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Najafi A, Jolly MK, George JT. Population dynamics of EMT elucidates the timing and distribution of phenotypic intra-tumoral heterogeneity. iScience 2023; 26:106964. [PMID: 37426354 PMCID: PMC10329148 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a hallmark of cancer metastasis and morbidity. EMT is a non-binary process, and cells can be stably arrested en route to EMT in an intermediate hybrid state associated with enhanced tumor aggressiveness and worse patient outcomes. Understanding EMT progression in detail will provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms underlying metastasis. Despite increasingly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data that enable in-depth analyses of EMT at the single-cell resolution, current inferential approaches are limited to bulk microarray data. There is thus a great need for computational frameworks to systematically infer and predict the timing and distribution of EMT-related states at single-cell resolution. Here, we develop a computational framework for reliable inference and prediction of EMT-related trajectories from scRNA-seq data. Our model can be utilized across a variety of applications to predict the timing and distribution of EMT from single-cell sequencing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annice Najafi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Mohit K. Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Jason T. George
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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2
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Choudhury J, Pandey D, Chaturvedi PK, Gupta S. Epigenetic regulation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition: a trophoblast perspective. Mol Hum Reprod 2022; 28:6572349. [PMID: 35451485 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaac013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic changes alter expression of genes at both pre- and post-transcriptional levels without changing their DNA sequence. Accumulating evidence suggests that such changes can modify cellular behaviour and characteristics required during development and in response to various extracellular stimuli. Trophoblast cells develop from the outermost trophectoderm layer of the blastocyst and undergo many phenotypic changes as the placenta develops. One such phenotypic change is differentiation of the epithelial natured cytotrophoblasts into the mesenchymal natured extravillous trophoblasts. The extravillous trophoblasts are primarily responsible for invading into the maternal decidua and thus establishing connection with the maternal spiral arteries. Any dysregulation of this process can have adverse effects on the pregnancy outcome. Hence, tight regulation of this epithelial-mesenchymal transition is critical for successful pregnancy. This review summarizes the recent research on the epigenetic regulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition occurring in the trophoblast cells during placental development. The functional significance of chemical modifications of DNA and histone, which regulate transcription, as well as non-coding RNAs, which control gene expression post-transcriptionally, is discussed in relation to trophoblast biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaganmoy Choudhury
- Department of Reproductive Biology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-, 110029, India
| | - Deepak Pandey
- Department of Reproductive Biology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-, 110029, India
| | - Pradeep Kumar Chaturvedi
- Department of Reproductive Biology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-, 110029, India
| | - Surabhi Gupta
- Department of Reproductive Biology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi-, 110029, India
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3
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Gupta N, Matsumoto T, Hiratsuka K, Saiz EG, Zhang C, Galichon P, Miyoshi T, Susa K, Tatsumoto N, Yamashita M, Morizane R. Modeling injury and repair in kidney organoids reveals that homologous recombination governs tubular intrinsic repair. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabj4772. [PMID: 35235339 PMCID: PMC9161367 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abj4772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Kidneys have the capacity for intrinsic repair, preserving kidney architecture with return to a basal state after tubular injury. When injury is overwhelming or repetitive, however, that capacity is exceeded and incomplete repair results in fibrotic tissue replacing normal kidney parenchyma. Loss of nephrons correlates with reduced kidney function, which defines chronic kidney disease (CKD) and confers substantial morbidity and mortality to the worldwide population. Despite the identification of pathways involved in intrinsic repair, limited treatments for CKD exist, partly because of the limited throughput and predictivity of animal studies. Here, we showed that kidney organoids can model the transition from intrinsic to incomplete repair. Single-nuclear RNA sequencing of kidney organoids after cisplatin exposure identified 159 differentially expressed genes and 29 signal pathways in tubular cells undergoing intrinsic repair. Homology-directed repair (HDR) genes including Fanconi anemia complementation group D2 (FANCD2) and RAD51 recombinase (RAD51) were transiently up-regulated during intrinsic repair but were down-regulated in incomplete repair. Single cellular transcriptomics in mouse models of obstructive and hemodynamic kidney injury and human kidney samples of immune-mediated injury validated HDR gene up-regulation during tubular repair. Kidney biopsy samples with tubular injury and varying degrees of fibrosis confirmed loss of FANCD2 during incomplete repair. Last, we performed targeted drug screening that identified the DNA ligase IV inhibitor, SCR7, as a therapeutic candidate that rescued FANCD2/RAD51-mediated repair to prevent the progression of CKD in the cisplatin-induced organoid injury model. Our findings demonstrate the translational utility of kidney organoids to identify pathologic pathways and potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navin Gupta
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Takuya Matsumoto
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ken Hiratsuka
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edgar Garcia Saiz
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chengcheng Zhang
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pierre Galichon
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tomoya Miyoshi
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Koichiro Susa
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Narihito Tatsumoto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Michifumi Yamashita
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ryuji Morizane
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute (HSCI), Cambridge, MA, USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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4
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Disruption of RING and PHD Domains of TRIM28 Evokes Differentiation in Human iPSCs. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081933. [PMID: 34440702 PMCID: PMC8394524 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081933] [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: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
TRIM28, a multi-domain protein, is crucial in the development of mouse embryos and the maintenance of embryonic stem cells’ (ESC) self-renewal potential. As the epigenetic factor modulating chromatin structure, TRIM28 regulates the expression of numerous genes and is associated with progression and poor prognosis in many types of cancer. Because of many similarities between highly dedifferentiated cancer cells and normal pluripotent stem cells, we applied human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) as a model for stemness studies. For the first time in hiPSC, we analyzed the function of individual TRIM28 domains. Here we demonstrate the essential role of a really interesting new gene (RING) domain and plant homeodomain (PHD) in regulating pluripotency maintenance and self-renewal capacity of hiPSC. Our data indicate that mutation within the RING or PHD domain leads to the loss of stem cell phenotypes and downregulation of the FGF signaling. Moreover, impairment of RING or PHD domain results in decreased proliferation and impedes embryoid body formation. In opposition to previous data indicating the impact of phosphorylation on TRIM28 function, our data suggest that TRIM28 phosphorylation does not significantly affect the pluripotency and self-renewal maintenance of hiPSC. Of note, iPSC with disrupted RING and PHD functions display downregulation of genes associated with tumor metastasis, which are considered important targets in cancer treatment. Our data suggest the potential use of RING and PHD domains of TRIM28 as targets in cancer therapy.
