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Cao L, Lin G, Fan D, Weng K, Chen Y, Wang J, Li P, Zheng C, Huang C, Xie J. NUAK1 activates STAT5/GLI1/SOX2 signaling to enhance cancer cell expansion and drives chemoresistance in gastric cancer. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114446. [PMID: 38996065 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114446] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The gene encoding the NUAK family kinase 1 (NUAK1) is frequently amplified and its expression is upregulated, activating oncogenic signaling in various cancers. However, little is known about its role in gastric cancer (GC). We investigate the mechanistic links among NUAK1, Hedgehog signaling, and tumorigenesis in GC. NUAK1 overexpression is validated in local and public GC cohorts. Patient-derived xenograft and transgenic mouse models demonstrate that NUAK1 depletion or inhibition dramatically ameliorates gastric tumorigenesis. NUAK1 upregulates GLI1 expression by activating STAT5-mediated transcription and stabilizing GLI1 protein. NUAK1 depletion or inhibition impairs cancer cell expansion, tumor formation, and chemotherapy resistance in in vitro and in vivo models. Clinicopathological analysis confirms that upregulated NUAK1 expression correlates with poor prognosis and chemotherapy resistance in human GC. Our findings demonstrate that the signaling axis NUAK1/STAT5/GLI1 promotes cancer cell expansion and tumorigenesis and indicate that NUAK1 is an attractive therapeutic target and prognostic factor in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longlong Cao
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Guangtan Lin
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Denghui Fan
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Kai Weng
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yujing Chen
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Jiabin Wang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chaohui Zheng
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Changming Huang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
| | - Jianwei Xie
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Tumor Microbiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.
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Wen J, Li L, Yang Y, Ou D, Yang J, Xie J, Du W, Tong Y. Phytochemicals targeting ferroptosis in cardiovascular diseases: Recent advances and therapeutic perspectives. Phytother Res 2024. [PMID: 38973263 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8278] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a form of iron-dependent regulatory cell death that is related to the pathogenesis and progression of various cardiovascular diseases, such as arrhythmia, diabetic cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, and heart failure. This makes it a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases. It is interesting that a significant number of cardiovascular disease treatment drugs derived from phytochemicals have been shown to target ferroptosis, thus producing cardioprotective effects. This study offers a concise overview of the initiation and control mechanisms of ferroptosis. It discusses the core regulatory factors of ferroptosis as potential new therapeutic targets for various cardiovascular diseases, elucidating how ferroptosis influences the progression of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, this review systematically summarizes the regulatory effects of phytochemicals on ferroptosis, emphasizing their potential mechanisms and clinical applications in treating cardiovascular diseases. This study provides a reference for further elucidating the molecular mechanisms of phytochemicals in treating cardiovascular diseases. This may accelerate their application in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and is worth further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxia Wen
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Food Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Chongqing Joint Construction of Specialty Food, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Li
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Food Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Chongqing Joint Construction of Specialty Food, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Yang
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Food Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Chongqing Joint Construction of Specialty Food, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dinglin Ou
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Food Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Chongqing Joint Construction of Specialty Food, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junjie Yang
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Food Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Chongqing Joint Construction of Specialty Food, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiachen Xie
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Food Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Chongqing Joint Construction of Specialty Food, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenya Du
- School of Food and Bioengineering, Food Microbiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Sichuan Chongqing Joint Construction of Specialty Food, Xihua University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuling Tong
- School of Medicine and Food, Sichuan Vocational College of Health and Rehabilitation, Zigong, China
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3
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Sheng M, Huo S, Jia L, Weng Y, Liu W, Lin Y, Yu W. NUAK1 promotes metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis progression by activating Caspase 6-driven pyroptosis and inflammation. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0479. [PMID: 38967580 PMCID: PMC11227355 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND lNUAK1 is strongly associated with organ fibrosis, but its causal mechanism for modulating lipid metabolism and hepatic inflammation underlying MASH has not been fully clarified. METHOD In our study, human liver tissues from patients with MASH and control subjects were obtained to evaluate NUAK1 expression. MASH models were established using C57BL/6 mice. Liver damage and molecular mechanisms of the NUAK1-Caspase 6 signaling were tested in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS In the clinical arm, NUAK1 expression was upregulated in liver samples from patients with MASH. Moreover, increased NUAK1 was detected in mouse MASH models. NUAK1 inhibition ameliorated steatohepatitis development in MASH mice accompanied by the downregulation of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Intriguingly, NUAK1 was found to facilitate Caspase 6 activation and trigger pyroptosis in MASH-stressed livers. Disruption of hepatocytes Caspase 6 decreased MASH-induced liver inflammation with upregulated TAK1 but diminished RIPK1. Moreover, we found that NUAK1/Caspase 6 axis inhibition could accelerate the interaction between TAK1 and RIPK1, which in turn led to the degradation of RIPK1. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our study elucidates that NUAK1-Caspase 6 signaling controls inflammation activation in MASH through the interaction between TAK1 and RIPK1, which is crucial for controlling pyroptosis and promoting the progression of MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Sheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuhan Huo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Lili Jia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiqi Weng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Weihua Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanbang Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenli Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
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4
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Skalka GL, Whyte D, Lubawska D, Murphy DJ. NUAK: never underestimate a kinase. Essays Biochem 2024:EBC20240005. [PMID: 38939918 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20240005] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
NUAK1 and NUAK2 belong to a family of kinases related to the catalytic α-subunits of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) complexes. Despite canonical activation by the tumour suppressor kinase LKB1, both NUAKs exhibit a spectrum of activities that favour tumour development and progression. Here, we review similarities in structure and function of the NUAKs, their regulation at gene, transcript and protein level, and discuss their phosphorylation of specific downstream targets in the context of the signal transduction pathways and biological activities regulated by each or both NUAKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- George L Skalka
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, U.K
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1BD, U.K
| | - Declan Whyte
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1BD, U.K
| | | | - Daniel J Murphy
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, U.K
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1BD, U.K
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Lewis K, La Selva R, Maldonado E, Annis MG, Najyb O, Cepeda Cañedo E, Totten S, Hébert S, Sabourin V, Mirabelli C, Ciccolini E, Lehuédé C, Choinière L, Russo M, Avizonis D, Park M, St-Pierre J, Kleinman CL, Siegel PM, Ursini-Siegel J. p66ShcA promotes malignant breast cancer phenotypes by alleviating energetic and oxidative stress. Redox Biol 2024; 70:103028. [PMID: 38211442 PMCID: PMC10821068 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Significant efforts have focused on identifying targetable genetic drivers that support the growth of solid tumors and/or increase metastatic ability. During tumor development and progression to metastatic disease, physiological and pharmacological selective pressures influence parallel adaptive strategies within cancer cell sub-populations. Such adaptations allow cancer cells to withstand these stressful microenvironments. This Darwinian model of stress adaptation often prevents durable clinical responses and influences the emergence of aggressive cancers with increased metastatic fitness. However, the mechanisms contributing to such adaptive stress responses are poorly understood. We now demonstrate that the p66ShcA redox protein, itself a ROS inducer, is essential for survival in response to physiological stressors, including anchorage independence and nutrient deprivation, in the context of poor outcome breast cancers. Mechanistically, we show that p66ShcA promotes both glucose and glutamine metabolic reprogramming in breast cancer cells, to increase their capacity to engage catabolic metabolism and support glutathione synthesis. In doing so, chronic p66ShcA exposure contributes to adaptive stress responses, providing breast cancer cells with sufficient ATP and redox balance needed to withstand such transient stressed states. Our studies demonstrate that p66ShcA functionally contributes to the maintenance of aggressive phenotypes and the emergence of metastatic disease by forcing breast tumors to adapt to chronic and moderately elevated levels of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Lewis
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rachel La Selva
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Elias Maldonado
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Matthew G Annis
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ouafa Najyb
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Eduardo Cepeda Cañedo
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephanie Totten
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Steven Hébert
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Valérie Sabourin
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Caitlynn Mirabelli
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Emma Ciccolini
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Camille Lehuédé
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luc Choinière
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mariana Russo
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daina Avizonis
- Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julie St-Pierre
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology and Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Claudia L Kleinman
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Peter M Siegel
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Josie Ursini-Siegel
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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6
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Lee JY, Bhandare RR, Boddu SHS, Shaik AB, Saktivel LP, Gupta G, Negi P, Barakat M, Singh SK, Dua K, Chellappan DK. Molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of tumour suppressor genes in lung cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116275. [PMID: 38394846 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116275] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumour suppressor genes play a cardinal role in the development of a large array of human cancers, including lung cancer, which is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. Therefore, extensive studies have been committed to deciphering the underlying mechanisms of alterations of tumour suppressor genes in governing tumourigenesis, as well as resistance to cancer therapies. In spite of the encouraging clinical outcomes demonstrated by lung cancer patients on initial treatment, the subsequent unresponsiveness to first-line treatments manifested by virtually all the patients is inherently a contentious issue. In light of the aforementioned concerns, this review compiles the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of some of the tumour suppressor genes implicated in lung cancer that are either frequently mutated and/or are located on the chromosomal arms having high LOH rates (1p, 3p, 9p, 10q, 13q, and 17p). Our study identifies specific genomic loci prone to LOH, revealing a recurrent pattern in lung cancer cases. These loci, including 3p14.2 (FHIT), 9p21.3 (p16INK4a), 10q23 (PTEN), 17p13 (TP53), exhibit a higher susceptibility to LOH due to environmental factors such as exposure to DNA-damaging agents (carcinogens in cigarette smoke) and genetic factors such as chromosomal instability, genetic mutations, DNA replication errors, and genetic predisposition. Furthermore, this review summarizes the current treatment landscape and advancements for lung cancers, including the challenges and endeavours to overcome it. This review envisages inspired researchers to embark on a journey of discovery to add to the list of what was known in hopes of prompting the development of effective therapeutic strategies for lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yee Lee
- School of Health Sciences, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Richie R Bhandare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Ajman University, Al-Jurf, P.O. Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Al-Jurf, P.O. Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Sai H S Boddu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Ajman University, Al-Jurf, P.O. Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Al-Jurf, P.O. Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Afzal B Shaik
- St. Mary's College of Pharmacy, St. Mary's Group of Institutions Guntur, Affiliated to Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada, Chebrolu, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 522212, India; Center for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, India
| | - Lakshmana Prabu Saktivel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University College of Engineering (BIT Campus), Anna University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, India
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Al-Jurf, P.O. Box 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302017, India
| | - Poonam Negi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, PO Box 9, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173229, India
| | - Muna Barakat
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Applied Science Private University, Amman-11937, Jordan
| | - Sachin Kumar Singh
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar-Delhi G.T Road, Phagwara 144411, India; Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia
| | - Kamal Dua
- Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney 2007, Australia
| | - Dinesh Kumar Chellappan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia.
