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Maxwell A, Swanson G, Thy Nguyen A, Hu A, Richards D, You Y, Stephan L, Manaloto M, Liao A, Ding J, Mor G. Hydroquinone impairs trophoblast migration and invasion via AHR-twist-IFITM1 axis. Placenta 2024; 155:88-99. [PMID: 39173312 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2024.07.315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Embryo implantation is a tightly regulated process, critical for a successful pregnancy. After attachment of the blastocyst to the surface epithelium of the endometrium trophoblast migrate from the trophectoderm and invade into the stromal component of endometrium. Alterations on either process will lead to implantation failure or miscarriage. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene induce pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and miscarriages. The mechanism of this effect is unknown. The objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of benzene metabolite, Hydroquinone, on trophoblast function. We tested the hypothesis that Hydroquinone activates the Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway modulating trophoblast migration and invasion. METHODS First-trimester trophoblast cells (Sw.71) were treated with hydroquinone (6 and 25 μM). Trophoblast migration and invasion was evaluated using a 3D invasion/migration model. Gene expression was quantified by q-PCR and Western blot analysis. RESULTS Hydroquinone impairs trophoblast migration and invasion. This loss is associated with the activation of the AhR pathway which reduced the expression of Twist1and IFITM1. IFITM1 overexpression can rescue impaired trophoblast migration. DISCUSSION Our study highlights that hydroquinone treatment induces the activation of the AhR pathway in trophoblast cells, which impairs trophoblast invasion and migration. We postulate that activation of the AhR pathway in trophoblast suppress Twist1 and a subsequent IFITM1. Thus, the AhR-Twist1-IFITM1 axis represent a critical pathway involved in the regulation of trophoblast migration and it is sensitive to benzene exposure. These findings provide crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying pregnancy complications induced by air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Maxwell
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Grace Swanson
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Annie Thy Nguyen
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Anna Hu
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Darby Richards
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yuan You
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Laura Stephan
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Marcia Manaloto
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, PR China
| | - Jiahui Ding
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Peng L, Yang R, Wang Z, Jian H, Tan X, Li J, He Z, Huang R, Zeng P, Gao W. Polyphyllin II (PPII) Enhances the Sensitivity of Multidrug-resistant A549/DDP Cells to Cisplatin by Modulating Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism. In Vivo 2024; 38:213-225. [PMID: 38148070 PMCID: PMC10756451 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Cisplatin resistance often leads to treatment futility and elevated mortality rates in patients with lung cancer. One promising strategy to address this challenge involves the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with chemotherapeutic drugs. Currently, the potential synergistic effect and underlying mechanism of polyphyllin II (PPII) and cisplatin combination in combating cisplatin (DDP) resistance in lung cancer remain unexplored. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we established a cisplatin resistance model using A549 cells and explored the underlying mechanisms of PPII in combination with cisplatin in A549/DDP resistant cells. Specifically, we assessed the impact of PPII combined with cisplatin on A549/DDP cell proliferation, viability, and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. To gain deeper insights into the underlying mechanism, we examined the effects of PPII and cisplatin on mitochondrial function in A549/DDP cells. RESULTS This combination induced cell cycle arrest at both the S phase and G2/M phase in A549/DDP cells, thereby promoting apoptosis. Western blotting confirmed that DDP acted synergistically with PPII to enhance the expression of apoptotic proteins, diminish the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins, and promote the expression of anti-proliferation proteins in the mitochondrial pathway of A549/DDP cells. CONCLUSION The combination of PPII and cisplatin effectively modulated the mitochondrial function, thereby reversing drug resistance in A549/DDP cells. This innovative combination therapy shows significant promise as a novel strategy for overcoming cisplatin resistance in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lian Peng
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Renyi Yang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Zhibing Wang
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- Key Laboratory of TCM Formula and Syndrome Transformation Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Huiying Jian
- Key Laboratory of TCM Formula and Syndrome Transformation Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoning Tan
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- Cancer Research Institute of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Jian Li
- Key Laboratory of TCM Formula and Syndrome Transformation Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
- Cancer Research Institute of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Zuomei He
- Cancer Research Institute of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Rui Huang
- Cancer Research Institute of Hunan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Puhua Zeng
- Key Laboratory of TCM Formula and Syndrome Transformation Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China;
| | - Wenhui Gao
- Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China;
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3
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Schuhwerk H, Brabletz T. Mutual regulation of TGFβ-induced oncogenic EMT, cell cycle progression and the DDR. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:86-103. [PMID: 38029866 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
TGFβ signaling and the DNA damage response (DDR) are two cellular toolboxes with a strong impact on cancer biology. While TGFβ as a pleiotropic cytokine affects essentially all hallmarks of cancer, the multifunctional DDR mostly orchestrates cell cycle progression, DNA repair, chromatin remodeling and cell death. One oncogenic effect of TGFβ is the partial activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), conferring invasiveness, cellular plasticity and resistance to various noxae. Several reports show that both individual networks as well as their interface affect chemo-/radiotherapies. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly resolved. EMT often correlates with TGFβ-induced slowing of proliferation, yet numerous studies demonstrate that particularly the co-activated EMT transcription factors counteract anti-proliferative signaling in a partially non-redundant manner. Collectively, evidence piled up over decades underscore a multifaceted, reciprocal inter-connection of TGFβ signaling / EMT with the DDR / cell cycle progression, which we will discuss here. Altogether, we conclude that full cell cycle arrest is barely compatible with the propagation of oncogenic EMT traits and further propose that 'EMT-linked DDR plasticity' is a crucial, yet intricate facet of malignancy, decisively affecting metastasis formation and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Schuhwerk
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany; Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
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4
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Escarcega RD, Patil AA, Moruno-Manchon JF, Urayama A, Marrelli SP, Kim N, Monchaud D, McCullough LD, Tsvetkov AS. Pirh2-dependent DNA damage in neurons induced by the G-quadruplex ligand pyridostatin. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105157. [PMID: 37579947 PMCID: PMC10534229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Noncanonical base pairing between four guanines (G) within single-stranded G-rich sequences leads to formation of а G-quartet. Self-stacking of G-quartets results in a columnar four-stranded DNA structure known as the G-quadruplex (G4 or G4-DNA). In cancer cells, G4-DNA regulates multiple DNA-dependent processes, including transcription, replication, and telomere function. How G4s function in neurons is poorly understood. Here, we performed a genome-wide gene expression analysis (RNA-Seq) to identify genes modulated by a G4-DNA ligand, pyridostatin (PDS), in primary cultured neurons. PDS promotes stabilization of G4 structures, thus allowing us to define genes directly or indirectly responsive to G4 regulation. We found that 901 genes were differentially expressed in neurons treated with PDS out of a total of 18,745 genes with measured expression. Of these, 505 genes were downregulated and 396 genes were upregulated and included gene networks regulating p53 signaling, the immune response, learning and memory, and cellular senescence. Within the p53 network, the E3 ubiquitin ligase Pirh2 (Rchy1), a modulator of DNA damage responses, was upregulated by PDS. Ectopically overexpressing Pirh2 promoted the formation of DNA double-strand breaks, suggesting a new DNA damage mechanism in neurons that is regulated by G4 stabilization. Pirh2 downregulated DDX21, an RNA helicase that unfolds G4-RNA and R-loops. Finally, we demonstrated that Pirh2 increased G4-DNA levels in the neuronal nucleolus. Our data reveal the genes that are responsive to PDS treatment and suggest similar transcriptional regulation by endogenous G4-DNA ligands. They also connect G4-dependent regulation of transcription and DNA damage mechanisms in neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocio Diaz Escarcega
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Abhijeet A Patil
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jose F Moruno-Manchon
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Akihiko Urayama
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sean P Marrelli
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nayun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David Monchaud
- Institut de Chimie Moléculaire (ICMUB), UBFC Dijon, CNRS UMR6302, Dijon, France
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrey S Tsvetkov
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, Texas, USA; UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA.