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Zmorzyński S, Styk W, Filip AA, Krasowska D. The Significance of NOTCH Pathway in the Development of Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis. Ann Dermatol 2019; 31:365-371. [PMID: 33911613 PMCID: PMC7992759 DOI: 10.5021/ad.2019.31.4.365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the fibrosis of skin, heart, lung, and kidney as well. Excessive activation of fibroblasts is associated with higher expression of Notch1 and/or Notch3 genes. The constitutive expression of NOTCH genes was described in epithelial cells: epidermal keratinocytes, hair follicle cells and sebaceous glands. The NOTCH signalling pathway may be involved in the development of fibrosis, myofibroblast formation and the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Activation of the NOTCH pathway leads to morphological, phenotypic and functional changes in epithelial cells. Furthermore, inhibition of Notch signalling prevent the development of fibrosis in different models, among them, bleomycin-induced fibrosis and in the Task-1 mause model. Molecular mechanisms, including the role of NOTCH signaling pathway, associated with fibrosis in SSc have not been completely recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Zmorzyński
- Department of Cancer Genetics with Cytogenetic Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Styk
- Department of Cancer Genetics with Cytogenetic Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Agata Anna Filip
- Department of Cancer Genetics with Cytogenetic Laboratory, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Krasowska
- Chair and Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
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6
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Yang Y, Chen Q, Piao HY, Wang B, Zhu GQ, Chen EB, Xiao K, Zhou ZJ, Shi GM, Shi YH, Wu WZ, Fan J, Zhou J, Dai Z. HNRNPAB-regulated lncRNA-ELF209 inhibits the malignancy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:169-180. [PMID: 31090062 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Our previous study demonstrated that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein AB (HNRNPAB) is a key gene that facilitates metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular mechanisms behind this relationship are not fully understood. In our study, we utilized long-noncoding RNA (lncRNA) microarrays to identify a HNRNPAB-regulated lncRNA named lnc-ELF209. Our findings from chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicate that HNRNPAB represses lnc-ELF209 transcription by directly binding to its promoter region. We also analyzed clinical samples from HCC patients and cell lines with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions, RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, and found that there is a negative relationship between HNRNPAB and lnc-ELF209 expression. Up/downregulation assays and rescue assays indicate that lnc-ELF209 inhibits cell migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition regulated by HNRNPAB. This suggests a new regulatory mechanism for HNRNPAB-promoted HCC progression. RNA pull-down and LC-MS/MS were used to determine triosephosphate isomerase, heat shock protein 90-beta and vimentin may be involved in the tumor-suppressed function of lnc-ELF209. Furthermore, we found lnc-ELF209 could stabilize TPI protein expression. We also found that lnc-ELF209 overexpression in HCCLM3 cell resulted in a lower rate of lung metastatic, which suggested a less aggressive HCC phenotype. Collectively, these findings offer new insights into the regulatory mechanisms that underlie HNRNPAB cancer-promoting activities and demonstrate that lnc-ELF209 is a HNRNPAB-regulated lncRNA that may play an important role in the inhibition of HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital (South), Fudan University, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai-Yan Piao
- Medical Oncology Department of Gastrointestinal cancer, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Biao Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Gui-Qi Zhu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Er-Bao Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Xiao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng-Jun Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Ming Shi
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Hong Shi
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Zhong Wu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Dai
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
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7
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Abstract
Activation of TGF-β1 initiates a program of temporary collagen accumulation important to wound repair in many organs. However, the outcome of temporary extracellular matrix strengthening all too frequently morphs into progressive fibrosis, contributing to morbidity and mortality worldwide. To avoid this maladaptive outcome, TGF-β1 signaling is regulated at numerous levels and intimately connected to feedback signals that limit accumulation. Here, we examine the current understanding of the core functions of TGF-β1 in promoting collagen accumulation, parallel pathways that promote physiological repair, and pathological triggers that tip the balance toward progressive fibrosis. Implicit in better understanding of these processes is the identification of therapeutic opportunities that will need to be further advanced to limit or reverse organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin K Kim
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Dean Sheppard
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Lung Biology Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Harold A Chapman
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, and Lung Biology Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
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8
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Fu MM, Chin YT, Fu E, Chiu HC, Wang LY, Chiang CY, Tu HP. Role of transforming growth factor-beta1 in cyclosporine-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in gingival epithelium. J Periodontol 2016; 86:120-8. [PMID: 25272978 DOI: 10.1902/jop.2014.130285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been proposed that cyclosporin A (CsA) may induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in gingiva. The aims of the present study are to confirm the notion that EMT occurs in human gingival epithelial (hGE) cells after CsA treatment and to investigate the role of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) on this CsA-induced EMT. METHODS The effects of CsA, with and without TGF-β1 inhibitor, on the morphologic changes of primary culture of hGE cells were examined in vitro. The changes of protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of two EMT markers (E-cadherin and alpha-smooth muscle actin) in the hGE cells after CsA treatment with and without TGF-β1 inhibitor were evaluated with immunocytochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The epithelial cells became spindle-like, elongated, and disassociated from neighboring cells and lost their original cobblestone monolayer pattern when CsA was added. However, the epithelial cells stayed in their original cobblestone morphology with treatment of TGF-β1 inhibitor on top of the CsA treatment. When CsA was given, the protein and mRNA expressions of E-cadherin and α-SMA were significantly altered, and these alterations were significantly reversed with pretreatment of TGF-β1 inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS CsA could induce Type 2 EMT in gingiva by changing the morphology of epithelial cells and altering the EMT markers/effectors. The CsA-induced gingival EMT is dependent or at least partially dependent on TGF-β1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin M Fu
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, National Defense Medical Center and Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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9
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Mandal M, Ghosh B, Anura A, Mitra P, Pathak T, Chatterjee J. Modeling continuum of epithelial mesenchymal transition plasticity. Integr Biol (Camb) 2016; 8:167-76. [PMID: 26762753 DOI: 10.1039/c5ib00219b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Living systems respond to ambient pathophysiological changes by altering their phenotype, a phenomenon called 'phenotypic plasticity'. This program contains information about adaptive biological dynamism. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one such process found to be crucial in development, wound healing, and cancer wherein the epithelial cells with restricted migratory potential develop motile functions by acquiring mesenchymal characteristics. In the present study, phase contrast microscopy images of EMT induced HaCaT cells were acquired at 24 h intervals for 96 h. The expression study of relevant pivotal molecules viz. F-actin, vimentin, fibronectin and N-cadherin was carried out to confirm the EMT process. Cells were intuitively categorized into five distinct morphological phenotypes. A population of 500 cells for each temporal point was selected to quantify their frequency of occurrence. The plastic interplay of cell phenotypes from the observations was described as a Markovian process. A model was formulated empirically using simple linear algebra, to depict the possible mechanisms of cellular transformation among the five phenotypes. This work employed qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative tools towards illustration and establishment of the EMT continuum. Thus, it provides a newer perspective to understand the embedded plasticity across the EMT spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Mandal
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India.
