving the 32 mg/kg dose had grade 2 fatigue, hypophosphatemia, and hypersomnia. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed, and maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Although no objective tumor responses were observed, 11 patients (73%) had stable disease with median treatment duration of 24 weeks (range, 4-54 weeks). Serum IL-8 was significantly reduced on day 3 of HuMax-IL8 treatment compared to baseline (p = 0.0004), with reductions in IL-8 seen at all dose levels. CONCLUSIONS HuMax-IL8 is safe and well-tolerated. Ongoing studies are evaluating the combination of IL-8 blockade and other immunotherapies. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCTN, NCT02536469. Registered 23 August 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02536469?term=NCT02536469&rank=1 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marijo Bilusic
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher R Heery
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.,Precision Biosciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Julie M Collins
- Medical Oncology Service, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Renee N Donahue
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ravi A Madan
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Fatima Karzai
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer L Marté
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Julius Strauss
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Margaret E Gatti-Mays
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James L Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kay M, Soltani BM, Aghdaei FH, Ansari H, Baharvand H. Hsa-miR-335 regulates cardiac mesoderm and progenitor cell differentiation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:191. [PMID: 31248450 PMCID: PMC6595595 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1249-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background WNT and TGFβ signaling pathways play critical regulatory roles in cardiomyocyte fate determination and differentiation. MiRNAs are also known to regulate different biological processes and signaling pathways. Here, we intended to find candidate miRNAs that are involved in cardiac differentiation through regulation of WNT and TGFβ signaling pathways. Methods Bioinformatics analysis suggested hsa-miR-335-3p and hsa-miR-335-5p as regulators of cardiac differentiation. Then, RT-qPCR, dual luciferase, TOP/FOP flash, and western blot analyses were done to confirm the hypothesis. Results Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were differentiated into beating cardiomyocytes, and these miRNAs showed significant expression during the differentiation process. Gain and loss of function of miR-335-3p and miR-335-5p resulted in BRACHYURY, GATA4, and NKX2-5 (cardiac differentiation markers) expression alteration during the course of hESC cardiac differentiation. The overexpression of miR-335-3p and miR-335-5p also led to upregulation of CNX43 and TNNT2 expression, respectively. Our results suggest that this might be mediated through enhancement of WNT and TGFβ signaling pathways. Conclusion Overall, we show that miR-335-3p/5p upregulates cardiac mesoderm (BRACHYURY) and cardiac progenitor cell (GATA4 and NKX2-5) markers, which are potentially mediated through activation of WNT and TGFβ signaling pathways. Our findings suggest miR-335-3p/5p to be considered as a regulator of the cardiac differentiation process. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-019-1249-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Kay
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Mohammad Soltani
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, 14115-111, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Fahimeh Hosseini Aghdaei
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Ansari
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Baharvand
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Developmental Biology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran. .,Royan Institute, P.O. Box: 16635-148, Banihashem Sq., Banihashem St., Ressalat Highway, Tehran, 1665659911, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Transfection of T-Box Transcription Factor BRACHYURY and SOX2 Synergistically Promote Self-Renewal and Invasive Phenotype in Oral Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113620. [PMID: 30453543 PMCID: PMC6275038 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113620] [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] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) correlates with cancer metastasis. In addition, there is growing evidence of the association of EMT with cancer stem cells (CSCs). Recently, we showed that the T-box transcription factor BRACHYURY could be a strong regulator of EMT and the CSC phenotype, which were effectively suppressed by a BRACHYURY knockdown in an adenoid cystic carcinoma cell line. In this study, we further tested whether BRACHYURY is a regulator of cancer stemness by means of forced expression of BRACHYURY in oral cancer cell lines. BRACHYURY, SOX2, or both were stably transfected into oral carcinoma cell lines. We analysed these transfectants with respect to self-renewal phenotypes using a sphere-formation assay, and we assessed the expression levels of EMT markers and stem cell markers using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Cell migration and invasiveness in vitro were evaluated using a wound healing assay and a tumour cell dissemination assay, respectively. Forced expression of BRACHYURY or SOX2 slightly increased expression of EMT and stem cell markers and the self-renewal phenotype. The expression levels, however, were much lower compared to those of cancer stem cell-like cells. Forced co-expression of BRACHYURY and SOX2 strongly upregulated EMT and stem cell markers and the self-renewal phenotype. Cell migration and invasiveness in vitro were also remarkably enhanced. These synergistic effects increased expression levels of FIBRONECTIN, SNAIL, SLUG, ZEB1, and TGF-β2. In particular, the effects on FIBRONECTIN and TGF-β2 were significant. We found that BRACHYURY and SOX2 synergistically promote cancer stemness in oral cancer cells. This finding points to the importance of gene or protein networks associated with BRACHYURY and SOX2 in the development and maintenance of the CSC phenotype.