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5
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Diao B, Sun C, Yu P, Zhao Z, Yang P. LAMA5 promotes cell proliferation and migration in ovarian cancer by activating Notch signaling pathway. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23109. [PMID: 37527216 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300306r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
LAMA5 (laminin α5) is a member of the laminin family. Despite the recent research implicating LAMA5 in cancer, the function of LAMA5 has remained uncertain in the progression of ovarian cancer (OC). Here, we investigated the functional influences of LAMA5 knockdown on OC in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis to detect the relative expression of LAMA5 in OC and non-cancer tissues, and we analyzed its connection with the overall survival (OS) of OC patients. To prove the role of LAMA5 in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, LAMA5 expression in OC cell lines was inhibited by lentivirus. Compared with normal fallopian tube tissue, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) tissue showed critically higher LAMA5 expression levels; additionally, high LAMA5 levels were a poor predictor of OS. We found that cell progression was restrained in LAMA5-knockdown OC cell lines in vivo and in vitro. Finally, LAMA5 might be a commanding inducer of the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Notch signaling pathway-related markers. Together, our research indicates that LAMA5 is highly connected to OC progression as it may play a role in the EMT process through the Notch signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Diao
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Chongfeng Sun
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Panpan Yu
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Zouyu Zhao
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
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Roberts CM, Rojas-Alexandre M, Hanna RE, Lin ZP, Ratner ES. Transforming Growth Factor Beta and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Alter Homologous Recombination Repair Gene Expression and Sensitize BRCA Wild-Type Ovarian Cancer Cells to Olaparib. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3919. [PMID: 37568736 PMCID: PMC10417836 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, largely due to metastasis and drug resistant recurrences. Fifteen percent of ovarian tumors carry mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, rendering them vulnerable to treatment with PARP inhibitors such as olaparib. Recent studies have shown that TGFβ can induce "BRCAness" in BRCA wild-type cancer cells. Given that TGFβ is a known driver of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the connection between EMT and metastatic spread in EOC and other cancers, we asked if TGFβ and EMT alter the susceptibility of EOC to PARP inhibition. Epithelial EOC cells were transiently treated with soluble TGFβ, and their clonogenic potential, expression, and function of EMT and DNA repair genes, and response to PARP inhibitors compared with untreated controls. A second epithelial cell line was compared to its mesenchymal derivative for EMT and DNA repair gene expression and drug responses. We found that TGFβ and EMT resulted in the downregulation of genes responsible for homologous recombination (HR) and sensitized cells to olaparib. HR efficiency was reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, mesenchymal cells displayed sensitivity to olaparib, cisplatin, and the DNA-PK inhibitor Nu-7441. Therefore, the treatment of disseminated, mesenchymal tumors may represent an opportunity to expand the clinical utility of PARP inhibitors and similar agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai M. Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology, Midwestern University, 555 31st St., Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA
| | - Mehida Rojas-Alexandre
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 15 York St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Ruth E. Hanna
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 15 York St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Z. Ping Lin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 15 York St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Elena S. Ratner
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, 15 York St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
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Chen J, Wu Z, Deng W, Tang M, Wu L, Lin N, Chen L, Fu Y, Zhao M, Chen C, Li W. USP51 promotes non-small cell lung carcinoma cell stemness by deubiquitinating TWIST1. J Transl Med 2023; 21:453. [PMID: 37422632 PMCID: PMC10329790 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04304-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND USP51 is a deubiquitinase (DUB), that is involved in diverse cellular processes. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that USP51 contributes to cancer development. However, its impact on non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell malignancy is largely unknown. METHODS In this study, we performed bioinformatics analysis on a dataset from The Cancer Genome Atlas to determine the association between USP51 and cell stemness marker expression in NSCLC patients. RT‒qPCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry were performed to examine the effects of USP51 depletion on stemness marker expression. Colony formation and tumor sphere formation assays were used to assess the stemness of NSCLC cells. A cycloheximide chase time-course assay and a polyubiquitination assay were carried out to analyze the effects of USP51 on the TWIST1 protein level. TWIST1 was overexpressed in USP51 knockdown NSCLC cells to determine whether TWIST1 is required. The effect of USP51 on the in vivo growth of NSCLC cells was tested through subcutaneous injections in mice. RESULTS We found that USP51 deubiquitinates TWIST1, which is significantly upregulated in the tissues of patients with NSCLC and is closely associated with poor prognosis. USP51 expression was positively correlated with the expression of stemness marker CD44, SOX2, NANOG, and OCT4 in NSCLC patients. USP51 depletion attenuated mRNA, protein, and cell surface expression of stemness markers and the stemness of NSCLC cells. Ectopic USP51 expression potentiated the stability of the TWIST1 protein by attenuating its polyubiquitination. In addition, TWIST1 re-expression in NSCLC cells reversed the inhibitory effect of USP51 knockdown on cell stemness. Furthermore, the in vivo results confirmed the suppressive effect of USP51 depletion on NSCLC cell growth. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that USP51 maintains the stemness of NSCLC cells by deubiquitinating TWIST1. Knocking it down reduces both cell stemness and growth of NSCLC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
| | - Zhongqiu Wu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Transplant Biology, 900th Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Ultrasound, 900th Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenyi Deng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Minying Tang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Transplant Biology, 900th Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lvying Wu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Na Lin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Transplant Biology, 900th Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Liuyan Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yunfeng Fu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Transplant Biology, 900th Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Changguo Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Wenting Li
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China.
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Anerillas C, Altés G, Gorospe M. MAPKs in the early steps of senescence implemEMTation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1083401. [PMID: 37009481 PMCID: PMC10060890 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1083401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence is accumulating that the earliest stages of the DNA damage response can direct cells toward senescence instead of other cell fates. In particular, tightly regulated signaling through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPKs) in early senescence can lead to a sustained pro-survival program and suppress a pro-apoptotic program. Importantly, an epithelial-to-mesenchymal Transition (EMT)-like program appears essential for preventing apoptosis and favoring senescence following DNA damage. In this review, we discuss how MAPKs might influence EMT features to promote a senescent phenotype that increases cell survival at the detriment of tissue function.
