1
|
Torres AK, Fleischhart V, Inestrosa NC. Mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR mt): what we know thus far. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1405393. [PMID: 38882057 PMCID: PMC11176431 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1405393] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are key organelles for the optimal function of the cell. Among their many functions, they maintain protein homeostasis through their own proteostatic machinery, which involves proteases and chaperones that regulate protein import and folding inside mitochondria. In the early 2000s, the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) was first described in mammalian cells. This stress response is activated by the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins within the mitochondrial matrix, which results in the transmission of a signal to the nucleus to increase the expression of proteases and chaperones to address the abnormal mitochondrial protein load. After its discovery, this retrograde signaling pathway has also been described in other organisms of different complexities, suggesting that it is a conserved stress response. Although there are some specific differences among organisms, the mechanism of this stress response is mostly similar and involves the transmission of a signal from mitochondria to the nucleus that induces chromatin remodeling to allow the binding of specific transcription factors to the promoters of chaperones and proteases. In the last decade, proteins and signaling pathways that could be involved in the regulation of the UPRmt, including the Wnt signaling pathway, have been described. This minireview aims to summarize what is known about the mechanism of the UPRmt and its regulation, specifically in mammals and C. elegans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angie K Torres
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Veronika Fleischhart
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| | - Nibaldo C Inestrosa
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Centro de Excelencia en Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tong M, Luo S, Gu L, Wang X, Zhang Z, Liang C, Huang H, Lin Y, Huang J. SIMarker: Cellular similarity detection and its application to diagnosis and prognosis of liver cancer. Comput Biol Med 2024; 171:108113. [PMID: 38368754 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108113] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of single-cell technology offers a unique opportunity to explore cellular similarity and heterogeneity between precancerous diseases and solid tumors. However, there is lacking a systematic study for identifying and characterizing similarities at single-cell resolution. METHODS We developed SIMarker, a computational framework to detect cellular similarities between precancerous diseases and solid tumors based on gene expression at single-cell resolution. Taking hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as a case study, we quantified the cellular and molecular connections between HCC and cirrhosis. Core analysis modules of SIMarker is publicly available at https://github.com/xmuhuanglab/SIMarker ("SIM" means "similarity" and "Marker" means "biomarkers). RESULTS We found PGA5+ hepatocytes in HCC showed cirrhosis-like characteristics, including similar transcriptional programs and gene regulatory networks. Consequently, the genes constituting the gene expression program of these cirrhosis-like subpopulations were designated as cirrhosis-like signatures (CLS). Strikingly, our utilization of CLS enabled the development of diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers based on within-sample relative expression orderings of gene pairs. These biomarkers achieved high precision and concordance compared with previous studies. CONCLUSIONS Our work provides a systematic method to investigate the clinical translational significance of cellular similarities between HCC and cirrhosis, which opens avenues for identifying similar paradigms in other categories of cancers and diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengsha Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 316005, China.
| | - Shijie Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 316005, China
| | - Lin Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xinkang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 316005, China
| | - Zheyang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 316005, China
| | - Chenyu Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 316005, China
| | - Huaqiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yuxiang Lin
- National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 316005, China
| | - Jialiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; National Institute for Data Science in Health and Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 316005, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Puvvula PK, Moon AM. Discovery and characterization of anti-cancer peptides from a random peptide library. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293072. [PMID: 38349913 PMCID: PMC10863893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We performed a forward genetic screen to discover peptides that specifically target breast cancer cells using a Penetratin tagged, random 15mer peptide library. We identified a group of novel peptides that specifically inhibited the proliferation and survival of breast cancer cells without affecting normal primary mammary epithelial cells or fibroblasts. The intrinsic apoptotic pathway is activated by these peptides in the face of abnormal expression of numerous cell cycle regulatory genes. Associated alterations in histone marks, nuclear structure, and levels of critical RNA binding proteins vary in a peptide specific manner. This study demonstrates a novel method for the discovery of new potential therapeutic peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar Puvvula
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Anne M. Moon
