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Nipper M, Xu Y, Liu J, Yin X, Liu Z, Ye Z, Zhang J, Chen Y, Wang P. TGFβ and Hippo Signaling Pathways Coordinate to Promote Acinar to Ductal Metaplasia in Human Pancreas. Cells 2024; 13:186. [PMID: 38247878 PMCID: PMC10813953 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020186] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) serves as a precursor event in the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) upon constitutive environmental and genetical stress. While the role of ADM in PDAC progression has been established, the molecular mechanisms underlying human ADM remain elusive. We previously demonstrated the induction of ADM in human acinar cells through the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway. We aim to investigate the interaction between TGFβ and Hippo pathways in mediating ADM. METHODS RNA-sequencing was conducted on sorted normal primary human acinar, ductal, and AD (acinar cells that have undergone ADM) cells. ATAC-seq analysis was utilized to reveal the chromatin accessibility in these three cell types. ChIP-Seq of YAP1, SMAD4, and H3K27ac was performed to identify the gene targets of YAP1 and SMAD4. The role of YAP1/TAZ in ADM-driven cell proliferation, as well as in oncogenic KRAS driven proliferation, was assessed using sphere formation assay. RESULTS AD cells have a unique transcription profile, with upregulated genes in open chromatin states in acinar cells. YAP1 and SMAD4 co-occupy the loci of ADM-related genes, including PROM1, HES1, and MMP7, co-regulating biological functions such as cell adhesion, cell migration, and inflammation. Overexpression of YAP1/TAZ promoted acinar cell proliferation but still required the TGFβ pathway. YAP1/TAZ were also crucial for TGFβ-induced sphere formation and were necessary for KRAS-induced proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the intricate transition between acinar and AD states in human pancreatic tissues. It unveils the complex interaction between the Hippo and TGF-β pathways during ADM, highlighting the pivotal role of YAP1/TAZ and SMAD4 in PDAC initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nipper
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (X.Y.)
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (X.Y.)
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (X.Y.)
| | - Xue Yin
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (X.Y.)
| | - Zhijie Liu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Zhengqing Ye
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Z.Y.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA;
| | - Yidong Chen
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Z.Y.); (Y.C.)
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (M.N.); (Y.X.); (J.L.); (X.Y.)
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Doxtater K, Tripathi MK, Sekhri R, Hafeez BB, Khan S, Zafar N, Behrman SW, Yallapu MM, Jaggi M, Chauhan SC. MUC13 drives cancer aggressiveness and metastasis through the YAP1-dependent pathway. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202301975. [PMID: 37793774 PMCID: PMC10551643 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202301975] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anchorage-independent survival after intravasation of cancer cells from the primary tumor site represents a critical step in metastasis. Here, we reveal new insights into how MUC13-mediated anoikis resistance, coupled with survival of colorectal tumor cells, leads to distant metastasis. We found that MUC13 targets a potent transcriptional coactivator, YAP1, and drives its nuclear translocation via forming a novel survival complex, which in turn augments the levels of pro-survival and metastasis-associated genes. High expression of MUC13 is correlated well with extensive macrometastasis of colon cancer cells with elevated nuclear YAP1 in physiologically relevant whole animal model systems. Interestingly, a positive correlation of MUC13 and YAP1 expression was observed in human colorectal cancer tissues. In brief, the results presented here broaden the significance of MCU13 in cancer metastasis via targeting YAP1 for the first time and provide new avenues for developing novel strategies for targeting cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Doxtater
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
| | - Manish K Tripathi
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
| | - Radhika Sekhri
- Department of Pathology, Montefiore Medical Center College of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Bilal B Hafeez
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
| | - Sheema Khan
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
| | - Nadeem Zafar
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Murali M Yallapu
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
| | - Meena Jaggi
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
| | - Subhash C Chauhan
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
- https://ror.org/02p5xjf12 South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, TX, USA
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3
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Pranoto IKA, Lee J, Kwon YV. The roles of the native cell differentiation program aberrantly recapitulated in Drosophila intestinal tumors. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113245. [PMID: 37837622 PMCID: PMC10872463 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113245] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Many tumors recapitulate the developmental and differentiation program of their tissue of origin, a basis for tumor cell heterogeneity. Although stem-cell-like tumor cells are well studied, the roles of tumor cells undergoing differentiation remain to be elucidated. We employ Drosophila genetics to demonstrate that the differentiation program of intestinal stem cells is crucial for enabling intestinal tumors to invade and induce non-tumor-autonomous phenotypes. The differentiation program that generates absorptive cells is aberrantly recapitulated in the intestinal tumors generated by activation of the Yap1 ortholog Yorkie. Inhibiting it allows stem-cell-like tumor cells to grow but suppresses invasiveness and reshapes various phenotypes associated with cachexia-like wasting by altering the expression of tumor-derived factors. Our study provides insight into how a native differentiation program determines a tumor's capacity to induce advanced cancer phenotypes and suggests that manipulating the differentiation programs co-opted in tumors might alleviate complications of cancer, including cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiae Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Young V Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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4
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Shu Z, Fan M, Tu B, Tang Z, Wang H, Li H, Li H, Yuan M, Bai J, Huo S, Wang L, Zhu WG, Wang W, Liu X, Shu S, Zhao Y. The Lin28b/Wnt5a axis drives pancreas cancer through crosstalk between cancer associated fibroblasts and tumor epithelium. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6885. [PMID: 37898598 PMCID: PMC10613206 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42508-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Bidirectional signal transduction between tumor epithelial cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) is important for tumor development. Here we show that Lin28b/let-7 pathway is indispensable for modulating the expression of Wnt5a in tumor epithelium, which could be secreted and then up-regulates Lin28b in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Moreover, we demonstrate that Lin28b in CAFs promoted growth of PDAC by inducing cytokine PCSK9's production. Using an orthotopic mouse model of PDAC, we find that depletion of Lin28b in CAFs reduced tumor weight, highlighting the importance of Lin28b in PDAC stroma. Thus, our study shows that the Lin28b-Wnt5a axis plays a critical role in bidirectional crosstalk between pancreatic tumor epithelium and TME and results in a pro-tumorigenic contexture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqi Shu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Minghe Fan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Bo Tu
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Department, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Clinical Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Zhiheng Tang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Haojie Wang
- Center for Precision Medicine Multi-Omics Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center and Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Haimeng Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hengchao Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Institute of Pancreatic Disease, FuDan University, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Meng Yuan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jingru Bai
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sihan Huo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wei-Guo Zhu
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Shaokun Shu
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Posttranslational Modifications and Cell Function, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
- Peking University International Cancer Institute, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Li O, Li L, Sheng Y, Ke K, Wu J, Mou Y, Liu M, Jin W. Biological characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Initiation to malignancy, intracellular to extracellular. Cancer Lett 2023; 574:216391. [PMID: 37714257 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216391] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly life-threatening tumour with a low early-detection rate, rapid progression and a tendency to develop resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying the initiation, development and metastasis of pancreatic cancer is necessary for enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. In this review, we summarised single-gene mutations (including KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53, SMAD4 and some other less prevalent mutations), epigenetic changes (including DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA interference) and large chromosome alterations (such as copy number variations, chromosome rearrangements and chromothripsis) associated with PDAC. In addition, we discussed variations in signalling pathways that act as intermediate oncogenic factors in PDAC, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, Hippo and TGF-β signalling pathways. The focus of this review was to investigate alterations in the microenvironment of PDAC, particularly the role of immunosuppressive cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, lymphocytes, other para-cancerous cells and tumour extracellular matrix in tumour progression. Peripheral axons innervating the pancreas have been reported to play a crucial role in the development of cancer. In addition, tumour cells can influence the behaviour of neighbouring non-tumour cells by secreting certain factors, both locally and at a distance. In this review, we elucidated the alterations in intracellular molecules and the extracellular environment that occur during the progression of PDAC. Altogether, this review may enhance the understanding of the biological characteristics of PDAC and guide the development of more precise treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ou Li
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Li Li
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yunru Sheng
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kun Ke
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianzhang Wu
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiping Mou
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mingyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, China; National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, China; Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Weiwei Jin
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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6
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Fard D, Giraudo E, Tamagnone L. Mind the (guidance) signals! Translational relevance of semaphorins, plexins, and neuropilins in pancreatic cancer. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:817-829. [PMID: 37598000 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of demise worldwide. Although key associated genetic changes have been discovered, disease progression is sustained by pathogenic mechanisms that are poorly understood at the molecular level. In particular, the tissue microenvironment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is usually characterized by high stromal content, scarce recruitment of immune cells, and the presence of neuronal fibers. Semaphorins and their receptors, plexins and neuropilins, comprise a wide family of regulatory signals that control neurons, endothelial and immune cells, embryo development, and normal tissue homeostasis, as well as the microenvironment of human tumors. We focus on the role of these molecular signals in pancreatic cancer progression, as revealed by experimental research and clinical studies, including novel approaches for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damon Fard
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Giraudo
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Lopez K, Deng JJ, Xu Y, Sharkey FE, Wang P, Liu J. Exploring the Role of YAP1 and TAZ in Pancreatic Acinar Cells and the Therapeutic Potential of VT-104 in Pancreatic Inflammation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.18.558321. [PMID: 37781601 PMCID: PMC10541090 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.18.558321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidences have linked the hippo pathway with the fibroinflammatory diseases. We generated a series of genetic knockout mice for targeting the key components of Hippo pathway to examine the individual effects of YAP1 and TAZ on pancreatic inflammation and evaluated the therapeutic potential of the YAP1/TAZ inhibitor VT-104. Mice with acinar-specific knockout of YAP1/TAZ did not exhibit any histological abnormalities in the pancreas. LATS1/2 deficiency induced acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, immune cell infiltration and fibroblast activation, which were rescued by the homozygous knockout YAP1, but not TAZ. Additionally, treatment with VT-104 also decreased pathological alterations induced by deletions of LATS1 and LATS2 in acinar cells. Our findings highlight the critical role of YAP1 in modulating pancreatic inflammation and demonstrate that VT-104 holds therapeutic potential to mitigate pancreatitis-associated pathological manifestations. Further exploration is necessary to unravel the underlying mechanisms and translate these insights into clinical applications.