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10
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Pathogenesis of Type 2 Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Renal and Hepatic Fibrosis. J Clin Med 2015; 5:jcm5010004. [PMID: 26729181 PMCID: PMC4730129 DOI: 10.3390/jcm5010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), particularly, type 2 EMT, is important in progressive renal and hepatic fibrosis. In this process, incompletely regenerated renal epithelia lose their epithelial characteristics and gain migratory mesenchymal qualities as myofibroblasts. In hepatic fibrosis (importantly, cirrhosis), the process also occurs in injured hepatocytes and hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), as well as ductular reaction-related bile epithelia. Interestingly, the ductular reaction contributes partly to hepatocarcinogenesis of HPCs, and further, regenerating cholangiocytes after injury may be derived from hepatic stellate cells via mesenchymal to epithelia transition, a reverse phenomenon of type 2 EMT. Possible pathogenesis of type 2 EMT and its differences between renal and hepatic fibrosis are reviewed based on our experimental data.
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11
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Lovisa S, LeBleu VS, Tampe B, Sugimoto H, Vadnagara K, Carstens JL, Wu CC, Hagos Y, Burckhardt BC, Pentcheva-Hoang T, Nischal H, Allison JP, Zeisberg M, Kalluri R. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition induces cell cycle arrest and parenchymal damage in renal fibrosis. Nat Med 2015; 21:998-1009. [PMID: 26236991 PMCID: PMC4587560 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 679] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is marked by an epithelial–to–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by tubular epithelial cells (TECs). Here we find that during renal fibrosis TECs acquire a partial EMT program during which they remain associated with their basement membrane and express markers of both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. The functional consequence of EMT program during fibrotic injury is an arrest in the G2 phase of the cell cycle and lower expression of several transporters in TECs. We also found that transgenic expression of Twist or Snai1 expression is sufficient to promote prolonged TGF-β1–induced G2 arrest of TECs, limiting their potential for repair and regeneration. Also, in mouse models of experimentally-induced renal fibrosis, conditional deletion of Twist1 or Snai1 in proximal TECs resulted in inhibition of the EMT program and the maintenance of TEC integrity, while restoring proliferation, de–differentiation–associated repair and regeneration of the kidney parenchyma and attenuating interstitial fibrosis. Thus, inhibition of EMT program in TECs during chronic renal injury represents a potential anti–fibrosis therapy
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lovisa
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Valerie S LeBleu
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Björn Tampe
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Göttingen University Medical Center, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hikaru Sugimoto
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Komal Vadnagara
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Julienne L Carstens
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chia-Chin Wu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yohannes Hagos
- Institute of Systemic Physiology and Pathophysiology, Göttingen University Medical Center, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Birgitta C Burckhardt
- Institute of Systemic Physiology and Pathophysiology, Göttingen University Medical Center, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Hersharan Nischal
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - James P Allison
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Zeisberg
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Göttingen University Medical Center, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, Metastasis Research Center, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Grass GD, Dai L, Qin Z, Parsons C, Toole BP. CD147: regulator of hyaluronan signaling in invasiveness and chemoresistance. Adv Cancer Res 2015; 123:351-73. [PMID: 25081536 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800092-2.00013-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Major determinants that influence negative outcome in cancer patients are the abilities of cancer cells to resist current therapies and to invade surrounding host tissue, consequently leading to local and metastatic dissemination. Hyaluronan (HA), a prominent constituent of the tumor microenvironment, not only provides structural support but also interacts with cell surface receptors, especially CD44, that influence cooperative signaling pathways leading to chemoresistance and invasiveness. CD147 (emmprin; basigin) is a member of the Ig superfamily that has also been strongly implicated in chemoresistance and invasiveness. CD147 both regulates HA synthesis and interacts with the HA receptors, CD44, and LYVE-1. Increased CD147 expression induces formation of multiprotein complexes containing CD44 (or LYVE-1) as well as members of the membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase, receptor tyrosine kinase, ABC drug transporter, or monocarboxylate transporter families, which become assembled in specialized lipid raft domains along with CD147 itself. In each case, multivalent HA-receptor interactions are essential for formation or stabilization of the lipid raft complexes and for downstream signaling pathways or transporter activities that are driven by these complexes. We conclude that cooperativity between HA, HA receptors, and CD147 may be a major driver of the interconnected pathways of invasiveness and chemoresistance widely critical to malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Daniel Grass
- Department of Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
| | - Lu Dai
- Department of Medicine, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Qin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Chris Parsons
- Department of Medicine, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Bryan P Toole
- Department of Regenerative Medicine & Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA; Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.
