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Ge F, Cao X, Jiang Y. A-to-I RNA editing shows dramatic up-regulation in osteosarcoma and broadly regulates tumor-related genes by altering microRNA target regions. J Appl Genet 2023; 64:493-505. [PMID: 37542613 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-023-00777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
A-to-I RNA editing is a prevalent type of RNA modification in animals. The dysregulation of RNA editing has led to multiple human cancers. However, the role of RNA editing has never been studied in osteosarcoma, a complex bone cancer with unknown molecular basis. We retrieved the RNA-sequencing data from 24 primary osteosarcoma patients and 3 healthy controls. We systematically profiled the RNA editomes in these samples and quantitatively identified reliable differential editing sites (DES) between osteosarcoma and normal samples. RNA editing efficiency is dramatically increased in osteosarcoma, presumably due to the significant up-regulation of editing enzymes ADAR1 and ADAR2. Up-regulated DES in osteosarcoma are enriched in 3'UTRs. Strikingly, such 3'UTR sites are further enriched in microRNA binding regions of gene EMP2 and other oncogenes, abolishing the microRNA suppression on target genes. Accordingly, the expression of these tumor-promoting genes is elevated in osteosarcoma. There might be an RNA editing-dependent pathway leading to osteosarcoma. We expanded our knowledge on the potential roles of RNA editing in oncogenesis. Based on these molecular features, our work is valuable for future prognosis and diagnosis of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuqun Ge
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, China
| | - Xinyue Cao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Qilu Medical University, Zibo, 255300, Shandong, China
| | - Yankai Jiang
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, China.
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2
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Mozaffari K, Mekonnen M, Harary M, Lum M, Aguirre B, Chandla A, Wadehra M, Yang I. Epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2): A systematic review of its implications in pathogenesis. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:151976. [PMID: 36455339 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151976] [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: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) is a cell surface protein composed of approximately 160 amino acids and encoded by the growth arrest-specific 3 (GAS3)/peripheral myelin protein 22 kDa (PMP22) gene family. Although EMP2 expression has been investigated in several diseases, much remains unknown regarding its mechanism of action and the extent of its role in pathogenesis. Our aim was to perform a systematic review on the involvement of EMP2 in disease processes and the current usage of anti-EMP2 therapies. METHODS A Boolean search of the English-language medical literature was performed. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science were used to identify relevant citations. This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. RESULTS 52 studies met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. Of those, 28 (53.8%) were human-only studies, 11 (21.2%) were animal-only studies, and 13 (25%) studies included both human and animal models. Furthermore, 34 (65.4%) studies focused on EMP2's role in neoplasms, while the remaining 18 (34.6%) articles evaluated its role in other pathologies. CONCLUSION Overall, the evidence suggests the mechanisms of action of EMP2 are context dependent. Promising results have been produced by utilizing EMP2 as a biomarker and therapeutic target. More studies are warranted to better understand the mechanism and comprehend the role of EMP2 in the pathogenesis of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khashayar Mozaffari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mahlet Mekonnen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Maya Harary
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Meachelle Lum
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Brian Aguirre
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anubhav Chandla
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Madhuri Wadehra
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Isaac Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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3