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8
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Liu J, Bai W, Zhou T, Xie Y, Yang B, Sun J, Wang Y, Li X, Hou X, Liu Z, Fu D, Yan J, Jiang W, Zhao K, Zhou B, Yuan S, Guo Y, Wang H, Chang A, Gao S, Shi L, Huang C, Yang S, Hao J. SDCBP promotes pancreatic cancer progression by preventing YAP1 from β-TrCP-mediated proteasomal degradation. Gut 2023; 72:1722-1737. [PMID: 36828627 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2022-327492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal tumour with limited treatment options. Here, we identified syndecan binding protein (SDCBP), also known as syntenin1, as a novel targetable factor in promoting PDAC tumour progression. We also explored a therapeutic strategy for suppressing SDCBP expression. DESIGN We used samples from patients with PDAC, human organoid models, LSL-KrasG12D/+mice, LSL-Trp53R172H/+ and Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mouse models, and PDX mouse models. Immunostaining, colony formation assay, ethynyl-2-deoxyuridine incorporation assay, real-time cell analysis, cell apoptosis assay, automated cell tracking, invadopodia detection and gelatin degradation assays, coimmunoprecipitation, and pull-down assays were performed in this study. RESULTS The median overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates in the high-SDCBP group were significantly shorter than those in the low-SDCBP group. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that SDCBP promotes PDAC proliferation and metastasis. Mechanically, SDCBP inhibits CK1δ/ε-mediated YAP-S384/S387 phosphorylation, which further suppresses β-TrCP-mediated YAP1 ubiquitination and proteasome degradation by directly interacting with YAP1. SDCBP interacts with the TAD domain of YAP1, mainly through its PDZ1 domain. Preclinical KPC mouse cohorts demonstrated that zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) suppresses PDAC tumour progression by suppressing SDCBP. CONCLUSIONS SDCBP promotes the proliferation and metastasis of PDAC by preventing YAP1 from β-TrCP-mediated proteasomal degradation. Therefore, ZnPT could be a promising therapeutic strategy to inhibit PDAC progression by suppressing SDCBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiwei Bai
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianxing Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongjie Xie
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingyan Sun
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Xueyang Li
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Xupeng Hou
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Ziyun Liu
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, China
| | - Danqi Fu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingrui Yan
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenna Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Kaili Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Bodong Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuai Yuan
- Senior Ward, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Antao Chang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chongbiao Huang
- Senior Ward, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Shengyu Yang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jihui Hao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, China
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Zhou T, Xie Y, Hou X, Bai W, Li X, Liu Z, Man Q, Sun J, Fu D, Yan J, Zhang Z, Wang Y, Wang H, Jiang W, Gao S, Zhao T, Chang A, Wang X, Sun H, Zhang X, Yang S, Huang C, Hao J, Liu J. Irbesartan overcomes gemcitabine resistance in pancreatic cancer by suppressing stemness and iron metabolism via inhibition of the Hippo/YAP1/c-Jun axis. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:111. [PMID: 37143164 PMCID: PMC10157938 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02671-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemoresistance is the main reason for the poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Thus, there is an urgent need to screen out new targets and compounds to reverse chemotherapeutic resistance. METHODS We established a bio-bank of human PDAC organoid models, covering a representative range of PDAC tumor subtypes. We screened a library of 1304 FDA-approved compounds to identify candidates efficiently overcoming chemotherapy resistance. The effects of the compounds were evaluated with a CellTiter-Glo-3D assay, organoid apoptosis assay and in vivo patient-derived xenograft (PDX), patient-derived organoid (PDO) and LSL-KrasG12D/+; LSL-Trp53R172H/+; Pdx1-Cre (KPC) genetically engineered mouse models. RNA-sequencing, genome editing, sphere formation assays, iron assays and luciferase assays were conducted to elucidate the mechanism. RESULTS High-throughput drug screening of chemotherapy-resistant PDOs identified irbesartan, an angiotensin ‖ type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonist, which could synergistically enhance the ability of chemotherapy to kill PDAC cells. In vitro and in vivo validation using PDO, PDX and KPC mouse models showed that irbesartan efficiently sensitized PDAC tumors to chemotherapy. Mechanistically, we found that irbesartan decreased c-Jun expression by inhibiting the Hippo/YAP1 pathway and further overcame chemotherapy resistance in PDAC. We also explored c-Jun, a potential target of irbesartan, which can transcriptionally upregulate the expression of key genes involved in stemness maintenance (SOX9/SOX2/OCT4) and iron metabolism (FTH1/FTL/TFRC). More importantly, we observed that PDAC patients with high levels of c-Jun expression demonstrated poor responses to the current standard chemotherapy regimen (gemcitabine plus nab-paclitaxel). Moreover, patients with PDAC had significant survival benefits from treatment with irbesartan plus a standard chemotherapy regimen in two-center retrospective clinical cohorts and patients with high c-Jun expression exhibited a better response to combination chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Irbesartan could be used in combination with chemotherapy to improve the therapeutic efficacy in PDAC patients with high levels of c-Jun expression. Irbesartan effectively inhibited chemotherapy resistance by suppressing the Hippo/YAP1/c-Jun/stemness/iron metabolism axis. Based on our findings, we are designing an investigator-initiated phase II clinical trial on the efficacy and safety of irbesartan plus a standard gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel regimen in the treatment of patients with advanced III/IV staged PDAC and are hopeful that we will observe patient benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianxing Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Yongjie Xie
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Xupeng Hou
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery and Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Weiwei Bai
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Xueyang Li
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery and Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Ziyun Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery and Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Quan Man
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Tongliao City Hospital, Tongliao, 028000, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jingyan Sun
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery and Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Danqi Fu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Jingrui Yan
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Zhaoyu Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Wenna Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Song Gao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Tiansuo Zhao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Antao Chang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Xiuchao Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Hongxia Sun
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), State Key Laboratory for Structural Chemistry of Unstable and Stable Species, Institute of Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Xiufeng Zhang
- College of Chemical Engineering, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, 063210, China
| | - Shengyu Yang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Chongbiao Huang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
- Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
| | - Jihui Hao
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
- Department of Breast Oncoplastic Surgery and Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin Medical University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
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10
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Chen Z, Ho IL, Soeung M, Yen EY, Liu J, Yan L, Rose JL, Srinivasan S, Jiang S, Edward Chang Q, Feng N, Gay JP, Wang Q, Wang J, Lorenzi PL, Veillon LJ, Wei B, Weinstein JN, Deem AK, Gao S, Genovese G, Viale A, Yao W, Lyssiotis CA, Marszalek JR, Draetta GF, Ying H. Ether phospholipids are required for mitochondrial reactive oxygen species homeostasis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2194. [PMID: 37069167 PMCID: PMC10110566 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37924-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are hubs where bioenergetics, redox homeostasis, and anabolic metabolism pathways integrate through a tightly coordinated flux of metabolites. The contributions of mitochondrial metabolism to tumor growth and therapy resistance are evident, but drugs targeting mitochondrial metabolism have repeatedly failed in the clinic. Our study in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) finds that cellular and mitochondrial lipid composition influence cancer cell sensitivity to pharmacological inhibition of electron transport chain complex I. Profiling of patient-derived PDAC models revealed that monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and MUFA-linked ether phospholipids play a critical role in maintaining ROS homeostasis. We show that ether phospholipids support mitochondrial supercomplex assembly and ROS production; accordingly, blocking de novo ether phospholipid biosynthesis sensitized PDAC cells to complex I inhibition by inducing mitochondrial ROS and lipid peroxidation. These data identify ether phospholipids as a regulator of mitochondrial redox control that contributes to the sensitivity of PDAC cells to complex I inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziheng Chen