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Yao HS, Wang J, Zhang XP, Wang LZ, Wang Y, Li XX, Jin KZ, Hu ZQ, Wang WJ. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α suppresses the aggravation of colon carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2015; 55:458-72. [PMID: 25808746 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hou Shan Yao
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Chang Zheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; 415 Feng Yang Road; Shanghai China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Chang Zheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; 415 Feng Yang Road; Shanghai China
| | - Xiao Ping Zhang
- Medical Intervention Engineering; Tongji University; North Zhongshan Road; Shanghai China
| | - Liang Zhe Wang
- Department of pathology; Shanghai Chang Zheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; 415 Feng Yang Road; Shanghai China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Chang Zheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; 415 Feng Yang Road; Shanghai China
| | - Xin Xing Li
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Chang Zheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; 415 Feng Yang Road; Shanghai China
| | - Kai Zhou Jin
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Chang Zheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; 415 Feng Yang Road; Shanghai China
| | - Zhi Qian Hu
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Chang Zheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; 415 Feng Yang Road; Shanghai China
| | - Wei Jun Wang
- Department of General Surgery; Shanghai Chang Zheng Hospital; Second Military Medical University; 415 Feng Yang Road; Shanghai China
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Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are rare, tumour-initiating cells that exhibit stem cell properties: capacity of self-renewal, pluripotency, highly tumorigenic potential, and resistance to therapy. Cancer stem cells have been characterised and isolated from many cancers, including breast cancer. Developmental pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin, Notch/γ-secretase/Jagged, Shh (sonic hedgehog), and BMP signalling pathways, which direct proliferation and differentiation of normal stem cells, have emerged as major signalling pathways that contribute to the self-renewal of stem and/or progenitor cells in a variety of organs and cancers. Deregulation of these signalling pathways is frequently linked to an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and breast CSCs often possess properties of cells that have undergone the EMT process. Signalling networks mediated by microRNAs and EMT-inducing transcription factors tie the EMT process to regulatory networks that maintain "stemness". Recent studies have elucidated epigenetic mechanisms that control pluripotency and stemness, which allows an assessment on how embryonic and normal tissue stem cells are deregulated during cancerogenesis to give rise to CSCs. Epigenetic-based mechanisms are reversible, and the possibility of "resetting" the abnormal cancer epigenome by applying pharmacological compounds targeting epigenetic enzymes is a promising new therapeutic strategy. Chemoresistance of CSCs is frequently driven by various mechanisms, including aberrant expression/activity of ABC transporters, aldehyde dehydrogenase and anti-oncogenic proteins (i.e. BCL2, B-cell lymphoma-2), enhanced DNA damage response, activation of pro-survival signalling pathways, and epigenetic deregulations. Despite controversy surrounding the CSC hypothesis, there is substantial evidence for their role in cancer, and a number of drugs intended to specifically target CSCs have entered clinical trials.
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Rana MK, Srivastava J, Yang M, Chen CS, Barber DL. Hypoxia increases the abundance but not the assembly of extracellular fibronectin during epithelial cell transdifferentiation. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:1083-9. [PMID: 25616899 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.155036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased production and assembly of extracellular matrix proteins during transdifferentiation of epithelial cells to a mesenchymal phenotype contributes to diseases such as renal and pulmonary fibrosis. TGF-β and hypoxia, two cues that initiate injury-induced fibrosis, caused human kidney cells to develop a mesenchymal phenotype, including increased fibronectin expression and secretion. However, upon hypoxia, assembled extracellular fibronectin fibrils were mostly absent, whereas treatment with TGF-β led to abundant fibrils. Fibrillogenesis required cell-generated force and tension. TGF-β, but not hypoxia, increased cell contractility, as determined by phosphorylation of myosin light chain and quantifying force and tension generated by cells plated on engineered elastomeric microposts. Additionally, TGF-β, but not hypoxia, increased the activation of integrins. However, experimentally activating integrins markedly increased the levels of phosphorylated myosin light chain and fibronectin fibril assembly upon hypoxia. Our findings show that deficient integrin activation and subsequent lack of cell contractility are mechanisms that mediate a lack of fibrillogenesis upon hypoxia and they challenge current views on oxygen deprivation being sufficient for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish K Rana
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jyoti Srivastava
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Michael Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christopher S Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University and Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Diane L Barber
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Du R, Wu S, Lv X, Fang H, Wu S, Kang J. Overexpression of brachyury contributes to tumor metastasis by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2014; 33:105. [PMID: 25499255 PMCID: PMC4279691 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-014-0105-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Aims Brachyury overexpression has been reported in various human malignant neoplasms, but its expression and function in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and metastasis remains unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the critical role of Brachyury in HCC metastasis. Methods The expression of Brachyury in human HCC (SMMC7721, HepG2, FHCC98, and Hep3B) and control cell lines was analyzed using quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoflourence methods. Cancerous tissues collected from patients with HCC (n = 112) were analyzed using immunohistochemical method; a microarray analysis of HCC tissues was performed to explore the clinicopathological variables of HCC. The migratory and invasive capacities of Brachyury-SMMC7721 and Brachyury-HepG2 transfected cells were evaluated using in vitro scratch wound healing and Matrigel invasion assays, respectively. Further, six-week-old male BALB/c nude mice (n = 10) model was used in vivo assay. Results Elevated expression of Brachyury was detected in HCCs (62.5%) compared with that in adjacent nontumorous tissues. Clinicopathological analysis revealed a close correlation of Brachyury expression with distant metastasis and poor prognosis of HCC. Overexpression of Brachyury promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Brachyury overexpression enhanced Akt activation by inhibiting phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which led to subsequent stabilization of Snail, a critical EMT mediator. Conclusion The study findings suggest that elevated Brachyury facilitates HCC metastasis by promoting EMT via PTEN/Akt/Snail-dependent pathway. Brachyury plays a pivotal role in HCC metastasis and may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shanshan Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoning Lv
- Department of Aviation and Diving, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Henghu Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sudong Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jingbo Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
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17
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Zhou ZJ, Dai Z, Zhou SL, Hu ZQ, Chen Q, Zhao YM, Shi YH, Gao Q, Wu WZ, Qiu SJ, Zhou J, Fan J. HNRNPAB induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by transcriptionally activating SNAIL. Cancer Res 2014; 74:2750-62. [PMID: 24638979 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-2509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein AB (HNRNPAB) has been reported to be dysregulated in tumors, but its specific contributions to tumor formation and progression are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that HNRNPAB is overexpressed in highly metastatic cells and tumor tissues from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with recurrence. We found that HNRNPAB overexpression promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a manner associated with HCC metastasis in vitro and in vivo. RNA interference-mediated silencing of the EMT factor SNAIL attenuated HNRNPAB-enhanced cell invasion in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, HNRNPAB acted to transactivate SNAIL1 transcription, which in turn inhibited transcription of the pivotal SNAIL target gene E-cadherin. Overexpression of HNRNPAB in HCC samples correlated with higher SNAIL levels, shorter overall survival, and higher tumor recurrence. HNRNPAB overexpression, alone or in combination with SNAIL, was found to be a significant independent risk factor for recurrence and survival after curative resection. In conclusion, our findings define HNRNPAB as an activator of EMT and metastasis in HCC that predicts poor clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Jun Zhou