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7
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Xu L, Cao Y, Xu Y, Li R, Xu X. Redox-Responsive Polymeric Nanoparticle for Nucleic Acid Delivery and Cancer Therapy: Progress, Opportunities, and Challenges. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2300238. [PMID: 37573033 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202300238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer development and progression of cancer are closely associated with the activation of oncogenes and loss of tumor suppressor genes. Nucleic acid drugs (e.g., siRNA, mRNA, and DNA) are widely used for cancer therapy due to their specific ability to regulate the expression of any cancer-associated genes. However, nucleic acid drugs are negatively charged biomacromolecules that are susceptible to serum nucleases and cannot cross cell membrane. Therefore, specific delivery tools are required to facilitate the intracellular delivery of nucleic acid drugs. In the past few decades, a variety of nanoparticles (NPs) are designed and developed for nucleic acid delivery and cancer therapy. In particular, the polymeric NPs in response to the abnormal redox status in cancer cells have garnered much more attention as their potential in redox-triggered nanostructure dissociation and rapid intracellular release of nucleic acid drugs. In this review, the important genes or signaling pathways regulating the abnormal redox status in cancer cells are briefly introduced and the recent development of redox-responsive NPs for nucleic acid delivery and cancer therapy is systemically summarized. The future development of NPs-mediated nucleic acid delivery and their challenges in clinical translation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
| | - Ya Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
| | - Rong Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoding Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Medical Nanomaterials, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, P. R. China
- Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, P. R. China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, P. R. China
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8
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Warden CD, Wu X. Critical Differential Expression Assessment for Individual Bulk RNA-Seq Projects. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.10.579728. [PMID: 38405814 PMCID: PMC10888899 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.10.579728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Finding the right balance of quality and quantity can be important, and it is essential that project quality does not drop below the level where important main conclusions are missed or misstated. We use knock-out and over-expression studies as a simplification to test recovery of a known causal gene in RNA-Seq cell line experiments. When single-end RNA-Seq reads are aligned with STAR and quantified with htseq-count, we found potential value in testing the use of the Generalized Linear Model (GLM) implementation of edgeR with robust dispersion estimation more frequently for either single-variate or multi-variate 2-group comparisons (with the possibility of defining criteria less stringent than |fold-change| > 1.5 and FDR < 0.05). When considering a limited number of patient sample comparisons with larger sample size, there might be some decreased variability between methods (except for DESeq1). However, at the same time, the ranking of the gene identified using immunohistochemistry (for ER/PR/HER2 in breast cancer samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas) showed as possible shift in performance compared to the cell line comparisons, potentially highlighting utility for standard statistical tests and/or limma-based analysis with larger sample sizes. If this continues to be true in additional studies and comparisons, then that could be consistent with the possibility that it may be important to allocate time for potential methods troubleshooting for genomics projects. Analysis of public data presented in this study does not consider all experimental designs, and presentation of downstream analysis is limited. So, any estimate from this simplification would be an underestimation of the true need for some methods testing for every project. Additionally, this set of independent cell line experiments has a limitation in being able to determine the frequency of missing a highly important gene if the problem is rare (such as 10% or lower). For example, if there was an assumption that only one method can be tested for "initial" analysis, then it is not completely clear to the extent that using edgeR-robust might perform better than DESeq2 in the cell line experiments. Importantly, we do not wish to cause undue concern, and we believe that it should often be possible to define a gene expression differential expression workflow that is suitable for some purposes for many samples. Nevertheless, at the same time, we provide a variety of measures that we believe emphasize the need to critically assess every individual project and maximize confidence in published results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles D Warden
- Integrative Genomics Core, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
| | - Xiwei Wu
- Integrative Genomics Core, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA
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9
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Skalka GL, Tsakovska M, Murphy DJ. Kinase signalling adaptation supports dysfunctional mitochondria in disease. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1354682. [PMID: 38434478 PMCID: PMC10906720 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1354682] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria form a critical control nexus which are essential for maintaining correct tissue homeostasis. An increasing number of studies have identified dysregulation of mitochondria as a driver in cancer. However, which pathways support and promote this adapted mitochondrial function? A key hallmark of cancer is perturbation of kinase signalling pathways. These pathways include mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), lipid secondary messenger networks, cyclic-AMP-activated (cAMP)/AMP-activated kinases (AMPK), and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) networks. These signalling pathways have multiple substrates which support initiation and persistence of cancer. Many of these are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial apoptosis, mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, mitochondrial associated membranes (MAMs), and retrograde ROS signalling. This review will aim to both explore how kinase signalling integrates with these critical mitochondrial pathways and highlight how these systems can be usurped to support the development of disease. In addition, we will identify areas which require further investigation to fully understand the complexities of these regulatory interactions. Overall, this review will emphasize how studying the interaction between kinase signalling and mitochondria improves our understanding of mitochondrial homeostasis and can yield novel therapeutic targets to treat disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- George L. Skalka
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Mina Tsakovska
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel J. Murphy
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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10
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Yousif A, Ebeid A, Kacsoh B, Bazzaro M, Chefetz I. The Ovary-Brain Connection. Cells 2024; 13:94. [PMID: 38201298 PMCID: PMC10778337 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The brain and the ovaries are in a state of continuous communication [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelrahman Yousif
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, TX 79905, USA
| | - Ahmed Ebeid
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Balint Kacsoh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
| | - Martina Bazzaro
- Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ilana Chefetz
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA 31207, USA
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11
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Ge F, Zeng C, Wang J, Liu X, Zheng C, Zhang H, Yang L, Yang B, Zhu H, He Q. Cancer-associated fibroblasts drive early pancreatic cancer cell invasion via the SOX4/MMP11 signalling axis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166852. [PMID: 37633471 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by abundant cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), early perineural invasion (PNI) and microvascular invasion (MVI). However, the differentiation trajectories and underlying molecular mechanisms of CAFs in PDAC early invasion have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we integrated and reanalysed single-cell data from the National Geoscience Data Centre (NGDC) database and confirmed that myofibroblast-like CAFs (myCAFs) mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and enhanced the invasion abilities of PDAC cells by secreting regulators of angiogenesis and metastasis. Furthermore, we constructed a differentiation trajectory of CAFs and revealed that reprogramming from iCAFs to myCAFs was associated with poor prognosis. Mechanistically, SOX4 was aberrantly activated in myCAFs, which promoted the secretion of MMP11 and eventually induced early cancer cell invasion. Together, our results provide a comprehensive transcriptomic overview of PDAC patients with early invasion and reveal the intercellular crosstalk between myCAFs and cancer cells, which suggests potential targets for early invasion PDAC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujing Ge
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenming Zeng
- College of Agriculture & Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiaer Wang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiangning Liu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Churun Zheng
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Diagnosis and Individualized Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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12
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Huang Y, Huo Y, Huang L, Zhang L, Zheng Y, Zhang N, Yang M. Super-enhancers: Implications in gastric cancer. MUTATION RESEARCH. REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2024; 793:108489. [PMID: 38355091 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2024.108489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most prevalent malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Despite intensive efforts to enhance the efficiencies of various therapeutics (chemotherapy, surgical interventions, molecular-targeted therapies, immunotherapies), the prognosis for patients with GC remains poor. This might be predominantly due to the limited understanding of the complicated etiology of GC. Importantly, epigenetic modifications and alterations are crucial during GC development. Super-enhancers (SEs) are a large cluster of adjacent enhancers that greatly activate transcription. SEs sustain cell-specific identity by enhancing the transcription of specific oncogenes. In this review, we systematically summarize how SEs are involved in GC development, including the SE landscape in GC, the SE target genes in GC, and the interventions related to SE functions for treating GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanfei Huo
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Linying Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yanxiu Zheng
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Nasha Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong Province, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Ming Yang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250117, Shandong Province, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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13
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Palma M, Riffo E, Farias A, Coliboro-Dannich V, Espinoza-Francine L, Escalona E, Amigo R, Gutiérrez JL, Pincheira R, Castro AF. NUAK1 coordinates growth factor-dependent activation of mTORC2 and Akt signaling. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:232. [PMID: 38135881 PMCID: PMC10740258 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01185-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND mTORC2 is a critical regulator of cytoskeleton organization, cell proliferation, and cancer cell survival. Activated mTORC2 induces maximal activation of Akt by phosphorylation of Ser-473, but regulation of Akt activity and signaling crosstalk upon growth factor stimulation are still unclear. RESULTS We identified that NUAK1 regulates growth factor-dependent activation of Akt by two mechanisms. NUAK1 interacts with mTORC2 components and regulates mTORC2-dependent activation of Akt by controlling lysosome positioning and mTOR association with this organelle. A second mechanism involves NUAK1 directly phosphorylating Akt at Ser-473. The effect of NUAK1 correlated with a growth factor-dependent activation of specific Akt substrates. NUAK1 induced the Akt-dependent phosphorylation of FOXO1/3a (Thr-24/Thr-32) but not of TSC2 (Thr-1462). According to a subcellular compartmentalization that could explain NUAK1's differential effect on the Akt substrates, we found that NUAK1 is associated with early endosomes but not with plasma membrane, late endosomes, or lysosomes. NUAK1 was required for the Akt/FOXO1/3a axis, regulating p21CIP1, p27KIP1, and FoxM1 expression and cancer cell survival upon EGFR stimulation. Pharmacological inhibition of NUAK1 potentiated the cell death effect induced by Akt or mTOR pharmacological blockage. Analysis of human tissue data revealed that NUAK1 expression positively correlates with EGFR expression and Akt Ser-473 phosphorylation in several human cancers. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that NUAK1 kinase controls mTOR subcellular localization and induces Akt phosphorylation, demonstrating that NUAK1 regulates the growth factor-dependent activation of Akt signaling. Therefore, targeting NUAK1, or co-targeting it with Akt or mTOR inhibitors, may be effective in cancers with hyperactivated Akt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Palma
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Cáncer, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad Cs. Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
| | - Elizabeth Riffo
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Cáncer, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad Cs. Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Alejandro Farias
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Cáncer, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad Cs. Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Viviana Coliboro-Dannich
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Cáncer, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad Cs. Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Luis Espinoza-Francine
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Cáncer, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad Cs. Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Emilia Escalona
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Cáncer, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad Cs. Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Roberto Amigo
- Laboratorio de Regulación Transcripcional, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad Cs. Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - José L Gutiérrez
- Laboratorio de Regulación Transcripcional, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad Cs. Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Roxana Pincheira
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Cáncer, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad Cs. Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ariel F Castro
- Laboratorio de Transducción de Señales y Cáncer, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad Cs. Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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14
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Yang H, Wei Z, Song Y, Du K, Yin N, Lu H, Li B, Hou L, Xing P, Chen L, Wang C, Xie S. NUAK1 promotes tumor metastasis through upregulating slug transcription in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:258. [PMID: 37919754 PMCID: PMC10621130 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03101-7] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis is still a major cause of poor pathological outcome and prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. NUAK1 has been reported highly expressed in many human cancers and is associated with the poor prognosis of cancer patients. However, the role of NUAK1 and its underlying signaling mechanism in ESCC metastasis remain unclear. METHODS Expression of NUAK1 in ESCC was detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and immunohistochemical staining. MTT, colony formation, wound-healing and transwell assays were used to determine the role NUAK1 in vitro. Metastasis was evaluated by use of an experimental pulmonary metastasis model in BALB/c-nu/nu mice. The mechanisms were assessed by using coimmunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence and dual-luciferase reporter gene experiments. RESULTS NUAK1 was highly expressed in ESCC tissues compared with the adjacent normal esophageal epithelial tissues. Moreover, the elevated expression of NUAK1 positively correlated with tumor invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, pathological TNM stage, and poor survival in ESCC patients. Further experiments showed that NUAK1 overexpression did not change the cell viability and colony formation of ESCC cells, while remarkably promoted the migration and invasion in vitro and experimental pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, NUAK1 enhanced the transcription level of Slug, which enhanced the migratory and invasive capability of ESCC cells. Consistently, silencing Slug almost completely diminished the migration and invasion of NUAK1-overexpressing ESCC cells. Further studies demonstrated that NUAK1 upregulated the transcription activity of Slug through activating the JNK/c-Jun pathway. CONCLUSION These results demonstrated that NUAK1 promoted the metastasis of ESCC cells through activating JNK/c-Jun/Slug signaling, indicating NUAK1 is a promising therapeutic target for metastatic ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiru Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Yifan Song
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Kexin Du
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Nannan Yin
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Hong Lu
- Department of Oncology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Bingbing Li
- Department of Oncology, Huaihe Hospital of Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Lili Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Panfei Xing
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Liang Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
| | - Chaojie Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immuno-Engineering, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
| | - Songqiang Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