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Wang X, Zheng Y, Chai Z, Li J, Zhu C, Peng Y, Qiu J, Xu J, Liu C. Dihydroartemisinin synergistically enhances the cytotoxic effects of oxaliplatin in colon cancer by targeting the PHB2-RCHY1 mediated signaling pathway. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:293-302. [PMID: 36342357 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has recently attracted increasing attention for its low toxicity and high antitumor activity. DHA has been reported to have synergistic anticancer effects with a variety of drugs in the clinic; however, the molecular mechanism by which DHA inhibits tumorigenesis and improves oxaliplatin cytotoxicity in colon cancer cells is still not well understood. In this study, we found that DHA can inhibit cell proliferation and colony formation in a dose-dependent manner. Prohibitin 2 (PHB2) is a potential target by which DHA exerts its antitumor and cytotoxic effects. The function and molecular mechanism of PHB2 in colon cancer tumorigenesis were fully studied to determine the regulatory mechanism between DHA and PHB2. We found that PHB2, a mitochondrial inner membrane scaffold protein, has a higher expression level in colon cancer tissues than in adjacent nontumor tissues and is mainly localized in mitochondria. Overexpression of PHB2 can promote cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro and accelerate tumor growth in vivo. We also found that the expression level of PHB2 was inversely related to the cytotoxicity of DHA and oxaliplatin in colon cancer cells. The molecular mechanism of PHB2 in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy was further studied. The results showed that 20 μM DHA can downregulate PHB2 expression in a ubiquitylation-dependent manner and subsequently block PHB2-induced RCHY1 upregulation and p53 and p21 downregulation. In this process, RCHY1 is necessary for PHB2 to play a tumor-promoting role. Thus, PHB2 and RCHY1 are effective targets for colon cancer therapy, and DHA has synergistic anticancer effects with oxaliplatin via promoting PHB2 degradation in colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Zheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengbin Chai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shandong Public Health Clinical Center, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of AIDS Control and Prevention, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Jining, Jining, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Changhui Zhu
- School of Basic Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Yanling Peng
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Juanjuan Qiu
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiajun Xu
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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10
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Tedja R, Alvero AB, Fox A, Cardenas C, Pitruzzello M, Chehade H, Bawa T, Adzibolosu N, Gogoi R, Mor G. Generation of Stable Epithelial-Mesenchymal Hybrid Cancer Cells with Tumorigenic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030684. [PMID: 36765641 PMCID: PMC9913490 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer progression, invasiveness, and metastatic potential have been associated with the activation of the cellular development program known as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This process is known to yield not only mesenchymal cells, but instead an array of cells with different degrees of epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes with high plasticity, usually referred to as E/M hybrid cells. The characteristics of E/M hybrid cells, their importance in tumor progression, and the key regulators in the tumor microenvironment that support this phenotype are still poorly understood. METHODS In this study, we established an in vitro model of EMT and characterized the different stages of differentiation, allowing us to identify the main genomic signature associated with the E/M hybrid state. RESULTS We report that once the cells enter the E/M hybrid state, they acquire stable anoikis resistance, invasive capacity, and tumorigenic potential. We identified the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-MET pathway as a major driver that pushes cells in the E/M hybrid state. CONCLUSIONS Herein, we provide a detailed characterization of the signaling pathway(s) promoting and the genes associated with the E/M hybrid state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roslyn Tedja
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Correspondence: (R.T.); (G.M.)
| | - Ayesha B. Alvero
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Alexandra Fox
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Carlos Cardenas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family HealthCare Network, Porterville, CA 93257, USA
| | - Mary Pitruzzello
- Department of Dermatology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Hussein Chehade
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Tejeshwhar Bawa
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Nicholas Adzibolosu
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Radhika Gogoi
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Gil Mor
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family HealthCare Network, Porterville, CA 93257, USA
- Correspondence: (R.T.); (G.M.)
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11
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Targeting CSC-related transcription factors by E3 ubiquitin ligases for cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:84-97. [PMID: 36371028 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Evidence has revealed that transcription factors play essential roles in regulation of multiple cellular processes, including cell proliferation, metastasis, EMT, cancer stem cells and chemoresistance. Dysregulated expression levels of transcription factors contribute to tumorigenesis and malignant progression. The expression of transcription factors is tightly governed by several signaling pathways, noncoding RNAs and E3 ubiquitin ligases. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been validated in regulation of tumor metastasis, reoccurrence and chemoresistance in human cancer. Transcription factors have been verified to participate in regulation of CSC formation, including Oct4, SOX2, KLF4, c-Myc, Nanog, GATA, SALL4, Bmi-1, OLIG2, POU3F2 and FOX proteins. In this review article, we will describe the critical role of CSC-related transcription factors. We will further discuss which E3 ligases regulate the degradation of these CSC-related transcription factors and their underlying mechanisms. We also mentioned the functions and mechanisms of EMT-associated transcription factors such as ZEB1, ZEB2, Snail, Slug, Twist1 and Twist2. Furthermore, we highlight the therapeutic potential via targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases for modulation of these transcription factors.
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12
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Liu J, Shu G, Wu A, Zhang X, Zhou Z, Alvero AB, Mor G, Yin G. TWIST1 induces proteasomal degradation of β-catenin during the differentiation of ovarian cancer stem-like cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:15650. [PMID: 36123378 PMCID: PMC9485151 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18662-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the leading gynecologic cancers worldwide. Cancer stem-like cells are correlated with relapse and resistance to chemotherapy. Twist1, which is involved in ovarian cancer stem-like cell differentiation, is positively correlated with CTNNB1 in different differentiation stages of ovarian cancer cells: primary epithelial ovarian cancer cells (primary EOC cells), mesenchymal spheroid-forming cells (MSFCs) and secondary epithelial ovarian cancer cells (sEOC cells). However, the expression of β-catenin is inversed compared to CTNNB1 in these 3 cell states. We further demonstrated that β-catenin is regulated by the protein degradation system in MSFCs and secondary EOC but not in primary EOC cells. The differentiation process from primary EOC cells to MSFCs and sEOC cells might be due to the downregulation of β-catenin protein levels. Finally, we found that TWIST1 can enhance β-catenin degradation by upregulating Axin2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Liu
- grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Guang Shu
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Anqi Wu
- grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Xiaojun Zhang
- grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Zhengwei Zhou
- grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China
| | - Ayesha B. Alvero
- grid.254444.70000 0001 1456 7807C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Gil Mor
- grid.254444.70000 0001 1456 7807C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Gang Yin
- grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013 China ,grid.452223.00000 0004 1757 7615National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008 China
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13
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Jinesh GG, Brohl AS. Classical epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and alternative cell death process-driven blebbishield metastatic-witch (BMW) pathways to cancer metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:296. [PMID: 35999218 PMCID: PMC9399134 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01132-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a pivotal event that accelerates the prognosis of cancer patients towards mortality. Therapies that aim to induce cell death in metastatic cells require a more detailed understanding of the metastasis for better mitigation. Towards this goal, we discuss the details of two distinct but overlapping pathways of metastasis: a classical reversible epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (hybrid-EMT)-driven transport pathway and an alternative cell death process-driven blebbishield metastatic-witch (BMW) transport pathway involving reversible cell death process. The knowledge about the EMT and BMW pathways is important for the therapy of metastatic cancers as these pathways confer drug resistance coupled to immune evasion/suppression. We initially discuss the EMT pathway and compare it with the BMW pathway in the contexts of coordinated oncogenic, metabolic, immunologic, and cell biological events that drive metastasis. In particular, we discuss how the cell death environment involving apoptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and NETosis in BMW or EMT pathways recruits immune cells, fuses with it, migrates, permeabilizes vasculature, and settles at distant sites to establish metastasis. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic targets that are common to both EMT and BMW pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goodwin G Jinesh
- Department of Molecular Oncology, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, 33612, FL, USA. .,Sarcoma Department, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, 33612, FL, USA.
| | - Andrew S Brohl
- Department of Molecular Oncology, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, 33612, FL, USA. .,Sarcoma Department, 12902 USF Magnolia Drive, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, 33612, FL, USA.
