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Casacuberta-Serra S, González-Larreategui Í, Capitán-Leo D, Soucek L. MYC and KRAS cooperation: from historical challenges to therapeutic opportunities in cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:205. [PMID: 39164274 PMCID: PMC11336233 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01907-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024] Open
Abstract
RAS and MYC rank amongst the most commonly altered oncogenes in cancer, with RAS being the most frequently mutated and MYC the most amplified. The cooperative interplay between RAS and MYC constitutes a complex and multifaceted phenomenon, profoundly influencing tumor development. Together and individually, these two oncogenes regulate most, if not all, hallmarks of cancer, including cell death escape, replicative immortality, tumor-associated angiogenesis, cell invasion and metastasis, metabolic adaptation, and immune evasion. Due to their frequent alteration and role in tumorigenesis, MYC and RAS emerge as highly appealing targets in cancer therapy. However, due to their complex nature, both oncogenes have been long considered "undruggable" and, until recently, no drugs directly targeting them had reached the clinic. This review aims to shed light on their complex partnership, with special attention to their active collaboration in fostering an immunosuppressive milieu and driving immunotherapeutic resistance in cancer. Within this review, we also present an update on the different inhibitors targeting RAS and MYC currently undergoing clinical trials, along with their clinical outcomes and the different combination strategies being explored to overcome drug resistance. This recent clinical development suggests a paradigm shift in the long-standing belief of RAS and MYC "undruggability", hinting at a new era in their therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Íñigo González-Larreategui
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Capitán-Leo
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Soucek
- Peptomyc S.L., Barcelona, Spain.
- Models of cancer therapies Laboratory, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology, Cellex Centre, Hospital University Vall d'Hebron Campus, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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Gao T, Hao X, Zhang J, Huo M, Hu T, Ma T, Yu H, Teng X, Wang Y, Yang Y, Huang W, Wang Y. Transcription factor ZEB1 coordinating with NuRD complex to promote oncogenesis through glycolysis in colorectal cancer. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1435269. [PMID: 39193340 PMCID: PMC11347313 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1435269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an aggressive primary intestinal malignancy with the third-highest incidence and second-highest mortality among all cancer types worldwide. Transcription factors (TFs) regulate cell development and differentiation owing to their ability to recognize specific DNA sequences upstream of genes. Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between TFs, the etiology of tumors, and therapeutic approaches. Here, we aimed to explore prognosis-related TFs and comprehend their carcinogenic mechanisms, thereby offering novel insights into the diagnosis and management of CRC. Materials and Methods Differentially expressed TFs between CRC and normal tissues were identified leveraging The Cancer Genome Atlas database, Weighted correlation network analysis and Cox regression analysis were performed to identify prognosis-related TFs. The cellular functions of hub TF zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) were determined using by 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine and cell invasion assays in CRC cells. RNA-sequencing, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment, and gene set enrichment analyses were used to identify the cellular processes in which ZEB1 participates. Immunoaffinity purification, silver staining mass spectrometry, and a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were conducted to search for proteins that might interact with ZEB1 and the target genes they jointly regulate. Results Thirteen central TFs related to prognosis were identified through bioinformatics analysis techniques. Among these TFs, ZEB1 emerged as the TF most closely associated with CRC, as determined through a combination of regulatory network diagrams, survival curves, and phenotype analyses. ZEB1 promotes CRC cell growth by recruiting the NuRD(MTA1) complex, and the ZEB1/NuRD(MTA1) complex transcriptionally represses glycolysis-associated tumor suppressor genes. Conclusion Our study not only identified a hub biomarker related to CRC prognosis but also revealed the specific molecular mechanisms through which ZEB1 affects cancer progression. These insights provide crucial evidence for the diagnosis of CRC and potential treatment opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinhui Hao
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jingyao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Miaomiao Huo
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Hu
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hefen Yu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Teng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yunkai Yang
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer and Microbiome, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Jiang X, Peng M, Liu Q, Peng Q, Oyang L, Li S, Xu X, Shen M, Wang J, Li H, Wu N, Tan S, Lin J, Xia L, Tang Y, Luo X, Liao Q, Zhou Y. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0000467 promotes colorectal cancer progression by promoting eIF4A3-mediated c-Myc translation. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:151. [PMID: 39085875 PMCID: PMC11290134 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02052-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common malignant tumor worldwide, and its incidence rate increases annually. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving the prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer. Circular RNAs are noncoding RNAs with a closed-loop structure that play a significant role in tumor development. However, the role of circular RNAs in CRC is poorly understood. METHODS The circular RNA hsa_circ_0000467 was screened in CRC circRNA microarrays using a bioinformatics analysis, and the expression of hsa_circ_0000467 in CRC tissues was determined by in situ hybridization. The associations between the expression level of hsa_circ_0000467 and the clinical characteristics of CRC patients were evaluated. Then, the role of hsa_circ_0000467 in CRC growth and metastasis was assessed by CCK8 assay, EdU assay, plate colony formation assay, wound healing assay, and Transwell assay in vitro and in a mouse model of CRC in vivo. Proteomic analysis and western blotting were performed to investigate the effect of hsa_circ_0000467 on c-Myc signaling. Polysome profiling, RT‒qPCR and dual-luciferase reporter assays were performed to determine the effect of hsa_circ_0000467 on c-Myc translation. RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and immunofluorescence staining were performed to assess the effect of hsa_circ_0000467 on eIF4A3 distribution. RESULTS In this study, we found that the circular RNA hsa_circ_0000467 is highly expressed in colorectal cancer and is significantly correlated with poor prognosis in CRC patients. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that hsa_circ_0000467 promotes the growth and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0000467 binds eIF4A3 to suppress its nuclear translocation. In addition, it can also act as a scaffold molecule that binds eIF4A3 and c-Myc mRNA to form complexes in the cytoplasm, thereby promoting the translation of c-Myc. In turn, c-Myc upregulates its downstream targets, including the cell cycle-related factors cyclin D2 and CDK4 and the tight junction-related factor ZEB1, and downregulates E-cadherin, which ultimately promotes the growth and metastasis of CRC. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed that hsa_circRNA_0000467 plays a role in the progression of CRC by promoting eIF4A3-mediated c-Myc translation. This study provides a theoretical basis and molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjie Jiang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Mingjing Peng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Qiu Peng
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Linda Oyang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Shizhen Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Xuemeng Xu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Mengzhou Shen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Jiewen Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Haofan Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Nayiyuan Wu
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Shiming Tan
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Jinguan Lin
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Longzheng Xia
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Yanyan Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Xia Luo
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Tumor organoids Technology and application, Public Service Platform of Tumor organoids Technology, 283 Tongzipo Road, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
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Zhou Q, Niu X, Zhang Z, O'Byrne K, Kulasinghe A, Fielding D, Möller A, Wuethrich A, Lobb RJ, Trau M. Glycan Profiling in Small Extracellular Vesicles with a SERS Microfluidic Biosensor Identifies Early Malignant Development in Lung Cancer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024:e2401818. [PMID: 38885350 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202401818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Glycosylation is the most common post-translational modification of proteins and regulates a myriad of fundamental biological processes under normal, and pathological conditions. Altered protein glycosylation is linked to malignant transformation, showing distinct glycopatterns that are associated with cancer initiation and progression by regulating tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. The glycopatterns of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released by cancer cells are promising candidates for cancer monitoring since they exhibit glycopatterns similar to their cell-of-origin. However, the clinical application of sEV glycans is challenging due to the limitations of current analytical technologies in tracking the trace amounts of sEVs specifically derived from tumors in circulation. Herein, a sEV GLYcan PHenotype (EV-GLYPH) assay that utilizes a microfluidic platform integrated with surface-enhanced Raman scattering for multiplex profiling of sEV glycans in non-small cell lung cancer is clinically validated. For the first time, the EV-GLYPH assay effectively identifies distinct sEV glycan signatures between non-transformed and malignantly transformed lung cells. In a clinical study evaluated on 40 patients, the EV-GLYPH assay successfully differentiates patients with early-stage malignant lung nodules from benign lung nodules. These results reveal the potential to profile sEV glycans for noninvasive diagnostics and prognostics, opening up promising avenues for clinical applications and understanding the role of sEV glycosylation in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhou
- Centre for Personalised Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Xueming Niu
- Centre for Personalised Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Centre for Personalised Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Kenneth O'Byrne