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Sun M, Cherian N, Liu L, Chan AM, Aguirre B, Chu A, Strawbridge J, Kim ES, Lin MC, Tsui I, Gordon LK, Wadehra M. Epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) regulates hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in the adult retinal pigment epithelial cell lines. Sci Rep 2022; 12:19432. [PMID: 36371458 PMCID: PMC9653491 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22696-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathologic retinal neovascularization is a potentially blinding consequence seen in many common diseases including diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, and retinal vaso-occlusive diseases. This study investigates epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) and its role as a possible modulator of angiogenesis in human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) under hypoxic conditions. To study its effects, the RPE cell line ARPE-19 was genetically modified to either overexpress EMP2 or knock down its levels, and RNA sequencing and western blot analysis was performed to confirm the changes in expression at the RNA and protein level, respectively. Protein expression was evaluated under both normoxic conditions or hypoxic stress. Capillary tube formation assays with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were used to evaluate functional responses. EMP2 expression was found to positively correlate with expression of pro-angiogenic factors HIF1α and VEGF at both mRNA and protein levels under hypoxic conditions. Mechanistically, EMP2 stabilized HIF1α expression through downregulation of von Hippel Lindau protein (pVHL). EMP2 mediated changes in ARPE-19 cells were also found to alter the secretion of a paracrine factor(s) in conditioned media that can regulate HUVEC migration and capillary tube formation in in vitro functional angiogenesis assays. This study identifies EMP2 as a potential mediator of angiogenesis in a human RPE cell line. EMP2 levels positively correlate with pro-angiogenic mediators HIF1α and VEGF, and mechanistically, EMP2 regulates HIF1α through downregulation of pVHL. This study supports further investigation of EMP2 as a promising novel target for therapeutic treatment of pathologic neovascularization in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Sun
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nina Cherian
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology Lab Medicine, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Lucia Liu
- Department of Pathology Lab Medicine, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Ann M Chan
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian Aguirre
- Department of Pathology Lab Medicine, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Alison Chu
- Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jason Strawbridge
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Esther S Kim
- Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Meng-Chin Lin
- Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Irena Tsui
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lynn K Gordon
- UCLA Stein Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Madhuri Wadehra
- Department of Pathology Lab Medicine, 4525 MacDonald Research Laboratories, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Dungan JR, Qin X, Gregory SG, Cooper-Dehoff R, Duarte JD, Qin H, Gulati M, Taylor JY, Pepine CJ, Hauser ER, Kraus WE. Sex-dimorphic gene effects on survival outcomes in people with coronary artery disease. AMERICAN HEART JOURNAL PLUS: CARDIOLOGY RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 17. [PMID: 35959094 PMCID: PMC9365120 DOI: 10.1016/j.ahjo.2022.100152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background: Ischemic coronary heart disease (IHD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Genetic variation is presumed to be a major factor underlying sex differences for IHD events, including mortality. The purpose of this study was to identify sex-specific candidate genes associated with all-cause mortality among people diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: We performed a sex-stratified, exploratory genome-wide association (GWAS) screen using existing data from CAD-diagnosed males (n = 510) and females (n = 174) who reported European ancestry from the Duke Catheterization Genetics biorepository. Extant genotype data for 785,945 autosomal SNPs generated with the Human Omni1-Quad BeadChip (Illumina, CA, USA) were analyzed using an additive inheritance model. We estimated instantaneous risk of all-cause mortality by genotype groups across the 11-year follow-up using Cox multivariate regression, covarying for age and genomic ancestry. Results: The top GWAS hits associated with all-cause mortality among people with CAD included 8 SNPs among males and 15 among females (p = 1 × 10−6 or 10−7), adjusted for covariates. Cross-sex comparisons revealed distinct candidate genes. Biologically relevant candidates included rs9932462 (EMP2/TEKT5) and rs2835913 (KCNJ6) among males and rs7217169 (RAP1GAP2), rs8021816 (PRKD1), rs8133010 (PDE9A), and rs12145981 (LPGAT1) among females. Conclusions: We report 20 sex-specific candidate genes having suggestive association with all-cause mortality among CAD-diagnosed subjects. Findings demonstrate proof of principle for identifying sex-associated genetic factors that may help explain differential mortality risk in people with CAD. Replication and meta-analyses in larger studies with more diverse samples will strengthen future work in this area.