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhong H, Daoud A, Han J, An X, Qiao C, Duan L, Wang Y, Chen Z, Zhou J, Shang J. A Small β-Carboline Derivative "B-9-3" Modulates TGF-β Signaling Pathway Causing Tumor Regression in Vivo. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:788. [PMID: 30079021 PMCID: PMC6063040 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial in order to overcome the anti-cancer therapy resistance. In this study, we report the antitumor activity of a newly synthesized β-carboline derivative “B-9-3.” Here, this small molecule showed a promising antitumor activity in vivo along with an enhanced immune response as reflected by a reduction of regulatory T cells and increased CD4+/CD8+ T cells. Further, B-9-3 decreased the number of myofibroblasts not only in the tumor but also in the lung suggesting an anti-metastatic action. The reduction of myofibroblasts was associated with lower expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers and a decrease of phosphorylated SMAD2/3 complex indicating the implication of TGF-β signaling pathway in B-9-3’s effect. The blockade of myofibroblasts induction by B-9-3 was also verified in vitro in human fibroblasts treated with TGF-β. To elucidate the mechanism of B-9-3’s action on TGF-β pathway, first, we investigated the molecular interaction between B-9-3 and TGF-β receptors using docking method. Data showed a weak interaction of B-9-3 with the ATP-binding pocket of TGFβRI but a strong one with a ternary complex formed of extracellular domains of TGFβRI, TGFβRII, and TGF-β. In addition, the role of TGFβRI and TGFβRII in B-9-3’s activity was explored in vitro. B-9-3 did not decrease any of the two receptors’ protein level and only reduced phosphorylated SMAD2/3 suggesting that its effect was more probably due to its interaction with the ternary complex rather than decreasing the expression of TGF-β receptors or interfering with their ATP-binding domains. B-9-3 is a small active molecule which acts on the TGF-β signaling pathway and improves the TME to inhibit the proliferation and the metastasis of the tumor with the potential for clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Abdelkader Daoud
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jichun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaohong An
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Caili Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lanlan Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yichuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenfeng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Medicinal Resources, School of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Guangxi Normal University, Guilin, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Shah SR, David JM, Tippens ND, Mohyeldin A, Martinez-Gutierrez JC, Ganaha S, Schiapparelli P, Hamilton DH, Palena C, Levchenko A, Quiñones-Hinojosa A. Brachyury-YAP Regulatory Axis Drives Stemness and Growth in Cancer. Cell Rep 2018; 21:495-507. [PMID: 29020634 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.09.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular factors that define stem cell identity have recently emerged as oncogenic drivers. For instance, brachyury, a key developmental transcriptional factor, is also implicated in carcinogenesis, most notably of chordoma, through mechanisms that remain elusive. Here, we show that brachyury is a crucial regulator of stemness in chordoma and in more common aggressive cancers. Furthermore, this effect of brachyury is mediated by control of synthesis and stability of Yes-associated protein (YAP), a key regulator of tissue growth and homeostasis, providing an unexpected mechanism of control of YAP expression. We further demonstrate that the brachyury-YAP regulatory pathway is associated with tumor aggressiveness. These results elucidate a mechanism of controlling both tumor stemness and aggressiveness through regulatory coupling of two developmental factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sagar R Shah
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, The Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Justin M David
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nathaniel D Tippens
- Department of Biological Statistics and Computational Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Ahmed Mohyeldin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Sara Ganaha
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, The Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Duane H Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andre Levchenko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zeng Y, Yao X, Chen L, Yan Z, Liu J, Zhang Y, Feng T, Wu J, Liu X. Sphingosine-1-phosphate induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocellular carcinoma via an MMP-7/ syndecan-1/TGF-β autocrine loop. Oncotarget 2018; 7:63324-63337. [PMID: 27556509 PMCID: PMC5325366 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, its underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the correlation between S1P and syndecan-1 in HCC, the molecular mechanism involved, as well as their roles in EMT of HCC. Results revealed a high serum S1P level presents in patients with HCC, which positively correlated with the serum syndecan-1 level. A significant inverse correlation existed between S1P1 and syndecan-1 in HCC tissues. S1P elicits activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways via S1P1, which triggers HPSE, leading to increases in expression and activity of MMP-7 and leading to shedding and suppression of syndecan-1. The loss of syndecan-1 causes an increase in TGF-β1 production. The limited chronic increase in TGF-β1 can convert HCC cells into a mesenchymal phenotype via establishing an MMP-7/Syndecan-1/TGF-β autocrine loop. Finally, TGF-β1 and syndecan-1 are essential for S1P-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Taken together, our study demonstrates that S1P induces advanced tumor phenotypes of HCC via establishing an MMP-7/syndecan-1/TGF-β1 autocrine loop, and implicates targetable S1P1-PI3K/AKT-HPSE-MMP-7 signaling axe in HCC metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zeng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinghong Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Department of Radiation Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiping Yan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingxia Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tang Feng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiang Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoheng Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Lee KH, Kim EY, Yun JS, Park YL, Do SI, Chae SW, Park CH. Prognostic significance of expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition driver brachyury in breast cancer and its association with subtype and characteristics. Oncol Lett 2017; 15:1037-1045. [PMID: 29399164 PMCID: PMC5772917 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.7402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Brachyury is a T-box transcription factor characterized as a driver of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal process, which is associated with poor prognosis of patients with breast cancer. The present study investigated expression of brachyury in breast cancer including primary tumor, metastatic and recurred tumor tissues, and the clinical significance and value of brachyury as a prognostic biomarker. This retrospective study included a series of 102 consecutive patients surgically resected between January 2005 and December 2011. Brachyury expression in tumor cell was evaluated using immunohistochemistry and scored as the immunoactivity. Of 102 patients, 62 primary tumors were positive for brachyury expression and 40 were negative. Multivariate analysis of disease-free survival (DFS) revealed brachyury expression, HER2 and lymphovascular invasion as independent prognostic factors [brachyury negative vs. positive hazard ratio (HR), 3.0; P=0.024; HER2 negative vs. positive HR, 4.9; P=0.003; lymphovascular invasion absent vs. present HR, 3.5; P=0.020]. These results were particularly observed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), no recurrence or mortality occurred in brachyury negative group during the follow-up period, and therefore a significantly improved prognosis was demonstrated in these patients compared with the brachyury positive group [overall survival (OS), P=0.022; DFS, P=0.002]. Brachyury expression in metastatic lymph node/recurred tumors was not significantly associated with prognosis (OS, P=0.745; DFS, P=0.189). Therefore, Brachyury expression in primary tumor independently is a potential predictor of poor prognosis, particularly in TNBC, where it appears to serve a crucial function in recurrence and mortality. Brachyury vaccines under clinical trials are likely to be useful in patients with breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kwan Ho Lee
- Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Young Kim
- Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Sup Yun
- Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Lai Park
- Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Im Do
- Department of Pathology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoung Wan Chae
- Department of Pathology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Heun Park
- Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Targeting epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer: clinical and preclinical advances in therapy and monitoring. Biochem J 2017; 474:3269-3306. [PMID: 28931648 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), which describes the dynamic flux within the spectrum of phenotypic states that invasive carcinoma cells may reside, is being increasingly recognised for its role in cancer progression and therapy resistance. The myriad of events that are able to induce EMP, as well as the more recently characterised control loops, results in dynamic transitions of cancerous epithelial cells to more mesenchymal-like phenotypes through an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as the reverse transition from mesenchymal phenotypes to an epithelial one. The significance of EMP, in its ability to drive local invasion, generate cancer stem cells and facilitate metastasis by the dissemination of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), highlights its importance as a targetable programme to combat cancer morbidity and mortality. The focus of this review is to consolidate the existing knowledge on the strategies currently in development to combat cancer progression via inhibition of specific facets of EMP. The prevalence of relapse due to therapy resistance and metastatic propensity that EMP endows should be considered when designing therapy regimes, and such therapies should synergise with existing chemotherapeutics to benefit efficacy. To further improve upon EMP-targeted therapies, it is imperative to devise monitoring strategies to assess the impact of such treatments on EMP-related phenomenon such as CTC burden, chemosensitivity/-resistance and micrometastasis in patients.