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - David Fielding
- Department of Thoracic Medicine, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Andreas Möller
- JC STEM Lab, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, China
- Tumour Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4029, Australia
| | - Alain Wuethrich
- Centre for Personalised Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Richard J Lobb
- Centre for Personalised Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Matt Trau
- Centre for Personalised Nanomedicine, Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
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Muraki N, Kawabe N, Ohashi A, Umeda K, Katsuda M, Tomatsu A, Yoshida M, Komeda K, Minna JD, Tanaka I, Morise M, Matsushima M, Matsui Y, Kawabe T, Sato M. BRAF V600E promotes anchorage-independent growth but inhibits anchorage-dependent growth in hTERT/Cdk4-Immortalized normal human bronchial epithelial cells. Exp Cell Res 2024; 439:114057. [PMID: 38679315 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Certain oncogenes, including mutant RAS and BRAF, induce a type of senescence known as oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) in normal cells in a cell-type-specific manner. OIS serves as a barrier to transformation by activated oncogenes. Our previous studies showed that mutant KRASV12 did not efficiently induce OIS in an hTERT/Cdk4-immortalized normal human bronchial epithelial cell line (HBEC3), but it did enhance both anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent growth. In this study, we investigated whether mutant BRAF, a well-known inducer of OIS, could trigger OIS in HBEC3 cells. We also assessed the impact of mutant BRAF on the growth of HBEC3 cells, as no previous studies have examined this using a normal bronchial epithelial cell line model. We established an HBEC3 cell line, designated as HBEC3-BIN, that expresses mutant BRAFV600E in a doxycycline-regulated manner. Unlike our previous finding that KRASV12 upregulated both pERK and pAKT, mutant BRAFV600E upregulated pERK but not pAKT in HBEC3-BIN cells. Similar to KRASV12, BRAFV600E did not efficiently induce OIS. Interestingly, while BRAFV600E inhibited colony formation in anchorage-dependent conditions, it dramatically enhanced colony formation in anchorage-independent conditions in HBEC3-BIN. In HBEC3 cells without BRAFV600E or KRASV12 expression, p21 was only detected in the cytoplasm, and its localization was not altered by the expression of BRAFV600E or KRASV12. Next-generation sequencing analysis revealed an enrichment of gene sets known to be involved in carcinogenesis, including IL3/JAK/STAT3, IL2, STAT5, and the EMT pathway. Our results indicate that, unlike KRASV12, which promoted both, BRAFV600E enhances anchorage-independent growth but inhibits anchorage-dependent growth of HBEC3. This contrast may result from differences in activation signaling in the downstream pathways. Furthermore, HBEC3 cells appear to be inherently resistant to OIS, which may be partly due to the fact that p21 remains localized in the cytoplasm upon expression of BRAFV600E or KRASV12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nao Muraki
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Nozomi Kawabe
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Ayano Ohashi
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Kanna Umeda
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Masahito Katsuda
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Aya Tomatsu
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Mikina Yoshida
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Kazuki Komeda
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 466-8550, Japan
| | - John D Minna
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research and the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX, 75230-8593, USA
| | - Ichidai Tanaka
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morise
- Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Miyoko Matsushima
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Yusuke Matsui
- . Biomedical and Health Informatics Unit, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kawabe
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 461-8673, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Sato
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Dept. of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 461-8673, Japan.
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Zhang YE, Stuelten CH. Alternative splicing in EMT and TGF-β signaling during cancer progression. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 101:1-11. [PMID: 38614376 PMCID: PMC11180579 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a physiological process during development where epithelial cells transform to acquire mesenchymal characteristics, which allows them to migrate and colonize secondary tissues. Many cellular signaling pathways and master transcriptional factors exert a myriad of controls to fine tune this vital process to meet various developmental and physiological needs. Adding to the complexity of this network are post-transcriptional and post-translational regulations. Among them, alternative splicing has been shown to play important roles to drive EMT-associated phenotypic changes, including actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cell-cell junction changes, cell motility and invasiveness. In advanced cancers, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a major inducer of EMT and is associated with tumor cell metastasis, cancer stem cell self-renewal, and drug resistance. This review aims to provide an overview of recent discoveries regarding alternative splicing events and the involvement of splicing factors in the EMT and TGF-β signaling. It will emphasize the importance of various splicing factors involved in EMT and explore their regulatory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying E Zhang
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Christina H Stuelten
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Qian L, Ni J, Zhang Z. ZEB1 interferes with human periodontal ligament stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Oral Dis 2024; 30:2599-2608. [PMID: 37427856 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Periodontitis can eventually contribute to tooth loss. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is identified as overexpressed in the gingival tissue of mice with periodontitis. This study is designed to decipher the mechanism of ZEB1's involvement in periodontitis. METHODS Human periodontal mesenchymal stem cells (hPDLSCs) were exposed to LPS to mimic the inflammation in periodontitis. Following ZEB1 silencing, FX1 (an inhibitor of Bcl-6) treatment or ROCK1 overexpression, cell viability, and apoptosis were analyzed. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, Alizarin red staining, RT-qPCR, and western blot were performed to evaluate osteogenic differentiation and mineralization. hPDLSCs were processed for luciferase reporter assay and ChIP-PCR to confirm the association between ZEB1 and ROCK1. RESULTS The induction of ZEB1 silencing resulted in reduced cell apoptosis, enhanced osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization. Nevertheless, these effects were significantly blunted by FX1. ZEB1 was confirmed to bind to the promoter sites of ROCK1 and regulate the ROCK1/AMPK. Whereas ROCK1 overexpression reversed the effects of ZEB1 silencing on Bcl-6/STAT1, as well as cell proliferation and osteogenesis differentiation. CONCLUSION hPDLSCs displayed decreased proliferation and weakened osteogenesis differentiation in response to LPS. These impacts were mediated by ZEB1 regulating Bcl-6/STAT1 via AMPK/ROCK1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwen Qian
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Ni
- Department of Periodontology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhechen Zhang
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Yu J, Sun J, Tang J, Xu J, Qian G, Zhou J. C6orf15 promotes liver metastasis via WNT/β-catenin signalling in colorectal cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:146. [PMID: 38654238 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03324-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colon cancer ranks third among global tumours and second in cancer-related mortality, prompting an urgent need to explore new therapeutic targets. C6orf15 is a novel gene that has been reported only in Sjogren's syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus patients. We found a close correlation between increased C6orf15 expression and the occurrence of colon cancer. The aim of this study was to explore the potential of C6orf15 as a therapeutic target for colorectal cancer. METHOD RNA-seq differential expression analysis of the TCGA database was performed using the R package 'limma.' The correlation between target genes and survival as well as tumour analysis was analysed using GEPIA. Western blot and PCR were used to assess C6orf15 expression in colorectal cancer tissue samples. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were used to assess C6orf15 subcellular localization and tissue expression. The role of C6orf15 in liver metastasis progression was investigated via a mouse spleen infection liver metastasis model. The association of C6orf15 with signalling pathways was assessed using the GSEA-Hallmark database. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), qPCR and western blotting were performed to assess the expression of related mRNAs or proteins. Biological characteristics were evaluated through cell migration assays, MTT assays, and Seahorse XF96 analysis to monitor fatty acid metabolism. RESULTS C6orf15 was significantly associated with liver metastasis and survival in CRC patients as determined by the bioinformatic analysis and further verified by immunohistochemistry (IHC), qPCR and western blot results. The upregulation of C6orf15 expression in CRC cells can promote the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and cause an increase in downstream transcription. This leads to changes in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and alterations in fatty acid metabolism, which together promote liver metastasis of CRC. CONCLUSION Our study identified C6orf15 as a marker of liver metastasis in CRC. C6orf15 can activate the WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway to promote EMT and fatty acid metabolism in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiankang Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery & Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Shenyang Medical Nutrition Clinical Medical Research Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery & Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Shenyang Medical Nutrition Clinical Medical Research Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Jingtong Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery & Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Shenyang Medical Nutrition Clinical Medical Research Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiayu Xu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery & Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Shenyang Medical Nutrition Clinical Medical Research Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Guanru Qian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery & Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
- Shenyang Medical Nutrition Clinical Medical Research Center, Shenyang, China
| | - Jianping Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery & Hernia and Abdominal Wall Surgery, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
- Shenyang Medical Nutrition Clinical Medical Research Center, Shenyang, China.