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Pan J, Luo X, Zhao S, Li J, Jiang Z. miR-340-5p mediates the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells on corneal neovascularization. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2021; 260:497-507. [PMID: 34495369 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-021-05394-8] [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: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous study revealed that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) inhibited angiogenesis via miRNA-mediated repression of prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1). This study aimed to verify whether miR-340-5p participates in the therapeutic effect of MSCs on corneal neovascularization (CNV) via repressing PROX1 and epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2). MATERIALS AND METHODS The rat CNV model was established by corneal alkali burn. The binding relationship between miR-340-5p and 3'-untranslational regions (3'UTRs) of EMP2 and PROX1 was confirmed using dual-luciferase reporter assay. After culturing corneal epithelial cells (CECs) using MSC supernatants, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level in CEC supernatants and the CEC viability were detected. The role of miR-340-5p in the therapeutic effect of MSC on CNV was determined via lentivirus-mediated miR-340-5p intervention in vivo. RESULTS The expression of miR-340-5p was reduced and EMP2 and PROX1 were increased in CNV corneal tissues. The lentivirus-mediated overexpression of miR-340-5p inhibited the expressions of EMP2 and PROX1. The dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-340-5p could bind with the 3'UTRs of EMP2 and PROX1. miR-340-5p was enriched in MSC supernatants and the culture of CECs using MSC supernatants increased the miR-340-5p expression in CECs. After being cultured in miR-340-5p-knocking down MSC supernatants, the expressions of EMP2 and PROX1 were increased, and the VEGF level and CEC viability were restored. The in vivo experiments also indicated that the therapeutic effect of MSCs was mediated by miR-340-5p. CONCLUSIONS miR-340-5p mediates the therapeutic effect of MSCs on CNV via binding and repressing the expressions of EMP2 and PROX1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Pan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xu Luo
- Burn and Wound Healing Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.,Wound Repair Department, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, No. 2 Zhongloudi Street, Kecheng District, Quzhou, 324000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shujue Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zipei Jiang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang Street, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is one of the most important complications following vitreoretinal surgery. So far, surgical strategies have been the gold standard in treatment. Pharmacological approaches for prevention and treatment of PVR are under clinical investigation and intervene in different phases of the PVR cascade. METHODS The relevant literature as well as own data and experience with PVR are discussed in this review article. The most important aspects of pharmacological approaches for PVR prophylaxis and treatment are explained. RESULTS A prophylactic use of systemic prednisone administration as an anti-inflammatory substance showed contradictory results, while there was no additional benefit for intravitreal triamcinolone. Orally administered isotretinoin also seems to be able to minimize the formation of PVR after retinal reattachment surgery, whereas there was no improvement in the success rate in established PVR. Cell proliferation inhibitors have already been extensively studied. The combined intravitreal prophylactic approach of 5‑fluorouracil and low molecular weight heparin was recently further investigated in a multicenter, placebo-controlled study and showed a positive effect in some studies. New preclinical and experimental approaches include the inhibition of growth factors, modulation of integrin activity and the induction of apoptosis. CONCLUSION Most clinical studies dealt with an anti-inflammatory or antiproliferative approach. So far, no pharmacological substance has been established for the treatment of PVR but there are promising approaches for prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Schaub
- Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50924, Köln, Deutschland.
| | - A M Abdullatif
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kasr El Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Kairo, El-Manial, Ägypten
| | - S Fauser
- Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Kerpener Str. 62, 50924, Köln, Deutschland
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Schweiz
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Sun M, Wadehra M, Casero D, Lin MC, Aguirre B, Parikh S, Matynia A, Gordon L, Chu A. Epithelial Membrane Protein 2 (EMP2) Promotes VEGF-Induced Pathological Neovascularization in Murine Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:3. [PMID: 32031575 PMCID: PMC7325623 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.2.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of childhood blindness. ROP occurs as a consequence of postnatal hyperoxia exposure in premature infants, resulting in vasoproliferation in the retina. The tetraspan protein epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2) is highly expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in adults, and it controls vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production in the ARPE-19 cell line. We, therefore, hypothesized that Emp2 knockout (Emp2 KO) protects against neovascularization in murine oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Methods Eyes were obtained from wildtype (WT) and Emp2 KO mouse pups at P7, P12, P17, and P21 after normoxia or hyperoxia (P7-P12) exposure. Following hyperoxia exposure, RNA sequencing was performed using the retina/choroid layers obtained from WT and Emp2 KO at P17. Retinal sections from P7, P12, P17, and P21 were evaluated for Emp2, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (Hif1α), and VEGF expression. Whole mount images were generated to assess vaso-obliteration at P12 and neovascularization at P17. Results Emp2 KO OIR mice demonstrated a decrease in pathologic neovascularization at P17 compared with WT OIR mice through evaluation of retinal vascular whole mount images. This protection was accompanied by a decrease in Hif1α at P12 and VEGFA expression at P17 in Emp2 KO animals compared with the WT animals in OIR conditions. Collectively, our results suggest that EMP2 enhances the effects of neovascularization through modulation of angiogenic signaling. Conclusions The protection of Emp2 KO mice against pathologic neovascularization through attenuation of HIF and VEGF upregulation in OIR suggests that hypoxia-induced upregulation of EMP2 expression in the neuroretina modulates HIF-mediated neuroretinal VEGF expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Madhuri Wadehra