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14
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Semenov O, Daks A, Fedorova O, Shuvalov O, Barlev NA. Opposing Roles of Wild-type and Mutant p53 in the Process of Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:928399. [PMID: 35813818 PMCID: PMC9261265 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.928399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The central role of an aberrantly activated EMT program in defining the critical features of aggressive carcinomas is well documented and includes cell plasticity, metastatic dissemination, drug resistance, and cancer stem cell-like phenotypes. The p53 tumor suppressor is critical for leashing off all the features mentioned above. On the molecular level, the suppression of these effects is exerted by p53 via regulation of its target genes, whose products are involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, DNA repair, and interactions with immune cells. Importantly, a set of specific mutations in the TP53 gene (named Gain-of-Function mutations) converts this tumor suppressor into an oncogene. In this review, we attempted to contrast different regulatory roles of wild-type and mutant p53 in the multi-faceted process of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg Semenov
- Regulation of Gene Expression Laboratory, Institute of Cytology RAS, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexandra Daks
- Regulation of Gene Expression Laboratory, Institute of Cytology RAS, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga Fedorova
- Regulation of Gene Expression Laboratory, Institute of Cytology RAS, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Oleg Shuvalov
- Regulation of Gene Expression Laboratory, Institute of Cytology RAS, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
| | - Nickolai A. Barlev
- Regulation of Gene Expression Laboratory, Institute of Cytology RAS, Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Intracellular Signalling, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- The Group of Targeted Delivery Mechanisms of Nanosystems, Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
- *Correspondence: Nickolai A. Barlev,
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15
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Huang Z, Zhang Z, Zhou C, Liu L, Huang C. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition: The history, regulatory mechanism, and cancer therapeutic opportunities. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e144. [PMID: 35601657 PMCID: PMC9115588 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a program wherein epithelial cells lose their junctions and polarity while acquiring mesenchymal properties and invasive ability. Originally defined as an embryogenesis event, EMT has been recognized as a crucial process in tumor progression. During EMT, cell–cell junctions and cell–matrix attachments are disrupted, and the cytoskeleton is remodeled to enhance mobility of cells. This transition of phenotype is largely driven by a group of key transcription factors, typically Snail, Twist, and ZEB, through epigenetic repression of epithelial markers, transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and reorganization of cytoskeleton. Mechanistically, EMT is orchestrated by multiple pathways, especially those involved in embryogenesis such as TGFβ, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo, suggesting EMT as an intrinsic link between embryonic development and cancer progression. In addition, redox signaling has also emerged as critical EMT modulator. EMT confers cancer cells with increased metastatic potential and drug resistant capacity, which accounts for tumor recurrence in most clinic cases. Thus, targeting EMT can be a therapeutic option providing a chance of cure for cancer patients. Here, we introduce a brief history of EMT and summarize recent advances in understanding EMT mechanisms, as well as highlighting the therapeutic opportunities by targeting EMT in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Chengwei Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
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16
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Daks A, Fedorova O, Parfenyev S, Nevzorov I, Shuvalov O, Barlev NA. The Role of E3 Ligase Pirh2 in Disease. Cells 2022; 11:1515. [PMID: 35563824 PMCID: PMC9101203 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The p53-dependent ubiquitin ligase Pirh2 regulates a number of proteins involved in different cancer-associated processes. Targeting the p53 family proteins, Chk2, p27Kip1, Twist1 and others, Pirh2 participates in such cellular processes as proliferation, cell cycle regulation, apoptosis and cellular migration. Thus, it is not surprising that Pirh2 takes part in the initiation and progression of different diseases and pathologies including but not limited to cancer. In this review, we aimed to summarize the available data on Pirh2 regulation, its protein targets and its role in various diseases and pathological processes, thus making the Pirh2 protein a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Daks
- Institute of Cytology RAS, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (O.F.); (S.P.); (I.N.); (O.S.)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nickolai A. Barlev
- Institute of Cytology RAS, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (O.F.); (S.P.); (I.N.); (O.S.)
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17
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Wu Y, Ma Z, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Zhang W, Zhang M, Shi X, Li W, Liu W. Cyclophilin A regulates A549 cells apoptosis via stabilizing Twist1 protein. J Cell Sci 2021; 135:273668. [PMID: 34881782 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclophilin A (CypA) is an essential member of the immunophilin family. As an intracellular target of immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A (CsA) or a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase), it catalyzes the cis-trans isomerization of proline amidic peptide bonds, through which, it regulates a variety of biological processes, such as intracellular signaling, transcription, and apoptosis. In this study, we found that intracellular CypA enhanced Twist1 phosphorylation at Ser68 and inhibited apoptosis in A549 cells. Mechanistically, CypA could mediate the phosphorylation of Twist1 at Ser68 via p38 MAPK, which inhibited its ubiquitination-mediated degradation. In addition, CypA increased Twist-p65 interaction and nuclear accumulation, which regulated Twist1-dependent expression of CDH1 and CDH2. Our findings collectively indicated the role of CypA in Twist1-mediated A549 cells apoptosis through stabilizing Twist1 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaru Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenling Ma
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Menghao Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xixi Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenqing Li
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
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18
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Revealing the role of miRNA-489 as a new onco-suppressor factor in different cancers based on pre-clinical and clinical evidence. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 191:727-737. [PMID: 34562537 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.09.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have shown to be potential therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic targets in disease therapy. These endogenous non-coding RNAs contribute to regulation of different cellular events that are necessary for maintaining physiological condition. Dysregulation of miRNAs is correlated with development of various pathological events such as neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. miRNA-489 is a new emerging miRNA and studies are extensively investigating its role in pathological conditions. Herein, potential function of miRNA-489 as tumor-suppressor in various cancers is described. miRNA-489 is able to sensitize cancer cells into chemotherapy by disrupting molecular pathways involved in cancer growth such as PI3K/Akt, and induction of apoptosis. The PROX1 and SUZ12 as oncogenic pathways, are affected by miRNA-489 in suppressing metastasis of cancer cells. Wnt/β-catenin as an oncogenic factor ensuring growth and malignancy of tumors is inhibited via miRNA-489 function. For enhancing drug sensitivity of tumors, restoring miRNA-489 expression is a promising strategy. The lncRNAs can modulate miRNA-489 expression in tumors and studies about circRNA role in miRNA-489 modulation should be performed. The expression level of miRNA-489 is a diagnostic tool for tumor detection. Besides, down-regulation of miRNA-489 in tumors provides unfavorable prognosis.
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19
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Imodoye SO, Adedokun KA, Muhammed AO, Bello IO, Muhibi MA, Oduola T, Oyenike MA. Understanding the Complex Milieu of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Metastasis: New Insight Into the Roles of Transcription Factors. Front Oncol 2021; 11:762817. [PMID: 34868979 PMCID: PMC8636732 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.762817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological program during which polarised, immobile epithelial cells lose connection with their neighbours and are converted to migratory mesenchymal phenotype. Mechanistically, EMT occurs via a series of genetic and cellular events leading to the repression of epithelial-associated markers and upregulation of mesenchymal-associated markers. EMT is very crucial for many biological processes such as embryogenesis and ontogenesis during human development, and again it plays a significant role in wound healing during a programmed replacement of the damaged tissues. However, this process is often hijacked in pathological conditions such as tumour metastasis, which constitutes the most significant drawback in the fight against cancer, accounting for about 90% of cancer-associated mortality globally. Worse still, metastatic tumours are not only challenging to treat with the available conventional radiotherapy and surgical interventions but also resistant to several cytotoxic agents during treatment, owing to their anatomically diffuse localisation in the body system. As the quest to find an effective method of addressing metastasis in cancer intervention heightens, understanding the molecular interplay involving the signalling pathways, downstream effectors, and their interactions with the EMT would be an important requisite while the challenges of metastasis continue to punctuate. Unfortunately, the molecular underpinnings that govern this process remain to be completely illuminated. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that EMT, which initiates every episode of metastasis, significantly requires some master regulators called EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs). Thus, this review critically examines the roles of TFs as drivers of molecular rewiring that lead to tumour initiation, progression, EMT, metastasis, and colonisation. In addition, it discusses the interaction of various signalling molecules and effector proteins with these factors. It also provides insight into promising therapeutic targets that may inhibit the metastatic process to overcome the limitation of "undruggable" cancer targets in therapeutic design and upturn the current spate of drug resistance. More so, it extends the discussion from the basic understanding of the EMT binary switch model, and ultimately unveiling the E/M cellular plasticity along a phenotypic spectrum via multiple trans-differentiations. It wraps up on how this knowledge update shapes the diagnostic and clinical approaches that may demand a potential shift in investigative paradigm using novel technologies such as single-cell analyses to improve overall patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sikiru O. Imodoye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Kamoru A. Adedokun