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9
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Baqai N, Amin R, Fatima T, Ahmed Z, Faiz N. Expression Profiling of EMT Transcriptional Regulators ZEB1 and ZEB2 in Different Histopathological Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients. Curr Genomics 2024; 25:140-151. [PMID: 38751602 PMCID: PMC11092914 DOI: 10.2174/0113892029284920240212091903] [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: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Pakistan has a high burden of oral cancers, with a prevalence rate of around 9%. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for about 90% of oral cancer cases. Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) gets highly stimulated in tumor cells by adopting subsequent malignant features of highly invasive cancer populations. Zinc Finger E-Box binding factors, ZEB1 and ZEB2, are regulatory proteins that promote EMT by suppressing the adherent ability of cells transforming into highly motile cancerous cells. The present study aimed to analyze the expression of EMT regulators, ZEB1 and ZEB2, and their association with the clinicopathological features in different grades of OSCC patients. Methods Tissue samples were collected for both case and control groups from the recruited study participants. Cancer tissues (cases) were collected from the confirmed OSCC patients, and healthy tissues (controls) were collected from third-molar dental extraction patients. The study participants were recruited with informed consent and brief demographic and clinical characteristics. The case group was further segregated with respect to the histological cancer grading system into well-differentiated (WD), moderately differentiated (MD), and poorly differentiated (PD) squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) groups. RNA was extracted from the tissue samples for expression profiling of ZEB1 and ZEB2 genes through quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results All of the recruited participants had a mean age of 46.55 ± 11.7 (years), with most of them belonging to Urdu speaking ethnic group and were married. The BMI (kg/m2) of the healthy participants was in the normal range (18-22 kg/m2). However, BMI was found to be reduced with the proliferation in the pathological state of cancer. The oral hygiene of patients was better than the healthy participants, possibly due to the strict oral hygiene practice concerns of consultants. Every recruited OSCC patient had one or multiple addiction habits for more than a year. Patients reported health frailty (46.6%), unhealed mouth sores (40%), swallowing difficulties and white/reddish marks (80%), and restricted mouth opening (64.4%). Furthermore, 82.2% of the recruited patients observed symptoms within 1-12 months, and buccal mucosa was the most exposed tumor site among 55.6% of the patients. Expression profiling of EMT regulators showed gradual over-expressions of ZEB1 (8, 20, and 42 folds) and ZEB2 (4, 10, and 18 folds) in respective histological cancer grades. Conclusion High expressions of ZEBs have been significantly associated with cancer progression and poor health. However, no association was found between OSCC with other clinicopathological features when compared to healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Baqai
- Dow Research Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedical Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rafat Amin
- Dow College of Biotechnology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Tehseen Fatima
- Dow College of Biotechnology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zeba Ahmed
- Otolaryngology, Dow Medical College-Dr.Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nousheen Faiz
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Dow University of Health Sciences, Ojha Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
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10
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Jacksi M, Schad E, Tantos A. Morphological Changes Induced by TKS4 Deficiency Can Be Reversed by EZH2 Inhibition in Colorectal Carcinoma Cells. Biomolecules 2024; 14:445. [PMID: 38672463 PMCID: PMC11047920 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The scaffold protein tyrosine kinase substrate 4 (TKS4) undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway via Src kinase. The TKS4 deficiency in humans is responsible for the manifestation of a genetic disorder known as Frank-Ter Haar syndrome (FTHS). Based on our earlier investigation, the absence of TKS4 triggers migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like phenomena while concurrently suppressing cell proliferation in HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells. This indicates that TKS4 may play a unique role in the progression of cancer. In this study, we demonstrated that the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and the histone methyltransferase of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) are involved in the migration, invasion, and EMT-like changes in TKS4-deficient cells (KO). EZH2 is responsible for the maintenance of the trimethylated lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3). METHODS We performed transcriptome sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation, protein and RNA quantitative studies, cell mobility, invasion, and proliferation studies combined with/without the EZH2 activity inhibitor 3-deazanoplanocine (DZNep). RESULTS We detected an elevation of global H3K27me3 levels in the TKS4 KO cells, which could be reduced with treatment with DZNep, an EZH2 inhibitor. Inhibition of EZH2 activity reversed the phenotypic effects of the knockout of TKS4, reducing the migration speed and wound healing capacity of the cells as well as decreasing the invasion capacity, while the decrease in cell proliferation became stronger. In addition, inhibition of EZH2 activity also reversed most epithelial and mesenchymal markers. We investigated the wider impact of TKS4 deletion on the gene expression profile of colorectal cancer cells using transcriptome sequencing of wild-type and TKS4 knockout cells, particularly before and after treatment with DZNep. Additionally, we observed changes in the expression of several protein-coding genes and long non-coding RNAs that showed a recovery in expression levels following EZH2 inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the removal of TKS4 causes a notable disruption in the gene expression pattern, leading to the disruption of several signal transduction pathways. Inhibiting the activity of EZH2 can restore most of these transcriptomics and phenotypic effects in colorectal carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mevan Jacksi
- HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.J.); (E.S.)
- Doctoral School of Biology, Institute of Biology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, 1053 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Zakho, Duhok 42002, Iraq
| | - Eva Schad
- HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.J.); (E.S.)
| | - Agnes Tantos
- HUN-REN Research Centre for Natural Sciences, 1117 Budapest, Hungary; (M.J.); (E.S.)
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11
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Rashid M, Devi BM, Banerjee M. Combinatorial Cooperativity in miR200-Zeb Feedback Network can Control Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:48. [PMID: 38555331 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01277-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Carcinomas often utilize epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs for cancer progression and metastasis. Numerous studies report SNAIL-induced miR200/Zeb feedback circuit as crucial in regulating EMT by placing cancer cells in at least three phenotypic states, viz. epithelial (E), hybrid (h-E/M), mesenchymal (M), along the E-M phenotypic spectrum. However, a coherent molecular-level understanding of how such a tiny circuit controls carcinoma cell entrance into and residence in various states is lacking. Here, we use molecular binding data and mathematical modeling to report that the miR200/Zeb circuit can essentially utilize combinatorial cooperativity to control E-M phenotypic plasticity. We identify minimal combinatorial cooperativities that give rise to E, h-E/M, and M phenotypes. We show that disrupting a specific number of miR200 binding sites on Zeb as well as Zeb binding sites on miR200 can have phenotypic consequences-the circuit can dynamically switch between two (E, M) and three (E, h-E/M, M) phenotypes. Further, we report that in both SNAIL-induced and SNAIL knock-out miR200/Zeb circuits, cooperative transcriptional feedback on Zeb as well as Zeb translation inhibition due to miR200 are essential for the occurrence of intermediate h-E/M phenotype. Finally, we demonstrate that SNAIL can be dispensable for EMT, and in the absence of SNAIL, the transcriptional feedback can control cell state transition from E to h-E/M, to M state. Our results thus highlight molecular-level regulation of EMT in miR200/Zeb circuit and we expect these findings to be crucial to future efforts aiming to prevent EMT-facilitated dissemination of carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubasher Rashid
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India.