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - I-Lin Ho
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Melinda Soeung
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Er-Yen Yen
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jintan Liu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Liang Yan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Johnathon L Rose
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Translational Research to AdvanCe Therapeutics and Innovation in ONcology (TRACTION), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sanjana Srinivasan
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Translational Research to AdvanCe Therapeutics and Innovation in ONcology (TRACTION), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Translational Research to AdvanCe Therapeutics and Innovation in ONcology (TRACTION), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Q Edward Chang
- The Oncology Research for Biologics and Immunotherapy Translation (ORBIT), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ningping Feng
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jason P Gay
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Philip L Lorenzi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lucas J Veillon
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - John N Weinstein
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Angela K Deem
- Translational Research to AdvanCe Therapeutics and Innovation in ONcology (TRACTION), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sisi Gao
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giannicola Genovese
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Andrea Viale
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wantong Yao
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Joseph R Marszalek
- Translational Research to AdvanCe Therapeutics and Innovation in ONcology (TRACTION), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Giulio F Draetta
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Haoqiang Ying
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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11
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Sinnett-Smith J, Anwar T, Reed EF, Teper Y, Eibl G, Rozengurt E. Opposite Effects of Src Family Kinases on YAP and ERK Activation in Pancreatic Cancer Cells: Implications for Targeted Therapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:1652-1662. [PMID: 35999654 PMCID: PMC9630827 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains an aggressive disease that is expected to become the second cause of cancer fatalities during the next decade. As therapeutic options are limited, novel targets, and agents for therapeutic intervention are urgently needed. Previously, we identified potent positive crosstalk between insulin/IGF-1 receptors and G protein-coupled (GPCR) signaling systems leading to mitogenic signaling in PDAC cells. Here, we show that a combination of insulin and the GPCR agonist neurotensin induced rapid activation of Src family of tyrosine kinases (SFK) within PANC-1 cells, as shown by FAK phosphorylation at Tyr576/577 and Tyr861, sensitive biomarkers of SFK activity within intact cells and Src416 autophosphorylation. Crucially, SFKs promoted YAP nuclear localization and phosphorylation at Tyr357, as shown by using the SFK inhibitors dasatinib, saracatinib, the preferential YES1 inhibitor CH6953755, siRNA-mediated knockdown of YES1, and transfection of epitogue-tagged YAP mutants in PANC-1 and Mia PaCa-2 cancer cells, models of the aggressive squamous subtype of PDAC. Surprisingly, our results also demonstrate that exposure to SFK inhibitors, including dasatinib or knockdown of YES and Src induces ERK overactivation in PDAC cells. Dasatinib-induced ERK activation was completely abolished by exposure to the FDA-approved MEK inhibitor trametinib. A combination of dasatinib and trametinib potently and synergistically inhibited colony formation by PDAC cells and suppressed the growth of Mia PaCa-2 cells xenografted into the flank of nude mice. The results provide rationale for considering a combination(s) of FDA-approved SFK (dasatinib) and MEK (e.g., trametinib) inhibitors in prospective clinical trials for the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Sinnett-Smith
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health System
| | - Tarique Anwar
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Elaine F. Reed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yaroslav Teper
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Guido Eibl
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Enrique Rozengurt
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
- VA Greater Los Angeles Health System
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12
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Wang Y, Chen H, Yu J, Kang W, To KF. Recent insight into the role and therapeutic potential of YAP/TAZ in gastrointestinal cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188787. [PMID: 36041574 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid development of cancer treatment, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are still the most prevalent malignancies with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway has been recognized to play a critical role during cancer development and adopted for monitoring disease progression and therapy response. Despite the well-documented tumor proliferation and metastasis, recent efforts in two core Hippo components, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), have identified as the driving forces behind cancer metabolism, stemness, tumor immunity, and therapy resistance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which YAP/TAZ facilitates the tumorigenesis and progression of GI cancer, and identifying novel therapeutic strategies for targeting YAP/TAZ are crucial to GI cancer treatment and prevention. In this study, we summarize the latest findings on the function and regulatory mechanisms of YAP/TAZ in GI cancers, and highlight the translational significance of targeting YAP/TAZ for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Wang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Huarong Chen
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Ka Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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13
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Zhong Z, Harmston N, Wood KC, Madan B, Virshup DM. A p300/GATA6 axis determines differentiation and Wnt dependency in pancreatic cancer models. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:e156305. [PMID: 35536676 PMCID: PMC9197518 DOI: 10.1172/jci156305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling regulates the balance between stemness and differentiation in multiple tissues and in cancer. RNF43-mutant pancreatic cancers are dependent on Wnt production, and pharmacologic blockade of the pathway, e.g., by PORCN inhibitors, leads to tumor differentiation. However, primary resistance to these inhibitors has been observed. To elucidate potential mechanisms, we performed in vivo CRISPR screens in PORCN inhibitor-sensitive RNF43-mutant pancreatic cancer xenografts. As expected, genes in the Wnt pathway whose loss conferred drug resistance were identified, including APC, AXIN1, and CTNNBIP1. Unexpectedly, the screen also identified the histone acetyltransferase EP300 (p300), but not its paralog, CREBBP (CBP). We found that EP300 is silenced due to genetic alterations in all the existing RNF43-mutant pancreatic cancer cell lines that are resistant to PORCN inhibitors. Mechanistically, loss of EP300 directly downregulated GATA6 expression, thereby silencing the GATA6-regulated differentiation program and leading to a phenotypic transition from the classical subtype to the dedifferentiated basal-like/squamous subtype of pancreatic cancer. EP300 mutation and loss of GATA6 function bypassed the antidifferentiation activity of Wnt signaling, rendering these cancer cells resistant to Wnt inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhong
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke–NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nathan Harmston
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke–NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Science Division, Yale–NUS College, Singapore
| | - Kris C. Wood
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology and
| | - Babita Madan
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke–NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - David M. Virshup
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke–NUS Medical School, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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14
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PRDX2 Knockdown Inhibits Extracellular Matrix Synthesis of Chondrocytes by Inhibiting Wnt5a/YAP1/CTGF and Activating IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 Pathways in Deer Antler. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095232. [PMID: 35563622 PMCID: PMC9103832 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2) plays a vital role in relieving oxidative stress, its physiological function in cartilage development remains almost unknown. In this study, we found that the expression of PRDX2 significantly increased in the chondrocytes compared with pre-chondrocytes. PRDX2 knockdown significantly decreased the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein (Col2a and Aggrecan), which led to blocked cartilage formation. Moreover, PRDX2 knockdown also inhibited the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF). CTGF is an important growth factor that regulates synthesis of ECM proteins. We explored the possible regulatory mechanism by which PRDX2 regulated the expression of CTGF. Our results demonstrated that PRDX2 knockdown downregulated the expression of CTGF by inhibiting Wnt5a/Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) pathway. In addition, PRDX2 knockdown promoted the expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), indicating PRDX2 expression had an anti-inflammatory function during antler growth. Mechanistically, PRDX2 knockdown promoted cartilage matrix degradation by activating the IL-6-mediated Janus Kinase 2/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway. These results reveal that PRDX2 is a potential regulator that promotes cartilage extracellular matrix synthesis.