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Dai
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shao-Lai Zhou
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Hu
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Chen
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Ming Zhao
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Hong Shi
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Gao
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Zhong Wu
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuang-Jian Qiu
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Authors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, ChinaAuthors' Affiliations: Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University; Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education; and Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Yang WN, Ai ZH, Wang J, Xu YL, Teng YC. Correlation between the overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor and mesenchymal makers in endometrial carcinoma. J Gynecol Oncol 2014; 25:36-42. [PMID: 24459579 PMCID: PMC3893673 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2014.25.1.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the expression of epithelial cell markers (E-cadherin and α-catenin) and mesenchymal cell markers (N-cadherin and vimentin) in endometrial carcinoma. Methods The expression of all 4 markers was evaluated in EGFR overexpressing Ishikawa cells, control Ishikawa cells, and KLE cells using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. The expression of these 4 markers was also determined in cancerous tissues of patients with endometrial carcinoma using immunohistochemical staining. Results Ishikawa cells transfected with EGFR showed decreased expression of E-cadherin and α-catenin and increased expression of N-cadherin and vimentin compared with control Ishikawa cells (p<0.01 for all). The expression of N-cadherin and vimentin was higher and the expression of E-cadherin and α-catenin was lower in stage II-III than stage I and in grade II-III than grade I endometrial carcinoma tissue (p<0.01 for all). Conclusion Decreased expression of epithelial markers (E-cadherin and α-catenin) and increased expression of mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin and vimentin) were observed in human endometrial carcinoma tissue. These findings correlate with high EGFR expression in cultured endometrial carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ning Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Ai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Li Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin-Cheng Teng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Kim DW, Walker RL, Meltzer PS, Cheng SY. Complex temporal changes in TGFβ oncogenic signaling drive thyroid carcinogenesis in a mouse model. Carcinogenesis 2013; 34:2389-400. [PMID: 23698635 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgt175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances, understanding of molecular genetic alterations underlying thyroid carcinogenesis remains unclear. One key question is how dynamic temporal changes in global genomic expression affect carcinogenesis as the disease progresses. To address this question, we used a mouse model that spontaneously develops follicular thyroid cancer similar to human cancer (Thrb (PV/PV) mice). Using complementary DNA microarrays, we compared global gene expression profiles of thyroid tumors of Thrb (PV/PV) mice with the age- and gender-matched thyroids of wild-type mice at 3 weeks and at 2, 4, 6 and 14 months. These time points covered the pathological progression from early hyperplasia to capsular invasion, vascular invasion and eventual metastasis. Microarray data indicated that 462 genes were upregulated (Up-cluster genes) and 110 genes were downregulated (Down-cluster genes). Three major expression patterns (trending up, cyclical and spiking up and then down) and two (trending down and cyclical) were apparent in the Up-cluster and Down-cluster genes, respectively. Functional clustering of tumor-related genes followed by Ingenuity Pathways Analysis identified the transforming growth factor β (TGF β)-mediated network as key signaling pathways. Further functional analyses showed sustained activation of TGFβ receptor-pSMAD2/3 signaling, leading to decreased expression of E-cadherin and increased expression of fibronectin, vimentin, collagens and laminins. These TGFβ-induced changes facilitated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, which promotes cancer invasion and migration. Thus, complex temporal changes in gene expression patterns drive thyroid cancer progression, and persistent activation of TGFβ-TGFRβII-pSMAD2/3 signaling leads to EMT, thus promoting metastasis. This study provides new understanding of progression and metastatic spread of human thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wook Kim
- Gene Regulation Section, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and
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20
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Chen Y, Zheng S, Qi D, Zheng S, Guo J, Zhang S, Weng Z. Inhibition of Notch signaling by a γ-secretase inhibitor attenuates hepatic fibrosis in rats. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46512. [PMID: 23056328 PMCID: PMC3463607 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Notch signaling is essential to the regulation of cell differentiation, and aberrant activation of this pathway is implicated in human fibrotic diseases, such as pulmonary, renal, and peritoneal fibrosis. However, the role of Notch signaling in hepatic fibrosis has not been fully investigated. In the present study, we show Notch signaling to be highly activated in a rat model of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), as indicated by increased expression of Jagged1, Notch3, and Hes1. Blocking Notch signaling activation by a γ-secretase inhibitor, DAPT, significantly attenuated liver fibrosis and decreased the expression of snail, vimentin, and TGF-β1 in association with the enhanced expression of E-cadherin. The study in vitro revealed that DAPT treatment could suppress the EMT process of rat hepatic stellate cell line (HSC-T6). Interestingly, DAPT treatment was found not to affect hepatocyte proliferation in vivo. In contrast, DAPT can inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis to some degree. Our study provides the first evidence that Notch signaling is implicated in hepatic fibrogenesis and DAPT treatment has a protective effect on hepatocytes and ameliorates liver fibrosis. These findings suggest that the inhibition of Notch signaling might present a novel therapeutic approach for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiong Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaoping Zheng
- Department of Ultrasonography, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Qi
- Department of Infectious Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Department of Pathology and Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junli Guo
- Department of Pathology and Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical College, Haikou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuling Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhihong Weng
- Department of Infectious Disease, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Hernandez-Gea V, Friedman SL. Pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY-MECHANISMS OF DISEASE 2011; 6:425-56. [PMID: 21073339 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathol-011110-130246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1269] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide due to chronic viral hepatitis and, more recently, from fatty liver disease associated with obesity. Hepatic stellate cell activation represents a critical event in fibrosis because these cells become the primary source of extracellular matrix in liver upon injury. Use of cell-culture and animal models has expanded our understanding of the mechanisms underlying stellate cell activation and has shed new light on genetic regulation, the contribution of immune signaling, and the potential reversibility of the disease. As pathways of fibrogenesis are increasingly clarified, the key challenge will be translating new advances into the development of antifibrotic therapies for patients with chronic liver disease.