Collapse
|
29
|
Heery CR, Palena C, McMahon S, Donahue RN, Lepone LM, Grenga I, Dirmeier U, Cordes L, Marté J, Dahut W, Singh H, Madan RA, Fernando RI, Hamilton DH, Schlom J, Gulley JL. Phase I Study of a Poxviral TRICOM-Based Vaccine Directed Against the Transcription Factor Brachyury. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:6833-6845. [PMID: 28855356 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-1087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: The transcription factor brachyury has been shown in preclinical studies to be a driver of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and resistance to therapy of human tumor cells. This study describes the characterization of a Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector-based vaccine expressing the transgenes for brachyury and three human costimulatory molecules (B7.1, ICAM-1, and LFA-3, designated TRICOM) and a phase I study with this vaccine.Experimental Design: Human dendritic cells (DC) were infected with MVA-brachyury-TRICOM to define their ability to activate brachyury-specific T cells. A dose-escalation phase I study (NCT02179515) was conducted in advanced cancer patients (n = 38) to define safety and to identify brachyury-specific T-cell responses.Results: MVA-brachyury-TRICOM-infected human DCs activated CD8+ and CD4+ T cells specific against the self-antigen brachyury in vitro No dose-limiting toxicities were observed due to vaccine in cancer patients at any of the three dose levels. One transient grade 3 adverse event (AE) possibly related to vaccine (diarrhea) resolved without intervention and did not recur with subsequent vaccine. All other AEs related to vaccine were transient and ≤grade 2. Brachyury-specific T-cell responses were observed at all dose levels and in most patients.Conclusions: The MVA-brachyury-TRICOM vaccine directed against a transcription factor known to mediate EMT can be administered safely in patients with advanced cancer and can activate brachyury-specific T cells in vitro and in patients. Further studies of this vaccine in combination therapies are warranted and planned. Clin Cancer Res; 23(22); 6833-45. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R Heery
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sheri McMahon
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Renee N Donahue
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lauren M Lepone
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Italia Grenga
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | | | - Lisa Cordes
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jenn Marté
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - William Dahut
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Harpreet Singh
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ravi A Madan
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Romaine I Fernando
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Duane H Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - James L Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and MicroRNAs in Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9080101. [PMID: 28771186 PMCID: PMC5575604 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9080101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major advances, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains the major cause of cancer-related death in developed countries. Metastasis and drug resistance are the main factors contributing to relapse and death. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex molecular and cellular process involved in tissue remodelling that was extensively studied as an actor of tumour progression, metastasis and drug resistance in many cancer types and in lung cancers. Here we described with an emphasis on NSCLC how the changes in signalling pathways, transcription factors expression or microRNAs that occur in cancer promote EMT. Understanding the biology of EMT will help to define reversing process and treatment strategies. We will see that this complex mechanism is related to inflammation, cell mobility and stem cell features and that it is a dynamic process. The existence of intermediate phenotypes and tumour heterogeneity may be debated in the literature concerning EMT markers, EMT signatures and clinical consequences in NSCLC. However, given the role of EMT in metastasis and in drug resistance the development of EMT inhibitors is an interesting approach to counteract tumour progression and drug resistance. This review describes EMT involvement in cancer with an emphasis on NSCLC and microRNA regulation.