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15
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Geleta B, Tout FS, Lim SC, Sahni S, Jansson PJ, Apte MV, Richardson DR, Kovačević Ž. Targeting Wnt/tenascin C-mediated cross talk between pancreatic cancer cells and stellate cells via activation of the metastasis suppressor NDRG1. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101608. [PMID: 35065073 PMCID: PMC8881656 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A major barrier to successful pancreatic cancer (PC) treatment is the surrounding stroma, which secretes growth factors/cytokines that promote PC progression. Wnt and tenascin C (TnC) are key ligands secreted by stromal pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) that then act on PC cells in a paracrine manner to activate the oncogenic β-catenin and YAP/TAZ signaling pathways. Therefore, therapies targeting oncogenic Wnt/TnC cross talk between PC cells and PSCs constitute a promising new therapeutic approach for PC treatment. The metastasis suppressor N-myc downstream-regulated gene-1 (NDRG1) inhibits tumor progression and metastasis in numerous cancers, including PC. We demonstrate herein that targeting NDRG1 using the clinically trialed anticancer agent di-2-pyridylketone-4-cyclohexyl-4-methyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (DpC) inhibited Wnt/TnC-mediated interactions between PC cells and the surrounding PSCs. Mechanistically, NDRG1 and DpC markedly inhibit secretion of Wnt3a and TnC by PSCs, while also attenuating Wnt/β-catenin and YAP/TAZ activation and downstream signaling in PC cells. This antioncogenic activity was mediated by direct inhibition of β-catenin and YAP/TAZ nuclear localization and by increasing the Wnt inhibitor, DKK1. Expression of NDRG1 also inhibited transforming growth factor (TGF)-β secretion by PC cells, a key mechanism by which PC cells activate PSCs. Using an in vivo orthotopic PC mouse model, we show DpC downregulated β-catenin, TnC, and YAP/TAZ, while potently increasing NDRG1 expression in PC tumors. We conclude that NDRG1 and DpC inhibit Wnt/TnC-mediated interactions between PC cells and PSCs. These results further illuminate the antioncogenic mechanism of NDRG1 and the potential of targeting this metastasis suppressor to overcome the oncogenic effects of the PC-PSC interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bekesho Geleta
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Faten S Tout
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Syer Choon Lim
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Patric J Jansson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Cancer Drug Resistance & Stem Cell Program, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Science, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Minoti V Apte
- Pancreatic Research Group, South Western Sydney Clinical School, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Pancreatic Research Group, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Des R Richardson
- Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Žaklina Kovačević
- Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Microenvironment Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Molecular Pharmacology and Pathology Program, Department of Pathology, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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16
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Overexpression of miR-375 and L-type Amino Acid Transporter 1 in Pheochromocytoma and Their Molecular and Functional Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052413. [PMID: 35269556 PMCID: PMC8910416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pheochromocytoma (Pheo) is a tumor derived from chromaffin cells. It can be studied using 18F-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)—positron emission tomography (PET) due to its overexpression of L-type amino acid transporters (LAT1 and LAT2). The oncogenic pathways involved are still poorly understood. This study examined the relationship between 18F-DOPA-PET uptake and LAT1 expression, and we explored the role of miR-375 and putative target genes. A consecutive series of 58 Pheo patients were retrospectively analyzed, performing 18F-DOPA-PET in 32/58 patients. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to assess the expression of LAT1, LAT2, phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), miR-375, and the major components of the Hippo and Wingless/Integrated pathways. Principal germline mutations associated with hereditary Pheo were also studied. Pheo tissues had significantly higher LAT1, LAT2, and PNMT mRNA levels than normal adrenal tissues. MiR-375 was strongly overexpressed. Yes-associated protein 1 and tankyrase 1 were upregulated, while beta-catenin, axin2, monocarboxylate transporter 8, and Frizzled 8 were downregulated. A positive relationship was found between 18F-DOPA-PET SUV mean and LAT1 gene expression and for 24 h-urinary norepinephrine and LAT1. This is the first experimental evidence of 18F-DOPA uptake correlating with LAT1 overexpression. We also demonstrated miR-375 overexpression and downregulated (Wnt) signaling and identified the Hippo pathway as a new potentially oncogenic feature of Pheo.
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17
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The Hippo pathway in cancer: YAP/TAZ and TEAD as therapeutic targets in cancer. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:197-222. [PMID: 35119068 PMCID: PMC8819670 DOI: 10.1042/cs20201474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is a highly complex process, involving many interrelated and cross-acting signalling pathways. One such pathway that has garnered much attention in the field of cancer research over the last decade is the Hippo signalling pathway. Consisting of two antagonistic modules, the pathway plays an integral role in both tumour suppressive and oncogenic processes, generally via regulation of a diverse set of genes involved in a range of biological functions. This review discusses the history of the pathway within the context of cancer and explores some of the most recent discoveries as to how this critical transducer of cellular signalling can influence cancer progression. A special focus is on the various recent efforts to therapeutically target the key effectors of the pathway in both preclinical and clinical settings.
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18
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Zhang YF, Li Q, Huang PQ, Su T, Jiang SH, Hu LP, Zhang XL, Sun Y, Pan H, Yang XM, Li J, Gai YZ, Zhu L, Yao LL, Li DX, Sun YW, Zhang ZG, Liu DJ, Zhang YL, Nie HZ. A low amino acid environment promotes cell macropinocytosis through the YY1-FGD6 axis in Ras-mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Oncogene 2022; 41:1203-1215. [PMID: 35082383 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02159-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), cancer with a high mortality rate and the highest rate of KRAS mutation, reportedly internalizes proteins via macropinocytosis to adapt to low amino acid levels in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we aimed to identify a key regulator of macropinocytosis for the survival of tumor cells in a low amino acid environment in PDAC. FYVE, RhoGEF, and PH domain-containing protein 6 (FGD6) were identified as key regulators of macropinocytosis. FGD6 promoted PDAC cell proliferation, macropinocytosis, and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo. The macropinocytosis level was decreased with FGD6 knockdown in PDAC cell lines. Moreover, FGD6 promoted macropinocytosis by participating in the trans-Golgi network and enhancing the membrane localization of growth factor receptors, especially the TGF-beta receptor. TGF-beta enhanced macropinocytosis in PDAC cells. Additionally, YAP nuclear translocation induced by a low amino acid tumor environment initiated FGD6 expression by coactivation with YY1. Clinical data analysis based on TCGA and GEO datasets showed that FGD6 expression was upregulated in PDAC tissue, and high FGD6 expression was correlated with poor prognosis in patients with PDAC. In tumor tissue from KrasG12D/+/Trp53R172H/-/Pdx1-Cre (KPC) mice, FGD6 expression escalated during PDAC development. Our results uncover a previously unappreciated mechanism of macropinocytosis in PDAC. Strategies to target FGD6 and growth factors membrane localization might be developed for the treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Pei-Qi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Tong Su
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecology and Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Shu-Heng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Li-Peng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xue-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yue Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hong Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yan-Zhi Gai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lin-Li Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Dong-Xue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yong-Wei Sun
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - De-Jun Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Yan-Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
| | - Hui-Zhen Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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Ruivo CF, Bastos N, Adem B, Batista I, Duraes C, Melo CA, Castaldo SA, Campos‐Laborie F, Moutinho-Ribeiro P, Morão B, Costa-Pinto A, Silva S, Osorio H, Ciordia S, Costa JL, Goodrich D, Cavadas B, Pereira L, Kouzarides T, Macedo G, Maio R, Carneiro F, Cravo M, Kalluri R, Machado JC, Melo SA. Extracellular Vesicles from Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells Lead an Intratumor Communication Network (EVNet) to fuel tumour progression. Gut 2022; 71:gutjnl-2021-324994. [PMID: 35012996 PMCID: PMC9271144 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2021-324994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intratumor heterogeneity drives cancer progression and therapy resistance. However, it has yet to be determined whether and how subpopulations of cancer cells interact and how this interaction affects the tumour. DESIGN We have studied the spontaneous flow of extracellular vesicles (EVs) between subpopulations of cancer cells: cancer stem cells (CSC) and non-stem cancer cells (NSCC). To determine the biological significance of the most frequent communication route, we used pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) orthotopic models, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). RESULTS We demonstrate that PDAC tumours establish an organised communication network between subpopulations of cancer cells using EVs called the EVNet). The EVNet is plastic and reshapes in response to its environment. Communication within the EVNet occurs preferentially from CSC to NSCC. Inhibition of this communication route by impairing Rab27a function in orthotopic xenographs, GEMMs and PDXs is sufficient to hamper tumour growth and phenocopies the inhibition of communication in the whole tumour. Mechanistically, we provide evidence that CSC EVs use agrin protein to promote Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator (YAP) activation via LDL receptor related protein 4 (LRP-4). Ex vivo treatment of PDXs with antiagrin significantly impairs proliferation and decreases the levels of activated YAP.Patients with high levels of agrin and low inactive YAP show worse disease-free survival. In addition, patients with a higher number of circulating agrin+ EVs show a significant increased risk of disease progression. CONCLUSION PDAC tumours establish a cooperation network mediated by EVs that is led by CSC and agrin, which allows tumours to adapt and thrive. Targeting agrin could make targeted therapy possible for patients with PDAC and has a significant impact on CSC that feeds the tumour and is at the centre of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina F Ruivo