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Hess Center for Science and Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xing D, Jin Y, Sun D, Liu Y, Cai B, Gao C, Cui Y, Jin B. Protective effect of TNFAIP3 on testosterone production in Leydig cells under an aging inflammatory microenvironment. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 117:105274. [PMID: 37995648 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105274] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aging inflammatory microenvironment surrounding Leydig cells is linked to reduced testosterone levels in males. Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) acts as a critical anti-inflammatory factor in various aging-related diseases. This study aims to investigate the protective effect of TNFAIP3 on testosterone production in Leydig cells under an aging inflammatory microenvironment. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis examined TNFAIP3 expression differences in aging rat testes and validated the findings in aging mouse testes. In vitro models of inflammation were established using two Leydig cell lines, with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) as the inflammatory factor. Lentiviral transduction was utilized to manipulate TNFAIP3 expression in these cell lines. Transcriptomic sequencing identified differentially expressed genes in TNFAIP3-overexpressing cells. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis and validation experiments revealed increased inflammatory signaling and elevated TNFAIP3 expression in aging rat and mouse testes. TNFAIP3 knockdown worsened testosterone synthesis inhibition and apoptosis in cells, while TNFAIP3 overexpression reversed these effects. Transcriptome analysis identified alterations in the P38MAPK pathway following TNFAIP3 overexpression. TNFAIP3 knockdown enhanced TNF-induced P38MAPK signaling, whereas its overexpression attenuated this effect. TNFAIP3 was found to regulate testosterone synthesis by upregulating CEBPB expression. CONCLUSIONS TNFAIP3 exhibits inhibitory effects on apoptosis and promotes testosterone production in Leydig cells. The protective influence of TNFAIP3 on Leydig cells within an inflammatory microenvironment is likely mediated through by inhibiting the P38MAPK pathway and upregulating CEBPB expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xing
- Medical College of Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yihan Jin
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dalin Sun
- Andrology Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Medical College of Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Cai
- Andrology Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yugui Cui
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Baofang Jin
- Andrology Department of Integrative Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, 210009, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Banerjee D, Boboila S, Okochi S, Angelastro JM, Kadenhe-Chiweshe AV, Lopez G, Califano A, Connolly EP, Greene LA, Yamashiro DJ. Activating Transcription Factor 5 Promotes Neuroblastoma Metastasis by Inducing Anoikis Resistance. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:2518-2530. [PMID: 38014922 PMCID: PMC10714915 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma often presents as a highly aggressive metastatic disease with a poor prognosis. Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) is implicated in neural cell differentiation and cancer cell survival. Here, we show that ATF5 is highly expressed in patients with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma, with increased expression correlating with a poorer prognosis. We demonstrated that ATF5 promotes the metastasis of neuroblastoma cell lines in vivo. Functionally, ATF5 depletion significantly reduced xenograft tumor growth and metastasis of neuroblastoma cells to the bone marrow and liver. Mechanistically, ATF5 endows tumor cells with resistance to anoikis, thereby increasing their survival in systemic circulation and facilitating metastasis. We identified the proapoptotic BCL-2 modifying factor (BMF) as a critical player in ATF5-regulated neuroblastoma anoikis. ATF5 suppresses BMF under suspension conditions at the transcriptional level, promoting anoikis resistance, whereas BMF knockdown significantly prevents ATF5 depletion-induced anoikis. Therapeutically, we showed that a cell-penetrating dominant-negative ATF5 peptide, CP-d/n-ATF5, inhibits neuroblastoma metastasis to the bone marrow and liver by inducing anoikis sensitivity in circulating tumor cells. Our study identified ATF5 as a metastasis promoter and CP-d/n-ATF5 as a potential antimetastatic therapeutic agent for neuroblastoma. SIGNIFICANCE This study shows that resistance to anoikis in neuroblastoma is mediated by ATF5 and offers a rationale for targeting ATF5 to treat metastatic neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debarshi Banerjee
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Shuobo Boboila
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Shunpei Okochi
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - James M. Angelastro
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California
| | | | - Gonzalo Lopez
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Andrea Califano
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Eileen P. Connolly
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Lloyd A. Greene
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Darrell J. Yamashiro
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhou Q, Greene LA. Dpep Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth and Survival via Shared and Context-Dependent Transcriptome Perturbations. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5318. [PMID: 38001578 PMCID: PMC10669862 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225318] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Dpep is a cell-penetrating peptide targeting transcription factors ATF5, CEBPB, and CEBPD, and that selectively promotes the apoptotic death of multiple tumor cell types in vitro and in vivo. As such, it is a potential therapeutic. To better understand its mechanism of action, we used PLATE-seq to compare the transcriptomes of six cancer cell lines of diverse origins before and after Dpep exposure. This revealed a context-dependent pattern of regulated genes that was unique to each line, but that exhibited a number of elements that were shared with other lines. This included the upregulation of pro-apoptotic genes and tumor suppressors as well as the enrichment of genes associated with responses to hypoxia and interferons. Downregulated transcripts included oncogenes and dependency genes, as well as enriched genes associated with different phases of the cell cycle and with DNA repair. In each case, such changes have the potential to lie upstream of apoptotic cell death. We also detected the regulation of unique as well as shared sets of transcription factors in each line, suggesting that Dpep may initiate a cascade of transcriptional responses that culminate in cancer cell death. Such death thus appears to reflect context-dependent, yet shared, disruption of multiple cellular pathways as well as of individual survival-relevant genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lloyd A. Greene