Collapse
|
31
|
David JM, Dominguez C, McCampbell KK, Gulley JL, Schlom J, Palena C. A novel bifunctional anti-PD-L1/TGF-β Trap fusion protein (M7824) efficiently reverts mesenchymalization of human lung cancer cells. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1349589. [PMID: 29123964 PMCID: PMC5665067 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1349589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymalization is a cellular and molecular program in which epithelial cells progressively lose their well-differentiated phenotype and adopt mesenchymal characteristics. Tumor mesenchymalization occurs during the progression of cancer to metastatic disease, and is also associated with resistance to multiple therapeutics, including killing by cytotoxic immune cells. Furthermore, tumor cells can evade immune destruction by upregulating the checkpoint molecule PD-L1, and emerging research has found higher PD-L1 expression in mesenchymalized tumors. Here, the association between TGF-β1-mediated mesenchymalization and PD-L1 was investigated in non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLC). TGF-β1 was found to upregulate PD-L1 gene transcription in a Smad2-dependent manner, and a positive association between PD-L1 and phosphorylated Smad2 was found in NSCLC tumors. The potential to target these 2 negative immune regulators with a single agent was investigated using M7824, a novel clinical-stage bifunctional agent that targets both PD-L1 and TGF-β. Treatment of NSCLC cells with M7824 in vitro and in vivo attenuated features of TGF-β1-mediated mesenchymalization, including mesenchymal marker expression, proliferation suppression, and chemoresistance. These findings demonstrate that upregulation of tumor cell PD-L1 is a novel mechanism of TGF-β1-induced immunosuppression in NSCLC, and that treatment with M7824 has the potential to simultaneously block both tumor mesenchymalization and PD-L1-dependent immunosuppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin M. David
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Charli Dominguez
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kristen K. McCampbell
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James L. Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Grelet S, McShane A, Geslain R, Howe PH. Pleiotropic Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in TGF-β-Mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Their Functions in Tumor Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9070075. [PMID: 28671581 PMCID: PMC5532611 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9070075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a spatially- and temporally-regulated process involved in physiological and pathological transformations, such as embryonic development and tumor progression. While the role of TGF-β as an EMT-inducer has been extensively documented, the molecular mechanisms regulating this transition and their implications in tumor metastasis are still subjects of intensive debates and investigations. TGF-β regulates EMT through both transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms, and recent advances underline the critical roles of non-coding RNAs in these processes. Although microRNAs and lncRNAs have been clearly identified as effectors of TGF-β-mediated EMT, the contributions of other atypical non-coding RNA species, such as piRNAs, snRNAs, snoRNAs, circRNAs, and even housekeeping tRNAs, have only been suggested and remain largely elusive. This review discusses the current literature including the most recent reports emphasizing the regulatory functions of non-coding RNA in TGF-β-mediated EMT, provides original experimental evidence, and advocates in general for a broader approach in the quest of new regulatory RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Grelet
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, MUSC, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Ariel McShane
- Laboratory of tRNA Biology, Department of Biology, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA.
| | - Renaud Geslain
- Laboratory of tRNA Biology, Department of Biology, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, USA.
| | - Philip H Howe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, MUSC, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hamilton DH, David JM, Dominguez C, Palena C. Development of Cancer Vaccines Targeting Brachyury, a Transcription Factor Associated with Tumor Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Cells Tissues Organs 2017; 203:128-138. [PMID: 28214895 DOI: 10.1159/000446495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is recognized as a relevant process during the progression of carcinomas towards metastatic disease. Epithelial cancer cells undergoing an EMT program may acquire mesenchymal features, motility, invasiveness, and resistance to a variety of anticancer therapeutics. Preventing or reverting the EMT process in carcinomas has the potential to minimize tumor dissemination and the emergence of therapeutic resistance. One of the strategies currently under investigation to target tumor cells undergoing EMT is the generation of a sustained immune response directed against an essential molecular driver of the process. This review focuses on the current development of immune-mediated anticancer interventions aimed at targeting a transcription factor, brachyury, associated with human tumor EMT. Also presented here is a summary of recent studies demonstrating a role for EMT in tumor resistance to immune effector cytotoxicity, and the study of novel strategies aimed at reverting the EMT to be used in combination with immune-mediated anticancer interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duane H Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
David JM, Dominguez C, Palena C. Pharmacological and immunological targeting of tumor mesenchymalization. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 170:212-225. [PMID: 27916651 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Controlling the spread of carcinoma cells to distant organs is the foremost challenge in cancer treatment, as metastatic disease is generally resistant to therapy and is ultimately incurable for the majority of patients. The plasticity of tumor cell phenotype, in which the behaviors and functions of individual tumor cells differ markedly depending upon intrinsic and extrinsic factors, is now known to be a central mechanism in cancer progression. Our expanding knowledge of epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypic states in tumor cells, and the dynamic nature of the transitions between these phenotypes has created new opportunities to intervene to better control the behavior of tumor cells. There are now a variety of innovative pharmacological approaches to preferentially target tumor cells that have acquired mesenchymal features, including cytotoxic agents that directly kill these cells, and inhibitors that block or revert the process of mesenchymalization. Furthermore, novel immunological strategies have been developed to engage the immune system in seeking out and destroying mesenchymalized tumor cells. This review highlights the relevance of phenotypic plasticity in tumor biology, and discusses recently developed pharmacological and immunological means of targeting this phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin M David
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Charli Dominguez
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hamilton DH, Roselli M, Ferroni P, Costarelli L, Cavaliere F, Taffuri M, Palena C, Guadagni F. Brachyury, a vaccine target, is overexpressed in triple-negative breast cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2016; 23:783-796. [PMID: 27580659 PMCID: PMC5010091 DOI: 10.1530/erc-16-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have a high rate of tumor metastasis and a poor prognosis. The treatment option for these patients is currently chemotherapy, which results in very low response rates. Strategies that exploit the immune system for the treatment of cancer have now shown the ability to improve survival in several tumor types. Identifying potential targets for immune therapeutic interventions is an important step in developing novel treatments for TNBC. In this study, in silico analysis of publicly available datasets and immunohistochemical analysis of primary and metastatic tumor biopsies from TNBC patients were conducted to evaluate the expression of the transcription factor brachyury, which is a driver of tumor metastasis and resistance and a target for cancer vaccine approaches. Analysis of breast cancer datasets demonstrated a predominant expression of brachyury mRNA in TNBC and in basal vs luminal or HER2 molecular breast cancer subtypes. At the protein level, variable levels of brachyury expression were detected both in primary and metastatic TNBC lesions. A strong association was observed between nuclear brachyury protein expression and the stage of disease, with nuclear brachyury being more predominant in metastatic vs primary tumors. Survival analysis also demonstrated an association between high levels of brachyury in the primary tumor and poor prognosis. Two brachyury-targeting cancer vaccines are currently undergoing clinical evaluation; the data presented here provide rationale for using brachyury-targeting immunotherapy approaches for the treatment of TNBC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duane H. Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Mario Roselli