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Bastos
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Barbara Adem
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ines Batista
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- ICBAS Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cecilia Duraes
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Stephanie A Castaldo
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Oncology, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Pedro Moutinho-Ribeiro
- FMUP Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CHUSJ Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Ana Costa-Pinto
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Soraia Silva
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Hugo Osorio
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sergio Ciordia
- Proteomics Facility, Spanish National Center for Biotechnology, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Costa
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Bruno Cavadas
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luisa Pereira
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Guilherme Macedo
- FMUP Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CHUSJ Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rui Maio
- Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, Loures, Portugal
- Hospital da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA Medical School, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Fatima Carneiro
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CHUSJ Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marília Cravo
- Hospital da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal
- FMUL Faculty of Medicine University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Cancer Biology, University Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jose Carlos Machado
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Sonia A Melo
- i3S Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- IPATIMUP Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- FMUP Faculty of Medicine University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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20
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Hou P, Wang YA. Conquering oncogenic KRAS and its bypass mechanisms. Theranostics 2022; 12:5691-5709. [PMID: 35966590 PMCID: PMC9373815 DOI: 10.7150/thno.71260] [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: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of KRAS signaling is common in cancer, which has catalyzed heroic drug development efforts to target KRAS directly or its downstream signaling effectors. Recent works have yielded novel small molecule drugs with promising preclinical and clinical activities. Yet, no matter how a cancer is addicted to a specific target - cancer's genetic and biological plasticity fashions a variety of resistance mechanisms as a fait accompli, limiting clinical benefit of targeted interventions. Knowledge of these mechanisms may inform combination strategies to attack both oncogenic KRAS and subsequent bypass mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Hou
- Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA.,Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA.,Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA.,Lead contact
| | - Y Alan Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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21
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Astudillo P. An emergent Wnt5a/YAP/TAZ regulatory circuit and its possible role in cancer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 125:45-54. [PMID: 34764023 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Wnt5a is a ligand that plays several roles in development, homeostasis, and disease. A growing body of evidence indicates that Wnt5a is involved in cancer progression. Despite extensive research in this field, our knowledge about how Wnt5a is precisely involved in cancer is still incomplete. It is usually thought that certain combinations of Frizzled receptors and co-receptors might explain the observed effects of Wnt5a either as a tumor suppressor or by promoting migration and invasion. While accepting this 'receptor context' model, this review proposes that Wnt5a is integrated within a larger regulatory circuit involving β-catenin, YAP/TAZ, and LATS1/2. Remarkably, WNT5A and YAP1 are transcriptionally regulated by the Hippo and Wnt pathways, respectively, and might form a regulatory circuit acting through LATS kinases and secreted Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors, including Wnt5a itself. Therefore, understanding the precise role of Wnt5a and YAP in cancer requires a systems biology perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Astudillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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22
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Rozengurt E, Eibl G. Crosstalk between KRAS, SRC and YAP Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer: Interactions Leading to Aggressive Disease and Drug Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5126. [PMID: 34680275 PMCID: PMC8533944 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the predominant form of pancreatic cancer, remains a devastating disease. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent literature on mechanistic and translational developments that advance our understanding of a complex crosstalk between KRAS, YAP and Src tyrosine kinase family (SFK) in PDAC development and maintenance. We discuss recent studies indicating the importance of RAS dimerization in signal transduction and new findings showing that the potent pro-oncogenic members of the SFK phosphorylate and inhibit RAS function. These surprising findings imply that RAS may not play a crucial role in maintaining certain subtypes of PDAC. In support of this interpretation, current evidence indicates that the survival of the basal-like subtype of PDAC is less dependent on RAS but relies, at least in part, on the activity of YAP/TAZ. Based on current evidence, we propose that SFK propels PDAC cells to a state of high metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduced dependence on KRAS signaling, salient features of the aggressive basal-like/squamous subtype of PDAC. Strategies for PDAC treatment should consider the opposite effects of tyrosine phosphorylation on KRAS and SFK/YAP in the design of drug combinations that target these novel crosstalk mechanisms and overcome drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Rozengurt
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Guido Eibl
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
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23
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Obesity and Pancreatic Cancer: Insight into Mechanisms. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205067. [PMID: 34680216 PMCID: PMC8534007 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Obesity is recognized as a chronic progressive disease and risk factor for many human diseases. The high and increasing number of obese people may underlie the expected increase in pancreatic cancer cases in the United States. There are several pathways discussed that link obesity with pancreatic cancer. Adipose tissue and adipose tissue-released factors may thereby play an important role. This review discusses selected mechanisms that may accelerate pancreatic cancer development in obesity. Abstract The prevalence of obesity in adults and children has dramatically increased over the past decades. Obesity has been declared a chronic progressive disease and is a risk factor for a number of metabolic, inflammatory, and neoplastic diseases. There is clear epidemiologic and preclinical evidence that obesity is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Among various potential mechanisms linking obesity with pancreatic cancer, the adipose tissue and obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation play a central role. The current review discusses selected topics and mechanisms that attracted recent interest and that may underlie the promoting effects of obesity in pancreatic cancer. These topics include the impact of obesity on KRAS activity, the role of visceral adipose tissue, intrapancreatic fat, adipose tissue inflammation, and adipokines on pancreatic cancer development. Current research on lipocalin-2, fibroblast growth factor 21, and Wnt5a is discussed. Furthermore, the significance of obesity-associated insulin resistance with hyperinsulinemia and obesity-induced gut dysbiosis with metabolic endotoxemia is reviewed. Given the central role that is occupied by the adipose tissue in obesity-promoted pancreatic cancer development, preventive and interceptive strategies should be aimed at attenuating obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation and/or at targeting specific molecules that mechanistically link adipose tissue with pancreatic cancer in obese patients.
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24
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Zhang C, Niu Y, Wang Z, Xu X, Li Y, Ma L, Wang J, Yu Y. Corosolic acid inhibits cancer progression by decreasing the level of CDK19-mediated O-GlcNAcylation in liver cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:889. [PMID: 34588426 PMCID: PMC8481254 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04164-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Diabetes is an important risk factor for liver cancer, but its mechanism is unknown. Corosolic acid (CA) has been proven to have both hypoglycemic and antitumor effects, so revealing the function of CA can help us understand the relationship between diabetes and liver cancer. In previous studies, we confirmed that CA can effectively inhibit the expression of YAP, an important oncoprotein in HCC cells, and the proliferation of HCC cells. In addition, we also found that O-GlcNAcylation plays an indispensable role in HCC tumorigenesis. However, it is not clear whether CA can inhibit the effect of O-GlcNAcylation on HCC cells. In this study, the antitumor ability of CA was investigated by inhibiting the O-GlcNAcylation level and its corresponding mechanism. The results showed that HG (high glucose) could promote the proliferation of liver cancer cells, while CA could inhibit cell growth under HG conditions and tumor growth in a xenotransplantation model. CA can inhibit the activation of the HBP pathway and reduce the expression of YAP and OGT under HG conditions. Importantly, we found that CA can reduce YAP expression and O-GlcNAcylation by inhibiting the activity of CDK19. Overexpression of CDK19 partially reversed the CA-induced decrease in YAP and O-GlcNAcylation. This is the first evidence that CA can reduce the proliferative capacity of cells with high glucose levels and further inhibit tumor growth by inactivating the CDK19/YAP/O-GlcNAcylation pathway, suggesting that CA is a candidate drug for the development of treatments against diabetes-associated liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Zhang
- Institute for Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200071, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, 450046, Zhengzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yongjie Niu
- Institute for Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200071, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhixian Wang
- Institute for Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200071, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xin Xu
- Institute for Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200071, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Lifang Ma
- Institute for Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Institute for Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yongchun Yu
- Institute for Thoracic Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200030, Shanghai, P.R. China.
- Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200071, Shanghai, P.R. China.
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25
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Qian X, Zhang W, Yang H, Zhang L, Kang N, Lai J. Role of Yes-associated Protein-1 in Gastrointestinal Cancers and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH AND HYPOTHESIS IN MEDICINE 2021; 6:110-117. [PMID: 34589656 PMCID: PMC8478289 DOI: 10.14218/erhm.2021.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Yes-associated protein-1 (YAP1) is a potent transcriptional co-activator and functions as an important downstream effector of the Hippo signaling pathway, which is key to regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and organ growth. YAP1 has been implicated as an oncogene for various human cancers including gastrointestinal cancers and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). YAP1 promotes tumorigenesis and cancer progression by multiple mechanisms, such as by promoting malignant phenotypes, expanding cancer stem cells, and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. YAP1 overexpression or its activated forms are associated with advanced pathological grades and poor prognosis of cancer, and therefore targeting YAP1 may open a fertile avenue for cancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the recent evidence regarding the role of YAP1 in the carcinogenesis of gastrointestinal cancers and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Qian
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory Eye Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lanjing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Princeton Medical center, Rutgers University, Plainsboro, NJ, USA
| | - Ningling Kang
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis, Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Jinping Lai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Correspondence to: Jinping Lai, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Sacramento Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95825, USA. Tel:+1 916-973-7260, Fax:+1 916-973-7283,
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26
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Wang S, Zheng Y, Yang F, Zhu L, Zhu XQ, Wang ZF, Wu XL, Zhou CH, Yan JY, Hu BY, Kong B, Fu DL, Bruns C, Zhao Y, Qin LX, Dong QZ. The molecular biology of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: translational challenges and clinical perspectives. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:249. [PMID: 34219130 PMCID: PMC8255319 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00659-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is an increasingly common cause of cancer mortality with a tight correspondence between disease mortality and incidence. Furthermore, it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage with a very dismal prognosis. Due to the high heterogeneity, metabolic reprogramming, and dense stromal environment associated with pancreatic cancer, patients benefit little from current conventional therapy. Recent insight into the biology and genetics of pancreatic cancer has supported its molecular classification, thus expanding clinical therapeutic options. In this review, we summarize how the biological features of pancreatic cancer and its metabolic reprogramming as well as the tumor microenvironment regulate its development and progression. We further discuss potential biomarkers for pancreatic cancer diagnosis, prediction, and surveillance based on novel liquid biopsies. We also outline recent advances in defining pancreatic cancer subtypes and subtype-specific therapeutic responses and current preclinical therapeutic models. Finally, we discuss prospects and challenges in the clinical development of pancreatic cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Institute, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Qiang Zhu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhe-Fang Wang
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Xiao-Lin Wu
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Cheng-Hui Zhou
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Jia-Yan Yan
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei-Yuan Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Kong
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - De-Liang Fu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Pancreatic Disease Institute, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Christiane Bruns
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qiong-Zhu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Key laboratory of whole-period monitoring and precise intervention of digestive cancer, Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (SMHC), Shanghai, China.
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27
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Venkat S, Alahmari AA, Feigin ME. Drivers of Gene Expression Dysregulation in Pancreatic Cancer. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:594-605. [PMID: 33618999 PMCID: PMC8217125 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a devastating disease with a poor prognosis. The functional consequences of common genetic aberrations and their roles in treatment strategies have been extensively reviewed. In addition to these genomic aberrations, consideration of non-genetic drivers of altered oncogene expression is essential to account for the diversity in PDAC phenotypes. In this review we seek to assess our current understanding of mechanisms of gene expression dysregulation. We focus on four drivers of gene expression dysregulation, including mutations, transcription factors, epigenetic regulators, and RNA stability/isoform regulation, in the context of PDAC pathogenesis. Recent studies provide much-needed insight into the role of gene expression dysregulation in dissecting tumor heterogeneity and stratifying patients for the development of personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Venkat
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Abdulrahman A Alahmari
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael E Feigin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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28
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Eibl G, Rozengurt E. Metformin: review of epidemiology and mechanisms of action in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 40:865-878. [PMID: 34142285 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-09977-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma continues to be a lethal disease, for which efficient treatment options are very limited. Increasing efforts have been taken to understand how to prevent or intercept this disease at an early stage. There is convincing evidence from epidemiologic and preclinical studies that the antidiabetic drug metformin possesses beneficial effects in pancreatic cancer, including reducing the risk of developing the disease and improving survival in patients with early-stage disease. This review will summarize the current literature about the epidemiological data on metformin and pancreatic cancer as well as describe the preclinical evidence illustrating the anticancer effects of metformin in pancreatic cancer. Underlying mechanisms and targets of metformin will also be discussed. These include direct effects on transformed pancreatic epithelial cells and indirect, systemic effects on extra-pancreatic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Eibl
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine At UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Enrique Rozengurt
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine At UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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WNT5A inhibition alters the malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor microenvironment and enhances tumor growth. Oncogene 2021; 40:4229-4241. [PMID: 34079083 PMCID: PMC8217297 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01773-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are aggressive soft-tissue sarcomas that cause significant mortality in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1. We compared gene expression of growth factors in normal human nerves to MPNST and normal human Schwann cells to MPNST cell lines. We identified WNT5A as the most significantly upregulated ligand-coding gene and verified its protein expression in MPNST cell lines and tumors. In many contexts WNT5A acts as an oncogene. However, inhibiting WNT5A expression using shRNA did not alter MPNST cell proliferation, invasion, migration, or survival in vitro. Rather, shWNT5A-treated MPNST cells upregulated mRNAs associated with the remodeling of extracellular matrix and with immune cell communication. In addition, these cells secreted increased amounts of the proinflammatory cytokines CXCL1, CCL2, IL6, CXCL8, and ICAM1. Versus controls, shWNT5A-expressing MPNST cells formed larger tumors in vivo. Grafted tumors contained elevated macrophage/stromal cells, larger and more numerous blood vessels, and increased levels of Mmp9, Cxcl13, Lipocalin-1, and Ccl12. In some MPNST settings, these effects were mimicked by targeting the WNT5A receptor ROR2. These data suggest that the non-canonical Wnt ligand WNT5A inhibits MPNST tumor formation by modulating the MPNST microenvironment, so that blocking WNT5A accelerates tumor growth in vivo.