| | - Brasanna M Devi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
| | - Malay Banerjee
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
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12
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Zhang Y, Zhang K, Wen H, Ge D, Gu J, Zhang C. FGL1 in plasma extracellular vesicles is correlated with clinical stage of lung adenocarcinoma and anti-PD-L1 response. Clin Exp Immunol 2024; 216:68-79. [PMID: 38146642 PMCID: PMC10929704 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrinogen-like protein-1 (FGL1) is confirmed a major ligand of lymphocyte activation gene-3 which could inhibit antigen-mediated T-cell response and evade immune supervision. Although hepatocytes secrete large amounts of FGL1, its high expression also be detected in solid tumors such as lung cancer, leading to a poor efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy. Here we reported that FGL1 was overexpressed in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) but not in lung squamous cell carcinoma. However, FGL1 in tissue and plasma can only distinguish LUAD patients from healthy donors and cannot correlate with clinical Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage. Using lung cancer cell lines, we confirmed that FGL1 can be detected on extracellular vesicles (EVs) and we established a method using flow cytometry to detect FGL1 on the surface of EVs, which revealed that FGL1 could be secreted via EVs. Both animal model and clinical samples proved that plasma FGL1 in EVs would increase when the tumor was loaded. The level of FGL1 in plasma EVs was correlated with clinical TNM stage and tumor size, and a higher level indicated non-responsiveness to anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1) immunotherapy. Its effect on tumor progression and immune evasion may be achieved by impairing the killing and proliferating capacities of CD8+ T cells. Our result demonstrates that FGL1 levels in plasma EVs, but not total plasma FGL1, could be a promising biomarker that plays an important role in predicting anti-PD-L1 immune therapy in LUAD and suggests a new strategy in LUAD immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunpeng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyu Wen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Di Ge
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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13
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Martínez-Campa C, Álvarez-García V, Alonso-González C, González A, Cos S. Melatonin and Its Role in the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:956. [PMID: 38473317 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell-biological program that occurs during the progression of several physiological processes and that can also take place during pathological situations such as carcinogenesis. The EMT program consists of the sequential activation of a number of intracellular signaling pathways aimed at driving epithelial cells toward the acquisition of a series of intermediate phenotypic states arrayed along the epithelial-mesenchymal axis. These phenotypic features include changes in the motility, conformation, polarity and functionality of cancer cells, ultimately leading cells to stemness, increased invasiveness, chemo- and radioresistance and the formation of cancer metastasis. Amongst the different existing types of the EMT, type 3 is directly involved in carcinogenesis. A type 3 EMT occurs in neoplastic cells that have previously acquired genetic and epigenetic alterations, specifically affecting genes involved in promoting clonal outgrowth and invasion. Markers such as E-cadherin; N-cadherin; vimentin; and transcription factors (TFs) like Twist, Snail and ZEB are considered key molecules in the transition. The EMT process is also regulated by microRNA expression. Many miRNAs have been reported to repress EMT-TFs. Thus, Snail 1 is repressed by miR-29, miR-30a and miR-34a; miR-200b downregulates Slug; and ZEB1 and ZEB2 are repressed by miR-200 and miR-205, respectively. Occasionally, some microRNA target genes act downstream of the EMT master TFs; thus, Twist1 upregulates the levels of miR-10b. Melatonin is an endogenously produced hormone released mainly by the pineal gland. It is widely accepted that melatonin exerts oncostatic actions in a large variety of tumors, inhibiting the initiation, progression and invasion phases of tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying these inhibitory actions are complex and involve a great number of processes. In this review, we will focus our attention on the ability of melatonin to regulate some key EMT-related markers, transcription factors and micro-RNAs, summarizing the multiple ways by which this hormone can regulate the EMT. Since melatonin has no known toxic side effects and is also known to help overcome drug resistance, it is a good candidate to be considered as an adjuvant drug to conventional cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez-Campa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Virginia Álvarez-García
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Carolina Alonso-González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Alicia González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Samuel Cos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
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14
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Tangsiri M, Hheidari A, Liaghat M, Razlansari M, Ebrahimi N, Akbari A, Varnosfaderani SMN, Maleki-Sheikhabadi F, Norouzi A, Bakhtiyari M, Zalpoor H, Nabi-Afjadi M, Rahdar A. Promising applications of nanotechnology in inhibiting chemo-resistance in solid tumors by targeting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115973. [PMID: 38064969 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapy, also known as chemo-resistance, poses a significant obstacle to cancer treatment and can ultimately result in patient mortality. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the many factors and processes responsible for chemo-resistance. Studies have shown that targeting EMT can help overcome chemo-resistance, and nanotechnology and nanomedicine have emerged as promising approaches to achieve this goal. This article discusses the potential of nanotechnology in inhibiting EMT and proposes a viable strategy to combat chemo-resistance in various solid tumors, including breast cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. While nanotechnology has shown promising results in targeting EMT, further research is necessary to explore its full potential in overcoming chemo-resistance and discovering more effective methods in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Tangsiri
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Hheidari
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Liaghat
- Department of Medical Laboratory sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahtab Razlansari
- Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tübingen University, Tübingen 72076, Germany
| | - Narges Ebrahimi
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdullatif Akbari
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Fahimeh Maleki-Sheikhabadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Norouzi
- Dental Research Center, Faculty of Dentistry, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Maryam Bakhtiyari
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran; Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Rahdar
- Department of Physics, University of Zabol, Zabol 98613-35856, Iran.
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15
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Liu YN, Tsai MF, Wu SG, Chang TH, Shih JY. CD44s and CD44v8-10 isoforms confer acquired resistance to osimertinib by activating the ErbB3/STAT3 signaling pathway. Life Sci 2024; 336:122345. [PMID: 38092140 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant lung cancers respond well to osimertinib, acquired resistance to osimertinib eventually develops through EGFR-dependent and EGFR-independent resistance mechanisms. CD44 splicing variants are widely expressed in lung cancer tissues. However, it remains unclear whether specific splicing variants are involved in acquired resistance to osimertinib. MAIN METHODS The real-time PCR was performed to measure the expression levels of total CD44 and specific CD44 splicing variants (CD44s or CD44v). Gene knockdown and restoration were performed to investigate the effects of CD44 splicing variants on osimertinib sensitivity. Activation of the signaling pathway was evaluated using receptor-tyrosine-kinase phosphorylation membrane arrays, co-immunoprecipitation, and western blotting. KEY FINDINGS Clinical analysis demonstrated that the expression level of total CD44 increased in primary cancer cells from lung adenocarcinomas patients after the development of acquired resistance to osimertinib. Furthermore, osimertinib-resistant cells showed elevated levels of either the CD44s variant or CD44v variants. Manipulations of CD44s or CD44v8-10 were performed to investigate their effects on treatment sensitivity to osimertinib. Knockdown of CD44 increased osimertinib-induced cell death in osimertinib-resistant cells. However, restoration of CD44s or CD44v8-10 in CD44-knockdown H1975/AZD-sgCD44 cells induced osimertinib resistance. Mechanically, we showed that ErbB3 interacted with CD44 and was transactivated by CD44, that consequently triggered activation of the ErbB3/STAT3 signaling pathway and led to CD44s- or CD44v8-10-mediated osimertinib resistance. SIGNIFICANCE CD44 is a co-receptor for ErbB3 and triggers activation of the ErbB3 signaling axis, leading to acquired resistance to osimertinib. CD44/ErbB3 signaling may represent a therapeutic target for overcoming osimertinib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Nan Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Feng Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Da-Yeh University, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Gin Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hua Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Yuan Shih
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Kwon MJ. Role of epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 in cancer progression. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:331. [PMID: 38110955 PMCID: PMC10729575 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03180-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
As aberrant alternative splicing by either dysregulation or mutations of splicing factors contributes to cancer initiation and progression, splicing factors are emerging as potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. Therefore, pharmacological modulators targeting splicing factors have been under development. Epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1) is an epithelial cell-specific splicing factor, whose downregulation is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by regulating alternative splicing of multiple genes, such as CD44, CTNND1, ENAH, and FGFR2. Consistent with the downregulation of ESRP1 during EMT, it has been initially revealed that high ESRP1 expression is associated with favorable prognosis and ESRP1 plays a tumor-suppressive role in cancer progression. However, ESRP1 has been found to promote cancer progression in some cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancers, indicating that it plays a dual role in cancer progression depending on the type of cancer. Furthermore, recent studies have reported that ESRP1 affects tumor growth by regulating the metabolism of tumor cells or immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment, suggesting the novel roles of ESRP1 in addition to EMT. ESRP1 expression was also associated with response to anticancer drugs. This review describes current understanding of the roles and mechanisms of ESRP1 in cancer progression, and further discusses the emerging novel roles of ESRP1 in cancer and recent attempts to target splicing factors for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Jeong Kwon
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (MRC), College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
- BK21 FOUR KNU Community-Based Intelligent Novel Drug Discovery Education Unit, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehak-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Merckens A, Sieler M, Keil S, Dittmar T. Altered Phenotypes of Breast Epithelial × Breast Cancer Hybrids after ZEB1 Knock-Out. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17310. [PMID: 38139138 PMCID: PMC10744253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
ZEB1 plays a pivotal role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), (cancer) cell stemness and cancer therapy resistance. The M13HS tumor hybrids, which were derived from spontaneous fusion events between the M13SV1-EGFP-Neo breast epithelial cells and HS578T-Hyg breast cancer cells, express ZEB1 and exhibit prospective cancer stem cell properties. To explore a possible correlation between the ZEB1 and stemness/ EMT-related properties in M13HS tumor hybrids, ZEB1 was knocked-out by CRISPR/Cas9. Colony formation, mammosphere formation, cell migration, invasion assays, flow cytometry and Western blot analyses were performed for the characterization of ZEB1 knock-out cells. The ZEB1 knock-out in M13HS tumor cells was not correlated with the down-regulation of the EMT-related markers N-CADHERIN (CDH2) and VIMENTIN and up-regulation of miR-200c-3p. Nonetheless, both the colony formation and mammosphere formation capacities of the M13HS ZEB1 knock-out cells were markedly reduced. Interestingly, the M13HS-2 ZEB1-KO cells harbored a markedly higher fraction of ALDH1-positive cells. The Transwell/ Boyden chamber migration assay data indicated a reduced migratory activity of the M13HS ZEB1-knock-out tumor hybrids, whereas in scratch/ wound-healing assays only the M13SH-8 ZEB1-knock-out cells possessed a reduced locomotory activity. Similarly, only the M13HS-8 ZEB1-knock-out tumor hybrids showed a reduced invasion capacity. Although the ZEB1 knock-out resulted in only moderate phenotypic changes, our data support the role of ZEB1 in EMT and stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448 Witten, Germany; (A.M.); (M.S.); (S.K.)