- Department of Systems Medicine, Medical Oncology, Tor Vergata Clinical Center, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
- Corresponding Author: Claudia Palena, Ph.D., Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892. Telephone: (301) 496-1528; fax: (301) 496-2756;
| | - Fiorella Guadagni
- San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy
- Interinstitutional Multidisciplinary Biobank (BioBIM), IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Yoshida GJ. Emerging role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatic cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2016; 35:141. [PMID: 27619936 PMCID: PMC5020508 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0419-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence suggests that the phenomenon of epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) plays a fundamental role in the tumor development. Several research articles have been published from Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research (JECCR) which have investigated into the molecular machineries underlying the importance of EMT for hepatic cancer. Given those recent publications by JECCR, this commentary focuses on the pathological significance of EMT for liver tumor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Go J Yoshida
- Department of Pathological Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan. .,Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 5-3-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0083, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Shimamatsu S, Okamoto T, Haro A, Kitahara H, Kohno M, Morodomi Y, Tagawa T, Okano S, Oda Y, Maehara Y. Prognostic Significance of Expression of the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Factor Brachyury in Intrathoracic Lymphatic Spread of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2016; 23:1012-1020. [PMID: 27600618 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-016-5530-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brachyury is a transcriptional regulator that plays important roles in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) during development and has been reported to be essential for mesoderm formation in the early human embryo. We investigated Brachyury protein expression in hilar and mediastinal metastatic lymph nodes of non-small cell lung cancer patients and the prognostic significance of Brachyury expression at metastatic sites. METHODS Expression of Brachyury in 115 surgically resected primary lung cancer and corresponding metastatic lymph node samples was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. The relationships between Brachyury protein expression and the patient's clinicopathological factors and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS Brachyury expression in metastatic lymph nodes was significantly higher than that in the primary tumor (p = 0.012). Patients with high Brachyury expression in the metastatic lymph nodes had significantly poor prognoses (p = 0.0236) compared with patients with low expression. In addition, patients with larger differences in Brachyury expression between metastatic lymph nodes and the primary tumor had significantly poorer prognoses compared with patients with smaller differences (p = 0.0146). The Brachyury protein expression level in metastatic lymph nodes was significantly associated with the protein expression levels of other EMT-related factors (E-cadherin [inverse association], p = 0.0265; Slug, p = 0.029; and interleukin-8, p = 0.0135). CONCLUSIONS High expression of Brachyury protein in metastatic carcinoma cells in the intrathoracic lymph nodes was associated with poor prognosis of lung cancer patients. Increased Brachyury expression during the metastatic process may confer further potential for invasion and metastasis of cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Shimamatsu
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Okamoto
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Akira Haro
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kitahara
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mikihiro Kohno
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yosuke Morodomi
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tetsuzo Tagawa
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shinji Okano
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Pathological Sciences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Maehara
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gabitzsch ES, Tsang KY, Palena C, David JM, Fantini M, Kwilas A, Rice AE, Latchman Y, Hodge JW, Gulley JL, Madan RA, Heery CR, Balint JP, Jones FR, Schlom J. The generation and analyses of a novel combination of recombinant adenovirus vaccines targeting three tumor antigens as an immunotherapeutic. Oncotarget 2016; 6:31344-59. [PMID: 26374823 PMCID: PMC4741610 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity of human carcinoma lesions, including heterogeneity in expression of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), is a well-established phenomenon. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), MUC1, and brachyury are diverse TAAs, each of which is expressed on a wide range of human tumors. We have previously reported on a novel adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) vector gene delivery platform (Ad5 [E1-, E2b-]) in which regions of the early 1 (E1), early 2 (E2b), and early 3 (E3) genes have been deleted. The unique deletions in this platform result in a dramatic decrease in late gene expression, leading to a marked reduction in host immune response to the vector. Ad5 [E1-, E2b-]-CEA vaccine (ETBX-011) has been employed in clinical studies as an active vaccine to induce immune responses to CEA in metastatic colorectal cancer patients. We report here the development of novel recombinant Ad5 [E1-, E2b-]-brachyury and-MUC1 vaccine constructs, each capable of activating antigen-specific human T cells in vitro and inducing antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vaccinated mice. We also describe the use of a combination of the three vaccines (designated Tri-Ad5) of Ad5 [E1-, E2b-]-CEA, Ad5 [E1-, E2b-]-brachyury and Ad5 [E1-, E2b-]-MUC1, and demonstrate that there is minimal to no “antigenic competition” in in vitro studies of human dendritic cells, or in murine vaccination studies. The studies reported herein support the rationale for the application of Tri-Ad5 as a therapeutic modality to induce immune responses to a diverse range of human TAAs for potential clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kwong Yok Tsang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Justin M David
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Massimo Fantini
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anna Kwilas
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - James L Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ravi A Madan
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christopher R Heery
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Yang G, Liang Y, Zheng T, Song R, Wang J, Shi H, Sun B, Xie C, Li Y, Han J, Pan S, Lan Y, Liu X, Zhu M, Wang Y, Liu L. FCN2 inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition-induced metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via TGF-β/Smad signaling. Cancer Lett 2016; 378:80-6. [PMID: 27177473 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently still a major cause of cancer-related deaths. Identifying early metastatic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC is of great importance. Emerging evidence suggest that epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) play important roles in tumor metastasis and recurrence. Understanding molecular mechanisms that regulate the EMT process is crucial for improving HCC. In this study, we find Ficolin-2 (FCN2) plays an essential role in metastasis and EMT of HCC. FCN2 expression is downregulated in HCC cells and tissues. Low level of FCN2 in HCCs is correlated with aggressive metastatic features, and would be a prognostic factor for overall disease-free survival of HCC patients. Ectopic expression of FCN2 markedly inhibits HCC cells migration, invasion as well as EMT in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, TGF-β is found contribute to the function of FCN2 in suppressing metastasis and EMT of HCC. Collectively, our data suggest that FCN2 may have prognostic value in HCC metastasis. Additionally, the FCN2/ TGF-β/EMT axis identified in this study provides novel insight into the mechanisms of HCC metastasis, which may facilitate the development of new therapeutics against HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangchao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Yingjian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Tongsen Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Ruipeng Song