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abouhashem AS, Singh K, Srivastava R, Liu S, Mathew-Steiner SS, Gu X, Kacar S, Hagar A, Sandusky GE, Roy S, Wan J, Sen CK. The Prolonged Terminal Phase of Human Life Induces Survival Response in the Skin Transcriptome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.15.540715. [PMID: 37292819 PMCID: PMC10245562 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.15.540715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human death marks the end of organismal life under conditions such that the components of the human body continue to be alive. Such postmortem cellular survival depends on the nature (Hardy scale of slow-fast death) of human death. Slow and expected death typically results from terminal illnesses and includes a prolonged terminal phase of life. As such organismal death process unfolds, do cells of the human body adapt for postmortem cellular survival? Organs with low energy cost-of-living, such as the skin, are better suited for postmortem cellular survival. In this work, the effect of different durations of terminal phase of human life on postmortem changes in cellular gene expression was investigated using RNA sequencing data of 701 human skin samples from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Longer terminal phase (slow-death) was associated with a more robust induction of survival pathways (PI3K-Akt signaling) in postmortem skin. Such cellular survival response was associated with the upregulation of embryonic developmental transcription factors such as FOXO1 , FOXO3 , ATF4 and CEBPD . Upregulation of PI3K-Akt signaling was independent of sex or duration of death-related tissue ischemia. Analysis of single nucleus RNA-seq of post-mortem skin tissue specifically identified the dermal fibroblast compartment to be most resilient as marked by adaptive induction of PI3K-Akt signaling. In addition, slow death also induced angiogenic pathways in the dermal endothelial cell compartment of postmortem human skin. In contrast, specific pathways supporting functional properties of the skin as an organ were downregulated following slow death. Such pathways included melanogenesis and those representing the skin extracellular matrix (collagen expression and metabolism). Efforts to understand the significance of death as a biological variable (DABV) in influencing the transcriptomic composition of surviving component tissues has far-reaching implications including rigorous interpretation of experimental data collected from the dead and mechanisms involved in transplant-tissue obtained from dead donors.
Collapse
|
8
|
Hartl L, Duitman J, Maarten FB, Spek CA. The Dual Role of C/EBPδ in Cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 185:103983. [PMID: 37024021 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein delta (C/EBPδ) is a transcription factor involved in differentiation and inflammation. While sparsely expressed in adult tissues, aberrant expression of C/EBPδ has been associated with different cancers. Initially, re-expression of C/EBPδ in cell cultures limited tumor cell proliferation, assigning it a tumor suppressor role. However, opposing observations were made in pre-clinical models and patients, suggesting that C/EBPδ not only mediates cell proliferation but dictates a broader spectrum of tumorigenesis-related effects. It is now widely accepted that C/EBPδ contributes to an inflammatory, tumor-promoting microenvironment, aids hypoxia adaption and contributes to the recruitment of blood vessels for improved nutrient supply to tumor cells and facilitated extravasation. This review summarizes the work published on this transcription factor in the field of cancer over the past decade. It points out areas in which a consensus on C/EBPδ's role appears to emerge and seek to explain seemingly contradictory results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Hartl
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - JanWillem Duitman
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pulmonary Medicine, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Experimental Immunology, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Infection & Immunity, Inflammatory Diseases, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - F Bijlsma Maarten
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - C Arnold Spek
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Targeting Transcription Factors ATF5, CEBPB and CEBPD with Cell-Penetrating Peptides to Treat Brain and Other Cancers. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040581. [PMID: 36831248 PMCID: PMC9954556 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing novel therapeutics often follows three steps: target identification, design of strategies to suppress target activity and drug development to implement the strategies. In this review, we recount the evidence identifying the basic leucine zipper transcription factors ATF5, CEBPB, and CEBPD as targets for brain and other malignancies. We describe strategies that exploit the structures of the three factors to create inhibitory dominant-negative (DN) mutant forms that selectively suppress growth and survival of cancer cells. We then discuss and compare four peptides (CP-DN-ATF5, Dpep, Bpep and ST101) in which DN sequences are joined with cell-penetrating domains to create drugs that pass through tissue barriers and into cells. The peptide drugs show both efficacy and safety in suppressing growth and in the survival of brain and other cancers in vivo, and ST101 is currently in clinical trials for solid tumors, including GBM. We further consider known mechanisms by which the peptides act and how these have been exploited in rationally designed combination therapies. We additionally discuss lacunae in our knowledge about the peptides that merit further research. Finally, we suggest both short- and long-term directions for creating new generations of drugs targeting ATF5, CEBPB, CEBPD, and other transcription factors for treating brain and other malignancies.