- The Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Henan University, N. Jinming Ave., Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
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15
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Tian C, Peng Z, Chang L, Deng X, Jiang S, Han J, Ye C, Yan Y, Luo Z. Suppresses of LIM kinase 2 promotes radiosensitivity in radioresistant non-small cell lung cancer cells. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22090. [PMID: 38027636 PMCID: PMC10661531 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Radiation resistance has always been one of the main obstacles to tumor radiotherapy. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying radiotherapy resistance is a focus of research. In this study, we induced two radiation-resistant cell lines to mimic the radiation resistance of NSCLC and investigated the mechanisms of radiotherapy resistance. Cell radiosensitivity was analyzed by single-cell gel electrophoresis, colony formation and tumor sphere formation assays. A wound healing assay was used to analyze cell migration. Western blotting and siRNA were used to identify the potential mechanism. In animal model experiments, xenograft tumors were used to verify the difference between radiotherapy-resistant and nonresistant NSCLC models after radiotherapy. Our results showed that NSCLC radiation-resistant cells exhibited more radioresistance and migratory abilities under low-dose irradiation. The expression of LIMK2 and p-CFL1 were upregulated in NSCLC radiation-resistant cells. Knockdown of LIMK2 significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity of NSCLC-resistant cells. In vivo, low-dose radiotherapy suppressed tumor growth, induced apoptosis and upregulated the expression of LIMK2 in xenograft tumors. However, radiotherapy had little effect on the NSCLC radiation resistance model. In conclusion, NSCLC radiation-resistant cells exhibit more radioresistance and migratory ability under low-dose irradiation. Strikingly, knockdown of LIMK2 enhanced the radiosensitivity of NSCLC-resistant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Tian
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhen Peng
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Lei Chang
- Department of Urology, Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430014, China
| | - Xinzhou Deng
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jiahui Han
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Taihe Hospital, Jinzhou Medical University Union Training Base, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, China
| | - Can Ye
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Yutao Yan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhiguo Luo
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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16
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Whyte D, Skalka G, Walsh P, Wilczynska A, Paul NR, Mitchell C, Nixon C, Clarke W, Bushell M, Morton JP, Murphy DJ, Muthalagu N. NUAK1 governs centrosome replication in pancreatic cancer via MYPT1/PP1β and GSK3β-dependent regulation of PLK4. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:1212-1227. [PMID: 36975767 PMCID: PMC10323901 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related kinase NUAK1 (NUAK family SNF1-like kinase 1) has emerged as a potential vulnerability in MYC-dependent cancer but the biological roles of NUAK1 in different settings are poorly characterised, and the spectrum of cancer types that exhibit a requirement for NUAK1 is unknown. Unlike canonical oncogenes, NUAK1 is rarely mutated in cancer and appears to function as an obligate facilitator rather than a cancer driver per se. Although numerous groups have developed small-molecule NUAK inhibitors, the circumstances that would trigger their use and the unwanted toxicities that may arise as a consequence of on-target activity are thus undetermined. Reasoning that MYC is a key effector of RAS pathway signalling and the GTPase KRAS is almost uniformly mutated in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), we investigated whether this cancer type exhibits a functional requirement for NUAK1. Here, we show that high NUAK1 expression is associated with reduced overall survival in PDAC and that inhibition or depletion of NUAK1 suppresses growth of PDAC cells in culture. We identify a previously unknown role for NUAK1 in regulating accurate centrosome duplication and show that loss of NUAK1 triggers genomic instability. The latter activity is conserved in primary fibroblasts, raising the possibility of undesirable genotoxic effects of NUAK1 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Declan Whyte
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowUK
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - George Skalka
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowUK
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Peter Walsh
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowUK
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin Bushell
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowUK
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Jennifer P. Morton
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowUK
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Daniel J. Murphy
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowUK
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
| | - Nathiya Muthalagu
- School of Cancer SciencesUniversity of GlasgowUK
- CRUK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUK
- Present address:
Indian Institute of TechnologyMadrasIndia
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17
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Hu Y, Yan Z, He Y, Li Y, Li M, Li Y, Zhang D, Zhao Y, Ommati MM, Wang J, Huo M, Wang J. Ameliorative effects of different doses of selenium against fluoride-triggered apoptosis and oxidative stress-mediated renal injury in rats through the activation of Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 174:113647. [PMID: 36736877 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Excess fluoride (F) exposure can cause oxidative stress in the kidney. As an antioxidant, selenium (Se) can potentially protect the kidney from F-induced injury in rats. Hence, the histopathological, renal biochemical, oxidative stress, and apoptotic-related indices upon exposure to 100 mg/L sodium fluoride (NaF) and various doses of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3; 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/L) were assessed. Our results demonstrated that F-mediated renal structural damage and apoptosis elevated the content of serum creatinine (SCr), inhibited the activity of catalase (CAT) in serum, and increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in kidney and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum. Interestingly, 1 mg/L dietary supplementation of Se tangibly mitigated these injuries. Furthermore, F could also change the gene and protein expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase1 (NQO1). Concomitantly, the different concentrations of Se notably alleviated their expression. Taken together, 1-2 mg/L Se ameliorated F-induced renal injury through oxidative stress and apoptosis-related routes. The recorded ameliorative effects might be related to the activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Zipeng Yan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Yang He
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Meng Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China
| | - DingLi Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Yangfei Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Ommati
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Jundong Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Meijun Huo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China.
| | - Jinming Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, PR China.
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18
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Bian J, Ding Y, Wang S, Jiang Y, Wang M, Wei K, Si L, Zhao X, Shao Y. Celastrol confers ferroptosis resistance via AKT/GSK3β signaling in high-fat diet-induced cardiac injury. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 200:36-46. [PMID: 36906189 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Obesity-induced cardiac dysfunction is a severe global disease associated with high dietary fat intake, and its pathogenesis includes inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis. Celastrol (Cel) is a bioactive compound isolated from the herb Tripterygium wilfordii, which has a protective influence on cardiovascular diseases. In this study, the role of Cel in obesity-induced ferroptosis and cardiac injury was investigated. We found that Cel alleviated ferroptosis induced by Palmitic acid (PA), exhibiting a decrease in the LDH, CK-MB, Ptgs2, and Lipid Peroxidation levels. After cardiomyocytes were treated with additional LY294002 and LiCl, Cel exerted its protective effect through increased AKT/GSK3β phosphorylation and decreased level of lipid peroxidation and Mitochondrial ROS. The systolic left ventricle (LV) dysfunction of obese mice was alleviated via ferroptosis inhibition by elevated p-GSK3β and decreased Mitochondrial ROS under Cel treatment. Moreover, mitochondrial anomalies included swelling and distortion in the myocardium which was relieved with Cel. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that ferroptosis resistance with Cel under HFD conditions targets AKT/GSK3β signaling, which provides novel therapeutic strategies in obesity-induced cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Bian
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yefan Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingyan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, China
| | - Ke Wei
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Linjie Si
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Health Management Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yongfeng Shao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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19
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Yao CY, Gao ZX, Hou LL, Fang D. DKK1 promotes NUAK1 transcriptional expression through the activation Akt in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:383-393. [PMID: 36480792 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11974] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
NUAK1 is a serine/threonine kinase that has been shown to be associated with poor prognosis in several cancers. Although NUAK1 is frequently overexpressed at the transcript level in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the actual role of NUAK1 and the mechanism of its overexpression in HCC has yet to be reported. In the present study, we found that NUAK1 expression was significantly increased in human HCC tumor tissues. Overexpression of NUAK1 dramatically enhanced HCC cells proliferation and migration in vitro. Stable induction of NUAK1 expression promoted tumor growth and tumor metastases to the lungs in the subcutaneous xenograft models and intravenous metastasis models. At the cellular level, enforced expression of Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) activated the Akt signaling pathway, thereby promoting the mRNA and protein expression of NUAK1 in HCC cells. By contrast, depletion of DKK1 was found to attenuate the mRNA and protein expression of NUAK1. In the subcutaneous xenograft models, stable induction of DKK1 expression not only accelerated tumor growth but also increased p-Akt and NUAK1 expression; whereas knockdown of DKK1 inhibited tumor growth, p-Akt and NUAK1 expression. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis of 20 HCC clinical samples showed that the expression level of NUAK1 was positively correlated with DKK1 and p-Akt. Taken together, we provide the first evidence that DKK1 promotes NUAK1 transcriptional expression via the activation Akt in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Yan Yao
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Zi-Xuan Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Li-Li Hou
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,Quality and Technique Supervision, Inspection and Testing Center of Xuchang City, Xuchang, China
| | - Dong Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Innovative Drug Design and Evaluation, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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20
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Ho SWT, Sheng T, Xing M, Ooi WF, Xu C, Sundar R, Huang KK, Li Z, Kumar V, Ramnarayanan K, Zhu F, Srivastava S, Isa ZFBA, Anene-Nzelu CG, Razavi-Mohseni M, Shigaki D, Ma H, Tan ALK, Ong X, Lee MH, Tay ST, Guo YA, Huang W, Li S, Beer MA, Foo RSY, Teh M, Skanderup AJ, Teh BT, Tan P. Regulatory enhancer profiling of mesenchymal-type gastric cancer reveals subtype-specific epigenomic landscapes and targetable vulnerabilities. Gut 2023; 72:226-241. [PMID: 35817555 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-326483] [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: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Gastric cancer (GC) comprises multiple molecular subtypes. Recent studies have highlighted mesenchymal-subtype GC (Mes-GC) as a clinically aggressive subtype with few treatment options. Combining multiple studies, we derived and applied a consensus Mes-GC classifier to define the Mes-GC enhancer landscape revealing disease vulnerabilities. DESIGN Transcriptomic profiles of ~1000 primary GCs and cell lines were analysed to derive a consensus Mes-GC classifier. Clinical and genomic associations were performed across >1200 patients with GC. Genome-wide epigenomic profiles (H3K27ac, H3K4me1 and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq)) of 49 primary GCs and GC cell lines were generated to identify Mes-GC-specific enhancer landscapes. Upstream regulators and downstream targets of Mes-GC enhancers were interrogated using chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing (ChIP-seq), RNA sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9 editing, functional assays and pharmacological inhibition. RESULTS We identified and validated a 993-gene cancer-cell intrinsic Mes-GC classifier applicable to retrospective cohorts or prospective single samples. Multicohort analysis of Mes-GCs confirmed associations with poor patient survival, therapy resistance and few targetable genomic alterations. Analysis of enhancer profiles revealed a distinctive Mes-GC epigenomic landscape, with TEAD1 as a master regulator of Mes-GC enhancers and Mes-GCs exhibiting preferential sensitivity to TEAD1 pharmacological inhibition. Analysis of Mes-GC super-enhancers also highlighted NUAK1 kinase as a downstream target, with synergistic effects observed between NUAK1 inhibition and cisplatin treatment. CONCLUSION Our results establish a consensus Mes-GC classifier applicable to multiple transcriptomic scenarios. Mes-GCs exhibit a distinct epigenomic landscape, and TEAD1 inhibition and combinatorial NUAK1 inhibition/cisplatin may represent potential targetable options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamaine Wei Ting Ho
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Taotao Sheng
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore.,Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Manjie Xing
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore.,Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Wen Fong Ooi
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Chang Xu
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Raghav Sundar
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,The N.1 Institute for Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Singapore Gastric Cancer Consortium, Singapore
| | - Kie Kyon Huang
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Zhimei Li
- Laboratory of Cancer Epigenome, Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vikrant Kumar
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Supriya Srivastava
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Chukwuemeka George Anene-Nzelu
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore.,Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore.,Montreal Heart Institute, Quebec, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Montreal, Quebec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Milad Razavi-Mohseni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Dustin Shigaki
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Haoran Ma
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Angie Lay Keng Tan
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Xuewen Ong
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Ming Hui Lee
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Su Ting Tay
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Yu Amanda Guo
- Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Weitai Huang
- Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Shang Li
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michael A Beer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Roger Sik Yin Foo
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, National University Health System, Singapore.,Human Genetics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Ming Teh
- Department of Pathology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Anders Jacobsen Skanderup
- Computational and Systems Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Bin Tean Teh
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Laboratory of Cancer Epigenome, Division of Medical Sciences, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore.,Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore
| | - Patrick Tan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore .,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Singapore Gastric Cancer Consortium, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore.,SingHealth/Duke-NUS Institute of Precision Medicine, National Heart Centre Singapore, Singapore
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21
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Yang L, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Fan Z. Mechanism and application of ferroptosis in colorectal cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114102. [PMID: 36528917 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114102] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor in the world. CRC has high morbidity and mortality rates and it is a serious threat to human health. Ferroptosis is a unique form of iron-dependent oxidative cell death that is usually accompanied by iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis has attracted worldwide attention since it was first proposed. It plays an important role in the development of a variety of diseases, such as tumors, ischemia/reperfusion injury, nervous system diseases, and kidney damage, and it may serve as a new therapeutic target. This article reviews the mechanism of ferroptosis and the possibility to target ferroptosis pathways in CRC, providing new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Department of Central Laboratory, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases Research, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian, China
| | - Yewei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yingyi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Department of Central Laboratory, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases Research, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian, China.