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Sun CK, Ng KT, Lim ZX, Cheng Q, Lo CM, Poon RT, Man K, Wong N, Fan ST. Proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) promotes cell motility of hepatocellular carcinoma through induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18878. [PMID: 21533080 PMCID: PMC3080371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) family, is up-regulated in more than 60% of the tumors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Forced overexpression of Pyk2 can promote the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. In this study, we aimed to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of Pyk2-mediated cell migration of HCC cells. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We demonstrated that Pyk2 transformed the epithelial HCC cell line Hep3B into a mesenchymal phenotype via the induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), signified by the up-regulation of membrane ruffle formation, activation of Rac/Rho GTPases, down-regulation of epithelial genes E-cadherin and cytokeratin as well as promotion of cell motility in presence of lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Suppression of Pyk2 by overexpression of dominant negative PRNK domain in the metastatic HCC cell line MHCC97L transformed its fibroblastoid phenotype to an epithelial phenotype with up-regulation of epithelial genes, down-regulation of mesenchymal genes N-cadherin and STAT5b, and reduction of LPA-induced membrane ruffle formation and cell motility. Moreover, overexpression of Pyk2 in Hep3B cells promoted the phosphorylation and localization of mesenchymal gene Hic-5 onto cell membrane while suppression of Pyk2 in MHCC97L cells attenuated its phosphorylation and localization. CONCLUSION These data provided new evidence of the underlying mechanism of Pyk2 in controlling cell motility of HCC cells through regulation of genes associated with EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris K. Sun
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kevin T. Ng
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zophia X. Lim
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qiao Cheng
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chung Mau Lo
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ronnie T. Poon
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
- * E-mail:
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Sheung Tat Fan
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
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Hertig A, Flier SN, Kalluri R. Contribution of epithelial plasticity to renal transplantation-associated fibrosis. Transplant Proc 2011; 42:S7-12. [PMID: 21095454 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2010.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Every year in the United States, 5000 renal transplant recipients start or restart dialysis because of the unusual propensity of these allografts to develop interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA). Although IF/TA often follows one or more identifiable events, our capacity to specifically treat, prevent, or even detect IF/TA at an early stage is poor. These limitations are largely related to our lack of adequate tools to assess graft failure over time. Data accumulated over the past 5 years have demonstrated that tubular epithelial cells may react to certain fibrogenic stimuli to engage in the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this review, we highlight the current view of EMT with a focus on both its role in the context of renal transplantation and the potential for utilizing markers of EMT to identify patients undergoing early IF/TA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hertig
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Ning BF, Ding J, Yin C, Zhong W, Wu K, Zeng X, Yang W, Chen YX, Zhang JP, Zhang X, Wang HY, Xie WF. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha suppresses the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Res 2010; 70:7640-51. [PMID: 20876809 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-0824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) is a transcription factor that plays a key role in hepatocyte differentiation and the maintenance of hepatic function, but its role in hepatocarcinogenesis has yet to be examined. Here, we report evidence of a suppressor role for HNF4α in liver cancer. HNF4α expression was progressively decreased in the diethylinitrosamine-induced rat model of liver carcinogenesis. In human liver tissues, HNF4α expression was decreased in cirrhotic tissue and further decreased in hepatocarcinoma relative to healthy tissue. Notably, an inverse correlation existed with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Enforced expression of HNF4α attenuated hepatocyte EMT during hepatocarcinogenesis, alleviated hepatic fibrosis, and blocked hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence. In parallel, stem cell marker gene expression was inhibited along with cancer stem/progenitor cell generation. Further, enforced expression of HNF4α inhibited activation of β-catenin, which is closely associated with EMT and hepatocarcinogenesis. Taken together, our results suggest that the inhibitory effect of HNF4α on HCC development might be attributed to suppression of hepatocyte EMT and cancer stem cell generation through an inhibition of β-catenin signaling pathways. More generally, our findings broaden knowledge on the biological significance of HNF4α in HCC development, and they imply novel strategies for HCC prevention through the manipulation of differentiation-determining transcription factors in various types of carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei-Fang Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Cornaire E, Dubois-Xu YC, Rondeau E, Hertig A. [Interstitial fibrosis in renal grafts: On the way to a better detection]. Nephrol Ther 2010; 6:494-8. [PMID: 20627838 DOI: 10.1016/j.nephro.2010.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Revised: 03/22/2010] [Accepted: 03/22/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In renal grafts, the progression of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) is exponential during the first months post-transplant. Consequently, roughly 40% of the cadaveric grafts will function less than ten years. There is, however, no specific strategy to halt fibrogenesis, i.e. the progression of fibrosis with time, in kidney recipients. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process used to disperse cells during embryogenesis. In the setting of injury, it is also a mechanism to escape cellular death. The last five years, several studies demonstrated that EMT does occur in tubular epithelial cells, which have been shown to loose the expression of epithelial markers, and acquire the expression of mesenchymal proteins, like vimentin. The aim of this review is triple: 1) discuss the connections between EMT and the context of transplantation; 2) explain how EMT markers may be useful in clinical practice, as promising surrogate markers for fibrogenesis; 3) discuss some therapeutic perspectives.
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Beyond epithelial to mesenchymal transition: a novel role for the transcription factor Snail in inflammation and wound healing. J Gastrointest Surg 2010; 14:388-97. [PMID: 19856033 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-009-1068-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2009] [Accepted: 10/06/2009] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Snail, a transcription factor linked to epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) during embryonic development and tumor progression, is associated with migration of cells. During inflammation and tissue injury, cell movement is also observed to provide the first line of defense against bacteria and to promote wound healing. Therefore, we studied the function of Snail in activated macrophages in a variety of inflammatory processes. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, we examined the expression and localization of Snail during inflammation and tissue injury in rats and human tissue specimens, by immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and real-time PCR. We investigated Snail expression after stimulation of macrophages with TGF-beta1, LPS, Interleukin-8, and MMP-3 in vitro. To further understand the role of Snail in activated macrophages, we used Stealth siRNA against Snail, transfected the human macrophage cell line THP-1, and measured migration of cells in an in vitro invasion assay. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION We found a strong, transient, and time-dependent activation of Snail in migrating macrophages at the sites of injury in vivo and in vitro, as well as in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Furthermore, we showed that induction of Snail in macrophages is dependent on TGF-beta1 signaling pathway. Downregulation of Snail by Stealth siRNA led to impaired migration of THP-1 cells in an invasion assay after stimulation with TGF-beta1. CONCLUSION We conclude that TGF-beta1 induced migration of activated macrophages during inflammation and wound healing is mediated by snail. These results give insights in a novel EMT-like mechanism present in immune cell movement during tissue injury.