Collapse
|
10
|
Comprehensive Analysis of the Prognostic Value and Molecular Function of CRNDE in Glioma at Bulk and Single-Cell Levels. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223669. [PMID: 36429098 PMCID: PMC9688829 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) is an oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) overexpressed in diverse malignancies. Here, we comprehensively analyze the prognostic value and molecular function of CRNDE in glioma. Bulk RNA-sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), and single-cell RNA-sequencing data from the Tumor Immune Single-Cell Hub (TISCH) were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was applied to verify the prognostic value of CRNDE. Then, a nomogram based on multivariate Cox regression was established for individualized survival prediction. Subsequently, the expression characteristic and biological function of CRNDE were analyzed at the single-cell level. Lastly, the effects of CRNDE on the proliferation and invasion of glioma cell were explored in vitro. We discovered that CRNDE was a powerful marker for risk stratification of glioma patients. Regardless of the status of IDH and 1p/19q, CRNDE could effectively stratify patients' prognosis. The nomogram that incorporated the CRNDE expression was proved to be a reliable tool for survival prediction. In addition, epithelial-mesenchymal transition may be the most important biological process regulated by CRNDE, which was identified at both the bulk and single-cell levels. Moreover, CRNDE knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation and invasion of glioma cell. Overall, CRNDE is a vital oncogene and may be a valuable supplement to improve the clinical stratification of glioma.
Collapse
|
11
|
Inigo JR, Chandra D. The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPR mt): shielding against toxicity to mitochondria in cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:98. [PMID: 35864539 PMCID: PMC9306209 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01317-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are essential for tumor growth and progression. However, the heavy demand for mitochondrial activity in cancer leads to increased production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS), accumulation of mutations in mitochondrial DNA, and development of mitochondrial dysfunction. If left unchecked, excessive mtROS can damage and unfold proteins in the mitochondria to an extent that becomes lethal to the tumor. Cellular systems have evolved to combat mtROS and alleviate mitochondrial stress through a quality control mechanism called the mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt). The UPRmt system is composed of chaperones and proteases, which promote protein folding or eliminate mitochondrial proteins damaged by mtROS, respectively. UPRmt is conserved and activated in cancer in response to mitochondrial stress to maintain mitochondrial integrity and support tumor growth. In this review, we discuss how mitochondria become dysfunctional in cancer and highlight the tumor-promoting functions of key components of the UPRmt.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Inigo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Dhyan Chandra
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen M, Liu Y, Yang Y, Qiu Y, Wang Z, Li X, Zhang W. Emerging roles of activating transcription factor (ATF) family members in tumourigenesis and immunity: Implications in cancer immunotherapy. Genes Dis 2022; 9:981-999. [PMID: 35685455 PMCID: PMC9170601 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating transcription factors, ATFs, are a group of bZIP transcription factors that act as homodimers or heterodimers with a range of other bZIP factors. In general, ATFs respond to extracellular signals, indicating their important roles in maintaining homeostasis. The ATF family includes ATF1, ATF2, ATF3, ATF4, ATF5, ATF6, and ATF7. Consistent with the diversity of cellular processes reported to be regulated by ATFs, the functions of ATFs are also diverse. ATFs play an important role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation and inflammation-related pathological processes. The expression and phosphorylation status of ATFs are also related to neurodegenerative diseases and polycystic kidney disease. Various miRNAs target ATFs to regulate cancer proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, sensitivity and resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Moreover, ATFs are necessary to maintain cell redox homeostasis. Therefore, deepening our understanding of the regulation and function of ATFs will provide insights into the basic regulatory mechanisms that influence how cells integrate extracellular and intracellular signals into genomic responses through transcription factors. Under pathological conditions, especially in cancer biology and response to treatment, the characterization of ATF dysfunction is important for understanding how to therapeutically utilize ATF2 or other pathways controlled by transcription factors. In this review, we will demonstrate how ATF1, ATF2, ATF3, ATF4, ATF5, ATF6, and ATF7 function in promoting or suppressing cancer development and identify their roles in tumour immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wenling Zhang
- Corresponding author. Department of Medical Laboratory Science, the Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Tongzipo Road 172, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Paerhati P, Liu J, Jin Z, Jakoš T, Zhu S, Qian L, Zhu J, Yuan Y. Advancements in Activating Transcription Factor 5 Function in Regulating Cell Stress and Survival. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137129. [PMID: 35806136 PMCID: PMC9266924 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5) belongs to the activating transcription factor/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein family of basic region leucine zipper transcription factors. ATF5 plays an important role in cell stress regulation and is involved in cell differentiation and survival, as well as centrosome maintenance and development. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that ATF5 plays an oncogenic role in cancer by regulating gene expressions involved in tumorigenesis and tumor survival. Recent studies have indicated that ATF5 may also modify the gene expressions involved in other diseases. This review explores in detail the regulation of ATF5 expression and signaling pathways and elucidates the role of ATF5 in cancer biology. Furthermore, an overview of putative therapeutic strategies that can be used for restoring aberrant ATF5 activity in different cancer types is provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pameila Paerhati
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.P.); (J.L.); (Z.J.); (T.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jing Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.P.); (J.L.); (Z.J.); (T.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Zhedong Jin
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.P.); (J.L.); (Z.J.); (T.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Tanja Jakoš
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.P.); (J.L.); (Z.J.); (T.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Shunyin Zhu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (S.Z.); (L.Q.)
| | - Lan Qian
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; (S.Z.); (L.Q.)