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18
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Ramesh V, Gollavilli PN, Pinna L, Siddiqui MA, Turtos AM, Napoli F, Antonelli Y, Leal-Egaña A, Havelund JF, Jakobsen ST, Boiteux EL, Volante M, Faergeman NJ, Jensen ON, Siersbaek R, Somyajit K, Ceppi P. Propionate reinforces epithelial identity and reduces aggressiveness of lung carcinoma. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e17836. [PMID: 37766669 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202317836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a central role in the development of cancer metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. However, its pharmacological treatment remains challenging. Here, we used an EMT-focused integrative functional genomic approach and identified an inverse association between short-chain fatty acids (propionate and butanoate) and EMT in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Remarkably, treatment with propionate in vitro reinforced the epithelial transcriptional program promoting cell-to-cell contact and cell adhesion, while reducing the aggressive and chemo-resistant EMT phenotype in lung cancer cell lines. Propionate treatment also decreased the metastatic potential and limited lymph node spread in both nude mice and a genetic NSCLC mouse model. Further analysis revealed that chromatin remodeling through H3K27 acetylation (mediated by p300) is the mechanism underlying the shift toward an epithelial state upon propionate treatment. The results suggest that propionate administration has therapeutic potential in reducing NSCLC aggressiveness and warrants further clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU-Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Paradesi Naidu Gollavilli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU-Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Luisa Pinna
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mohammad Aarif Siddiqui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Adriana Martinez Turtos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Francesca Napoli
- Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Yasmin Antonelli
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aldo Leal-Egaña
- Institute for Molecular Systems Engineering and Advanced Materials, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jesper Foged Havelund
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Simon Toftholm Jakobsen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Elisa Le Boiteux
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marco Volante
- Department of Oncology at San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Nils Joakim Faergeman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ole N Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Siersbaek
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kumar Somyajit
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Paolo Ceppi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Clinical Research, University Hospital Erlangen, FAU-Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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19
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Kim B, Lopez AT, Thevarajan I, Osuna MF, Mallavarapu M, Gao B, Osborne JK. Unexpected Differences in the Speed of Non-Malignant versus Malignant Cell Migration Reveal Differential Basal Intracellular ATP Levels. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5519. [PMID: 38067222 PMCID: PMC10705159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular locomotion is required for survival, fertility, proper embryonic development, regeneration, and wound healing. Cell migration is a major component of metastasis, which accounts for two-thirds of all solid tumor deaths. While many studies have demonstrated increased energy requirements, metabolic rates, and migration of cancer cells compared with normal cells, few have systematically compared normal and cancer cell migration as well as energy requirements side by side. Thus, we investigated how non-malignant and malignant cells migrate, utilizing several cell lines from the breast and lung. Initial screening was performed in an unbiased high-throughput manner for the ability to migrate/invade on collagen and/or Matrigel. We unexpectedly observed that all the non-malignant lung cells moved significantly faster than cells derived from lung tumors regardless of the growth media used. Given the paradigm-shifting nature of our discovery, we pursued the mechanisms that could be responsible. Neither mass, cell doubling, nor volume accounted for the individual speed and track length of the normal cells. Non-malignant cells had higher levels of intracellular ATP at premigratory-wound induction stages. Meanwhile, cancer cells also increased intracellular ATP at premigratory-wound induction, but not to the levels of the normal cells, indicating the possibility for further therapeutic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bareun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Anthony T. Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Indhujah Thevarajan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria F. Osuna
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Monica Mallavarapu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Boning Gao
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Jihan K. Osborne
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
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20
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Zefferino R, Conese M. A Vaccine against Cancer: Can There Be a Possible Strategy to Face the Challenge? Possible Targets and Paradoxical Effects. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1701. [PMID: 38006033 PMCID: PMC10674257 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Is it possible to have an available vaccine that eradicates cancer? Starting from this question, this article tries to verify the state of the art, proposing a different approach to the issue. The variety of cancers and different and often unknown causes of cancer impede, except in some cited cases, the creation of a classical vaccine directed at the causative agent. The efforts of the scientific community are oriented toward stimulating the immune systems of patients, thereby preventing immune evasion, and heightening chemotherapeutic agents effects against cancer. However, the results are not decisive, because without any warning signs, metastasis often occurs. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on a vaccine that must be administered to a patient in order to prevent metastasis; metastasis is an event that leads to death, and thus, preventing it could transform cancer into a chronic disease. We underline the fact that the field has not been studied in depth, and that the complexity of metastatic processes should not be underestimated. Then, with the aim of identifying the target of a cancer vaccine, we draw attention to the presence of the paradoxical actions of different mechanisms, pathways, molecules, and immune and non-immune cells characteristic of the tumor microenvironment at the primary site and pre-metastatic niche in order to exclude possible vaccine candidates that have opposite effects/behaviors; after a meticulous evaluation, we propose possible targets to develop a metastasis-targeting vaccine. We conclude that a change in the current concept of a cancer vaccine is needed, and the efforts of the scientific community should be redirected toward a metastasis-targeting vaccine, with the increasing hope of eradicating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Zefferino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
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21
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Bhatia S, Gunter JH, Burgess JT, Adams MN, O'Byrne K, Thompson EW, Duijf PH. Stochastic epithelial-mesenchymal transitions diversify non-cancerous lung cell behaviours. Transl Oncol 2023; 37:101760. [PMID: 37611490 PMCID: PMC10466920 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101760] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a hallmark of cancer. By enabling cells to shift between different morphological and functional states, EMP promotes invasion, metastasis and therapy resistance. We report that near-diploid non-cancerous human epithelial lung cells spontaneously shift along the EMP spectrum without genetic changes. Strikingly, more than half of single cell-derived clones adopt a mesenchymal morphology. We independently characterise epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like clones. Mesenchymal clones lose epithelial markers, display larger cell aspect ratios and lower motility, with mostly unaltered proliferation rates. Stemness marker expression and metabolic rewiring diverge independently of phenotypes. In 3D culture, more epithelial clones become mesenchymal-like. Thus, non-cancerous epithelial cells may acquire cancer metastasis-associated features prior to genetic alterations and cancerous transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugandha Bhatia
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jennifer H Gunter
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia; Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland (APCRC-Q), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia
| | - Joshua T Burgess
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark N Adams
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Kenneth O'Byrne
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia; Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Pascal Hg Duijf
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia; Centre for Cancer Biology, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide SA, 5001, Australia; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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22
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Gohlke L, Alahdab A, Oberhofer A, Worf K, Holdenrieder S, Michaelis M, Cinatl J, Ritter CA. Loss of Key EMT-Regulating miRNAs Highlight the Role of ZEB1 in EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Resistant NSCLC. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14742. [PMID: 37834189 PMCID: PMC10573279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), acquired drug resistance to targeted therapy remains a major obstacle. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been identified as a key resistance mechanism in NSCLC. Here, we investigated the mechanistic role of key EMT-regulating small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) in sublines of the NSCLC cell line HCC4006 adapted to afatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, or osimertinib. The most differentially expressed miRNAs derived from extracellular vesicles were associated with EMT, and their predicted target ZEB1 was significantly overexpressed in all resistant cell lines. Transfection of a miR-205-5p mimic partially reversed EMT by inhibiting ZEB1, restoring CDH1 expression, and inhibiting migration in erlotinib-resistant cells. Gene expression of EMT-markers, transcription factors, and miRNAs were correlated during stepwise osimertinib adaptation of HCC4006 cells. Temporally relieving cells of osimertinib reversed transition trends, suggesting that the implementation of treatment pauses could provide prolonged benefits for patients. Our results provide new insights into the contribution of miRNAs to drug-resistant NSCLC harboring EGFR-activating mutations and highlight their role as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linus Gohlke
- Institute of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, University Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Ahmad Alahdab
- Institute of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, University Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Angela Oberhofer
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (A.O.); (K.W.); (S.H.)
| | - Karolina Worf
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (A.O.); (K.W.); (S.H.)
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (A.O.); (K.W.); (S.H.)
| | - Martin Michaelis
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK;
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Christoph A Ritter
- Institute of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, University Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
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23
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Wei X, Li X, Hu S, Cheng J, Cai R. Regulation of Ferroptosis in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14614. [PMID: 37834062 PMCID: PMC10572737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common lung cancer, which accounts for about 35-40% of all lung cancer patients. Despite therapeutic advancements in recent years, the overall survival time of LUAD patients still remains poor, especially KRAS mutant LUAD. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore novel targets and drugs to improve the prognos is for LUAD. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent regulated cell death (RCD) caused by lipid peroxidation, has attracted much attention recently as an alternative target for apoptosis in LUAD therapy. Ferroptosis has been found to be closely related to LUAD at every stage, including initiation, proliferation, and progression. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of ferroptosis mechanisms, its regulation in LUAD, and the application of targeting ferroptosis for LUAD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jinke Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (X.W.); (X.L.); (S.H.)
| | - Rong Cai
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (X.W.); (X.L.); (S.H.)