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30
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Astudillo P. A Non-canonical Wnt Signature Correlates With Lower Survival in Gastric Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:633675. [PMID: 33869179 PMCID: PMC8047116 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.633675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic evidence suggests a role for the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in gastric cancer. However, Wnt5a, regarded as a prototypical non-canonical Wnt ligand, has also been extensively associated with this disease. Therefore, the roles of the Wnt signaling pathway in gastric cancer initiation and progression, and particularly the precise mechanisms by which the non-canonical Wnt pathway might promote the development and progression of gastric cancer, are not entirely well understood. This article analyzes publicly available gene and protein expression data and reveals the existence of a WNT5A/FZD2/FZD7/ROR2 signature, which correlates with tumor-infiltrating and mesenchymal cell marker expression. High expression of FZD7 and ROR2 correlates with a shared gene and protein expression profile, which in turn correlates with poor prognosis. In summary, the findings presented in this article provide an updated view of the relative contributions of the Wnt/β-catenin and non-canonical Wnt pathways in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Astudillo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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31
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Astudillo P. Analysis in silico of the functional interaction between WNT5A and YAP/TEAD signaling in cancer. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10869. [PMID: 33643710 PMCID: PMC7896511 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, most data regarding the crosstalk between the Wnt signaling pathway and the YAP/TAZ transcriptional coactivators focuses on the Wnt/β-catenin branch of the pathway. In contrast, the relationship between the non-canonical Wnt pathway and YAP/TAZ remains significantly less explored. Wnt5a is usually regarded as a prototypical non-canonical Wnt ligand, and its expression has been related to cancer progression. On the other hand, YAP/TAZ transcriptional coactivators act in concert with TEAD transcription factors to control gene expression. Although one article has shown previously that WNT5A is a YAP/TEAD target gene, there is a need for further evidence supporting this regulatory relationship, because a possible YAP/Wnt5a regulatory circuit might have profound implications for cancer biology. This article analyzes publicly available ChIP-Seq, gene expression, and protein expression data to explore this relationship, and shows that WNT5A might be a YAP/TEAD target gene in several contexts. Moreover, Wnt5a and YAP expression are significantly correlated in specific cancer types, suggesting that the crosstalk between YAP/TAZ and the Wnt pathway is more intricate than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Astudillo
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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32
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Su W, Zhu S, Chen K, Yang H, Tian M, Fu Q, Shi G, Feng S, Ren D, Jin X, Yang C. Overexpressed WDR3 induces the activation of Hippo pathway by interacting with GATA4 in pancreatic cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:88. [PMID: 33648545 PMCID: PMC7923337 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01879-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WD repeat domain 3 (WDR3) is involved in a variety of cellular processes including gene regulation, cell cycle progression, signal transduction and apoptosis. However, the biological role of WDR3 in pancreatic cancer and the associated mechanism remains unclear. We seek to explore the immune-independent functions and relevant mechanism for WDR3 in pancreatic cancer. METHODS The GEPIA web tool was searched, and IHC assays were conducted to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of WDR3 in pancreatic cancer patients. MTS, colony formation, and transwell assays were conducted to determine the biological role of WDR3 in human cancer. Western blot analysis, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of specific genes. An immunoprecipitation assay was used to explore protein-protein interactions. RESULTS Our study proved that overexpressed WDR3 was correlated with poor survival in pancreatic cancer and that WDR3 silencing significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, WDR3 activated the Hippo signaling pathway by inducing yes association protein 1 (YAP1) expression, and the combination of WDR3 silencing and administration of the YAP1 inhibitor TED-347 had a synergistic inhibitory effect on the progression of pancreatic cancer. Finally, the upregulation of YAP1 expression induced by WDR3 was dependent on an interaction with GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4), the transcription factor of YAP1, which interaction induced the nuclear translocation of GATA4 in pancreatic cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS We identified a novel mechanism by which WDR3 plays a critical role in promoting pancreatic cancer progression by activating the Hippo signaling pathway through the interaction with GATA4. Therefore, WDR3 is potentially a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Su
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China
| | - Shikai Zhu
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China.,Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China.,Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongji Yang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China.,Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingwu Tian
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China.,Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China.,Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.,Transplant Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02148, USA
| | - Ganggang Shi
- Jack Bell Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Shijian Feng
- Jack Bell Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H3Z6, Canada
| | - Dianyun Ren
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, Hubei, China
| | - Chong Yang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Organ Transplantation Center, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, Sichuan, China. .,Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.
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33
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Dong D, Na L, Zhou K, Wang Z, Sun Y, Zheng Q, Gao J, Zhao C, Wang W. FZD5 prevents epithelial-mesenchymal transition in gastric cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:21. [PMID: 33618713 PMCID: PMC7898745 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00708-z] [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: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Frizzled (FZD) proteins function as receptors for WNT ligands. Members in FZD family including FZD2, FZD4, FZD7, FZD8 and FZD10 have been demonstrated to mediate cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods CCLE and TCGA databases were interrogated to reveal the association of FZD5 with EMT. EMT was analyzed by investigating the alterations in CDH1 (E-cadherin), VIM (Vimentin) and ZEB1 expression, cell migration and cell morphology. Transcriptional modulation was determined by ChIP in combination with Real-time PCR. Survival was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier method. Results In contrast to other FZDs, FZD5 was identified to prevent EMT in gastric cancer. FZD5 maintains epithelial-like phenotype and is negatively modulated by transcription factors SNAI2 and TEAD1. Epithelial-specific factor ELF3 is a downstream effecter, and protein kinase C (PKC) links FZD5 to ELF3. ELF3 represses ZEB1 expression, further guarding against EMT. Moreover, FZD5 signaling requires its co-receptor LRP5 and WNT7B is a putative ligand for FZD5. FZD5 and ELF3 are associated with longer survival, whereas SNAI2 and TEAD1 are associated with shorter survival. Conclusions Taken together, FZD5-ELF3 signaling blocks EMT, and plays a potential tumor-suppressing role in gastric cancer. ![]()
Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Na
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.,Department of Urology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Kailing Zhou
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Qianqian Zheng
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Gao
- Center of Laboratory Technology and Experimental Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenghai Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China.
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34
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Mao W, Mai J, Peng H, Wan J, Sun T. YAP in pancreatic cancer: oncogenic role and therapeutic strategy. Theranostics 2021; 11:1753-1762. [PMID: 33408779 PMCID: PMC7778590 DOI: 10.7150/thno.53438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, especially pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), remains a fatal disease with few efficacious treatments. The Hippo signaling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved signaling module, plays critical roles in tissue homeostasis, organ size control and tumorigenesis. The transcriptional coactivator yes-associated protein (YAP), a major downstream effector of the Hippo pathway, is associated with various human cancers including PDAC. Considering its importance in cancer, YAP is emerging as a promising therapeutic target. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the oncogenic role and regulatory mechanism of YAP in PDAC, and the potential therapeutic strategies targeting YAP.
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35
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Dhanaraman T, Singh S, Killoran RC, Singh A, Xu X, Shifman JM, Smith MJ. RASSF effectors couple diverse RAS subfamily GTPases to the Hippo pathway. Sci Signal 2020; 13:13/653/eabb4778. [PMID: 33051258 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abb4778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) of the RAS superfamily signal by directly binding to multiple downstream effector proteins. Effectors are defined by a folded RAS-association (RA) domain that binds exclusively to GTP-loaded (activated) RAS, but the binding specificities of most RA domains toward more than 160 RAS superfamily GTPases have not been characterized. Ten RA domain family (RASSF) proteins comprise the largest group of related effectors and are proposed to couple RAS to the proapoptotic Hippo pathway. Here, we showed that RASSF1-6 formed complexes with the Hippo kinase ortholog MST1, whereas RASSF7-10 formed oligomers with the p53-regulating effectors ASPP1 and ASPP2. Moreover, only RASSF5 bound directly to activated HRAS and KRAS, and RASSFs did not augment apoptotic induction downstream of RAS oncoproteins. Structural modeling revealed that expansion of the RASSF effector family in vertebrates included amino acid substitutions to key residues that direct GTPase-binding specificity. We demonstrated that the tumor suppressor RASSF1A formed complexes with the RAS-related GTPases GEM, REM1, REM2, and the enigmatic RASL12. Furthermore, interactions between RASSFs and RAS GTPases blocked YAP1 nuclear localization. Thus, these simple scaffolds link the activation of diverse RAS family small G proteins to Hippo or p53 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thillaivillalan Dhanaraman
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Swati Singh
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Ryan C Killoran
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Anamika Singh
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Department of Biological Chemistry, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Xingjian Xu
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Julia M Shifman
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Department of Biological Chemistry, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Matthew J Smith
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada. .,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec H3T 1J4, Canada
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36
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Brekken RA. Loss of BAP1 Leads to More YAPing in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancer Res 2020; 80:1624-1625. [PMID: 32295782 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is increasing in incidence and is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality by the year 2030. Understanding molecular pathways that contribute to pancreatic cancer initiation and progression provides the opportunity to uncover potential molecular vulnerabilities that can be exploited therapeutically. In this issue of Cancer Research, Lee and colleagues provide compelling evidence that BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1) functions as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer by promoting the activity of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway, highlighting YAP and TAZ, Hippo effectors, as attractive therapeutic targets in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially in BAP1-deficient or low tumors.See related article by Lee et al., p. 1656.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf A Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas.