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.P.); (J.L.); (Z.J.); (T.J.); (J.Z.)
| | - Yunsheng Yuan
- Engineering Research Center of Cell & Therapeutic Antibody, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China; (P.P.); (J.L.); (Z.J.); (T.J.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang G, Fan Y, Cao P, Tan K. Insight into the mitochondrial unfolded protein response and cancer: opportunities and challenges. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:18. [PMID: 35180892 PMCID: PMC8857832 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00747-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt) is an evolutionarily conserved protective transcriptional response that maintains mitochondrial proteostasis by inducing the expression of mitochondrial chaperones and proteases in response to various stresses. The UPRmt-mediated transcriptional program requires the participation of various upstream signaling pathways and molecules. The factors regulating the UPRmt in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and mammals are both similar and different. Cancer cells, as malignant cells with uncontrolled proliferation, are exposed to various challenges from endogenous and exogenous stresses. Therefore, in cancer cells, the UPRmt is hijacked and exploited for the repair of mitochondria and the promotion of tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we systematically introduce the inducers of UPRmt, the biological processes in which UPRmt participates, the mechanisms regulating the UPRmt in C. elegans and mammals, cross-tissue signal transduction of the UPRmt and the roles of the UPRmt in promoting cancer initiation and progression. Disrupting proteostasis in cancer cells by targeting UPRmt constitutes a novel anticancer therapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ge Wang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei, 050024, China.,Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yumei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei, 050024, China
| | - Pengxiu Cao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei, 050024, China
| | - Ke Tan
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Hebei Province, College of Life Sciences, Hebei Normal University, Hebei, 050024, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liu H, Huang Q, Lv Y, Dong Y, Song D. CEBPB knockdown sensitizes nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells to cisplatin by promoting the expression of serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 5. Anticancer Drugs 2022; 33:e327-e335. [PMID: 34387602 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 5 (SPINK5) has been indicated to act as a prognostic predictor for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, its specific role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a malignancy that has a high propensity for chemoresistance, remains largely obscure. We, thus, sought to investigate the importance of SPINK5 expression in regulating chemoresistance in NPC. Differentially expressed genes in NPC were screened using the cancer genome atlas-head and neck squamous cell carcinoma database and microarray analysis. SPINK5 was downregulated in NPC tissues and cells. After SPINK5 upregulation, the cells treated with cisplatin showed reduced cell survival and the ability to migrate, invade and metastasize. Mechanistically, the transcription factors regulating SPINK5 were queried through the JASPAR website, followed by dual-luciferase and Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay validation. CCAAT enhancer-binding protein (CEBP) beta (CEBPB) bound to the SPINK5 promoter region in NPC cells. The silencing of CEBPB enhanced the expression of SPINK5. CEBPB overexpression reversed the inhibitory effects of cisplatin on NPC cell malignant phenotype in the presence of SPINK5 overexpression. In conclusion, CEBPB silencing promoted chemoresistance of NPC cells via activating SPINK5, signifying that targeting CEBPB was a new approach to enhance the chemotherapy efficacy in NPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Liu
- Department of Oncology, Binzhou Central Hospital, Binzhou
| | - Qingli Huang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Liaocheng People's Hospital
| | - Yunxia Lv
- Department of Otolaryngology, Yanggu People's Hospital, Liaocheng
| | - Youwei Dong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Juxian people's Hospital, Rizhao
| | - Daoliang Song
- Department of Otorhinolargology Head and Neck Surgery, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jiang Y, Wu SY, Chen YL, Zhang ZM, Tao YF, Xie Y, Liao XM, Li XL, Li G, Wu D, Wang HR, Zuo R, Cao HB, Pan JJ, Yu JJ, Jia SQ, Zhang Z, Chu XR, Zhang YP, Feng CX, Wang JW, Hu SY, Li ZH, Pan J, Fang F, Lu J. CEBPG promotes acute myeloid leukemia progression by enhancing EIF4EBP1. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:598. [PMID: 34743716 PMCID: PMC8574011 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02305-z] [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: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a myeloid neoplasm accounts for 7.6% of hematopoietic malignancies. AML is a complex disease, and understanding its pathophysiology is contributing to the improvement in the treatment and prognosis of AML. In this study, we assessed the expression profile and molecular functions of CCAAT enhancer binding protein gamma (CEBPG), a gene implicated in myeloid differentiation and AML progression. Methods shRNA mediated gene interference was used to down-regulate the expression of CEBPG in AML cell lines, and knockdown efficiency was detected by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The effect of knockdown on the growth of AML cell lines was evaluated by CCK-8. Western blotting was used to detect PARP cleavage, and flow cytometry were used to determine the effect of knockdown on apoptosis of AML cells. Genes and pathways affected by knockdown of CEBPG were identified by gene expression analysis using RNA-seq. One of the genes affected by knockdown of CEBPG was Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (EIF4EBP1), a known repressor of translation. Knockdown of EIF4EBP1 was used to assess its potential role in AML progression downstream of CEBPG. Results We explored the ChIP-Seq data of AML cell lines and non-AML hematopoietic cells, and found CEBPG was activated through its distal enhancer in AML cell lines. Using the public transcriptomic dataset, the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and western blotting, we also found CEBPG was overexpressed in AML. Moreover, we observed that CEBPG promotes AML cell proliferation by activating EIF4EBP1, thus contributing to the progression of AML. These findings indicate that CEBPG could act as a potential therapeutic target for AML patients. Conclusion In summary, we systematically explored the molecular characteristics of CEBPG in AML and identified CEBPG as a potential therapeutic target for AML patients. Our findings provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of AML and indicate a key role for CEBPG in promoting AML progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02305-z.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- You Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shui-Yan Wu
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China.,Intensive Care Unit, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yan-Ling Chen
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China.,School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Zi-Mu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yan-Fang Tao
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Xin-Mei Liao
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Xiao-Lu Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Gen Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Di Wu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Hai-Rong Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Ran Zuo
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Hai-Bo Cao
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Jing-Jing Pan
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Juan-Juan Yu
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Si-Qi Jia
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China.,School of Basic Medicine and Biological Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Xin-Ran Chu
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong-Ping Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen-Xi Feng
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Jian-Wei Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Shao-Yan Hu
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China.,Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Zhi-Heng Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China. .,Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China.