- Department of Pathology Lab Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - David Casero
- Department of Pathology Lab Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Meng-Chin Lin
- Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Brian Aguirre
- Department of Pathology Lab Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Sachin Parikh
- Laboratory of Ocular and Molecular Biology and Genetics, Jules Stein Institute, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Anna Matynia
- Laboratory of Ocular and Molecular Biology and Genetics, Jules Stein Institute, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Lynn Gordon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Alison Chu
- Division of Neonatology and Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
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A Mechanogenetic Model of Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Haemorrhage in the Thoroughbred Horse. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10110880. [PMID: 31683933 PMCID: PMC6895809 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) occurs in horses performing high-intensity athletic activity. The application of physics principles to derive a ‘physical model’, which is coherent with existing physiology and cell biology data, shows that critical parameters for capillary rupture are cell–cell adhesion and cell stiffness (cytoskeleton organisation). Specifically, length of fracture in the capillary is a ratio between the energy involved in cell–cell adhesion and the stiffness of cells suggesting that if the adhesion diminishes and/or that the stiffness of cells increases EIPH is more likely to occur. To identify genes associated with relevant cellular or physiological phenotypes, the physical model was used in a post-genome-wide association study (GWAS) to define gene sets associated with the model parameters. The primary study was a GWAS of EIPH where the phenotype was based on weekly tracheal wash samples collected over a two-year period from 72 horses in a flat race training yard. The EIPH phenotype was determined from cytological analysis of the tracheal wash samples, by scoring for the presence of red blood cells and haemosiderophages. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina Equine SNP50 BeadChip and analysed using linear regression in PLINK. Genes within significant genome regions were selected for sets based on their GeneOntology biological process, and analysed using fastBAT. The gene set analysis showed that genes associated with cell stiffness (cytoskeleton organisation) and blood flow have the most significant impact on EIPH risk.
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Sun MM, Chan AM, Law SM, Duarte S, Diaz-Aguilar D, Wadehra M, Gordon LK. Epithelial Membrane Protein-2 (EMP2) Antibody Blockade Reduces Corneal Neovascularization in an In Vivo Model. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 60:245-254. [PMID: 30646013 PMCID: PMC6336205 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Pathologic corneal neovascularization is a major cause of blindness worldwide, and treatment options are currently limited. VEGF is one of the critical mediators of corneal neovascularization but current anti-VEGF therapies have produced limited results in the cornea. Thus, additional therapeutic agents are needed to enhance the antiangiogenic arsenal. Our group previously demonstrated epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2) involvement in pathologic angiogenesis in multiple cancer models including breast cancer and glioblastoma. In this paper, we investigate the efficacy of anti-EMP2 immunotherapy in the prevention of corneal neovascularization. Methods An in vivo murine cornea alkali burn model was used to study pathologic neovascularization. A unilateral corneal burn was induced using NaOH, and subconjunctival injection of either anti-EMP2 antibody, control antibody, or sterile saline was performed after corneal burn. Neovascularization was clinically scored at 7 days postalkali burn, and eyes were enucleated for histologic analysis and immunostaining including VEGF, CD31, and CD34 expression. Results Anti-EMP2 antibody, compared to control antibody or vehicle, significantly reduced neovascularization as measured by clinical score and central cornea thickness, as well as by histologic reduction of neovascularization, decreased CD34 staining, and decreased CD31 staining. Incubation of corneal limbal cells in vitro with anti-EMP2 blocking antibody significantly decreased EMP2 expression, VEGF expression and secretion, and cell migration. Conclusions This work demonstrates the effectiveness of EMP2 as a novel target in pathologic corneal neovascularization in an animal model and supports additional investigation into EMP2 antibody blockade as a potential new therapeutic option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel M. Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Ann M. Chan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Samuel M. Law
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Sergio Duarte
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Daniel Diaz-Aguilar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Madhuri Wadehra
- Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | - Lynn K. Gordon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States