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37
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Gao J, Han W, He Y, Zhou J, Miao J, Zhang G. Livin promotes tumor progression through YAP activation in ovarian cancer. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:3179-3193. [PMID: 33163264 PMCID: PMC7642671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a gynecological malignant tumor with a high morbidity. Livin is a novel member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, which is expressed in various malignant tumors and is suggested to be a poor prognostic factor. However, the prognostic significance of Livin and the molecular mechanisms by which Livin promotes ovarian cancer progression are poorly understood. In this study, the upregulation of Livin was confirmed both in primary specimens from ovarian cancer patients and in ovarian cancer cell lines compared to normal controls in vitro. Overexpression of specific Livin transcripts promoted cell growth and migration in vitro, while knockdown of Livin expression suppressed these cellular processes. These effects of the Livin gene were also demonstrated in a xenograft mouse model. Mechanistic studies further revealed that Livin promotes the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by activating the transcriptional coactivator YAP, a critical component of the Hippo signaling pathway. Furthermore, we revealed that inhibition of YAP by short-hairpin RNA prevents the growth and invasion of ovarian cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, Livin may be a potential novel therapeutic target for the treatment of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhua Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wei Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yanan He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jintian Miao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guangmei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University Harbin 150001, Heilongjiang, China
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Sun Y, Wang W, Zhao C. Frizzled Receptors in Tumors, Focusing on Signaling, Roles, Modulation Mechanisms, and Targeted Therapies. Oncol Res 2020; 28:661-674. [PMID: 32998794 PMCID: PMC7962935 DOI: 10.3727/096504020x16014648664459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt molecules play crucial roles in development and adult homeostasis through their receptors Frizzled proteins (Fzds). Fzds mediate canonical β-catenin pathway and various noncanonical β-catenin-independent pathways. Aberrant Fzd signaling is involved in many diseases including cancer. Wnt/β-catenin is a well-established oncogenic pathway involved in almost every aspect of tumor development. However, Fzd-mediated noncanonical Wnt pathways function as both tumor promoters and tumor suppressors depending on cellular context. Fzd-targeted therapies have proven to be effective on cultured tumor cells, tumor cell xenografts, mouse tumor models, and patient-derived xenografts (PDX). Moreover, Fzd-targeted therapies synergize with chemotherapy in preclinical models. However, the occurrence of fragility fractures in patients treated with Fzd-targeted agents such as OMP-54F28 and OMP-18R5 limits the development of this combination. Along with new insights on signaling, roles, and modulation mechanisms of Fzds in human tumors, more Fzd-related therapeutic targets will be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical UniversityShenyangP.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical UniversityShenyangP.R. China
| | - Chenghai Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical UniversityShenyangP.R. China
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Glaß M, Dorn A, Hüttelmaier S, Haemmerle M, Gutschner T. Comprehensive Analysis of LincRNAs in Classical and Basal-Like Subtypes of Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082077. [PMID: 32727085 PMCID: PMC7464731 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) belong to the deadliest malignancies in the western world. Mutations in TP53 and KRAS genes along with some other frequent polymorphisms occur almost universally and are major drivers of tumour initiation. However, these mutations cannot explain the heterogeneity in therapeutic responses and differences in overall survival observed in PDAC patients. Thus, recent classifications of PDAC tumour samples have leveraged transcriptome-wide gene expression data to account for epigenetic, transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms that may contribute to this deadly disease. Intriguingly, long intervening RNAs (lincRNAs) are a special class of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that can control gene expression programs on multiple levels thereby contributing to cancer progression. However, their subtype-specific expression and function as well as molecular interactions in PDAC are not fully understood yet. In this study, we systematically investigated the expression of lincRNAs in pancreatic cancer and its molecular subtypes using publicly available data from large-scale studies. We identified 27 deregulated lincRNAs that showed a significant different expression pattern in PDAC subtypes suggesting context-dependent roles. We further analyzed these lincRNAs regarding their common expression patterns. Moreover, we inferred clues on their functions based on correlation analyses and predicted interactions with RNA-binding proteins, microRNAs, and mRNAs. In summary, we identified several PDAC-associated lincRNAs of prognostic relevance and potential context-dependent functions and molecular interactions. Hence, our study provides a valuable resource for future investigations to decipher the role of lincRNAs in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Glaß
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (M.G.); (S.H.)
| | - Agnes Dorn
- Institute of Pathology, Section for Experimental Pathology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany;
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (M.G.); (S.H.)
| | - Monika Haemmerle
- Institute of Pathology, Section for Experimental Pathology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany;
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (T.G.)
| | - Tony Gutschner
- Junior Research Group ‘RNA Biology and Pathogenesis’, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
- Correspondence: (M.H.); (T.G.)
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Dorn A, Glaß M, Neu CT, Heydel B, Hüttelmaier S, Gutschner T, Haemmerle M. LINC00261 Is Differentially Expressed in Pancreatic Cancer Subtypes and Regulates a Pro-Epithelial Cell Identity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051227. [PMID: 32414223 PMCID: PMC7281485 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the major causes of cancer-associated deaths worldwide, with a dismal prognosis that has not significantly changed over the last decades. Transcriptional analysis has provided valuable insights into pancreatic tumorigenesis. Specifically, pancreatic cancer subtypes were identified, characterized by specific mutations and gene expression changes associated with differences in patient survival. In addition to differentially regulated mRNAs, non-coding RNAs, including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), were shown to have subtype-specific expression patterns. Hence, we aimed to characterize prognostic lncRNAs with deregulated expression in the squamous subtype of PDAC, which has the worst prognosis. Extensive in silico analyses followed by in vitro experiments identified long intergenic non-coding RNA 261 (LINC00261) as a downregulated lncRNA in the squamous subtype of PDAC, which is generally associated with transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling in human cancer cells. Its genomic neighbor, the transcription factor forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2), regulated LINC00261 expression by direct binding of the LINC00261 promoter. CRISPR-mediated knockdown and promoter knockout validated the importance of LINC00261 in TGFβ-mediated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and established the epithelial marker E-cadherin, an important cell adhesion protein, as a downstream target of LINC00261. Consequently, depletion of LINC00261 enhanced motility and invasiveness of PANC-1 cells in vitro. Altogether, our data suggest that LINC00261 is an important tumor-suppressive lncRNA in PDAC that is involved in maintaining a pro-epithelial state associated with favorable disease outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Dorn
- Institute of Pathology, Section for Experimental Pathology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (A.D.); (C.T.N.); (B.H.)
| | - Markus Glaß
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (M.G.); (S.H.)
| | - Carolin T. Neu
- Institute of Pathology, Section for Experimental Pathology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (A.D.); (C.T.N.); (B.H.)
| | - Beate Heydel
- Institute of Pathology, Section for Experimental Pathology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (A.D.); (C.T.N.); (B.H.)
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (M.G.); (S.H.)
| | - Tony Gutschner
- Junior Research Group ‘RNA biology and Pathogenesis’, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (M.H.); Tel.: +49-345-5573945 (T.G.); +49-345-5573964 (M.H.)
| | - Monika Haemmerle
- Institute of Pathology, Section for Experimental Pathology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (A.D.); (C.T.N.); (B.H.)
- Correspondence: (T.G.); (M.H.); Tel.: +49-345-5573945 (T.G.); +49-345-5573964 (M.H.)
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Yao W, Maitra A, Ying H. Recent insights into the biology of pancreatic cancer. EBioMedicine 2020; 53:102655. [PMID: 32139179 PMCID: PMC7118569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PDAC) is one of the deadliest types of human cancers, owing to late stage at presentation and pervasive therapeutic resistance. The extensive tumour heterogeneity, as well as substantial crosstalk between the neoplastic epithelium and components within the microenvironment are the defining features of PDAC biology that dictate the dismal natural history. Recent advances in genomic and molecular profiling have informed on the genetic makeup and evolutionary patterns of tumour progression, leading to treatment breakthroughs in minor subsets of patients with specific tumour mutational profiles. The nature and function of tumour heterogeneity, including stromal heterogeneity, in PDAC development and therapeutic resistance, are increasingly being elucidated. Deep insight has been gained regarding the metabolic and immunological deregulation, which further sheds light on the complex biology and the observed treatment recalcitrance. Here we will summarize these recent achievements and offer our perspective on the path forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wantong Yao
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Houston, TX, USA; Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Haoqiang Ying
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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