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Jiabei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Huawen Shi
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Boshi Sun
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Changming Xie
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Yuejin Li
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Jihua Han
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Shangha Pan
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Yaliang Lan
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Xirui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Mingxi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China
| | - Lianxin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
David JM, Dominguez C, Hamilton DH, Palena C. The IL-8/IL-8R Axis: A Double Agent in Tumor Immune Resistance. Vaccines (Basel) 2016; 4:vaccines4030022. [PMID: 27348007 PMCID: PMC5041016 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines4030022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 234] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-8 (IL-8, CXCL8) is a pro-inflammatory chemokine produced by various cell types to recruit leukocytes to sites of infection or tissue injury. Acquisition of IL-8 and/or its receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 are known to be a relatively common occurrence during tumor progression. Emerging research now indicates that paracrine signaling by tumor-derived IL-8 promotes the trafficking of neutrophils and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) into the tumor microenvironment, which have the ability to dampen anti-tumor immune responses. Furthermore, recent studies have also shown that IL-8 produced by the tumor mass can induce tumor cells to undergo the transdifferentiation process epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in which tumor cells shed their epithelial characteristics and acquire mesenchymal characteristics. EMT can increase metastatic dissemination, stemness, and intrinsic resistance, including to killing by cytotoxic immune cells. This review highlights the dual potential roles that the inflammatory cytokine IL-8 plays in promoting tumor resistance by enhancing the immunosuppressive microenvironment and activating EMT, and then discusses the potential for targeting the IL-8/IL-8 receptor axis to combat these various resistance mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin M David
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Charli Dominguez
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Duane H Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Pinto F, Campanella NC, Abrahão-Machado LF, Scapulatempo-Neto C, de Oliveira AT, Brito MJ, Andrade RP, Guimarães DP, Reis RM. The embryonic Brachyury transcription factor is a novel biomarker of GIST aggressiveness and poor survival. Gastric Cancer 2016; 19:651-659. [PMID: 25995035 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-015-0505-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The T-box transcription factor Brachyury was recently reported to be upregulated and associated with prognosis in solid tumors. Here, we proposed to evaluate the potential use of Brachyury protein expression as a new prognostic biomarker in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). METHODS Brachyury protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 63 bona fide GIST patients. Brachyury expression profiles were correlated with patients' clinicopathological features and prognostic impact. Additionally, an in silico analysis was performed using the Oncomine database to assess Brachyury alterations at DNA and mRNA levels in GISTs. RESULTS We found that Brachyury was overexpressed in the majority (81.0 %) of primary GISTs. We observed Brachyury staining in the nucleus alone in 4.8 % of cases, 23.8 % depicted only cytoplasm staining, and 52.4 % of cases exhibited both nucleus and cytoplasm immunostaining. The presence of Brachyury was associated with aggressive GIST clinicopathological features. Particularly, Brachyury nuclear (with or without cytoplasm) staining was associated with the presence of metastasis, while cytoplasm sublocalization alone was correlated with poor patient survival. CONCLUSIONS Herein, we demonstrate that Brachyury is overexpressed in GISTs and is associated with worse outcome, constituting a novel prognostic biomarker and a putative target for GIST treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipe Pinto
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Nathalia C Campanella
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, Barretos, CEP 14784 400, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Cristovam Scapulatempo-Neto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, Barretos, CEP 14784 400, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antonio T de Oliveira
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, Barretos, CEP 14784 400, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Upper Digestive Surgery Department, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria J Brito
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Garcia de Orta, Almada, Portugal
| | - Raquel P Andrade
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Denise P Guimarães
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, Barretos, CEP 14784 400, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Endoscopy, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rui M Reis
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal.
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela, 1331, Barretos, CEP 14784 400, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Hamilton DH, Fernando RI, Schlom J, Palena C. Aberrant expression of the embryonic transcription factor brachyury in human tumors detected with a novel rabbit monoclonal antibody. Oncotarget 2016; 6:4853-62. [PMID: 25605015 PMCID: PMC4467120 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryonic transcription factor brachyury is overexpressed in a variety of human tumors, including lung, breast, colon and prostate carcinomas, chordomas and hemangioblastomas. In human carcinoma cells, overexpression of brachyury associates with the occurrence of the phenomenon of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), acquisition of metastatic propensity and resistance to a variety of anti-cancer therapeutics. Brachyury is preferentially expressed in human tumors vs. normal adult tissues, and high levels of this molecule associate with poor prognosis in patients with lung, colon and prostate carcinomas, and in breast cancer patients treated with adjuvant tamoxifen. Brachyury is immunogenic in humans and vaccines against this novel oncotarget are currently undergoing clinical investigation. While our group and others have employed various anti-brachyury antibodies to interrogate the above findings, we report here on the development and thorough characterization of a novel rabbit monoclonal antibody (MAb 54-1) that reacts with distinct high affinity and specificity with human brachyury. MAb 54-1 was successfully used in ELISA, western blot, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry assays to evaluate expression of brachyury in various human tumor cell lines and tissues. We propose the use of this antibody to assist in research studies of EMT and in prognostic studies for a range of human tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duane H Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Romaine I Fernando
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
David JM, Hamilton DH, Palena C. MUC1 upregulation promotes immune resistance in tumor cells undergoing brachyury-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1117738. [PMID: 27141403 PMCID: PMC4839328 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1117738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 10/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a molecular and cellular program in which epithelial cells lose their well-differentiated phenotype and adopt mesenchymal characteristics. This process, which occurs naturally during embryogenesis, has also been shown to be associated with cancer progression and with tumor recurrence following conventional therapies. Brachyury is a transcription factor that mediates EMT during development, and is aberrantly expressed in various human cancers where it promotes tumor cell EMT, metastatic dissemination, and resistance to conventional therapies. We have recently shown that very high expression of brachyury can protect tumor cells against immune cell-mediated cytotoxicity. In seeking to elucidate mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance, we have discovered a novel positive association between brachyury and mucin-1 (MUC1). MUC1 is overexpressed in the majority of carcinomas, and it has been shown to mediate oncogenic signaling and confer resistance to genotoxic agents. We found that MUC1 is concomitantly upregulated in tumor cell lines that highly express brachyury due to an enhancement of MUC1 mRNA stability. Analysis of patient lung tumor tissues also identified a positive association between these two proteins in the majority of samples. Inhibition of MUC1 by siRNA-based gene silencing markedly enhanced the susceptibility of brachyury-expressing cancer cells to killing by tumor necrosis-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and to perforin/granzyme-dependent lysis by immune cytotoxic cells. These studies confirm a protective role for MUC1 in brachyury-expressing cancer cells, and suggest that inhibition of MUC1 can restore the susceptibility of mesenchymal-like cancer cells to immune attack.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin M David