| | - Zhe Fan
- Department of General Surgery, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Department of Central Laboratory, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases Research, The Third People's Hospital of Dalian, Dalian, China.
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22
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Jin Z, Peng F, Zhang C, Tao S, Xu D, Zhu Z. Expression, regulating mechanism and therapeutic target of KIF20A in multiple cancer. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13195. [PMID: 36798768 PMCID: PMC9925975 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13195] [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: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) is a member of the kinesin family. It transports chromosomes during mitosis, plays a key role in cell division. Recently, studies proved that KIF20A was highly expressed in cancer. High expression of KIF20A was correlated with poor overall survival (OS). In this review, we summarized all the cancer that highly expressed KIF20A, described the role of KIF20A in cancer. We also organized phase I and phase II clinical trials of KIF20A peptides vaccine. All results indicated that KIF20A was a promising therapeutic target for multiple cancer.
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Key Words
- ATP, adenosine triphosphate
- BTC, biliary tract cancer
- CPC, chromosomal passenger complex
- CTL, cytotoxic T lymphocyte
- Cancer
- Cdk1, cyclin-dependent kinase 1
- DLG5, discs large MAGUK scaffold protein 5
- EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- Expression
- FoxM1, forkhead box protein M1
- GC, gastric cancer
- GEM, gemcitabine
- Gli2, glioma-associated oncogene 2
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- HNMT, head-and-neck malignant tumor
- IRF, interferon regulatory factor
- JAK, Janus kinase
- KIF20A
- KIF20A, kinesin family member 20A
- LP, long peptide
- MHC I, major histocompatibility complex I
- MKlp2, mitotic kinesin-like protein 2
- Mad2, mitotic arrest deficient 2
- OS, overall survival
- PBMC, peripheral blood mononuclear cell
- Plk1, polo-like kinase 1
- Regulating mechanisms
- Therapeutic target
- circRNA, circular RNA
- miRNA, microRNA
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Jin
- Department of Respirology & Allergy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Fei Peng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chao Zhang
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shuang Tao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Longgang Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Damo Xu
- Department of Respirology & Allergy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease for Allergy at Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China,Corresponding author. Department of Respirology & Allergy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Zhenhua Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China,Corresponding author. Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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23
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Wang J, Zhang B, Gong S, Liu Y, Yi L, Long Y. Cancer susceptibility 18 positively regulates NUAK Family Kinase 1 expression to promote migration and invasion via sponging of miR-5586-5p in cervical cancer cells. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2023; 37:3946320231223310. [PMID: 38131232 DOI: 10.1177/03946320231223310] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) is the most common gynecological malignancy worldwide. Although the cancer susceptibility 18 (CASC18) gene was involved in the regulation of cancer biology, its specific role in CESC is not well characterized. METHODS CASC18-related axis was predicted by bioinformatic analyses, and the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) interaction was further validated using quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, RNA pulldown, and luciferase reporter assays. Transwell and wound healing assays were performed to verify the effect of CASC18 on SiHa and HeLa cell motility. RESULTS We found that CASC18 was upregulated in CESC tissues. Moreover, interference with CASC18 attenuated NUAK1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and thus suppressed cancer cell motility. Furthermore, the effects of CASC18 knockdown on CESC cells were partly rescued by transfection with the miR-5586-5p inhibitor. Additionally, our findings indicated that CASC18 acts as a ceRNA to enhance NUAK1 expression by sponging miR-5586-5p. CONCLUSION Our study showed a novel CASC18/miR-5586-5p/NUAK1 ceRNA axis that could regulate cell invasion and migration by modulating EMT in CESC. These findings suggest that CASC18 may potentially serve as a novel therapeutic target in CESC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrong Wang
- Translational Medicine Centre, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Oncoplastic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Bocheng Zhang
- Graduate Collaborative Training Base of Hunan Cancer Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Sha Gong
- Hunan Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Oncoplastic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Hunan Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Oncoplastic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Traditional Chinese Medical College, Zhuzhou, China
| | - Liang Yi
- Hunan Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Oncoplastic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Long
- Translational Medicine Centre, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Oncoplastic Surgery, Hunan Cancer Hospital/The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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24
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Zhang L, Gao S, Shi X, Chen Y, Wei S, Mi Y, Zuo L, Qi C. NUPR1
imparts oncogenic potential in bladder cancer. Cancer Med 2022; 12:7149-7163. [PMID: 36468653 PMCID: PMC10067104 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NUPR1, or p8, is a small chromatin protein that plays a central role in the resistance to treatment and progression of cancer. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism of NUPR1 in bladder cancer (BLCA) remains unclear. METHODS We used online databases and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to explore the expression of NUPR1 in BLCA tissues and controls. Lentivirus-mediated small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) was used to knockdown the expression of NUPR1 in two human BLCA cell lines. We used an in vivo experiment to investigate the effect of NUPR1 knockdown on the growth of BLCA. Moreover, an in silico analysis was conducted to assess the differential expression profile after NUPR1 interference. The CIBERSORT algorithm was utilized to evaluate the effects of tumor-infiltrating immune cells among BLCA patients. RESULTS The expression of NUPR1 in BLCA tissues was significantly higher than in the control. NUPR1 expression was also positively correlated with the stage of BLCA. After lentivirus-mediated interference, the expression of NUPR1 was significantly down-regulated in BLCA cell lines. The cell cycle was blocked in G1 phase and the cell proportion of S phase was decreased in both two cell lines. Moreover, in vivo experiment revealed that the tumor growth of BLCA can be delayed by inhibiting the expression of NUPR1. Both in silico analysis and functional experiments revealed that NUPR1 was correlated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We also revealed that macrophages were the most related immune cells associated with the expression of NUPR1 in BLCA. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that NUPR1 plays a carcinogenic role in BLCA. NUPR1 lentivirus-mediated interference could interfere with cycle progression of the BLCA cell, resulting in cell cycle arrest in the G1-phase. The carcinogenic effect of NUPR1 in BLCA is likely achieved through EMT. NUPR1 is correlated with the M0-type macrophage markers CD68 and CD11b-integrin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifeng Zhang
- Department of Urology The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Changzhou China
| | - Shenglin Gao
- Department of Urology The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Changzhou China
| | - Xiaokai Shi
- Department of Urology The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Changzhou China
| | - Yin Chen
- Department of Urology The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Changzhou China
| | - Shuzhang Wei
- Department of Urology The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Changzhou China
| | - Yuanyuan Mi
- Department of Urology Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University Wuxi China
| | - Li Zuo
- Department of Urology The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Changzhou China
| | - Chunjian Qi
- Medical Research Center The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Changzhou China
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25
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Tsounis D, Villiotou V, Melpidou A, Pantsiou C, Argyrou A, Giannopoulou C, Grigoratou A, Rontogianni D, Mantzaris GJ, Papatheodoridis G. Oxidative imbalance increases the risk for colonic polyp and colorectal cancer development. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:2208-2223. [PMID: 36438709 PMCID: PMC9694266 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i11.2208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has garnered considerable interest recently. Specific oxidative factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of adenomatous polyps and ultimately adenocarcinoma.
AIM To evaluate the effect of oxidative imbalance as quantified by specific serological markers in the development of sporadic colon adenocarcinoma.
METHODS A total of 170 patients that underwent endoscopy of the lower gastrointestinal tract in a tertiary center within 3 years were included in the study. They were allocated in three groups; those with sporadic colon adenocarcinoma (n = 56, 32.9%), those with colonic polyps (n = 33, 19.4%) and healthy controls (n = 81, 47.7%). All patients were evaluated for oxidant activity and antioxidant capacity with serum measurements of specific markers such as vitamins A, 25(OH) D3, E, C, B12, folic acid, glutathione, selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), free iron (Fe2+), and malondialdehyde and results were compared between groups.
RESULTS Serum levels of vitamins C, E, D, Se, Zn, vitamin B12 and total antioxidant capacity were significantly lower in the combined neoplasia/polyp group than in the control group (P = 0.002, P = 0.009, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.020 and P < 0.001, correspondingly). Increased levels of vitamin E (P = 0.004), vitamin D (P < 0.001), Se (P < 0.001) and Zn (P < 0.001) seem to bestow a protective effect on the development of CRC. For vitamin D (P < 0.001) and Zn (P = 0.036), this effect seems to extend to the development of colon polyps as well. On the other hand, elevated serum levels of malondialdehyde are associated with a higher risk of CRC (OR = 2.09 compared to controls, P = 0.004). Regarding colonic polyp development, increased concentrations of vitamin Α and Fe2+ are associated with a higher risk, whereas lower levels of malondialdehyde with a lower risk.