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24
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Huang Q, Liu L, Xiao D, Huang Z, Wang W, Zhai K, Fang X, Kim J, Liu J, Liang W, He J, Bao S. CD44 + lung cancer stem cell-derived pericyte-like cells cause brain metastases through GPR124-enhanced trans-endothelial migration. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:1621-1636.e8. [PMID: 37595587 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastasis of lung cancer causes high mortality, but the exact mechanisms underlying the metastasis remain unclear. Here we report that vascular pericytes derived from CD44+ lung cancer stem cells (CSCs) in lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) potently cause brain metastases through the G-protein-coupled receptor 124 (GPR124)-enhanced trans-endothelial migration (TEM). CD44+ CSCs in perivascular niches generate the majority of vascular pericytes in lung ADC. CSC-derived pericyte-like cells (Cd-pericytes) exhibit remarkable TEM capacity to effectively intravasate into the vessel lumina, survive in the circulation, extravasate into the brain parenchyma, and then de-differentiate into tumorigenic CSCs to form metastases. Cd-pericytes uniquely express GPR124 that activates Wnt7-β-catenin signaling to enhance TEM capacity of Cd-pericytes for intravasation and extravasation, two critical steps during tumor metastasis. Furthermore, selective disruption of Cd-pericytes, GPR124, or the Wnt7-β-catenin signaling markedly reduces brain and liver metastases of lung ADC. Our findings uncover an unappreciated cellular and molecular paradigm driving tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Huang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Liping Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, and the National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Dakai Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, and the National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Zhi Huang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, and the National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Kui Zhai
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Xiaoguang Fang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jongmyung Kim
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - James Liu
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Wenhua Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, and the National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jianxing He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, and the National Clinical Research Centre for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou 510120, China.
| | - Shideng Bao
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; Center for Cancer Stem Cell Research, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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25
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Duan W, Guo S, Huang HP, Tian Y, Li Z, Bi Y, Yi L, Cao M, Guo M, Li Y, Liu Y, Li C. High expression of NF-κB inducing kinase in the bulge region of hair follicle induces tumor. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152705. [PMID: 37459681 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The bulge region, a reservoir of multipotent stem cells, is possibly responsible for tumorigenesis. NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) is a kinase involved in the activation of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway and exhibits positive staining in tumor cells. However, whether high expression of NIK can result in tumorigenesis has not been reported in published papers. By establishing Nik-coe (Nik-stopF/F crossed with Chat-cre) and Nik-soe (Nik-stopF/F crossed with Sox9-cre) mice, we found that overexpression of Nik in the bulge region of hair follicles induced hair follicle loss and tumorigenesis. Furthermore, RNA sequencing, proteomic and phosphopeptide analyses revealed that multiple cancer pathways are involved in tumor formation. Taken together, these findings indicate that constitutive activation of Nik in the bulge region induces tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weisong Duan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China; Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengmin Guo
- Hebei Senlang Biotechnology Co., Ltd., No. 136 Yellow River Avenue, Shijiazhuang High-Tech Development Zone, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Huai-Peng Huang
- Shijiazhuang Pingan Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunyun Tian
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongyao Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Bi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Yi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengjie Cao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Moran Guo
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yakun Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China; Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, People's Republic of China.
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26
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Wallbillich NJ, Lu H. Role of c-Myc in lung cancer: Progress, challenges, and prospects. CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL PULMONARY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE 2023; 1:129-138. [PMID: 37920609 PMCID: PMC10621893 DOI: 10.1016/j.pccm.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the recent advances in cancer therapies, the 5-year survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients hovers around 20%. Inherent and acquired resistance to therapies (including radiation, chemotherapies, targeted drugs, and combination therapies) has become a significant obstacle in the successful treatment of NSCLC. c-Myc, one of the critical oncoproteins, has been shown to be heavily associated with the malignant cancer phenotype, including rapid proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance across multiple cancer types. The c-Myc proto-oncogene is amplified in small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) and overexpressed in over 50% of NSCLCs. c-Myc is known to actively regulate the transcription of cancer stemness genes that are recognized as major contributors to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance; thus, targeting c-Myc either directly or indirectly in mitigation of the cancer stemness phenotype becomes a promising approach for development of a new strategy against drug resistant lung cancers. This review will summarize what is currently known about the mechanisms underlying c-Myc regulation of cancer stemness and its involvement in drug resistance and offer an overview on the current progress and future prospects in therapeutically targeting c-Myc in both SCLC and NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Wallbillich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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27
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Pan Y, van der Watt PJ, Kay SA. E-box binding transcription factors in cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1223208. [PMID: 37601651 PMCID: PMC10437117 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1223208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
E-boxes are important regulatory elements in the eukaryotic genome. Transcription factors can bind to E-boxes through their basic helix-loop-helix or zinc finger domain to regulate gene transcription. E-box-binding transcription factors (EBTFs) are important regulators of development and essential for physiological activities of the cell. The fundamental role of EBTFs in cancer has been highlighted by studies on the canonical oncogene MYC, yet many EBTFs exhibit common features, implying the existence of shared molecular principles of how they are involved in tumorigenesis. A comprehensive analysis of TFs that share the basic function of binding to E-boxes has been lacking. Here, we review the structure of EBTFs, their common features in regulating transcription, their physiological functions, and their mutual regulation. We also discuss their converging functions in cancer biology, their potential to be targeted as a regulatory network, and recent progress in drug development targeting these factors in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanzhong Pan
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Pauline J. van der Watt
- Division of Medical Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Steve A. Kay
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Li XY, He XY, Zhao H, Qi L, Lu JJ. Identification of a novel therapeutic target for lung cancer: Mitochondrial ribosome protein L9. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154625. [PMID: 37343379 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer has a high fatality rate and incidence rate. At present, the initial and progress mechanism of lung cancer has not been completely elucidated and new therapeutic targets still need to be developed. In this study, the screening process was based on lung cancer expression profile data and survival analysis. Mitochondrial ribosome protein L9 (MRPL9) was upregulated in lung cancer tissues and related to the poor overall survival rate and recurrence-free survival rate of lung cancer patients. Knockdown of MRPL9 inhibited the proliferation, sphere-formation, and migration ability of lung cancer cells. MRPL9 was associated with the c-MYC signaling pathway, and lung cancer patients with high expression of both MRPL9 and MYC had a poor prognosis. Furthermore, c-MYC was associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulatory protein zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) by bioinformatics analysis. The relationship between ZEB1 and c-MYC was further confirmed by interfering with c-MYC expression. MRPL9 is a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer and exerts its biological functions by affecting the transcription factor c-MYC thereby regulating the EMT regulator ZEB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Xin-Yu He
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Lu Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Jin-Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, University of Macau, Macao, China.