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Abstract
The outcome of liver injury is dictated by the effectiveness of repair. Successful repair (i.e., regeneration) results in replacement of dead epithelial cells with healthy epithelial cells, and reconstructs normal hepatic structure and function. Liver regeneration is known to involve replication of surviving mature hepatocytes and bile duct cells. This review discusses recent evidence for other mechanisms that might also replace dead hepatic epithelial cells and repair liver damage, particularly during chronic injury. According to this theory, certain epithelial cells in developing livers and/or injured adult livers undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and move into the hepatic mesenchyme where they exhibit fibroblastic features. Some of these epithelia-derived mesenchymal cells, however, may be capable of undergoing subsequent mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET), reverting to epithelial cells that ultimately become hepatocytes or cholangiocytes. Although these concepts remain to be proven, the theory predicts that the balance between EMT and MET modulates the outcome of chronic liver injury. When EMT activity outstrips MET, repair is mainly fibrogenic, causing liver fibrosis. Conversely, predominance of MET favors more normal liver regeneration. In this review, we summarize evidence that certain resident liver cells are capable of EMTs in vitro and during chronic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve S. Choi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC,Section of Gastroenterology, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Lounev VY, Ramachandran R, Wosczyna MN, Yamamoto M, Maidment AD, Shore EM, Glaser DL, Goldhamer DJ, Kaplan FS. Identification of progenitor cells that contribute to heterotopic skeletogenesis. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2009; 91:652-63. [PMID: 19255227 PMCID: PMC2663346 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.h.01177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals who have fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva develop an ectopic skeleton because of genetic dysregulation of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in the presence of inflammatory triggers. The identity of progenitor cells that contribute to various stages of BMP-induced heterotopic ossification relevant to fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva and related disorders is unknown. An understanding of the cellular basis of heterotopic ossification will aid in the development of targeted, cell-specific therapies for the treatment and prevention of heterotopic ossification. METHODS We used Cre/loxP lineage tracing methods in the mouse to identify cell lineages that contribute to all stages of heterotopic ossification. Specific cell populations were permanently labeled by crossing lineage-specific Cre mice with the Cre-dependent reporter mice R26R and R26R-EYFP. Two mouse models were used to induce heterotopic ossification: (1) intramuscular injection of BMP2/Matrigel and (2) cardiotoxin-induced skeletal muscle injury in transgenic mice that misexpress BMP4 at the neuromuscular junction. The contribution of labeled cells to fibroproliferative lesions, cartilage, and bone was evaluated histologically by light and fluorescence microscopy. The cell types evaluated as possible progenitors included skeletal muscle stem cells (MyoD-Cre), endothelium and endothelial precursors (Tie2-Cre), and vascular smooth muscle (Smooth Muscle Myosin Heavy Chain-Cre [SMMHC-Cre]). RESULTS Vascular smooth muscle cells did not contribute to any stage of heterotopic ossification in either mouse model. Despite the osteogenic response of cultured skeletal myoblasts to BMPs, skeletal muscle precursors in vivo contributed minimally to heterotopic ossification (<5%), and this contribution was not increased by cardiotoxin injection, which induces muscle regeneration and mobilizes muscle stem cells. In contrast, cells that expressed the vascular endothelial marker Tie2/Tek at some time in their developmental history contributed robustly to the fibroproliferative, chondrogenic, and osteogenic stages of the evolving heterotopic endochondral anlagen. Importantly, endothelial markers were expressed by cells at all stages of heterotopic ossification. Finally, muscle injury and associated inflammation were sufficient to trigger fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva-like heterotopic ossification in a setting of chronically stimulated BMP activity. CONCLUSIONS Tie2-expressing progenitor cells, which are endothelial precursors, respond to an inflammatory trigger, differentiate through an endochondral pathway, contribute to every stage of the heterotopic endochondral anlagen, and form heterotopic bone in response to overactive BMP signaling in animal models of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. Thus, the ectopic skeleton is not only supplied by a rich vasculature, but appears to be constructed in part by cells of vascular origin. Further, these data strongly suggest that dysregulation of the BMP signaling pathway and an inflammatory microenvironment are both required for the formation of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva-like lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitali Y. Lounev
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery (V.Y.L., E.M.S., D.L.G., and F.S.K.), Genetics (E.M.S.), Medicine (F.S.K.), and Radiology (A.D.A.M.), and the Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders (V.Y.L., E.M.S., D.L.G., and F.S.K.), the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Silverstein Pavilion, 2nd Floor, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail address for F.S. Kaplan:
| | - Rageshree Ramachandran
- Department of Pathology, University of California School of Medicine, Box 0102, 505 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - Michael N. Wosczyna
- The Center for Regenerative Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Advanced Technology Laboratory, University of Connecticut, 1392 Storrs Road, Storrs, CT 06269. E-mail address for D.J. Goldhamer:
| | - Masakazu Yamamoto
- The Center for Regenerative Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Advanced Technology Laboratory, University of Connecticut, 1392 Storrs Road, Storrs, CT 06269. E-mail address for D.J. Goldhamer:
| | - Andrew D.A. Maidment
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery (V.Y.L., E.M.S., D.L.G., and F.S.K.), Genetics (E.M.S.), Medicine (F.S.K.), and Radiology (A.D.A.M.), and the Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders (V.Y.L., E.M.S., D.L.G., and F.S.K.), the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Silverstein Pavilion, 2nd Floor, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail address for F.S. Kaplan:
| | - Eileen M. Shore
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery (V.Y.L., E.M.S., D.L.G., and F.S.K.), Genetics (E.M.S.), Medicine (F.S.K.), and Radiology (A.D.A.M.), and the Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders (V.Y.L., E.M.S., D.L.G., and F.S.K.), the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Silverstein Pavilion, 2nd Floor, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail address for F.S. Kaplan:
| | - David L. Glaser
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery (V.Y.L., E.M.S., D.L.G., and F.S.K.), Genetics (E.M.S.), Medicine (F.S.K.), and Radiology (A.D.A.M.), and the Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders (V.Y.L., E.M.S., D.L.G., and F.S.K.), the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Silverstein Pavilion, 2nd Floor, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail address for F.S. Kaplan:
| | - David J. Goldhamer
- The Center for Regenerative Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Advanced Technology Laboratory, University of Connecticut, 1392 Storrs Road, Storrs, CT 06269. E-mail address for D.J. Goldhamer:
| | - Frederick S. Kaplan
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery (V.Y.L., E.M.S., D.L.G., and F.S.K.), Genetics (E.M.S.), Medicine (F.S.K.), and Radiology (A.D.A.M.), and the Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders (V.Y.L., E.M.S., D.L.G., and F.S.K.), the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Silverstein Pavilion, 2nd Floor, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail address for F.S. Kaplan:
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Abstract
Glomerulonephritis is characterized by hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, and edema, but the mechanisms contributing to volume disorders are controversial. Here we used the rat anti-Thy1 model of mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis to test the hypothesis that disturbed salt and water homeostasis is based on tubular epithelial changes that cause salt retention. In this model there was an early onset of pronounced proteinuria and lipiduria associated with reduced fractional sodium excretion and a lowering of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The glomerular filtration rate and creatinine clearance were decreased on day 6. There was a reduced abundance of the major salt and water transport proteins on the proximal tubular brush border membrane and which paralleled cellular protein overload, enhanced membrane cholesterol uptake and cytoskeletal changes. Alterations in thick ascending limb were moderate. Changes in the collecting ducts were characterized by an enhanced abundance and increased subunit cleavage of the epithelial sodium channel, both events consistent with increased sodium reabsorption. We suggest that irrespective of the proximal tubular changes, altered collecting duct sodium reabsorption may be crucial for volume retention in acute glomerulonephritis. We suggest that enhanced proteolytic cleavage of ion transporter subunits might be a novel mechanism of channel activation in glomerular diseases. Whether these proteases are filtered or locally secreted awaits determination.