CONCLUSION Increased oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of CRC. Antioxidants’ presence may exert a protective effect in the very early stages of colon carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsounis
- Department of Gastroenterology, 251 General Hospital of Hellenic Air Force, Athens 11525, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Villiotou
- Department of Biochemistry, Metaxa Anticancer Hospital, Piraeus 18537, Greece
| | - Angeliki Melpidou
- Department of Biochemistry, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - Chara Pantsiou
- Department of Biochemistry, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - Alexandra Argyrou
- Department of Gastroenterology, 251 General Hospital of Hellenic Air Force, Athens 11525, Greece
| | - Charis Giannopoulou
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens 10676, Greece
| | | | | | - Gerassimos J Mantzaris
- Department of Gastroenterology, Evangelismos, Ophthalmiatreion Athinon and Polyclinic Hospitals, Athens 10676, Greece
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Athens University Medical School, Laikon General Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece
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26
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Voutsadakis IA. Sensitivities and Dependencies of BRAF Mutant Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines with or without PIK3CA Mutations for Discovery of Vulnerabilities with Therapeutic Potential. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58101498. [PMID: 36295658 PMCID: PMC9608248 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer represents a common malignancy and remains incurable in the metastatic stage. Identification of molecular alterations that are present in colorectal cancer has led to the introduction of targeted therapies that improve outcomes. BRAF and PIK3CA mutations are observed in a subset of colorectal cancers. Colorectal cancers bearing BRAF mutations may be treated with specific BRAF inhibitors. These drugs benefit patients with BRAF mutant colorectal cancers but responses are rather brief, and progression is the rule. In contrast, no PI3K inhibitors have proven successful yet in the disease. Thus, new treatments to supplement the currently available drugs would be welcome to further improve survival. Methods: Profiled colorectal cancer cell lines from the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) were examined for BRAF and PIK3CA mutations and were interrogated for molecular characteristics and concomitant alterations that mirror clinical sample alterations. The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) project was used for determination of drug sensitivities of BRAF mutated colorectal cell lines with or without concomitant PIK3CA mutations. The Cancer Dependency Map project served as the basis for identification of molecular dependencies and vulnerabilities in these cell lines. Results: CCLE includes 84 colorectal cancer cell lines, which recapitulate the molecular landscape of colorectal cancer. Of these, 23 and 24 cell lines possess BRAF and PIK3CA mutations, respectively. Seven BRAF mutant cell lines have V600E mutations and 14 PIK3CA mutant cell lines have hotspot helical or kinase domain mutations. V600E BRAF mutant cell lines with or without hotspot PIK3CA mutations are heterogeneous in their MSI status and mimic colorectal cancer tissues in other prevalent abnormalities including APC and TP53 mutations. Essential genes for survival include CTNNB1, WRN, and pyrimidine metabolism enzyme CAD. Besides BRAF mutations, BRAF inhibitor sensitivity in colorectal cancer cell lines is conferred by SACS mutations and PRKN locus loss. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer cell lines bearing the frequent BRAF and PIK3CA mutations present many alterations of the parental cancer tissue. Described vulnerabilities represent leads for therapeutic exploration in colorectal cancers with the corresponding alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis A. Voutsadakis
- Algoma District Cancer Program, Sault Area Hospital, 750 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 0A8, Canada; or
- Section of Internal Medicine, Division of Clinical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
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27
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Li HT, Xu L, Weisenberger DJ, Li M, Zhou W, Peng CC, Stachelek K, Cobrinik D, Liang G, Berry JL. Characterizing DNA methylation signatures of retinoblastoma using aqueous humor liquid biopsy. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5523. [PMID: 36130950 PMCID: PMC9492718 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33248-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma (RB) is a cancer that forms in the developing retina of babies and toddlers. The goal of therapy is to cure the tumor, save the eye and maximize vision. However, it is difficult to predict which eyes are likely to respond to therapy. Predictive molecular biomarkers are needed to guide prognosis and optimize treatment decisions. Direct tumor biopsy is not an option for this cancer; however, the aqueous humor (AH) is an alternate source of tumor-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Here we show that DNA methylation profiling of the AH is a valid method to identify the methylation status of RB tumors. We identify 294 genes directly regulated by methylation that are implicated in p53 tumor suppressor (RB1, p53, p21, and p16) and oncogenic (E2F) pathways. Finally, we use AH to characterize molecular subtypes that can potentially be used to predict the likelihood of treatment success for retinoblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Tao Li
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Liya Xu
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles Vision Center & USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Daniel J Weisenberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Meng Li
- Norris Medical Library, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Wanding Zhou
- University of Pennsylvania, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Chen-Ching Peng
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles Vision Center & USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Kevin Stachelek
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles Vision Center & USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - David Cobrinik
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles Vision Center & USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Gangning Liang
- Department of Urology, University of Southern California, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
| | - Jesse L Berry
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles Vision Center & USC Roski Eye Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA.
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
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Petsouki E, Cabrera SNS, Heiss EH. AMPK and NRF2: Interactive players in the same team for cellular homeostasis? Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 190:75-93. [PMID: 35918013 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
NRF2 (Nuclear factor E2 p45-related factor 2) is a stress responsive transcription factor lending cells resilience against oxidative, xenobiotic, and also nutrient or proteotoxic insults. AMPK (AMP-activated kinase), considered as prime regulator of cellular energy homeostasis, not only tunes metabolism to provide the cell at any time with sufficient ATP or building blocks, but also controls redox balance and inflammation. Due to observed overlapping cellular responses upon AMPK or NRF2 activation and common stressors impinging on both AMPK and NRF2 signaling, it is plausible to assume that AMPK and NRF2 signaling may interdepend and cooperate to readjust cellular homeostasis. After a short introduction of the two players this narrative review paints the current picture on how AMPK and NRF2 signaling might interact on the molecular level, and highlights their possible crosstalk in selected examples of pathophysiology or bioactivity of drugs and phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Petsouki
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Faculty of Life Sciences, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Shara Natalia Sosa Cabrera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Faculty of Life Sciences, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences (VDS PhaNuSpo), University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Elke H Heiss
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Division of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Faculty of Life Sciences, Althanstrasse 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Zhou Y, Xiao L, Long G, Cao J, Liu S, Tao Y, Zhou L, Tang J. Identification of senescence-related subtypes, establishment of a prognosis model, and characterization of a tumor microenvironment infiltration in breast cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921182. [PMID: 36072578 PMCID: PMC9441960 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a malignancy with the highest incidence and mortality in women worldwide. Senescence is a model of arrest in the cell cycle, which plays an important role in tumor progression, while the prognostic value of cellular senescence-related genes (SRGs) in evaluating immune infiltration and clinical outcomes of breast cancer needs further investigation. In the present study, we identified two distinct molecular subtypes according to the expression profiles of 278 SRGs. We further explored the dysregulated pathways between the two subtypes and constructed a microenvironmental landscape of breast cancer. Subsequently, we established a senescence-related scoring signature based on the expression of four SRGs in the training set (GSE21653) and validated its accuracy in two validation sets (GSE20685 and GSE25055). In the training set, patients in the high-risk group had a worse prognosis than patients in the low-risk group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that risk score was an independent prognostic indicator. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis proved the predictive accuracy of the signature. The prognostic value of this signature was further confirmed in the validation sets. We also observed that a lower risk score was associated with a higher pathological response rate in patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. We next performed functional experiments to validate the results above. Our study demonstrated that these cellular senescence patterns effectively grouped patients at low or high risk of disease recurrence and revealed their potential roles in the tumor–immune–stromal microenvironment. These findings enhanced our understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment and provided new insights for improving the prognosis of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guo Long
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Breast, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis of the Ministry of Health, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ledu Zhou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianing Tang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Jianing Tang,
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30
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Seo MS, Jung KH, Kim K, Lee JE, Han BS, Ko S, Kim JH, Hong S, Lee SH, Hong SS. Discovery of a novel NUAK1 inhibitor against pancreatic cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 152:113241. [PMID: 35691157 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel (nua) kinase family 1 (NUAK1) is an AMPK-related kinase and its expression is associated with tumor malignancy and poor prognosis in several types of cancer, suggesting its potential as a target for cancer therapy. Therefore, the development of NUAK1-targeting inhibitors could improve therapeutic outcomes in cancer. We synthesized KI-301670, a novel NUAK1 inhibitor, and assessed its anticancer effects and mechanism of action in pancreatic cancer. It effectively inhibited pancreatic cancer growth and proliferation, and induced cell cycle arrest, markedly G0/G1 arrest, by increasing the expression of p27 and decreasing expression of p-Rb and E2F1. Additionally, the apoptotic effect of KI-301670 was observed by an increase in cleaved PARP, TUNEL-positive cells, and annexin V cell population, as well as the release of cytochrome c via the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. KI-301670 inhibited the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. Mechanistically, KI-301670 effectively inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway in pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, it significantly attenuated tumor growth in a mouse xenograft tumor model. Our results demonstrate that a novel NUAK1 inhibitor, KI-301670, exerts anti-tumor effects by directly suppressing cancer cell growth by affecting the PI3K/AKT pathway, suggesting that it could be a novel therapeutic candidate for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeong-Seong Seo
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, South Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Jung
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, South Korea
| | - Kewon Kim
- Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalization, Institute of Basic Science (IBS) and Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea
| | - Ji Eun Lee
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, South Korea
| | - Beom Seok Han
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, South Korea
| | - Soyeon Ko
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, South Korea
| | - Jae Ho Kim
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, South Korea
| | - Sungwoo Hong
- Center for Catalytic Hydrocarbon Functionalization, Institute of Basic Science (IBS) and Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, South Korea.
| | - So Ha Lee
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, South Korea.
| | - Soon-Sun Hong
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, 3-ga, Sinheung-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 22332, South Korea.
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31
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miR-622 Counteracts the NUAK1-Induced Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation and the Antioxidative Stress. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:9616764. [PMID: 35872695 PMCID: PMC9303142 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9616764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC), a highly prevalent gastric cancer, has high-risk mortality. Thus, investigating strategies to counteract its growth is important to provide theoretical guidance for its prevention and treatment. It has been pointed out that abnormal expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) serves as noninvasive biomarkers for GC. This present study probed into the role of miR-622 and the NUAK family SNF1-like kinase 1 (NUAK1). Methods Five mRNA datasets (GSE64916, GSE118916, GSE122401, GSE158662, and GSE159721) and one miRNA dataset (GSE128720) from the Gene Expression of Omnibus (GEO) database were used to analyze the differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNA in GC and noncancer samples. Further, western blot, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), reactive oxygen species (ROS) assay kit experiments, and wound healing assay, together with in vivo experiments, were performed. Results miR-622 was downregulated, and NUAK1 was upregulated in GC, and NUAK1 was a potential target of miR-622. Knocking down NUAK1 decreased GC cell proliferation and migration but increased oxidative stress in vitro and inhibited the development of tumor in vivo, while miR-622 acted to suppress the action of NUAK1 through the miR-622/NUAK1/p-protein kinase B (Akt) axis, thereby inhibiting the occurrence of GC. Conclusion miR-622 and NUAK1 demonstrated potential for being targets and biomarkers for GC treatment.