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A Critical Analysis of the Available In Vitro and Ex Vivo Methods to Study Retinal Angiogenesis. J Ophthalmol 2017; 2017:3034953. [PMID: 28848677 PMCID: PMC5564124 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3034953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a biological process with a central role in retinal diseases. The choice of the ideal method to study angiogenesis, particularly in the retina, remains a problem. Angiogenesis can be assessed through in vitro and in vivo studies. In spite of inherent limitations, in vitro studies are faster, easier to perform and quantify, and typically less expensive and allow the study of isolated angiogenesis steps. We performed a systematic review of PubMed searching for original articles that applied in vitro or ex vivo angiogenic retinal assays until May 2017, presenting the available assays and discussing their applicability, advantages, and disadvantages. Most of the studies evaluated migration, proliferation, and tube formation of endothelial cells in response to inhibitory or stimulatory compounds. Other aspects of angiogenesis were studied by assessing cell permeability, adhesion, or apoptosis, as well as by implementing organotypic models of the retina. Emphasis is placed on how the methods are applied and how they can contribute to retinal angiogenesis comprehension. We also discuss how to choose the best cell culture to implement these methods. When applied together, in vitro and ex vivo studies constitute a powerful tool to improve retinal angiogenesis knowledge. This review provides support for researchers to better select the most suitable protocols in this field.
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Wang YW, Cheng HL, Ding YR, Chou LH, Chow NH. EMP1, EMP 2, and EMP3 as novel therapeutic targets in human cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2017; 1868:199-211. [PMID: 28408326 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial membrane protein genes 1, 2, and 3 (EMP1, EMP2, and EMP3) belong to the peripheral myelin protein 22-kDa (PMP22) gene family, which consists of at least seven members: PMP22, EMP1, EMP2, EMP3, PERP, brain cell membrane protein 1, and MP20. This review addresses the structural and functional features of EMPs, detailing their tissue distribution and functions in the human body, their expression pattern in a variety of tumors, and highlighting the underlying mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis. The implications in cancer biology, patient prognosis prediction, and potential application in disease therapy are discussed. For example, EMP1 was reported to be a biomarker of gefitinib resistance in lung cancer and contributes to prednisolone resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. EMP2 functions as an oncogene in human endometrial and ovarian cancers; however, characteristics of EMP2 in urothelial cancer fulfill the criteria of a suppressor gene. Of particular interest, EMP3 overexpression in breast cancer is significantly related to strong HER-2 expression. Co-expression of HER-2 and EMP3 is the most important indicator of progression-free and metastasis-free survival for patients with urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract. Altogether, discovery of pharmacological inhibitors and/or regulators of EMP protein activity could open novel strategies for enhanced therapy against EMP-mediated human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Wang
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Ling Cheng
- National Cheng Kung University, College of Medicine, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Rou Ding
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Lien-Hsuan Chou
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nan-Haw Chow
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan; Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Chang YC, Chang YS, Hsieh MC, Wu HJ, Wu MH, Lin CW, Wu WC, Kao YH. All-trans retinoic acid suppresses the adhering ability of ARPE-19 cells via mitogen-activated protein kinase and focal adhesion kinase. J Pharmacol Sci 2016; 132:262-270. [PMID: 27919568 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the signaling mechanism underlying the anti-adhesive effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on retinal pigment epithelial ARPE-19 cells. Adhesion kinetics with or without ATRA treatment were profiled by adhesion assay. Surface coating with type IV collagen, fibronectin, laminin, but not type I collagen, significantly enhanced adhesion and spreading of ARPE-19 cells, while ATRA at subtoxic doses (ranging from 10-7 to 10-6 M) profoundly suppressed the extracellular matrix-enhanced adhesion ability. Cell attachment on FN activated PI3K/Akt and MAPK cascades, whereas ATRA pretreatment blunted the early phosphorylation of Akt and MAPK signaling mediators including p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, and ERK1/2. Mechanistically, signaling blockade with selective kinase inhibitors demonstrated that all MAPK pathways were involved in the anti-adhesive effect of ATRA, whereas the PI3K inhibitor treatment significantly potentiated the ATRA-suppressed RPE cell adhesion. Moreover, ATRA treatment did not affect intracellular F-actin distribution, but remarkably reduced focal adhesion kinase (FAK) expression and its nuclear localization during ARPE-19 cell attachment. In conclusion, ATRA suppresses the adhering ability of ARPE-19 cells at least in part through MAPK and FAK pathways. Signaling blockade with PI3K inhibitor could be regarded as an alternative modality for treating proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo-Chen Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Shin Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medical Science, College of Health Science, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan 71101, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chu Hsieh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Horng-Jiun Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsien Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Wei Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chuan Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Ying-Hsien Kao
- Department of Medical Research, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan.