- Department of Oral Pathology, Dental University Hospital, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdurrasheed Ola Muhammed
- Department of Histopathology, School of Medical Laboratory Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Ibrahim O. Bello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL, United States
| | - Musa A. Muhibi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Edo State University, Uzairue, Nigeria
| | - Taofeeq Oduola
- Department of Chemical Pathology, School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria
| | - Musiliu A. Oyenike
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria
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20
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Liang J, Sun W, Song H, Wang C, Li Q, Li C, Wei D, Zhao Y, Li C, Zhang H. NOL6 promotes the proliferation and migration of endometrial cancer cells by regulating TWIST1 expression. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1571-1585. [PMID: 34607487 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the role and function of NOL6, a protein related to ribosome biogenesis, in endometrial cancer. Methods: Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry apoptosis assay, transwell assay and wound healing assays were carried out for evaluating cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry, western blot and tumor xenograft assays were carried out for detecting the level of protein expression and tumor formation. Results: We demonstrated that NOL6 is overexpressed in endometrial cancer and promotes cell proliferation and migration while reducing apoptosis. NOL6 regulates the expression of TWIST1, which can restore the changes in cells caused by NOL6 knockdown. Conclusions: NOL6 can promote the proliferation and migration of endometrial cancer cells by regulating TWIST1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhui Liang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Wenjing Sun
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Hui Song
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250001, China
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shandong Rongjun General Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 250014, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Deying Wei
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Yingzi Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Changzhong Li
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
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21
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Contribution of p53 in sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non-small cell lung cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19667. [PMID: 34608255 PMCID: PMC8490392 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99267-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with activating EGFR mutations is a major hindrance to treatment. We investigated the effects of p53 in primary sensitivity and acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC cells. Changes in sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs were determined using p53 overexpression or knockdown in cells with activating EGFR mutations. We investigated EMT-related molecules, morphologic changes, and AXL induction to elucidate mechanisms of acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs according to p53 status. Changes in p53 status affected primary sensitivity as well as acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs according to cell type. Firstly, p53 silencing did not affect primary and acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs in PC-9 cells, but it led to primary resistance to EGFR-TKIs through AXL induction in HCC827 cells. Secondly, p53 silencing in H1975 cells enhanced the sensitivity to osimertinib through the emergence of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, and the emergence of acquired resistance to osimertinib in p53 knockout cells was much slower than in H1975 cells. Furthermore, two cell lines (H1975 and H1975/p53KO) demonstrated the different mechanisms of acquired resistance to osimertinib. Lastly, the introduction of mutant p53-R273H induced the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and exerted resistance to EGFR-TKIs in cells with activating EGFR mutations. These findings indicate that p53 mutations can be associated with primary or acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs. Thus, the status or mutations of p53 may be considered as routes to improving the therapeutic effects of EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC.
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22
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miR-138-5p induces aggressive traits by targeting Trp53 expression in murine melanoma cells, and correlates with poor prognosis of melanoma patients. Neoplasia 2021; 23:823-834. [PMID: 34246986 PMCID: PMC8274245 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of miRNAs contributes to the development of distinct cancer types, including melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer characterized by high metastatic potential and poor prognosis. The expression of a set of 580 miRNAs was investigated in a model of murine melanoma progression, comprising non-metastatic (4C11-) and metastatic melanoma (4C11+) cells. A significant increase in miR-138-5p expression was found in the metastatic 4C11+ melanoma cells compared to 4C11-, which prompted us to investigate its role in melanoma aggressiveness. Functional assays, including anoikis resistance, colony formation, collective migration, serum-deprived growth capacity, as well as in vivo tumor growth and experimental metastasis were performed in 4C11- cells stably overexpressing miR-138-5p. miR-138-5p induced an aggressive phenotype in mouse melanoma cell lines leading to increased proliferation, migration and cell viability under stress conditions. Moreover, by overexpressing miR-138-5p, low-growing and non-metastatic 4C11- cells became highly proliferative and metastatic in vivo, similar to the metastatic 4C11+ cells. Luciferase reporter analysis identified the tumor suppressor Trp53 as a direct target of miR-138-5p. Using data sets from independent melanoma cohorts, miR-138-5p and P53 expression were also found deregulated in human melanoma samples, with their levels negatively and positively correlated with prognosis, respectively. Our data shows that the overexpression of miR-138-5p contributes to melanoma metastasis through the direct suppression of Trp53.
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Meng Y, Qiu L, Zhang S, Han J. The emerging roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases in ovarian cancer chemoresistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2021; 4:365-381. [PMID: 35582023 PMCID: PMC9019267 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2020.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cancer of the ovary exhibits the highest mortality rate of all gynecological malignancies in women today, since the disease is often diagnosed in advanced stages. While the treatment of cancer with specific chemical agents or drugs is the favored treatment regimen, chemotherapy resistance greatly impedes successful ovarian cancer chemotherapy. Thus, chemoresistance becomes one of the most critical clinical issues confronted when treating patients with ovarian cancer. Convincing evidence hints that dysregulation of E3 ubiquitin ligases is a key factor in the development and maintenance of ovarian cancer chemoresistance. This review outlines recent advancement in our understanding of the emerging roles of E3 ubiquitin ligases in ovarian cancer chemoresistance. We also highlight currently available inhibitors targeting E3 ligase activities and discuss their potential for clinical applications in treating chemoresistant ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Meng
- Research Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics, Department of General Surgery, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Yang Meng and Lei Qiu equally contributed to this manuscript
| | - Lei Qiu
- Research Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics, Department of General Surgery, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Yang Meng and Lei Qiu equally contributed to this manuscript
| | - Su Zhang
- Research Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics, Department of General Surgery, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Junhong Han
- Research Laboratory of Cancer Epigenetics and Genomics, Department of General Surgery, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Cancer Center and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Daks A, Petukhov A, Fedorova O, Shuvalov O, Kizenko A, Tananykina E, Vasileva E, Semenov O, Bottrill A, Barlev N. The RNA-binding protein HuR is a novel target of Pirh2 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:581. [PMID: 34091597 PMCID: PMC8179929 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03871-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The RING-finger protein Pirh2 is a p53 family-specific E3 ubiquitin ligase. Pirh2 also ubiquitinates several other important cellular factors and is involved in carcinogenesis. However, its functional role in other cellular processes is poorly understood. To address this question, we performed a proteomic search for novel interacting partners of Pirh2. Using the GST-pulldown approach combined with LC-MS/MS, we revealed 225 proteins that interacted with Pirh2. We found that, according to the GO description, a large group of Pirh2-associated proteins belonged to the RNA metabolism group. Importantly, one of the identified proteins from that group was an RNA-binding protein ELAVL1 (HuR), which is involved in the regulation of splicing and protein stability of several oncogenic proteins. We demonstrated that Pirh2 ubiquitinated the HuR protein facilitating its proteasome-mediated degradation in cells. Importantly, the Pirh2-mediated degradation of HuR occurred in response to heat shock, thereby affecting the survival rate of HeLa cells under elevated temperature. Functionally, Pirh2-mediated degradation of HuR augmented the level of c-Myc expression, whose RNA level is otherwise attenuated by HuR. Taken together, our data indicate that HuR is a new target of Pirh2 and this functional interaction contributes to the heat-shock response of cancer cells affecting their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Daks
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064, St Petersburg, Russian Federation.
| | - Alexey Petukhov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064, St Petersburg, Russian Federation.,Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Institute of Hematology, 197341, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Olga Fedorova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Oleg Shuvalov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Alena Kizenko
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Elizaveta Tananykina
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Elena Vasileva
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Oleg Semenov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064, St Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Andrew Bottrill
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Nickolai Barlev
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064, St Petersburg, Russian Federation. .,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141700, Dolgoprudny, Moscow Region, Russian Federation.