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An Orally Bioavailable and Highly Efficacious Inhibitor of CDK9/FLT3 for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051113. [PMID: 35267421 PMCID: PMC8909834 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051113] [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: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) occur in approximately one-third of AML patients and are associated with a particularly poor prognosis. The most common mutation, FLT3-ITD, is a self-activating internal tandem duplication (ITD) in the FLT3 juxtamembrane domain. Many FLT3 inhibitors have shown encouraging results in clinical trials, but the rapid emergence of resistance has severely limited sustainable efficacy. Co-targeting of CDK9 and FLT3 is a promising two-pronged strategy to overcome resistance as the former plays a role in the transcription of cancer cell-survival genes. Most prominently, MCL-1 is known to be associated with AML tumorigenesis and drug resistance and can be down-regulated by CDK9 inhibition. We have developed CDDD11-8 as a potent CDK9 inhibitor co-targeting FLT3-ITD with Ki values of 8 and 13 nM, respectively. The kinome selectivity has been confirmed when the compound was tested in a panel of 369 human kinases. CDDD11-8 displayed antiproliferative activity against leukemia cell lines, and particularly potent effects were observed against MV4-11 and MOLM-13 cells, which are known to harbor the FLT3-ITD mutation and mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) fusion proteins. The mode of action was consistent with inhibition of CDK9 and FLT3-ITD. Most importantly, CDDD11-8 caused a robust tumor growth inhibition by oral administration in animal xenografts. At 125 mg/kg, CDDD11-8 induced tumor regression, and this was translated to an improved survival of animals. The study demonstrates the potential of CDDD11-8 towards the future development of a novel AML treatment.
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Loss of LKB1-NUAK1 signalling enhances NF-κB activity in a spheroid model of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3011. [PMID: 35194062 PMCID: PMC8863794 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-06796-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is an aggressive malignancy often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Although most HGSOC patients respond initially to debulking surgery combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy, many ultimately relapse with platinum-resistant disease. Thus, improving outcomes requires new ways of limiting metastasis and eradicating residual disease. We identified previously that Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) and its substrate NUAK1 are implicated in EOC spheroid cell viability and are required for efficient metastasis in orthotopic mouse models. Here, we sought to identify additional signalling pathways altered in EOC cells due to LKB1 or NUAK1 loss-of-function. Transcriptome analysis revealed that inflammatory signalling mediated by NF-κB transcription factors is hyperactive due to LKB1-NUAK1 loss in HGSOC cells and spheroids. Upregulated NF-κB signalling due to NUAK1 loss suppresses reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and sustains cell survival in spheroids. NF-κB signalling is also activated in HGSOC precursor fallopian tube secretory epithelial cell spheroids, and is further enhanced by NUAK1 loss. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis of OVCAR8 xenograft tumors lacking NUAK1 displayed increased RelB expression and nuclear staining. Our results support the idea that NUAK1 and NF-κB signalling pathways together regulate ROS and inflammatory signalling, supporting cell survival during each step of HGSOC pathogenesis. We propose that their combined inhibition may be efficacious as a novel therapeutic strategy for advanced HGSOC.
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34
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Yuan Y, Li H, Pu W, Chen L, Guo D, Jiang H, He B, Qin S, Wang K, Li N, Feng J, Wen J, Cheng S, Zhang Y, Yang W, Ye D, Lu Z, Huang C, Mei J, Zhang HF, Gao P, Jiang P, Su S, Sun B, Zhao SM. Cancer metabolism and tumor microenvironment: fostering each other? SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:236-279. [PMID: 34846643 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-021-1999-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The changes associated with malignancy are not only in cancer cells but also in environment in which cancer cells live. Metabolic reprogramming supports tumor cell high demand of biogenesis for their rapid proliferation, and helps tumor cell to survive under certain genetic or environmental stresses. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic alteration is ultimately and tightly associated with genetic changes, in particular the dysregulation of key oncogenic and tumor suppressive signaling pathways. Cancer cells activate HIF signaling even in the presence of oxygen and in the absence of growth factor stimulation. This cancer metabolic phenotype, described firstly by German physiologist Otto Warburg, insures enhanced glycolytic metabolism for the biosynthesis of macromolecules. The conception of metabolite signaling, i.e., metabolites are regulators of cell signaling, provides novel insights into how reactive oxygen species (ROS) and other metabolites deregulation may regulate redox homeostasis, epigenetics, and proliferation of cancer cells. Moreover, the unveiling of noncanonical functions of metabolic enzymes, such as the moonlighting functions of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), reassures the importance of metabolism in cancer development. The metabolic, microRNAs, and ncRNAs alterations in cancer cells can be sorted and delivered either to intercellular matrix or to cancer adjacent cells to shape cancer microenvironment via media such as exosome. Among them, cancer microenvironmental cells are immune cells which exert profound effects on cancer cells. Understanding of all these processes is a prerequisite for the development of a more effective strategy to contain cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyuan Yuan
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Huimin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Wang Pu
- Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Leilei Chen
- Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Dong Guo
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Hongfei Jiang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China
| | - Bo He
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Siyuan Qin
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Kui Wang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Jingwei Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Shipeng Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yaguang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Weiwei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Dan Ye
- Molecular and Cell Biology Lab, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhimin Lu
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310029, China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jun Mei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Hua-Feng Zhang
- CAS Centre for Excellence in Cell and Molecular Biology, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Ping Gao
- School of Medicine, Institutes for Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Peng Jiang
- Tsinghua University School of Life Sciences, and Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Shicheng Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Bing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China. .,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Shi-Min Zhao
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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35
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Zhang H, Gao C, Zhang L, Yu R, Kang C. Homology modeling, virtual screening and MD simulations for identification of NUAK1 and ULK1 potential dual inhibitors. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1nj03690d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells produce more reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to their severe metabolic stress. SNF1 like kinase 1 (NUAK1) is the key part of the cellular antioxidant system. Inhibiting the...
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36
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Molina E, Hong L, Chefetz I. NUAK Kinases: Brain-Ovary Axis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102760. [PMID: 34685740 PMCID: PMC8535158 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver kinase B (LKB1) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) are two major kinases that regulate cellular metabolism by acting as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) sensors. During starvation conditions, LKB1 and AMPK activate different downstream pathways to increase ATP production, while decreasing ATP consumption, which abrogates cellular proliferation and cell death. Initially, LKB1 was considered to be a tumor suppressor due to its loss of expression in various tumor types. Additional studies revealed amplifications in LKB1 and AMPK kinases in several cancers, suggesting a role in tumor progression. The AMPK-related proteins were described almost 20 years ago as a group of key kinases involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism. As LKB1-downstream targets, AMPK-related proteins were also initially considered to function as tumor suppressors. However, further research demonstrated that AMPK-related kinases play a major role not only in cellular physiology but also in tumor development. Furthermore, aside from their role as regulators of metabolism, additional functions have been described for these proteins, including roles in the cell cycle, cell migration, and cell death. In this review, we aim to highlight the major role of AMPK-related proteins beyond their functions in cellular metabolism, focusing on cancer progression based on their role in cell migration, invasion, and cell survival. Additionally, we describe two main AMPK-related kinases, Novel (nua) kinase family 1 (NUAK1) and 2 (NUAK2), which have been understudied, but play a major role in cellular physiology and tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Molina
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA;
| | - Linda Hong
- School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
| | - Ilana Chefetz
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN 55912, USA;
- Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-507-437-9624
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van de Vis RAJ, Moustakas A, van der Heide LP. NUAK1 and NUAK2 Fine-Tune TGF-β Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133377. [PMID: 34282782 PMCID: PMC8268639 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary TGF-β is a growth factor implicated in a plethora of processes and malignancies, which include cancer and fibrosis. Via binding to its receptor, TGF-β activates a complex intracellular signal transduction pathway, which is controlled by many forms of positive as well as negative feedback. The integrated sum of this feedback determines the outcome and cellular response to TGF-β. In this review, we discuss the role of NUAK1 and NUAK2, a subgroup of the 5′AMP-activated protein kinase family, in providing feedback on intracellular TGF-β signaling. In addition, we discuss how NUAKs mechanistically augment or attenuate the TGF-β response to steer the cell towards a specific output. Understanding the role of NUAKs may aid in developing specific therapeutic agents to combat TGF-β-dependent disease. Abstract Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a key role in governing various cellular processes, extending from cell proliferation and apoptosis to differentiation and migration. Due to this extensive involvement in the regulation of cellular function, aberrant TGF-β signaling is frequently implicated in the formation and progression of tumors. Therefore, a full understanding of the mechanisms of TGF-β signaling and its key components will provide valuable insights into how this intricate signaling cascade can shift towards a detrimental course. In this review, we discuss the interplay between TGF-β signaling and the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related NUAK kinase family. We highlight the function and regulation of these kinases with focus on the pivotal role NUAK1 and NUAK2 play in regulating TGF-β signaling. Specifically, TGF-β induces the expression of NUAK1 and NUAK2 that regulates TGF-β signaling output in an opposite manner. Besides the focus on the TGF-β pathway, we also present a broader perspective on the expression and signaling interactions of the NUAK kinases to outline the broader functions of these protein kinases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinofke A. J. van de Vis
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-75123 Uppsala, Sweden;
| | - Lars P. van der Heide
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +31-20-5257061
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He W, Cheng F, Zheng B, Wang J, Zhao G, Yao Z, Zhang T. NUPR1 is a novel potential biomarker and confers resistance to sorafenib in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by increasing stemness and targeting the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:14015-14038. [PMID: 34030133 PMCID: PMC8202846 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sorafenib can improve the survival of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. However, its benefits are modest, as patients eventually become resistant, and the mechanisms remain elusive. NUPR1, a stress-induced protein, has been reported in malignancies and functions as an oncogene by modulating the stress response, facilitating survival in harsh environments and conferring drug resistance. However, its role in ccRCC has not been explored. METHODS The expression and clinical significance of NUPR1 were analyzed in ccRCC patients in in-house patients and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohorts. The biological functions of NUPR1 were investigated. Xenografts were performed to confirm the effects of NUPR1 on tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanism of NUPR1 was investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS NUPR1 expression was upregulated in tumor tissue. Further analysis showed that NUPR1 overexpression was associated with an aggressive phenotype and predicted a poor prognosis. Depletion of NUPR1 suppressed tumorigenesis and sensitized cells to sorafenib treatment. Finally, mechanistic investigations indicated that NUPR1 promoted tumorigenesis in ccRCC by increasing stemness and activating the PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our results suggest that NUPR1 may serve as a predictor of ccRCC. Notably, NUPR1 silencing reversed sorafenib resistance in ccRCC. These findings provide a novel potential therapeutic target in the clinical management of ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei He