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Qin Y, Mohandessi S, Gordon L, Wadehra M. Regulation of FAK Activity by Tetraspan Proteins: Potential Clinical Implications in Cancer. Crit Rev Oncog 2015; 20:391-405. [PMID: 27279237 PMCID: PMC5390008 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.v20.i5-6.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates multiple cell signaling pathways in both physiological and pathological conditions. Overexpression and activation of FAK is associated with many advanced stage cancers through promoting cancer cell tumorigenicity and progression as well as by regulating the tumor microenvironment. FAK has multiple binding partners through which FAK exerts its functions including RhoGEF, Src family, talin, cortactin, and paxilin. Over the last few years, it has been proposed that a novel group of four transmembrane proteins can interact with FAK and regulate its activity. These include select tetraspanins such as CD151 and CD9 as well as the GAS3 family members epithelial membrane protein-2 (EMP2) and peripheral myelin protein-22 (PMP22). In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of the interaction between FAK and tetraspan proteins in physiological and pathological conditions, with an emphasis on the potential of tetraspan family members as therapeutic targets in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Qin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Shabnam Mohandessi
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lynn Gordon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Madhuri Wadehra
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
- Center to Eliminate Cancer Health Disparities, Charles Drew University, Los Angeles, CA
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Gee HY, Ashraf S, Wan X, Vega-Warner V, Esteve-Rudd J, Lovric S, Fang H, Hurd TW, Sadowski CE, Allen SJ, Otto EA, Korkmaz E, Washburn J, Levy S, Williams DS, Bakkaloglu SA, Zolotnitskaya A, Ozaltin F, Zhou W, Hildebrandt F. Mutations in EMP2 cause childhood-onset nephrotic syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2014; 94:884-90. [PMID: 24814193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2014.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a genetically heterogeneous group of diseases that are divided into steroid-sensitive NS (SSNS) and steroid-resistant NS (SRNS). SRNS inevitably leads to end-stage kidney disease, and no curative treatment is available. To date, mutations in more than 24 genes have been described in Mendelian forms of SRNS; however, no Mendelian form of SSNS has been described. To identify a genetic form of SSNS, we performed homozygosity mapping, whole-exome sequencing, and multiplex PCR followed by next-generation sequencing. We thereby detected biallelic mutations in EMP2 (epithelial membrane protein 2) in four individuals from three unrelated families affected by SRNS or SSNS. We showed that EMP2 exclusively localized to glomeruli in the kidney. Knockdown of emp2 in zebrafish resulted in pericardial effusion, supporting the pathogenic role of mutated EMP2 in human NS. At the cellular level, we showed that knockdown of EMP2 in podocytes and endothelial cells resulted in an increased amount of CAVEOLIN-1 and decreased cell proliferation. Our data therefore identify EMP2 mutations as causing a recessive Mendelian form of SSNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heon Yung Gee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Shazia Ashraf
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xiaoyang Wan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Julian Esteve-Rudd
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Svjetlana Lovric
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Humphrey Fang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Toby W Hurd
- Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Carolin E Sadowski
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Susan J Allen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Edgar A Otto
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Emine Korkmaz
- Nephrogenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Joseph Washburn
- Biomedical Research Core Facilities, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Shawn Levy
- HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, 601 Genome Way, Huntsville, AL 35806, USA
| | - David S Williams
- Jules Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sevcan A Bakkaloglu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara 06570, Turkey
| | | | - Fatih Ozaltin
- Nephrogenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey; Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey; Center for Biobanking and Genomics, Hacettepe University, Ankara 06100, Turkey
| | - Weibin Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Friedhelm Hildebrandt
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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