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China.
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Keerthiga R, Pei DS, Fu A. Mitochondrial dysfunction, UPR mt signaling, and targeted therapy in metastasis tumor. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:186. [PMID: 34717757 PMCID: PMC8556915 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00696-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In modern research, mitochondria are considered a more crucial energy plant in cells. Mitochondrial dysfunction, including mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation and denatured protein accumulation, is a common feature of tumors. The dysfunctional mitochondria reprogram molecular metabolism and allow tumor cells to proliferate in the hostile microenvironment. One of the crucial signaling pathways of the mitochondrial dysfunction activation in the tumor cells is the retrograde signaling of mitochondria-nucleus interaction, mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), which is initiated by accumulation of denatured protein and excess ROS production. In the process of UPRmt, various components are activitated to enhance the mitochondria-nucleus retrograde signaling to promote carcinoma progression, including hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), activating transcription factor ATF-4, ATF-5, CHOP, AKT, AMPK. The retrograde signaling molecules of overexpression ATF-5, SIRT3, CREB, SOD1, SOD2, early growth response protein 1 (EGR1), ATF2, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-d, and CHOP also involved in the process. Targeted blockage of the UPRmt pathway could obviously inhibit tumor proliferation and metastasis. This review indicates the UPRmt pathways and its crucial role in targeted therapy of metastasis tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - De-Sheng Pei
- School of Public Health and Management, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Ailing Fu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Inigo JR, Kumar R, Chandra D. Targeting the mitochondrial unfolded protein response in cancer: opportunities and challenges. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:1050-1053. [PMID: 34580036 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.08.008] [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: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that a mitochondria-specific stress response referred to as the 'mitochondrial unfolded protein response' (UPRmt) is activated to maintain mitochondrial integrity and support tumor growth. In this forum article, we discuss the recent advances and current challenges in therapeutically targeting UPRmt in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Inigo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Dhyan Chandra
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhou Q, Sun X, Pasquier N, Jefferson P, Nguyen TTT, Siegelin MD, Angelastro JM, Greene LA. Cell-Penetrating CEBPB and CEBPD Leucine Zipper Decoys as Broadly Acting Anti-Cancer Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102504. [PMID: 34065488 PMCID: PMC8161188 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The gene-regulatory factors ATF5, CEBPB and CEBPD promote survival, growth, metastasis and treatment resistance of a range of cancer cell types. Presently, no drugs target all three at once. Here, with the aim of treating cancers, we designed novel cell-penetrating peptides that interact with and inactivate all three. The peptides Bpep and Dpep kill a range of cancer cell types in culture and in animals. In animals with tumors, they also significantly increase survival time. In contrast, they do not affect survival of non-cancer cells and have no apparent side effects in animals. The peptides work in combination with other anti-cancer treatments. Mechanism studies of how the peptides kill cancer cells indicate a decrease in survival proteins and increase in death proteins. These studies support the potential of Bpep and Dpep as novel, safe agents for the treatment of a variety of cancer types, both as mono- and combination therapies. Abstract Transcription factors are key players underlying cancer formation, growth, survival, metastasis and treatment resistance, yet few drugs exist to directly target them. Here, we characterized the in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer efficacy of novel synthetic cell-penetrating peptides (Bpep and Dpep) designed to interfere with the formation of active leucine-zipper-based dimers by CEBPB and CEBPD, transcription factors implicated in multiple malignancies. Both peptides similarly promoted apoptosis of multiple tumor lines of varying origins, without such effects on non-transformed cells. Combined with other treatments (radiation, Taxol, chloroquine, doxorubicin), the peptides acted additively to synergistically and were fully active on Taxol-resistant cells. The peptides suppressed expression of known direct CEBPB/CEBPD targets IL6, IL8 and asparagine synthetase (ASNS), supporting their inhibition of transcriptional activation. Mechanisms by which the peptides trigger apoptosis included depletion of pro-survival survivin and a required elevation of pro-apoptotic BMF. Bpep and Dpep significantly slowed tumor growth in mouse models without evident side effects. Dpep significantly prolonged survival in xenograft models. These findings indicate the efficacy and potential of Bpep and Dpep as novel agents to treat a variety of cancers as mono- or combination therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (Q.Z.); (X.S.); (N.P.); (P.J.); (T.T.T.N.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Xiotian Sun
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (Q.Z.); (X.S.); (N.P.); (P.J.); (T.T.T.N.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Nicolas Pasquier
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (Q.Z.); (X.S.); (N.P.); (P.J.); (T.T.T.N.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Parvaneh Jefferson
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (Q.Z.); (X.S.); (N.P.); (P.J.); (T.T.T.N.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Trang T. T. Nguyen
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (Q.Z.); (X.S.); (N.P.); (P.J.); (T.T.T.N.); (M.D.S.)