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fajuan Cheng
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Nephrology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guiting Zhao
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongshun Yao
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Yang C, Zhang Y, Lin S, Liu Y, Li W. Suppressing the KIF20A/NUAK1/Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway induces ferroptosis and enhances the sensitivity of colorectal cancer to oxaliplatin. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:13515-13534. [PMID: 33819186 PMCID: PMC8202845 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Oxaliplatin resistance can develop in colorectal cancer (CRC), which may involve inhibition of ferroptosis, although further research is needed to understand this potential mechanism. We evaluated CRC cells with acquired oxaliplatin resistance (HCT116-Or) or congenital resistance (H716) to determine whether a ferroptosis inducer (RSL3) or inhibitor (liproxstatin-1) could modulate the effects of oxaliplatin. The results suggested that induction of ferroptosis could significantly reverse the oxaliplatin resistance of the CRC cells. Bioinformatic and cytobiological searches also revealed that KIF20A was highly expressed in the oxaliplatin-resistant cell lines and was strongly correlated with survival among CRC patients. Silencing KIF20A enhanced cellular sensitivity to oxaliplatin both in vivo and in vitro, and silencing KIF20A also suppressed NUAK1 activation, while a NUAK1 agonist (ETC-1002) could reverse the oxaliplatin sensitivity of KIF20A-silenced cells. Moreover, silencing NUAK1 up-regulated the expression of PP1β, down-regulated the phosphorylation of downstream GSK3βSer9, suppressed the nuclear import of Nrf2, inhibited the expression of a ferroptosis key negative regulatory protein (GPX4), and blocked cellular resistance. Applying a Nrf2 agonist (oltipraz) also reversed the oxaliplatin sensitivity of NUAK1-silenced cells. Therefore, cellular ferroptosis may be inhibited via the KIF20A/NUAK1/PP1β/GPX4 pathway in CRC cells, which may underly the resistance of CRC to oxaliplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changshun Yang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Shengtao Lin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Endoscopy, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Weihua Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou 350001, China
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A J, Zhang B, Zhang Z, Hu H, Dong JT. Novel Gene Signatures Predictive of Patient Recurrence-Free Survival and Castration Resistance in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040917. [PMID: 33671634 PMCID: PMC7927111 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Molecular signatures predictive of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and castration resistance are critical for treatment decision-making in prostate cancer (PCa), but the robustness of current signatures is limited. This study aims to identify castration-resistant PCa (CRPC)-associated genes and develop robust RFS and CRPC signatures. Among 287 genes differentially expressed between localized CRPC and hormone-sensitive PCa (HSPC) samples, 6 genes constituted a signature (CRPC-derived prognosis signature, CRPCPS) that predicted RFS. Moreover, a 3-gene panel derived from the 6 CRPCPS genes was capable of distinguishing CRPC from HSPC. The CRPCPS predicted RFS in 5/9 cohorts in the multivariate analysis and maintained prognostic in patients stratified by tumor stage, Gleason score, and lymph node metastasis status. It also predicted overall survival and metastasis-free survival. Notably, the signature was validated in another six independent cohorts. These findings suggest that these two signatures could be robust tools for predicting RFS and CRPC in clinical practice. Abstract Molecular signatures predictive of recurrence-free survival (RFS) and castration resistance are critical for treatment decision-making in prostate cancer (PCa), but the robustness of current signatures is limited. Here, we applied the Robust Rank Aggregation (RRA) method to PCa transcriptome profiles and identified 287 genes differentially expressed between localized castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) and hormone-sensitive PCa (HSPC). Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and stepwise Cox regression analyses of the 287 genes developed a 6-gene signature predictive of RFS in PCa. This signature included NPEPL1, VWF, LMO7, ALDH2, NUAK1, and TPT1, and was named CRPC-derived prognosis signature (CRPCPS). Interestingly, three of these 6 genes constituted another signature capable of distinguishing CRPC from HSPC. The CRPCPS predicted RFS in 5/9 cohorts in the multivariate analysis and remained valid in patients stratified by tumor stage, Gleason score, and lymph node status. The signature also predicted overall survival and metastasis-free survival. The signature’s robustness was demonstrated by the C-index (0.55–0.74) and the calibration plot in all nine cohorts and the 3-, 5-, and 8-year area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.67–0.77) in three cohorts. The nomogram analyses demonstrated CRPCPS’ clinical applicability. The CRPCPS thus appears useful for RFS prediction in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun A
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, 94 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300071, China;
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Baotong Zhang
- Emory Winship Cancer Institute, Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1365-C Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Zhiqian Zhang
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Hailiang Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen 518055, China;
| | - Jin-Tang Dong
- Department of Human Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Road, Shenzhen 518055, China;
- Correspondence:
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An Oxidative Stress Index-Based Score for Prognostic Prediction in Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:6693707. [PMID: 33505587 PMCID: PMC7811428 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6693707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). This study is aimed at developing and validating a novel scoring system, based on oxidative stress indexes, for prognostic prediction in CRC patients. A retrospective analysis of 1422 CRC patients who underwent surgical resection between January 2013 and December 2017 was performed. These patients were randomly assigned to the training set (n = 1022) or the validation set (n = 400). Cox regression model was used to analyze the laboratory parameters. The CRC-Integrated Oxidative Stress Score (CIOSS) was developed from albumin (ALB), direct bilirubin (DBIL), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which were significantly associated with survival in CRC patients. Furthermore, a survival nomogram was generated by combining the CIOSS with other beneficial clinical characteristics. The CIOSS generated was as follows: 0.074 × albumin (g/L), −0.094 × bilirubin (μmol/L), and -0.099 × blood urea nitrogen (mmol/L), based on the multivariable Cox regression analysis. Using 50% (0.1025) and 85% (0.481) of CIOSS as cutoff values, three prognostically distinct groups were formed. Patients with high CIOSS experienced worse overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.80-6.68; P < 0.001) and worse disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 3.02; 95% CI, 1.96-4.64; P < 0.001) compared to those with low CIOSS. This predictive nomogram had good calibration and discrimination. ROC analyses showed that the CIOSS possessed excellent performance (AUC = 0.818) in predicting DFS. The AUC of the OS nomogram based on CIOSS, TNM stage, T stage, and chemotherapy was 0.812, while that of the DFS nomogram based on CIOSS, T stage, and TNM stage was 0.855. Decision curve analysis showed that these two prediction models were clinically useful. CIOSS is a CRC-specific prognostic index based on the combination of available oxidative stress indexes. High CIOSS is a powerful indicator of poor prognosis. The CIOSS also showed better predictive performance compared to TNM stage in CRC patients.
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Faisal M, Kim JH, Yoo KH, Roh EJ, Hong SS, Lee SH. Development and Therapeutic Potential of NUAKs Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2020; 64:2-25. [PMID: 33356242 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
NUAK isoforms, NUAK1 (ARK5) and NUAK2 (SNARK), are important members of the AMPK family of protein kinases. They are involved in a broad spectrum of physiological and cellular events, and sometimes their biological roles overlap. NUAK isoform dysregulation is associated with numerous pathological disorders, including neurodegeneration, metastatic cancer, and diabetes. Therefore, they are promising therapeutic targets in metabolic diseases and cancers; consequently, various NUAK-targeted inhibitors have been disclosed. The first part of this review comprises a brief discussion of the homology, expression, structure, and characteristics of NUAK isoforms. The second part focuses on NUAK isoforms' involvement in crucial biological operations, including mechanistic findings, highlighting how their abnormal functioning contributes to disease progression and quality of life. The third part summarizes the key findings and applications of targeting NUAK isoforms for treating multiple cancers and neurodegenerative disorders. The final part systematically presents a critical review and analysis of the literature on NUAK isoform inhibitions through small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Faisal
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ho Kim
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Ho Yoo
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Joo Roh
- Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea.,Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Sun Hong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, and Program in Biomedical Science & Engineering, Inha University, Incheon 22212, Republic of Korea
| | - So Ha Lee
- Chemical Kinomics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
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Yang H, Wang X, Wang C, Yin F, Qu L, Shi C, Zhao J, Li S, Ji L, Peng W, Luo H, Cheng M, Kong L. Optimization of WZ4003 as NUAK inhibitors against human colorectal cancer. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 210:113080. [PMID: 33310286 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
NUAK, the member of AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) family of protein kinases, is phosphorylated and activated by the LKB1 (liver kinase B1) tumor suppressor protein kinase. Recent work has indicated that NUAK1 is a key component of the antioxidant stress response pathway, and the inhibition of NUAK1 will suppress the growth and survival of colorectal tumors. As a promising target for anticancer drugs, few inhibitors of NUAK were developed. With this goal in mind, based on NUAK inhibitor WZ4003, a series of derivatives has been synthesized and evaluated for anticancer activity. Compound 9q, a derivative of WZ4003 by removing a methoxy group, was found to be the most potential one with stronger inhibitory against NUAK1/2 enzyme activity, tumor cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis of tumor cells. By in vivo efficacy evaluations of colorectal SW480 xenografts, 9q suppresses tumor growth more effectively with an excellent safety profile in vivo and is therefore seen as a suitable candidate for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huali Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Xiaobing Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Fucheng Yin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lailiang Qu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Cunjian Shi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jinhua Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Shang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Limei Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wan Peng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Heng Luo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Maosheng Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Lingyi Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China; School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Chen Y, Xie X, Wang C, Hu Y, Zhang H, Zhang L, Tu S, He Y, Li Y. Dual targeting of NUAK1 and ULK1 using the multitargeted inhibitor MRT68921 exerts potent antitumor activities. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:712. [PMID: 32873786 PMCID: PMC7463258 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02885-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Utilizing oxidative stress has recently been regarded as a potential strategy for tumor therapy. The NUAK family SNF1-like kinase 1 (NUAK1) is a critical component of the antioxidant defense system and is necessary for the survival of tumors. Therefore, NUAK1 is considered an attractive therapeutic target in cancer. However, antioxidant therapy induced elevated ROS levels to activate the Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) pathway to promote protective autophagy and ULK1-dependent mitophagy. Thus, the combined inhibition of NUAK1 and ULK1 showed a strong synergistic effect in different tumor types. Herein, the potential antitumor activities of a dual NUAK1/ULK1 inhibitor MRT68921 were evaluated in both tumor cell lines and animal models. MRT68921 significantly kills tumor cells by breaking the balance of oxidative stress signals. These results highlight the potential of MRT68921 as an effective agent for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Chen
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoling Xie
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunsheng Wang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuxing Hu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Honghao Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lenghe Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sanfang Tu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanjie He
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yuhua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China. .,Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.