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Perez-Oquendo M, Manshouri R, Tian Y, Fradette JJ, Rodriguez BL, Kundu ST, Gibbons DL. ZEB1 Is Regulated by K811 Acetylation to Promote Stability, NuRD Complex Interactions, EMT, and NSCLC Metastasis. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:779-794. [PMID: 37255406 PMCID: PMC10390859 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition results in loss of specialized epithelial cell contacts and acquisition of mesenchymal invasive capacity. The transcription repressor zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) binds to E-boxes of gene promoter regions to suppress the expression of epithelial genes. ZEB1 has inconsistent molecular weights, which have been attributed to posttranslational modifications (PTM). We performed mass spectrometry and identified K811 acetylation as a novel PTM in ZEB1. To define the role of ZEB1 acetylation in regulating function, we generated ZEB1 acetyl-mimetic (K811Q) and acetyl-deficient (K811R) mutant-expressing non-small cell lung cancer cell lines (NSCLC). We demonstrate that the K811R ZEB1 (125 kDa) has a shorter protein half-life than wild-type (WT) ZEB1 and K811Q ZEB1 (∼225 kDa), suggesting that lack of ZEB1 acetylation in the lower molecular weight form affects protein stability. Further, the acetylated form of ZEB1 recruits the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex to bind the promoter of its target genes mir200c-141 and SEMA3F. RNA-sequencing revealed that WT ZEB1 and K811Q ZEB1 downregulate the expression of epithelial genes to promote lung adenocarcinoma invasion and metastasis, whereas the K811R ZEB1 does not. Our findings establish that the K811 acetylation promotes ZEB1 protein stability, interaction with other protein complexes, and subsequent invasion/metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma via epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. IMPLICATIONS The molecular mechanisms by which ZEB1 is regulated by K811 acetylation to promote protein stability, NuRD complex and promoter interactions, and function are relevant to the development of treatment strategies to prevent and treat metastasis in patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Perez-Oquendo
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Roxsan Manshouri
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yanhua Tian
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jared J. Fradette
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - B. Leticia Rodriguez
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Samrat T. Kundu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Don L. Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Zhai D, Zhou Y, Kuang X, Shao F, Zhen T, Lin Y, Wang Q, Shao N. Lnc NR2F1-AS1 Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis by Targeting the MiR-25-3p/ZEB2 Axis. Int J Med Sci 2023; 20:1152-1162. [PMID: 37575267 PMCID: PMC10416723 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.86969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) substantially affect tumor metastasis and are aberrantly expressed in various cancers. However, its role in breast cancer (BC) remains unclear. Methods: A microarray assay of differentially expressed lncRNAs in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and non-EMT cells was performed. The prognostic value of lnc NR2F1-AS1 expression in patients with BC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Lnc NR2F1-AS1 expression levels in different BC cell lines were assessed using quantitative real-time PCR. The role of lnc NR2F1-AS1 in BC cell metastasis was investigated in vitro and in vivo. Dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation were performed to investigate the relationship between lnc NR2F1-AS1, miR-25-3p, and ZEB2. Results: High levels of lnc NR2F1-AS1 were observed in BC cells undergoing EMT and were closely correlated with adverse prognosis in patients with BC. Lnc NR2F1-AS1 knockdown significantly inhibited BC cell migration, invasiveness in vitro, and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, lnc NR2F1-AS1 competitively binds to miR-25-3p to impede ZEB2 degradation, a positive EMT transcription factor in BC. Conclusions: Our study revealed a novel lnc NR2F1-AS1/miR-25-3p/ZEB2 axis in BC metastasis and that lnc NR2F1-AS1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for BC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duanyang Zhai
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Division of Vascular Surgery, National-Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Vascular Disease Treatment, Engineering and Technology Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, Guangdong Engineering Laboratoty of Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaying Kuang
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangyuan Shao
- Cancer Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Tiantian Zhen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Nan Shao
- Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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31
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Geng N, Qi Y, Qin W, Li S, Jin H, Jiang Y, Wang X, Wei S, Wang P. Two microRNAs of plasma-derived small extracellular vesicles as biomarkers for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. BMC Pulm Med 2023; 23:259. [PMID: 37452310 PMCID: PMC10347730 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-023-02538-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) of plasma-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) have been proven to be associated with metastasis in several types of cancer. This study aimed to detect miRNAs of plasma-derived sEVs as potential biomarkers for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS We assessed the miRNA profiles of plasma-derived sEVs from healthy individuals as the control group (CT group), NSCLC patients without distant organ metastasis as the NM-NSCLC group and patients with distant organ metastasis as the M-NSCLC group. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on samples, and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) of the three groups were screened. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and ClueGO were used to predict potential pathways of DEMs. MiRNA enrichment analysis and annotation tool (miEAA) was used to understand changes in the tumour microenvironment in NSCLC. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR) analysis was used to validate target miRNAs. RESULT NGS was performed on 38 samples of miRNAs of plasma-derived sEVs, and DEMs were screened out between the above three groups. Regarding the distribution of DEMs in the NM-NSCLC and M-NSCLC groups, KEGG pathway analysis showed enrichment in focal adhesion and gap junctions and ClueGO in the Rap1 and Hippo signaling pathways; miEAA found that fibroblasts were over-represented. From our screening, miRNA-200c-3p and miRNA-4429 were found to be predictive DEMs among the CT, NM-NSCLC and M-NSCLC groups, and qRT‒PCR was applied to verify the results. Finally, it was revealed that expression levels of miR-200c-3p and miR-4429 were significantly upregulated in M-NSCLC patients. CONCLUSION This study identified miRNA-200c-3p and miRNA-4429 as potential biomarkers for NSCLC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Geng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, P.R. China
| | - Yaopu Qi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, P.R. China
| | - Wenwen Qin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, P.R. China
| | - Si Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, P.R. China
| | - Hao Jin
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, P.R. China
| | - Yifang Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, P.R. China
| | - Xiuhuan Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, P.R. China
| | - Shanna Wei
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, P.R. China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Jiankang Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050011, P.R. China.
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32
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Xiao GY, Tan X, Rodriguez BL, Gibbons DL, Wang S, Wu C, Liu X, Yu J, Vasquez ME, Tran HT, Xu J, Russell WK, Haymaker C, Lee Y, Zhang J, Solis L, Wistuba II, Kurie JM. EMT activates exocytotic Rabs to coordinate invasion and immunosuppression in lung cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220276120. [PMID: 37406091 PMCID: PMC10334751 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220276120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) underlies immunosuppression, drug resistance, and metastasis in epithelial malignancies. However, the way in which EMT orchestrates disparate biological processes remains unclear. Here, we identify an EMT-activated vesicular trafficking network that coordinates promigratory focal adhesion dynamics with an immunosuppressive secretory program in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The EMT-activating transcription factor ZEB1 drives exocytotic vesicular trafficking by relieving Rab6A, Rab8A, and guanine nucleotide exchange factors from miR-148a-dependent silencing, thereby facilitating MMP14-dependent focal adhesion turnover in LUAD cells and autotaxin-mediated CD8+ T cell exhaustion, indicating that cell-intrinsic and extrinsic processes are linked through a microRNA that coordinates vesicular trafficking networks. Blockade of ZEB1-dependent secretion reactivates antitumor immunity and negates resistance to PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade, an important clinical problem in LUAD. Thus, EMT activates exocytotic Rabs to drive a secretory program that promotes invasion and immunosuppression in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Yu Xiao
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Xiaochao Tan
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Bertha L. Rodriguez
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Don L. Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Shike Wang
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Jiang Yu
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Mayra E. Vasquez
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Hai T. Tran
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
- Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX77030
| | - William K. Russell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX77555
| | - Cara Haymaker
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Younghee Lee
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Luisa Solis
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Ignacio I. Wistuba
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
| | - Jonathan M. Kurie
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas Monroe Dunaway (MD) Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX77030
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Mustafa A, Zulfiqar U, Mumtaz MZ, Radziemska M, Haider FU, Holatko J, Hammershmiedt T, Naveed M, Ali H, Kintl A, Saeed Q, Kucerik J, Brtnicky M. Nickel (Ni) phytotoxicity and detoxification mechanisms: A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 328:138574. [PMID: 37019403 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Scientists studying the environment, physiology, and biology have been particularly interested in nickel (Ni) because of its dual effects (essentiality and toxicity) on terrestrial biota. It has been reported in some studies that without an adequate supply of Ni, plants are unable to finish their life cycle. The safest Ni limit for plants is 1.5 μg g-1, while the limit for soil is between 75 and 150 μg g-1. Ni at lethal levels harms plants by interfering with a variety of physiological functions, including enzyme activity, root development, photosynthesis, and mineral uptake. This review focuses on the occurrence and phytotoxicity of Ni with respect to growth, physiological and biochemical aspects. It also delves into advanced Ni detoxification mechanisms such as cellular modifications, organic acids, and chelation of Ni by plant roots, and emphasizes the role of genes involved in Ni detoxification. The discussion has been carried out on the current state of using soil amendments and plant-microbe interactions to successfully remediate Ni from contaminated sites. This review has identified potential drawbacks and difficulties of various strategies for Ni remediation, discussed the importance of these findings for environmental authorities and decision-makers, and concluded by noting the sustainability concerns and future research needs regarding Ni remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Mustafa
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno, 61300, Brno, Czech Republic; Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Benatska 2, CZ12800, Praha, Czech Republic.