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25
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Hu Q, Ma X, Li C, Zhou C, Chen J, Gu X. Downregulation of THRSP Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression by Triggering ZEB1 Transcription in an ERK-dependent Manner. J Cancer 2021; 12:4247-4256. [PMID: 34093825 PMCID: PMC8176411 DOI: 10.7150/jca.51657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Thyroid hormone responsive (THRSP) gene is primarily known for regulating responses to thyroid hormones, but its expression has been correlated with differential outcomes in some cancers. To date, however, its role in the progression of HCC remains unknown. Methods: The mRNA and protein expression of THRSP was measured in HCC tissues and cell lines via qPCR and western blot assays. Lentiviral transfection was used to establish stable cell lines overexpressing THRSP and shRNA was used to silence THRSP. The effects of THRSP on cell growth were then determined in vivo and in vitro. Cell migration and invasion of HCC cells were investigated using transwell and wound healing assays. Results: In tissue samples from patients, HCC tissues had decreased THRSP expression relative to adjacent healthy tissues. Further, patients with decreased THRSP protein and mRNA expression had worse outcomes. Knockdown of THRSP led to increased cell growth, migration, and invasion of HCC cells, and THRSP overexpression exerted an anti-tumor effect in vivo and in vitro. We found that increased expression of THRSP inhibited hepatocellular carcinogenesis by inhibiting the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through acting on the ERK/ZEB1 signaling pathway. Conclusion: THRSP may act as a functional tumor suppressor and was frequently reduced in HCC tissue samples. We identified a novel pathway for the THRSP/ERK/ZEB1-regulated suppression of HCC tumorigenesis and invasion. Restoring THRSP expression may represent a promising approach for HCC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhoushan Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Xiaolu Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chuner Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhoushan Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Chenhao Zhou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhoushan Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Jiayao Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhoushan Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
| | - Xuechun Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhoushan Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan, Zhejiang, 316021, China
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Omran Z, H. Dalhat M, Abdullah O, Kaleem M, Hosawi S, A Al-Abbasi F, Wu W, Choudhry H, Alhosin M. Targeting Post-Translational Modifications of the p73 Protein: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081916. [PMID: 33921128 PMCID: PMC8071514 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor p73 is a member of the p53 family and is expressed as different isoforms with opposing properties. The TAp73 isoforms act as tumor suppressors and have pro-apoptotic effects, whereas the ΔNp73 isoforms lack the N-terminus transactivation domain and behave as oncogenes. The TAp73 protein has a high degree of similarity with both p53 function and structure, and it induces the regulation of various genes involved in the cell cycle and apoptosis. Unlike those of the p53 gene, the mutations in the p73 gene are very rare in tumors. Cancer cells have developed several mechanisms to inhibit the activity and/or expression of p73, from the hypermethylation of its promoter to the modulation of the ratio between its pro- and anti-apoptotic isoforms. The p73 protein is also decorated by a panel of post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitin proteasomal pathway modifications, and small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO)ylation, that regulate its transcriptional activity, subcellular localization, and stability. These modifications orchestrate the multiple anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic functions of TAp73, thereby offering multiple promising candidates for targeted anti-cancer therapies. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the different pathways implicated in the regulation of TAp73 at the post-translational level. This review also highlights the growing importance of targeting the post-translational modifications of TAp73 as a promising antitumor strategy, regardless of p53 status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziad Omran
- College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (Z.O.); (O.A.)
| | - Mahmood H. Dalhat
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.D.); (M.K.); (S.H.); (F.A.A.-A.); (H.C.)
| | - Omeima Abdullah
- College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia; (Z.O.); (O.A.)
| | - Mohammed Kaleem
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.D.); (M.K.); (S.H.); (F.A.A.-A.); (H.C.)
| | - Salman Hosawi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.D.); (M.K.); (S.H.); (F.A.A.-A.); (H.C.)
| | - Fahd A Al-Abbasi
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.D.); (M.K.); (S.H.); (F.A.A.-A.); (H.C.)
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA;
| | - Hani Choudhry
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.D.); (M.K.); (S.H.); (F.A.A.-A.); (H.C.)
| | - Mahmoud Alhosin
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, Cancer and Mutagenesis Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.H.D.); (M.K.); (S.H.); (F.A.A.-A.); (H.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +96-65-9795-9354
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S K J, S P D, R S, Sai Surya NU, Chenmala K. Guardian of genome on the tract: Wild type p53-mdm2 complex inhibition in healing the breast cancer. Gene 2021; 786:145616. [PMID: 33811963 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer acts as an assassin among women. According to WHO (world health organisation), about 6, 27,000 deaths have occurred in 2018 due to breast cancer. Since, the evolution of cancer involves many complicated pathway, in this article we have decided to focus on wild type p53. P53 is also called as tumor suppressor gene. As the name suggest, p53 is a real guardian of genome, if it is not mutated or subjected to degradation. It can perform a wide range of activities during cancer progression. It either stimulates or inhibits the genes or proteins that are responsible for cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, anti-angiogenic activity and anti-metastatic activity. At times, the p53 will be unable to produce its action due to various reasons like mutation or degradation by other proteins or degrading ligases. Since, we are focusing on wild type p53, it will be inhibited occasionally by mdm2 resulting in proteosomal degradation of p53. However, this condition can be prevented by possible treatment regimen. With the above points in mind, we have focused on p53 activation, complex formation between p53 and mdm2, and inhibition of the complex in order to free p53 and allow them to perform their action for rehabilitation of cancer. Furthermore, we have also discussed pathways involved in eradicating cancer through p53 activation. By considering the following aspects, hope that p53 can be considered for management of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janani S K
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Dhanabal S P
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytopharmacy, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - Sureshkumar R
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Nikitha Upadhyayula Sai Surya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Karthika Chenmala
- Department of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamilnadu, India
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Zeng W, Gu S, Yu Y, Feng Y, Xiao M, Feng XH. ZNF451 stabilizes TWIST2 through SUMOylation and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:898-915. [PMID: 33791162 PMCID: PMC7994150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the process by which epithelial cells lose their tightly packed polarized characteristics and acquire a migratory mesenchymal phenotype. EMT plays a pivotal role in embryonic development, wound healing, tissue regeneration, organ fibrosis and cancer progression. The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors TWIST1/2 are key EMT-inducing transcription factors that govern transcription of EMT-associated genes. Although regulation of TWIST1 activity and stability has been well studied, little is known about how TWIST2 is post-translationally regulated. Here we have identified ZNF451, a SUMO2/3 specific E3 ligase, as a novel regulator of TWIST2 in promoting its stability. ZNF451 directly binds to and SUMOylates TWIST2 at K129 residue, and consequently blocks ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation of TWIST2. Ectopic expression of ZNF451 increases the protein level of TWIST2 in mammary epithelial cells, leading to increased expression of mesenchymal markers, whereas depletion of ZNF451 suppresses mesenchymal phenotypes. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that ZNF451 plays a vital role in EMT through SUMOylation-dependent stabilization of TWIST2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Zeng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuchen Gu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Yu
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yili Feng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Surgery of Zhejiang Province, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310016, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mu Xiao
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- The MOE Key Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Cell Biology of Zhejiang Province, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
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Interplay between p53 and non-coding RNAs in the regulation of EMT in breast cancer. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:17. [PMID: 33414456 PMCID: PMC7791039 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03327-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in the differentiation of vertebrates and is critically important in tumorigenesis. Using this evolutionarily conserved mechanism, cancer cells become drug-resistant and acquire the ability to escape the cytotoxic effect of anti-cancer drugs. In addition, these cells gain invasive features and increased mobility thereby promoting metastases. In this respect, the process of EMT is critical for dissemination of solid tumors including breast cancer. It has been shown that miRNAs are instrumental for the regulation of EMT, where they play both positive and negative roles often as a part of a feed-back loop. Recent studies have highlighted a novel association of p53 and EMT where the mutation status of p53 is critically important for the outcome of this process. Interestingly, p53 has been shown to mediate its effects via the miRNA-dependent mechanism that targets master-regulators of EMT, such as Zeb1/2, Snail, Slug, and Twist1. This regulation often involves interactions of miRNAs with lncRNAs. In this review, we present a detailed overview of miRNA/lncRNA-dependent mechanisms that control interplay between p53 and master-regulators of EMT and their importance for breast cancer.