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Agrotis A. Simvastatin, an inhibitor of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in experimental atherosclerotic renovascular disease? J Hypertens 2008; 26:1553-5. [PMID: 18622231 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0b013e328307c221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Nadella KS, Jones GN, Trimboli A, Stratakis CA, Leone G, Kirschner LS. Targeted deletion of Prkar1a reveals a role for protein kinase A in mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition. Cancer Res 2008; 68:2671-7. [PMID: 18413734 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-6002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of protein kinase A (PKA) activity, caused by loss of function mutations in PRKAR1A, is known to induce tumor formation in the inherited tumor syndrome Carney complex (CNC) and is also associated with sporadic tumors of the thyroid and adrenal. We have previously shown that Prkar1a(+/-) mice develop schwannomas reminiscent of those seen in CNC and that similar tumors are observed in tissue-specific knockouts (KO) of Prkar1a targeted to the neural crest. Within these tumors, we have previously described the presence of epithelial islands, although the nature of these structures was unclear. In this article, we report that these epithelial structures are derived from KO cells originating in the neural crest. Analysis of the mesenchymal marker vimentin revealed that this protein was markedly down-regulated not only from the epithelial islands, but also from the tumor as a whole, consistent with mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). In vitro, Prkar1a null primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts, which display constitutive PKA signaling, also showed evidence for MET, with a loss of vimentin and up-regulation of the epithelial marker E-cadherin. Reduction of vimentin protein occurred at the posttranslational level and was rescued by proteasomal inhibition. Finally, this down-regulation of vimentin was recapitulated in the adrenal nodules of CNC patients, confirming an unexpected and previously unrecognized role for PKA in MET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran S Nadella
- Human Cancer Genetics Program, Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Uhlenhaut NH, Treier M. Transcriptional regulators in kidney disease: gatekeepers of renal homeostasis. Trends Genet 2008; 24:361-71. [PMID: 18514358 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2008.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2007] [Revised: 04/30/2008] [Accepted: 05/01/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although we are rapidly gaining a more complete understanding of the genes required for kidney function, the molecular pathways that actively maintain organ homeostasis are only beginning to emerge. The study of the most common genetic cause of renal failure, polycystic kidney disease, has revealed a surprising role for primary cilia in controlling nuclear gene expression and cell division during development as well as maintenance of kidney architecture. Conditions that disturb kidney integrity seem to be associated with reversal of developmental processes that ultimately lead to kidney fibrosis and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In this review, we discuss transcriptional regulators and networks that are important in kidney disease, focusing on those that mediate cilia function and drive renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Henriette Uhlenhaut
- Developmental Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
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Yu H, Königshoff M, Jayachandran A, Handley D, Seeger W, Kaminski N, Eickelberg O. Transgelin is a direct target of TGF-beta/Smad3-dependent epithelial cell migration in lung fibrosis. FASEB J 2008; 22:1778-89. [PMID: 18245174 DOI: 10.1096/fj.07-083857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Enhanced transforming growth factor (TGF) -beta signaling contributes to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and fatal disease characterized by alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cell hyperplasia, (myo)fibroblast accumulation, and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. TGF-beta is a potent inducer of lung fibrosis, and it regulates the ATII cell phenotype; however, direct TGF-beta target genes controlling the ATII cell phenotype remain elusive. Here, we identified the transgelin (tagln) gene as a novel immediate target of TGF-beta/Smad3-dependent gene expression in ATII cells using a Smad3 chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) screen. Direct ChIP confirmed the rapid and specific binding of Smad3 to the tagln promoter. Luciferase assays demonstrated transactivation of the tagln promoter by activin-like kinase (Alk) 5-mediated TGF-beta signaling. TGF-beta treatment resulted in rapid up-regulation of tagln, but not tagln2, mRNA and protein expression, assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. In vivo, tagln expression was significantly increased in ATII cells of mice during bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis, as well as in lung specimen obtained from IPF patients, as assessed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Knockdown of tagln using siRNA inhibited TGF-beta-induced migration of lung epithelial A549 cells, as well as primary ATII cells. We thus identified tagln as a novel target of TGF-beta/Smad3-dependent gene expression in ATII cells. Increased ATII cell expression of tagln in experimental and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may contribute to TGF-beta-dependent ATII cell injury, repair, and migration in lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiying Yu
- University of Giessen Lung Center, Department of Medicine II, Justus Liebig University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
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Kato S, Espinoza N, Lange S, Villalón M, Cuello M, Owen GI. Characterization and phenotypic variation with passage number of cultured human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells. Tissue Cell 2007; 40:95-102. [PMID: 18031781 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2007.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2006] [Revised: 09/25/2007] [Accepted: 09/28/2007] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite numerous endometrial cancer cell lines, little is know about the progression and transition of primary cultured endometrial tumours. Herein, a stage I grade III endometrial adenocarcinoma was maintained in primary culture and the phenotypic and protein expression changes were observed in relation to passage number. At early passage numbers, cultured human endometrial cancer (CHEC) cells displayed classic epithelial cell morphology, growing in groups in a glandular structure and staining positive for cytokeratin. However, with increasing passage number, CHEC cells changed in morphology to display a stromal phenotype which was accompanied by a significant reduction in cytokeratin and increases in alpha-actin and vimentin expression. Simultaneous culture of stromal cells isolated from the original tumour failed to show the same morphological characteristics or protein expression patterns. We further characterised CHEC cells through a screening of cancer related proteins, among others, caveolin-1 and Tissue factor in comparison with established cancer cell lines and corresponding non-cancerous cells. This report demonstrates that endometrial adenocarcinoma cells in culture can undergo phenotypic and protein expression changes reminiscent of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. This work suggests that primary tumours and cell lines displaying stromal morphologies may have undergone epithelial-mesenchymal transition from an adenocarcinoma origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumie Kato
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, Casilla 114D, Santiago, Chile
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