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Golkowski M, Lau HT, Chan M, Kenerson H, Vidadala VN, Shoemaker A, Maly DJ, Yeung RS, Gujral TS, Ong SE. Pharmacoproteomics Identifies Kinase Pathways that Drive the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Drug Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cell Syst 2020; 11:196-207.e7. [PMID: 32755597 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex and deadly disease lacking druggable genetic mutations. The limited efficacy of systemic treatments for advanced HCC implies that predictive biomarkers and drug targets are urgently needed. Most HCC drugs target protein kinases, indicating that kinase-dependent signaling networks drive HCC progression. To identify HCC signaling networks that determine responses to kinase inhibitors (KIs), we apply a pharmacoproteomics approach integrating kinome activity in 17 HCC cell lines with their responses to 299 KIs, resulting in a comprehensive dataset of pathway-based drug response signatures. By profiling patient HCC samples, we identify signatures of clinical HCC drug responses in individual tumors. Our analyses reveal kinase networks promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and drug resistance, including a FZD2-AXL-NUAK1/2 signaling module, whose inhibition reverses the EMT and sensitizes HCC cells to drugs. Our approach identifies cancer drug targets and molecular signatures of drug response for personalized oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Golkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ho-Tak Lau
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Marina Chan
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Heidi Kenerson
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | | | - Anna Shoemaker
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Dustin J Maly
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Raymond S Yeung
- Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Taranjit S Gujral
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Escalona E, Muñoz M, Pincheira R, Elorza ÁA, Castro AF. Cytosolic NUAK1 Enhances ATP Production by Maintaining Proper Glycolysis and Mitochondrial Function in Cancer Cells. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1123. [PMID: 32754444 PMCID: PMC7367139 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NUAK1 is an AMPK-related kinase located in the cytosol and the nucleus, whose expression associates with tumor malignancy and poor patient prognosis in several cancers. Accordingly, NUAK1 was associated with metastasis because it promotes cell migration and invasion in different cancer cells. Besides, NUAK1 supports cancer cell survival under metabolic stress and maintains ATP levels in hepatocarcinoma cells, suggesting a role in energy metabolism in cancer. However, the underlying mechanism for this metabolic function, as well as its link to NUAK1 subcellular localization, is unclear. We demonstrated that cytosolic NUAK1 increases ATP levels, which associates with increased mitochondrial respiration, supporting that cytosolic NUAK1 is involved in mitochondrial function regulation in cancer cells. NUAK1 inhibition led to the formation of “donut-like” structures, providing evidence of NUAK1-dependent mitochondrial morphology regulation. Additionally, our results indicated that cytosolic NUAK1 increases the glycolytic capacity of cancer cells under mitochondrial inhibition. Nuclear NUAK1 seems to be involved in the metabolic switch to glycolysis. Altogether, our results suggest that cytosolic NUAK1 participates in mitochondrial ATP production and the maintenance of proper glycolysis in cancer cells. Our current studies support the role of NUAK1 in bioenergetics, mitochondrial homeostasis, glycolysis and metabolic capacities. They suggest different metabolic outcomes depending on its subcellular localization. The identified roles of NUAK1 in cancer metabolism provide a potential mechanism relevant for tumor progression and its association with poor patient prognosis in several cancers. Further studies could shed light on the molecular mechanisms involved in the identified metabolic NUAK1 functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Escalona
- Signal Transduction and Cancer Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Marcelo Muñoz
- Mitochondrial Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roxana Pincheira
- Signal Transduction and Cancer Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Álvaro A Elorza
- Mitochondrial Medicine Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Life Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ariel F Castro
- Signal Transduction and Cancer Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
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Wan ZH, Jiang TY, Shi YY, Pan YF, Lin YK, Ma YH, Yang C, Feng XF, Huang LF, Kong XN, Ding ZW, Tan YX, Dong LW, Wang HY. RPB5-Mediating Protein Promotes Cholangiocarcinoma Tumorigenesis and Drug Resistance by Competing With NRF2 for KEAP1 Binding. Hepatology 2020; 71:2005-2022. [PMID: 31541481 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cancer cell survival depends on the balance between reactive oxygen species production and scavenging, which is regulated primarily by NRF2 during tumorigenesis. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of RBP5-mediating protein (RMP) in an autonomous mouse model of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) delays tumor progression. APPROACH AND RESULTS RMP-overexpressing tumor cells exhibited enhanced tolerance to oxidative stress and apoptosis. Mechanistically, RMP competes with NRF2 for binding to the Kelch domain of KEAP1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) through the E**E motif, leading to decreased NRF2 degradation via ubiquitination, thus increasing NRF2 nuclear translocation and downstream transactivation of antioxidant genes. This RMP-KEAP1-NRF2 axis promotes ICC tumorigenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance. Consistent with these findings, the RMP level in human ICC is positively correlated with the protein level of NRF2 and is associated with poor prognosis. CONCLUSION These findings reveal that RMP is involved in the oxidative stress defense program and could be exploited for targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Hua Wan
- National Center for Liver Cancer, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,No. 971 Hospital of Peoples' Liberation Army Navy, Qing Dao, China
| | - Tian-Yi Jiang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Shi
- National Center for Liver Cancer, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Fei Pan
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Kai Lin
- National Center for Liver Cancer, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Han Ma
- National Center for Liver Cancer, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun Yang
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Fan Feng
- National Center for Liver Cancer, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Feng Huang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ni Kong
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Wen Ding
- National Center for Liver Cancer, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye-Xiong Tan
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Wei Dong
- National Center for Liver Cancer, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- National Center for Liver Cancer, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute, the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, The Second Military Medical University & Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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48
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Orlandella FM, Mariniello RM, Mirabelli P, De Stefano AE, Iervolino PLC, Lasorsa VA, Capasso M, Giannatiempo R, Rongo M, Incoronato M, Messina F, Salvatore M, Soricelli A, Salvatore G. miR-622 is a novel potential biomarker of breast carcinoma and impairs motility of breast cancer cells through targeting NUAK1 kinase. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:426-437. [PMID: 32418991 PMCID: PMC7403386 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0884-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miR) has been proposed as non-invasive biomarkers for breast cancers. The aim of this study was to analyse the miR-622 level in the plasma and in tissues of breast cancer patients and to explore the role of miR-622 and its target, the NUAK1 kinase, in this context. METHODS miR-622 expression was analysed in plasma and in tissues samples of breast cancer patients by q-RT-PCR. Bioinformatics programs, luciferase assay, public dataset analysis and functional experiments were used to uncover the role of miR-622 and its target in breast cancer cells. RESULTS miR-622 is downregulated in plasma and in tissues of breast cancer patients respect to healthy controls and its downregulation is significantly associated with advanced grade and high Ki67 level. Modulation of miR-622 affects the motility phenotype of breast cancer cells. NUAK1 kinase is a functional target of miR-622, it is associated with poor clinical outcomes of breast cancer patients and is inversely correlated with miR-622 level. CONCLUSIONS miR-622/NUAK1 axis is deregulated in breast cancer patients and affects the motility phenotype of breast cancer cells. Importantly, miR-622 and NUAK1 hold promises as biomarkers and as targets for breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raffaela Mariarosaria Mariniello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Universita' degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope", Via Medina 40, 80133, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Anna Elisa De Stefano
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Universita' degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope", Via Medina 40, 80133, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Lucia Chiara Iervolino
- CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Avanzate, Universita' "Federico II", Via Pansini 5, 80131, Napoli, Italy
| | - Vito Alessandro Lasorsa
- CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Capasso
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy.,CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rongo
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Andrea Soricelli
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Universita' degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope", Via Medina 40, 80133, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuliana Salvatore
- IRCCS SDN, Via Emanuele Gianturco 113, 80143, Naples, Italy. .,Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Universita' degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope", Via Medina 40, 80133, Naples, Italy. .,CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a.r.l., Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145, Naples, Italy.
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49
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Fritz JL, Collins O, Saxena P, Buensuceso A, Ramos Valdes Y, Francis KE, Brown KR, Larsen B, Colwill K, Gingras AC, Rottapel R, Shepherd TG. A novel role for NUAK1 in promoting ovarian cancer metastasis through regulation of fibronectin production in spheroids. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051250. [PMID: 32429240 PMCID: PMC7280971 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has a unique mode of metastasis, where cells shed from the primary tumour, form aggregates called spheroids to evade anoikis, spread through the peritoneal cavity, and adhere to secondary sites. We previously showed that the master kinase Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is required for EOC spheroid viability and metastasis. We have identified novel (nua) kinase 1 (NUAK1) as a top candidate LKB1 substrate in EOC cells and spheroids using a multiplex inhibitor beads-mass spectrometry approach. We confirmed that LKB1 maintains NUAK1 phosphorylation and promotes its stabilization. We next investigated NUAK1 function in EOC cells. Ectopic NUAK1-overexpressing EOC cell lines had increased adhesion, whereas the reverse was seen in OVCAR8-NUAK1KO cells. In fact, cells with NUAK1 loss generate spheroids with reduced integrity, leading to increased cell death after long-term culture. Following transcriptome analysis, we identified reduced enrichment for cell interaction gene expression pathways in OVCAR8-NUAK1KO spheroids. In fact, the FN1 gene, encoding fibronectin, exhibited a 745-fold decreased expression in NUAK1KO spheroids. Fibronectin expression was induced during native spheroid formation, yet this was completely lost in NUAK1KO spheroids. Co-incubation with soluble fibronectin restored the compact spheroid phenotype to OVCAR8-NUAK1KO cells. In a xenograft model of intraperitoneal metastasis, NUAK1 loss extended survival and reduced fibronectin expression in tumours. Thus, we have identified a new mechanism controlling EOC metastasis, through which LKB1-NUAK1 activity promotes spheroid formation and secondary tumours via fibronectin production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Lee Fritz
- The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON N6A 4L6, Canada; (J.L.F.); (O.C.); (P.S.); (A.B.); (Y.R.V.)
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Olga Collins
- The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON N6A 4L6, Canada; (J.L.F.); (O.C.); (P.S.); (A.B.); (Y.R.V.)
| | - Parima Saxena
- The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON N6A 4L6, Canada; (J.L.F.); (O.C.); (P.S.); (A.B.); (Y.R.V.)
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Adrian Buensuceso
- The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON N6A 4L6, Canada; (J.L.F.); (O.C.); (P.S.); (A.B.); (Y.R.V.)
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Yudith Ramos Valdes
- The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON N6A 4L6, Canada; (J.L.F.); (O.C.); (P.S.); (A.B.); (Y.R.V.)
| | - Kyle E. Francis
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; (K.E.F.); (R.R.)
| | - Kevin R. Brown
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada;
| | - Brett Larsen
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; (B.L.); (K.C.); (A.-C.G.)
| | - Karen Colwill
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; (B.L.); (K.C.); (A.-C.G.)
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; (B.L.); (K.C.); (A.-C.G.)
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Robert Rottapel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON M5G 2C1, Canada; (K.E.F.); (R.R.)
| | - Trevor G. Shepherd
- The Mary & John Knight Translational Ovarian Cancer Research Unit, London Regional Cancer Program, London, ON N6A 4L6, Canada; (J.L.F.); (O.C.); (P.S.); (A.B.); (Y.R.V.)
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 4L6, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 4L6, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-519-685-8500 (ext. 56347)
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50
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Milton CK, Self AJ, Clarke PA, Banerji U, Piccioni F, Root DE, Whittaker SR. A Genome-scale CRISPR Screen Identifies the ERBB and mTOR Signaling Networks as Key Determinants of Response to PI3K Inhibition in Pancreatic Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1423-1435. [PMID: 32371585 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-1131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
KRAS mutation is a key driver of pancreatic cancer and PI3K pathway activity is an additional requirement for Kras-induced tumorigenesis. Clinical trials of PI3K pathway inhibitors in pancreatic cancer have shown limited responses. Understanding the molecular basis for this lack of efficacy may direct future treatment strategies with emerging PI3K inhibitors. We sought new therapeutic approaches that synergize with PI3K inhibitors through pooled CRISPR modifier genetic screening and a drug combination screen. ERBB family receptor tyrosine kinase signaling and mTOR signaling were key modifiers of sensitivity to alpelisib and pictilisib. Inhibition of the ERBB family or mTOR was synergistic with PI3K inhibition in spheroid, stromal cocultures. Near-complete loss of ribosomal S6 phosphorylation was associated with synergy. Genetic alterations in the ERBB-PI3K signaling axis were associated with decreased survival of patients with pancreatic cancer. Suppression of the PI3K/mTOR axis is potentiated by dual PI3K and ERBB family or mTOR inhibition. Surprisingly, despite the presence of oncogenic KRAS, thought to bestow independence from receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, inhibition of the ERBB family blocks downstream pathway activation and synergizes with PI3K inhibitors. Further exploration of these therapeutic combinations is warranted for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte K Milton
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Annette J Self
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A Clarke
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Udai Banerji
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.,The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Steven R Whittaker
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.
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