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Novikov NM, Zolotaryova SY, Gautreau AM, Denisov EV. Mutational drivers of cancer cell migration and invasion. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:102-114. [PMID: 33204027 PMCID: PMC7784720 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01149-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability and mutations underlie the hallmarks of cancer-genetic alterations determine cancer cell fate by affecting cell proliferation, apoptosis and immune response, and increasing data show that mutations are involved in metastasis, a crucial event in cancer progression and a life-threatening problem in cancer patients. Invasion is the first step in the metastatic cascade, when tumour cells acquire the ability to move, penetrate into the surrounding tissue and enter lymphatic and blood vessels in order to disseminate. A role for genetic alterations in invasion is not universally accepted, with sceptics arguing that cellular motility is related only to external factors such as hypoxia, chemoattractants and the rigidity of the extracellular matrix. However, increasing evidence shows that mutations might trigger and accelerate the migration and invasion of different types of cancer cells. In this review, we summarise data from published literature on the effect of chromosomal instability and genetic mutations on cancer cell migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita M Novikov
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Sofia Y Zolotaryova
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia
| | - Alexis M Gautreau
- CNRS UMR7654, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Palaiseau, France
- School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Evgeny V Denisov
- Laboratory of Cancer Progression Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, Russia.
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Zhang YQ, Zhang F, Zeng YZ, Chen M, Huang WH, Wu JD, Chen WL, Gao WL, Bai JW, Yang RQ, Zeng HC, Wei XL, Zhang GJ. Mutant p53 and Twist1 Co-Expression Predicts Poor Prognosis and Is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:628814. [PMID: 34249678 PMCID: PMC8263931 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.628814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (bHLH) transcription factor Twist1 plays a key role in embryonic development and tumorigenesis. p53 is a frequently mutated tumor suppressor in cancer. Both proteins play a key and significant role in breast cancer tumorigenesis. However, the regulatory mechanism and clinical significance of their co-expression in this disease remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to analyze the expression patterns of p53 and Twist1 and determine their association with patient prognosis in breast cancer. We also investigated whether their co-expression could be a potential marker for predicting patient prognosis in this disease. METHODS Twist1 and mutant p53 expression in 408 breast cancer patient samples were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Kaplan-Meier Plotter was used to analyze the correlation between co-expression of Twist1 and wild-type or mutant p53 and prognosis for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). Univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, and nomograms were used to explore the independent prognostic factors in disease-free survival (DFS) and OS in this cohort. RESULTS Of the 408 patients enrolled, 237 (58%) had high mutant p53 expression. Two-hundred twenty patients (53.9%) stained positive for Twist1, and 188 cases were Twist1-negative. Furthermore, patients that co-expressed Twist1 and mutant p53 (T+P+) had significantly advanced-stage breast cancer [stage III, 61/89 T+P+ (68.5%) vs. 28/89 T-P- (31.5%); stage II, 63/104 T+P+ (60.6%)vs. 41/104 T-P- (39.4%)]. Co-expression was negatively related to early clinical stage (i.e., stages 0 and I; P = 0.039). T+P+ breast cancer patients also had worse DFS (95% CI = 1.217-7.499, P = 0.017) and OS (95% CI = 1.009-9.272, P = 0.048). Elevated Twist1 and mutant p53 expression predicted shorter RFS in basal-like patients. Univariate and multivariate analysis identified three variables (i.e., lymph node involvement, larger tumor, and T+P+) as independent prognostic factors for DFS. Lymph node involvement and T+P+ were also independent factors for OS in this cohort. The total risk scores and nomograms were reliable for predicting DFS and OS in breast cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that co-expression of mutant p53 and Twist1 was associated with advanced clinical stage, triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype, distant metastasis, and shorter DFS and OS in breast cancer patients. Furthermore, lymph nodes status and co-expression of Twist1 and mutant p53 were classified as independent factors for DFS and OS in this cohort. Co-evaluation of mutant p53 and Twist1 might be an appropriate tool for predicting breast cancer patient outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Qu Zhang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Research Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Clinical Central Research Core, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Yun-Zhu Zeng
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Research Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Clinical Central Research Core, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wen-He Huang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Research Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jun-Dong Wu
- Department of Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Wei-Ling Chen
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Research Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wen-Liang Gao
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Research Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jing-Wen Bai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Rui-Qin Yang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Research Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huan-Cheng Zeng
- Department of Breast Center, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Xiao-Long Wei
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
- *Correspondence: Guo-Jun Zhang, ; Xiao-Long Wei,
| | - Guo-Jun Zhang
- Department of Breast-Thyroid-Surgery and Cancer Research Center, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Clinical Central Research Core, School of Medicine, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Key Laboratory for Endocrine-Related Cancer Precision Medicine of Xiamen, Xiang’an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Guo-Jun Zhang, ; Xiao-Long Wei,
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Wechman SL, Emdad L, Sarkar D, Das SK, Fisher PB. Vascular mimicry: Triggers, molecular interactions and in vivo models. Adv Cancer Res 2020; 148:27-67. [PMID: 32723566 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Vascular mimicry is induced by a wide array of genes with functions related to cancer stemness, hypoxia, angiogenesis and autophagy. Vascular mimicry competent (VM-competent) cells that form de novo blood vessels are common in solid tumors facilitating tumor cell survival and metastasis. VM-competent cells display increased levels of vascular mimicry selecting for stem-like cells in an O2-gradient-dependent manner in deeply hypoxic tumor regions, while also aiding in maintaining tumor cell metabolism and stemness. Three of the principal drivers of vascular mimicry are EphA2, Nodal and HIF-1α, however, directly or indirectly many of these molecules affect VE-Cadherin (VE-Cad), which forms gap-junctions to bind angiogenic blood vessels together. During vascular mimicry, the endothelial-like functions of VM-competent cancer stem cells co-opt VE-Cad to bind cancer cells together to create cancer cell-derived blood conducting vessels. This process potentially compensates for the lack of access to blood and nutrient in avascular tumors, simultaneously providing nutrients and enhancing cancer invasion and metastasis. Current evidence also supports that vascular mimicry promotes cancer malignancy and metastasis due to the cooperation of oncogenic signaling molecules driving cancer stemness and autophagy. While a number of currently used cancer therapeutics are effective inhibitors of vascular mimicry, developing a new class of vascular mimicry specific inhibitors could allow for the treatment of angiogenesis-resistant tumors, inhibit cancer metastasis and improve patient survival. In this review, we describe the principal vascular mimicry pathways in addition to emphasizing the roles of hypoxia, autophagy and select proangiogenic oncogenes in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen L Wechman
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Devanand Sarkar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States; VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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Li F, Hu Q, He T, Xu J, Yi Y, Xie S, Ding L, Fu M, Guo R, Xiao ZXJ, Niu M. The Deubiquitinase USP4 Stabilizes Twist1 Protein to Promote Lung Cancer Cell Stemness. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061582. [PMID: 32549341 PMCID: PMC7352958 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a pivotal role in tumor development, drug resistance, metastasis and recurrence of lung cancer. Thus, it is of great importance to study the mechanism by which CSCs are regulated. In this study, we demonstrate that the deubiquitinase USP4 is critically important in promoting lung cancer stemness. Silencing of USP4 leads to reduction of Oct4 and Sox2 expression, decreased CD133+ cell population and inhibition of tumorsphere formation. Conversely, ectopic expression of USP4 significantly enhances lung cancer cell stemness, which is effectively rescued by simultaneous silencing of Twist1. Mechanistically, we identified USP4 as a novel deubiquitinase of Twist1. USP4 binds to, deubiquitinates and stabilizes Twist1 protein. Furthermore, we show that USP4 expression is elevated in human lung cancer specimens and is positively correlated with Twist1 expression. High expression of USP4/Twist1 is associated with poor clinical outcomes of lung cancer patients. Together, this study highlights an important role for USP4 in lung cancer stemness and suggests USP4 as a potential target for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhi-Xiong Jim Xiao
- Correspondence: (Z.-X.J.X.); (M.N.); Tel./Fax: +86-28-8541-0034 (Z.-X.J.X.)
| | - Mengmeng Niu
- Correspondence: (Z.-X.J.X.); (M.N.); Tel./Fax: +86-28-8541-0034 (Z.-X.J.X.)