| | - Markus D. Siegelin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (Q.Z.); (X.S.); (N.P.); (P.J.); (T.T.T.N.); (M.D.S.)
| | - James M. Angelastro
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Lloyd A. Greene
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA; (Q.Z.); (X.S.); (N.P.); (P.J.); (T.T.T.N.); (M.D.S.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Puvvula PK, Moon AM. Novel Cell-Penetrating Peptides Derived From Scaffold-Attachment- Factor A Inhibits Cancer Cell Proliferation and Survival. Front Oncol 2021; 11:621825. [PMID: 33859938 PMCID: PMC8042391 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.621825] [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: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Scaffold-attachment-factor A (SAFA) has important roles in many normal and pathologic cellular processes but the scope of its function in cancer cells is unknown. Here, we report dominant-negative activity of novel peptides derived from the SAP and RGG-domains of SAFA and their effects on proliferation, survival and the epigenetic landscape in a range of cancer cell types. The RGG-derived peptide dysregulates SAFA binding and regulation of alternatively spliced targets and decreases levels of key spliceosome proteins in a cell-type specific manner. In contrast, the SAP-derived peptide reduces active histone marks, promotes chromatin compaction, and activates the DNA damage response and cell death in a subset of cancer cell types. Our findings reveal an unprecedented function of SAFA-derived peptides in regulating diverse SAFA molecular functions as a tumor suppressive mechanism and demonstrate the potential therapeutic utility of SAFA-peptides in a wide range of cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar Puvvula
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, United States
| | - Anne M Moon
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, United States.,Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States.,The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Hess Center for Science and Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Smyrnias I. The mitochondrial unfolded protein response and its diverse roles in cellular stress. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 133:105934. [PMID: 33529716 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.105934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial function is centrally involved in many cellular processes, such as energy production, metabolism of nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids, calcium buffering, and regulation of cell death. Multiple mechanisms are engaged under conditions of mitochondrial dysfunction to restore cellular and, subsequently, systemic functions. The mitochondrial unfolded protein response is a homeostatic mechanism that has attracted a lot of interest recently and has been described in several organisms, including humans. The mitochondrial unfolded protein response serves as a first-line-of-defence mechanism against stress to restore mitochondrial proteostasis and functions. Here, we discuss the canonical mechanisms via which the mitochondrial unfolded protein response is activated under stress and examine recent evidence that links the response with other processes that promote survival and the recovery of the mitochondrial network (i.e. the integrated stress response and mitophagy).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Smyrnias
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7AL, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Huang Y, Lin L, Shen Z, Li Y, Cao H, Peng L, Qiu Y, Cheng X, Meng M, Lu D, Yin D. CEBPG promotes esophageal squamous cell carcinoma progression by enhancing PI3K-AKT signaling. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:3328-3344. [PMID: 33163273 PMCID: PMC7642652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (CEBPs, including CEBPA, CEBPB, CEBPD, CEBPE, CEBPG, and CEBPZ) play critical roles in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. However, the molecular characteristics and biological significance of CEBPs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have rarely been reported. Here, we show that most of the CEBPs are upregulated and accompanied with copy number amplifications in ESCC. Of note, high CEBPG expression is regulated by the ESCC specific transcription factor TP63 and serves as a prognostic factor for poor survival in ESCC patients. Functionally, CEBPG significantly promotes the proliferation and migration of ESCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, CEBPG activates the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway through directly binding to distal enhancers and/or promoters of genes involved in this pathway, including genes of CCND1, MYC, CDK2, etc. These findings provide new insights into CEBPs dysregulation in ESCC and elucidate a crucial role for CEBPG in the progression of ESCC, highlighting its potential therapeutic value for ESCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Huang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510120, China
| | - Lehang Lin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510120, China
| | - Zhuojian Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yu Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510120, China
| | - Haotian Cao
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510120, China
| | - Li Peng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510120, China
| | - Yuntan Qiu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510120, China
| | - Xu Cheng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510120, China
| | - Meng Meng
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510120, China
| | - Daning Lu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510120, China
| | - Dong Yin