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Duane H Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health , Bethesda, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Liu Z, Dou C, Wang Y, Jia Y, Li Q, Zheng X, Yao Y, Liu Q, Song T. High‑mobility group box 1 has a prognostic role and contributes to epithelial mesenchymal transition in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:5997-6004. [PMID: 26252226 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
High‑mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a member of the high‑mobility group protein family, was originally characterized as a non‑histone, nuclear DNA‑binding protein. While the roles of HMGB1 in inflammation and cell differentiation have been previously reported, its role in tumor cell migration and invasion, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has remained elusive. The present study reported that the expression of HMGB1 in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in matched tumor‑adjacent tissues (P<0.05). HMGB1 was expressed at significantly elevated levels in tumors of patients with large tumor size, high histological grade and advanced tumor‑node‑metastasis stage (P<0.05). The positive expression of HMGB1 correlated with a poor three‑year overall and disease‑free survival of HCC patients (P<0.05). In addition, HMGB1 was an independent factor for predicting the three‑year overall and disease‑free survival of HCC patients (P<0.05). An in vitro experiment revealed that knockdown of HMGB1 inhibited cell migration and invasion in the HCC cell lines Huh7 and MHCC97H (P<0.05). Furthermore, western blot analysis showed that HMGB1 knockdown markedly inhibited epithelial mesenchymal transition in Huh7 and MHCC97H cells. These results suggested that HMGB1 may be utilized as an independent prognostic marker in HCC and may promote tumor progression by promoting cell migration and invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhikui Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Changwei Dou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yuli Jia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yingmin Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Palena C, Hamilton DH. Immune Targeting of Tumor Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via Brachyury-Based Vaccines. Adv Cancer Res 2015. [PMID: 26216630 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
As a manifestation of their inherent plasticity, carcinoma cells undergo profound phenotypic changes during progression toward metastasis. One such phenotypic modulation is the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an embryonically relevant process that can be reinstated by tumor cells, resulting in the acquisition of metastatic propensity, stem-like cell properties, and resistance to a variety of anticancer therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation, and some small-molecule targeted therapies. Targeting of the EMT is emerging as a novel intervention against tumor progression. This review focuses on the potential use of cancer vaccine strategies targeting tumor cells that exhibit mesenchymal-like features, with an emphasis on the current status of development of vaccine platforms directed against the T-box transcription factor brachyury, a novel cancer target involved in tumor EMT, stemness, and resistance to therapies. Also presented is a summary of potential mechanisms of resistance to immune-mediated attack driven by EMT and the development of novel combinatorial strategies based on the use of agents that alleviate tumor EMT for an optimized targeting of plastic tumor cells that are responsible for tumor recurrence and the establishment of therapeutic refractoriness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Palena
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| | - Duane H Hamilton
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Du R, Wu S, Lv X, Fang H, Wu S, Kang J. Overexpression of brachyury contributes to tumor metastasis by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2014; 33:105. [PMID: 25499255 PMCID: PMC4279691 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-014-0105-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Aims Brachyury overexpression has been reported in various human malignant neoplasms, but its expression and function in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and metastasis remains unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the critical role of Brachyury in HCC metastasis. Methods The expression of Brachyury in human HCC (SMMC7721, HepG2, FHCC98, and Hep3B) and control cell lines was analyzed using quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoflourence methods. Cancerous tissues collected from patients with HCC (n = 112) were analyzed using immunohistochemical method; a microarray analysis of HCC tissues was performed to explore the clinicopathological variables of HCC. The migratory and invasive capacities of Brachyury-SMMC7721 and Brachyury-HepG2 transfected cells were evaluated using in vitro scratch wound healing and Matrigel invasion assays, respectively. Further, six-week-old male BALB/c nude mice (n = 10) model was used in vivo assay. Results Elevated expression of Brachyury was detected in HCCs (62.5%) compared with that in adjacent nontumorous tissues. Clinicopathological analysis revealed a close correlation of Brachyury expression with distant metastasis and poor prognosis of HCC. Overexpression of Brachyury promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Brachyury overexpression enhanced Akt activation by inhibiting phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which led to subsequent stabilization of Snail, a critical EMT mediator. Conclusion The study findings suggest that elevated Brachyury facilitates HCC metastasis by promoting EMT via PTEN/Akt/Snail-dependent pathway. Brachyury plays a pivotal role in HCC metastasis and may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shanshan Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoning Lv
- Department of Aviation and Diving, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Henghu Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sudong Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jingbo Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Sun S, Sun W, Xia L, Liu L, Du R, He L, Li R, Wang H, Huang C. The T-box transcription factor Brachyury promotes renal interstitial fibrosis by repressing E-cadherin expression. Cell Commun Signal 2014; 12:76. [PMID: 25433496 PMCID: PMC4261244 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-014-0076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced by TGF-β1 is one of well-recognized factors contributing to renal fibrosis. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of EMT are not fully understood. Brachyury, an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor, was recently identified as an important factor promoting EMT in human carcinoma cell lines. There is no evidence that Brachyury is involved in renal tubular EMT. Results Our results demonstrated that Brachyury was prominently induced in TGF-β1-treated human proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells and that this induction was accompanied by changes characteristic of EMT. Blockage of Brachyury expression by short interfering RNA (siRNA) in HK-2 cells effectively reversed the TGF-β1-induced EMT phenotype. Brachyury induction repressed E-cadherin transcription; the E-cadherin promoter contains a Brachyury binding site, and decreased expression of E-cadherin occurred in Brachyury-overexpressing cells when they were transfected with reporter constructs using the promoter. This effect was partially mediated by Slug and Snail, as knockdown of Snail and Slug by siRNA effectively reversed Brachyury-mediated EMT and partially restored E–cadherin expression. The expression of Brachyury also presented in a rat model of obstructive nephropathy and in tubulointerstitial fibrosis tissues of IgA nephropathy, suggesting that it may have a role in EMT and renal fibrosis in vivo. Conclusion Our results demonstrate for the first time that Brachyury plays an important role in regulating TGF-β1–mediated renal EMT and could be an attractive target for progression of renal disease therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiren Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Wenjuan Sun
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Lin Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Limin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Rui Du
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China.