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Li J, Alvero AB, Nuti S, Tedja R, Roberts CM, Pitruzzello M, Li Y, Xiao Q, Zhang S, Gan Y, Wu X, Mor G, Yin G. CBX7 binds the E-box to inhibit TWIST-1 function and inhibit tumorigenicity and metastatic potential. Oncogene 2020; 39:3965-3979. [PMID: 32205869 PMCID: PMC8343988 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1269-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Deaths from ovarian cancer usually occur when patients succumb to overwhelmingly numerous and widespread micrometastasis. Whereas epithelial-mesenchymal transition is required for epithelial ovarian cancer cells to acquire metastatic potential, the cellular phenotype at secondary sites and the mechanisms required for the establishment of metastatic tumors are not fully determined. Using in vitro and in vivo models we show that secondary epithelial ovarian cancer cells (sEOC) do not fully reacquire the molecular signature of the primary epithelial ovarian cancer cells from which they are derived. Despite displaying an epithelial morphology, sEOC maintains a high expression of the mesenchymal effector, TWIST-1. TWIST-1 is however transcriptionally nonfunctional in these cells as it is precluded from binding its E-box by the PcG protein, CBX7. Deletion of CBX7 in sEOC was sufficient to reactivate TWIST-1-induced transcription, prompt mesenchymal transformation, and enhanced tumorigenicity in vivo. This regulation allows secondary tumors to achieve an epithelial morphology while conferring the advantage of prompt reversal to a mesenchymal phenotype upon perturbation of CBX7. We also describe a subclassification of ovarian tumors based on CBX7 and TWIST-1 expression, which predicts clinical outcomes and patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanni Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Ayesha B Alvero
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sudhakar Nuti
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Roslyn Tedja
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Cai M Roberts
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mary Pitruzzello
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yimin Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Qing Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Sai Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yaqi Gan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Gil Mor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
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Ren J, Crowley SD. Twist1: A Double-Edged Sword in Kidney Diseases. KIDNEY DISEASES 2020; 6:247-257. [PMID: 32903940 DOI: 10.1159/000505188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Twist1 is a basic helix-loop-helix domain containing transcription factor that regulates cell differentiation, migration, proliferation, survival, and inflammatory responses by transcriptionally regulating a wide range of downstream target genes. Its homologous protein, Twist2, shares many structural and functional similarities with Twist1. Summary Accumulating evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies suggests that Twist1 is a pivotal regulator of several forms of renal disease. Twist1 is persistently activated following renal insults, particularly in chronic kidney diseases, and contributes to the renal inflammatory responses, tubular cell transformation programs, and possibly fibroblast activation, all of which are involved in the initiation and progression of kidney diseases. Key Message This review will specifically focus on Twist1 and outline our understanding of its functions in kidney disorders along with the introduction of Twist2 where pertinent. The thorough knowledge of Twist1's actions in the pathogenesis of kidney diseases should facilitate the development of novel therapeutics for kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafa Ren
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven D Crowley
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Jin H, Liu P, Kong L, Fei X, Gao Y, Wu T, Sun D, Tan X. Identification of RE1-Silencing Transcription Factor as a Promoter of Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:291. [PMID: 31041193 PMCID: PMC6476950 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by its rapid progression and early metastasis. This requires further elucidation of the key promoters for its progression and metastasis. In this study, we identified REST as the hub gene of a gene module which is closely associated with cancer stage by weighted gene correlation network analysis. Validation with the TCGA database, western blot analysis of human pancreatic cancer cell lines (AsPC-1, Capan-2, SW-1990, and PANC-1) and immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin-embedded pancreatic cancer tissue sections showed that REST was enriched in tissue samples of advanced stage and metastatic phenotype cell lines. Survival analysis with the TCGA database and our own follow-up data suggested that patients with higher expression level of REST showed worse overall survival rate. In vitro functional experiments suggested that knockdown of REST suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of AsPC-1 and PANC-1 cells. In vivo experiments (a subcutaneous BALB/c nude mouse model and a superior mesenteric vein injection BALB/c nude mouse model) suggested that knockdown of REST suppressed growth and metastasis of xenograft tumor. Finally, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanism of REST and identified REST as a potential downstream target of MAPK signaling pathway. In conclusion, our results of bioinformatic analysis, in vitro and in vivo functional analysis suggested that REST may serve as a promoter of metastasis in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyi Jin
- Department of Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Thyroid and Pancreatic Surgery Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lingming Kong
- Department of Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiang Fei
- Department of Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Department of Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Defeng Sun
- Department of Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodong Tan
- Thyroid and Pancreatic Surgery Ward, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Li Y, Xiao L, Li J, Sun P, Shang L, Zhang J, Zhao Q, Ouyang Y, Li L, Gong K. MicroRNA profiling of diabetic atherosclerosis in a rat model. Eur J Med Res 2018; 23:55. [PMID: 30390707 PMCID: PMC6215356 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-018-0354-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The incidence of diabetic atherosclerosis (DA) is increasing worldwide. The study aim was to identify differentially expressed microRNAs (DE-miRs) potentially associated with the initiation and/or progression of DA, thereby yielding new insights into this disease. METHODS Matched iliac artery tissue samples were isolated from 6 male rats with or without DA. The Affymetrix GeneChip microRNA 4.0 Array was used to detect miRs. Differential expression between atherosclerotic group and non-atherosclerotic group samples was analyzed using the Gene-Cloud of Biotechnology Information platform. Targetscan and miRanda were then used to predict targets of DE-miRs. Functions and pathways were identified for significantly enriched candidate target genes and a DE-miR functional regulatory network was assembled to identify DA-associated core target genes. RESULTS A total of nine DE-miRs (rno-miR-206-3p, rno-miR-133a-5p, rno-miR-133b-3p, rno-miR-133a-3p, rno-miR-325-5p, rno-miR-675-3p, rno-miR-411-5p, rno-miR-329-3p, and rno-miR-126a-3p) were identified, all of which were up-regulated and together predicted to target 3349 genes. The target genes were enriched in known functions and pathways related to lipid and glucose metabolism. The functional regulatory network indicated a modulatory pattern of these metabolic functions with DE-miRs. The miR-gene network suggested arpp19 and MDM4 as possible DA-related core target genes. CONCLUSION The present study identified DE-miRs and miRNA-gene networks enriched for lipid and glucose metabolic functions and pathways, and arpp19 and MDM4 as potential DA-related core target genes, suggesting DE-miRs and/or arpp19 and MDM4 could act as potential diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets for DA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuejin Li
- The First Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 JinBi Road, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan People’s Republic of China
| | - Le Xiao
- The First Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 JinBi Road, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinyuan Li
- The First Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 JinBi Road, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan People’s Republic of China
- Medical Faculty, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan China
| | - Ping Sun
- The First Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 JinBi Road, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Shang
- The First Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 JinBi Road, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- The First Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 JinBi Road, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan People’s Republic of China
| | - Quan Zhao
- The First Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 JinBi Road, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiming Ouyang
- The First Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 JinBi Road, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan People’s Republic of China
| | - Linhai Li
- The First Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 JinBi Road, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan People’s Republic of China
| | - Kunmei Gong
- The First Department of General Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, 157 JinBi Road, Kunming, 650032 Yunnan People’s Republic of China
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