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou 510120, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang D, Ruan X, Liu X, Xue Y, Shao L, Yang C, Zhu L, Yang Y, Li Z, Yu B, Feng T, Liu Y. SUMOylation of PUM2 promotes the vasculogenic mimicry of glioma cells via regulating CEBPD. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e168. [PMID: 32997416 PMCID: PMC7507322 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common form of primary central nervous malignant tumors. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a blood supply channel that is different from endothelial blood vessels in glioma. VM is related to tumor invasion and metastasis. Therefore, it plays an important role to target therapy for glioma VM. Our experimental results showed abnormal expression of UBE2I, PUM2, CEBPD, and DSG2 in glioma cells. The Co-IP and Immunofluorescence staining were used to detect that PUM2 can be modified by SUMO2/3. The interaction between PUM2 and CEBPD mRNA was detected by the RIP assays. The interaction between transcription factor CEBPD and promoter region of DSG2 was detected by the ChIP assays and luciferase assays. The capacity for migration in glioma cells was observed by the laser holographic microscope. The capacity for invasion in glioma cells was detected by Transwell method. The VM in glioma cells was detected by three-dimensional cell culture method. The experimental results found that the upregulation of UBE2I in glioma tissues and cells promotes the SUMOylation of PUM2, which decreases not only the stability of PUM2 protein but also decreases the inhibitory effect of PUM2 on CEBPD mRNA. The upregulation of CEBPD promotes the binding to the upstream promoter region of DSG2 gene, further upregulates the expression of DSG2, and finally promotes the development of glioma VM. In conclusion, this study found that the UBE2I/PUM2/CEBPD/DSG2 played crucial roles in regulating glioma VM. It also provides potential targets and alternative strategies for combined treatment of glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Di Wang
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Clinical Medical Research Center in Nervous System DiseaseShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Neuro‐oncology in Liaoning ProvinceShenyangChina
| | - Xuelei Ruan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of life SciencesChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of ChinaChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of ChinaChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Xiaobai Liu
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Clinical Medical Research Center in Nervous System DiseaseShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Neuro‐oncology in Liaoning ProvinceShenyangChina
| | - Yixue Xue
- Department of Neurobiology, School of life SciencesChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of ChinaChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of ChinaChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Lianqi Shao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of life SciencesChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of ChinaChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of ChinaChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Chunqing Yang
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Clinical Medical Research Center in Nervous System DiseaseShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Neuro‐oncology in Liaoning ProvinceShenyangChina
| | - Lu Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of life SciencesChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Ministry of Public Health of ChinaChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology, Ministry of Education of ChinaChina Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Clinical Medical Research Center in Nervous System DiseaseShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Neuro‐oncology in Liaoning ProvinceShenyangChina
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Clinical Medical Research Center in Nervous System DiseaseShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Neuro‐oncology in Liaoning ProvinceShenyangChina
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Clinical Medical Research Center in Nervous System DiseaseShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Neuro‐oncology in Liaoning ProvinceShenyangChina
| | - Tianda Feng
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Clinical Medical Research Center in Nervous System DiseaseShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Neuro‐oncology in Liaoning ProvinceShenyangChina
| | - Yunhui Liu
- Department of NeurosurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
- Liaoning Clinical Medical Research Center in Nervous System DiseaseShenyangChina
- Key Laboratory of Neuro‐oncology in Liaoning ProvinceShenyangChina
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
O'Malley J, Kumar R, Inigo J, Yadava N, Chandra D. Mitochondrial Stress Response and Cancer. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:688-701. [PMID: 32451306 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells survive and adapt to many types of stress including hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, metabolic, and oxidative stress. These stresses are sensed by diverse cellular signaling processes, leading to either degradation of mitochondria or alleviation of mitochondrial stress. This review discusses signaling during sensing and mitigation of stress involving mitochondrial communication with the endoplasmic reticulum, and how retrograde signaling upregulates the mitochondrial stress response to maintain mitochondrial integrity. The importance of the mitochondrial unfolded protein response, an emerging pathway that alleviates cellular stress, will be elaborated with respect to cancer. Detailed understanding of cellular pathways will establish mitochondrial stress response as a key mechanism for cancer cell survival leading to cancer progression and resistance, and provide a potential therapeutic target in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan O'Malley
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Inigo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Nagendra Yadava
- Department of Anesthesiology and Center for Shock, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dhyan Chandra
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|