| | - Lijie He
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China.
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China.
| | - Hanmin Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China.
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 169 Chang le West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Song R, Song H, Liang Y, Yin D, Zhang H, Zheng T, Wang J, Lu Z, Song X, Pei T, Qin Y, Li Y, Xie C, Sun B, Shi H, Li S, Meng X, Yang G, Pan S, Zhu J, Qi S, Jiang H, Zhang Z, Liu L. Reciprocal activation between ATPase inhibitory factor 1 and NF-κB drives hepatocellular carcinoma angiogenesis and metastasis. Hepatology 2014; 60:1659-73. [PMID: 25042864 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly vascularized tumor with frequent extrahepatic metastasis. Active angiogenesis and metastasis are responsible for rapid recurrence and poor survival of HCC. However, the mechanisms that contribute to tumor metastasis remain unclear. Here we evaluate the effects of ATPase inhibitory factor 1 (IF1), an inhibitor of the mitochondrial H(+)-adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase, on HCC angiogenesis and metastasis. We found that increased expression of IF1 in human HCC predicts poor survival and disease recurrence after surgery. Patients with HCC who have large tumors, with vascular invasion and metastasis, expressed high levels of IF1. Invasive tumors overexpressing IF1 were featured by active epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and increased angiogenesis, whereas silencing IF1 expression attenuated EMT and invasion of HCC cells. Mechanistically, IF1 promoted Snai1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression by way of activating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, which depended on the binding of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1) to NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) and the disruption of NIK association with the TRAF2-cIAP2 complex. Suppression of the NF-κB pathway interfered with IF1-mediated EMT and invasion. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed that NF-κB can bind to the Snai1 promoter and trigger its transcription. IF1 was directly transcribed by NF-κB, thus forming a positive feedback signaling loop. There was a significant correlation between IF1 expression and pp65 levels in a cohort of HCC biopsies, and the combination of these two parameters was a more powerful predictor of poor prognosis. CONCLUSION IF1 promotes HCC angiogenesis and metastasis by up-regulation of Snai1 and VEGF transcription, thereby providing new insight into HCC progression and IF1 function. (Hepatology 2014;60:1659-1673).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruipeng Song
- Key Laboratory of Hepatosplenic Surgery, Ministry of Education, Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Wansleben S, Peres J, Hare S, Goding CR, Prince S. T-box transcription factors in cancer biology. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2014; 1846:380-91. [PMID: 25149433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved T-box family of transcription factors have critical and well-established roles in embryonic development. More recently, T-box factors have also gained increasing prominence in the field of cancer biology where a wide range of cancers exhibit deregulated expression of T-box factors that possess tumour suppressor and/or tumour promoter functions. Of these the best characterised is TBX2, whose expression is upregulated in cancers including breast, pancreatic, ovarian, liver, endometrial adenocarcinoma, glioblastomas, gastric, uterine cervical and melanoma. Understanding the role and regulation of TBX2, as well as other T-box factors, in contributing directly to tumour progression, and especially in suppression of senescence and control of invasiveness suggests that targeting TBX2 expression or function alone or in combination with currently available chemotherapeutic agents may represent a therapeutic strategy for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Wansleben
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jade Peres
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shannagh Hare
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Oxford University, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK
| | - Sharon Prince
- Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Immunological targeting of tumor cells undergoing an epithelial-mesenchymal transition via a recombinant brachyury-yeast vaccine. Oncotarget 2014; 4:1777-90. [PMID: 24125763 PMCID: PMC3858563 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The embryonic T-box transcription factor brachyury is aberrantly expressed in a range of human tumors. Previous studies have demonstrated that brachyury is a driver of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process associated with cancer progression. Brachyury expression in human tumor cells enhances tumor invasiveness in vitro and metastasis in vivo, and induces resistance to various conventional therapeutics including chemotherapy and radiation. These characteristics, and the selective expression of brachyury for a range of human tumor types vs. normal adult tissues, make brachyury an attractive tumor target. Due to its intracellular localization and the “undruggable” character of transcription factors, available options to target brachyury are currently limited. Here we report on the development and characterization of an immunological platform for the efficient targeting of brachyury-positive tumors consisting of a heat-killed, recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast)–brachyury vector-based vaccine (designated as GI-6301) that expresses the full-length human brachyury protein. We demonstrate that human dendritic cells treated with recombinant yeast-brachyury can activate and expand brachyury-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in vitro that, in turn, can effectively lyse human tumor cells expressing the brachyury protein. Vaccination of mice with recombinant yeast-brachyury is also shown here to elicit brachyury-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses, and to induce anti-tumor immunity in the absence of toxicity. Based on these results, a Phase I clinical trial of GI-6301 is currently ongoing in patients with advanced tumors; to our knowledge, this is the first vaccine platform aimed at targeting a driver of tumor EMT that has successfully reached the clinical stage.
Collapse
|