| | - Usman Zulfiqar
- Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur, 63100, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zahid Mumtaz
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Main Campus, Defense Road, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Maja Radziemska
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno, 61300, Brno, Czech Republic; Institute of Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 159 Nowoursynowska,02-776, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Fasih Ullah Haider
- Key Laboratory of Vegetation Restoration and Management of Degraded Ecosystems, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 510650, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiri Holatko
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno, 61300, Brno, Czech Republic; Agrovyzkum Rapotin, Ltd., Vyzkumniku 267, 788 13, Rapotin, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Hammershmiedt
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno, 61300, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Muhammad Naveed
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Science, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Hassan Ali
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Science, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - Antonin Kintl
- Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno, 61300, Brno, Czech Republic; Agricultural Research, Ltd., 664 4, Troubsko, Czech Republic
| | - Qudsia Saeed
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Kucerik
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Brtnicky
- Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection, Faculty of Chemistry, Brno University of Technology, Purkynova 118, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Agrochemistry, Soil Science, Microbiology and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of AgriSciences, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, Brno, 61300, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Verstappe J, Berx G. A role for partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in enabling stemness in homeostasis and cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 90:15-28. [PMID: 36773819 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells have self-renewal capacities and the ability to give rise to differentiated cells thereby sustaining tissues during homeostasis and injury. This structural hierarchy extends to tumours which harbor stem-like cells deemed cancer stem cells that propagate the tumour and drive metastasis and relapse. The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays an important role in development and cancer cell migration, was shown to be correlated with stemness in both homeostasis and cancer indicating that stemness can be acquired and is not necessarily an intrinsic trait. Nowadays it is experimentally proven that the activation of an EMT program does not necessarily drive cells towards a fully mesenchymal phenotype but rather to hybrid E/M states. This review offers the latest advances in connecting the EMT status and stem-cell state of both non-transformed and cancer cells. Recent literature clearly shows that hybrid EMT states have a higher probability of acquiring stem cell traits. The position of a cell along the EMT-axis which coincides with a stem cell-like state is known as the stemness window. We show how the original EMT-state of a cell dictates the EMT/MET inducing programmes required to reach stemness. Lastly we present the mechanism of stemness regulation and the regulatory feedback loops which position cells at a certain EMT state along the EMT axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Verstappe
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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35
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Feng Y, Lin Y, Jiang Z, Wu L, Zhang Y, Wu H, Yuan X. Insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding protein 3 promotes cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 mRNA. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:503-516. [PMID: 36688673 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The role and mechanism of insulin-like growth factor-2 mRNA-binding protein 3 (IGF2BP3) in the metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remain unclear. In this study, IGF2BP3 mRNA and protein expression levels were evaluated in ESCC tissues. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), plasmid overexpression, and stable lentivirus transfection were used to manipulate intracellular IGF2BP3 expression levels. The role of IGF2BP3 in ESCC tumorigenesis was investigated in vitro and in vivo. IGF2BP3 target transcripts were detected, and the acetylation effect ratios of the IGF2BP3 promoter region by H3K27ac were determined. IGF2BP3 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in ESCC tissues than in normal esophageal tissues. Increased IGF2BP3 expression levels were detected in node-negative ESCC tissues and correlated with greater lesion depth in ESCC. Overexpression of IGF2BP3 promoted ESCC development in vitro and in vivo, and IGF2BP3 knockdown caused an opposite effect. IGF2BP3 was found to directly bind to the zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (Zeb1) mRNA, and the downregulation of IGF2BP3 reduced the stability of Zeb1 mRNA. IGF2BP3 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in ESCC cells in a Zeb1-dependent manner. IGF2BP3 was transcriptionally activated in ESCC cell lines via H3K27 acetylation. Our results demonstrate that IGF2BP3 plays a vital role in ESCC cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis and is a potential therapeutic target for treating ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadong Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanbing Lin
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhaoyan Jiang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Youyu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qinghai Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Hailu Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoqin Yuan
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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36
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Ang HL, Mohan CD, Shanmugam MK, Leong HC, Makvandi P, Rangappa KS, Bishayee A, Kumar AP, Sethi G. Mechanism of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer and its regulation by natural compounds. Med Res Rev 2023. [PMID: 36929669 DOI: 10.1002/med.21948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex process with a primordial role in cellular transformation whereby an epithelial cell transforms and acquires a mesenchymal phenotype. This transformation plays a pivotal role in tumor progression and self-renewal, and exacerbates resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy. EMT can be initiated and promoted by deregulated oncogenic signaling pathways, hypoxia, and cells in the tumor microenvironment, resulting in a loss-of-epithelial cell polarity, cell-cell adhesion, and enhanced invasive/migratory properties. Numerous transcriptional regulators, such as Snail, Slug, Twist, and ZEB1/ZEB2 induce EMT through the downregulation of epithelial markers and gain-of-expression of the mesenchymal markers. Additionally, signaling cascades such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, Sonic hedgehog, nuclear factor kappa B, receptor tyrosine kinases, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Hippo, and transforming growth factor-β pathways regulate EMT whereas they are often deregulated in cancers leading to aberrant EMT. Furthermore, noncoding RNAs, tumor-derived exosomes, and epigenetic alterations are also involved in the modulation of EMT. Therefore, the regulation of EMT is a vital strategy to control the aggressive metastatic characteristics of tumor cells. Despite the vast amount of preclinical data on EMT in cancer progression, there is a lack of clinical translation at the therapeutic level. In this review, we have discussed thoroughly the role of the aforementioned transcription factors, noncoding RNAs (microRNAs, long noncoding RNA, circular RNA), signaling pathways, epigenetic modifications, and tumor-derived exosomes in the regulation of EMT in cancers. We have also emphasized the contribution of EMT to drug resistance and possible therapeutic interventions using plant-derived natural products, their semi-synthetic derivatives, and nano-formulations that are described as promising EMT blockers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li Ang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Muthu K Shanmugam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hin Chong Leong
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia Centre for Materials Interface, Pontedera, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, Florida, USA
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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37
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Zhu L, Tang Y, Li XY, Kerk SA, Lyssiotis CA, Feng W, Sun X, Hespe GE, Wang Z, Stemmler MP, Brabletz S, Brabletz T, Keller ET, Ma J, Cho JS, Yang J, Weiss SJ. A Zeb1/MtCK1 metabolic axis controls osteoclast activation and skeletal remodeling. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111148. [PMID: 36843552 PMCID: PMC10068323 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing polykaryons responsible for skeletal remodeling during health and disease. Coincident with their differentiation from myeloid precursors, osteoclasts undergo extensive transcriptional and metabolic reprogramming in order to acquire the cellular machinery necessary to demineralize bone and digest its interwoven extracellular matrix. While attempting to identify new regulatory molecules critical to bone resorption, we discovered that murine and human osteoclast differentiation is accompanied by the expression of Zeb1, a zinc-finger transcriptional repressor whose role in normal development is most frequently linked to the control of epithelial-mesenchymal programs. However, following targeting, we find that Zeb1 serves as an unexpected regulator of osteoclast energy metabolism. In vivo, Zeb1-null osteoclasts assume a hyperactivated state, markedly decreasing bone density due to excessive resorptive activity. Mechanistically, Zeb1 acts in a rheostat-like fashion to modulate murine and human osteoclast activity by transcriptionally repressing an ATP-buffering enzyme, mitochondrial creatine kinase 1 (MtCK1), thereby controlling the phosphocreatine energy shuttle and mitochondrial respiration. Together, these studies identify a novel Zeb1/MtCK1 axis that exerts metabolic control over bone resorption in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxin Zhu
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yi Tang
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiao-Yan Li
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Samuel A Kerk
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Doctoral Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Costas A Lyssiotis
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wenqing Feng
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Xiaoyue Sun
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Geoffrey E Hespe
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Surgery, Section of Plastic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zijun Wang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simone Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, FAU University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Evan T Keller
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Urology and the Institute of Gerontology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jun Ma
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jung-Sun Cho
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jingwen Yang
- The State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Basic Science of Stomatology (Hubei-MOST) and Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stephen J Weiss
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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38
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Li D, Xia L, Huang P, Wang Z, Guo Q, Huang C, Leng W, Qin S. Heterogeneity and plasticity of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer metastasis: Focusing on partial EMT and regulatory mechanisms. Cell Prolif 2023:e13423. [PMID: 36808651 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) or mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) plays critical roles in cancer metastasis. Recent studies, especially those based on single-cell sequencing, have revealed that EMT is not a binary process, but a heterogeneous and dynamic disposition with intermediary or partial EMT states. Multiple double-negative feedback loops involved by EMT-related transcription factors (EMT-TFs) have been identified. These feedback loops between EMT drivers and MET drivers finely regulate the EMT transition state of the cell. In this review, the general characteristics, biomarkers and molecular mechanisms of different EMT transition states were summarized. We additionally discussed the direct and indirect roles of EMT transition state in tumour metastasis. More importantly, this article provides direct evidence that the heterogeneity of EMT is closely related to the poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Notably, a seesaw model was proposed to explain how tumour cells regulate themselves to remain in specific EMT transition states, including epithelial state, hybrid/intermediate state and mesenchymal state. Additionally, this article also provides a review of the current status, limitations and future perspectives of EMT signalling in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Li
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Lingyun Xia
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Pan Huang
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zidi Wang
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiwei Guo
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Weidong Leng
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Shanshan Qin
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China.,Laboratory of Tumor Biology, Academy of Bio-medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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39
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Adverse Human Health Effects of Chromium by Exposure Route: A Comprehensive Review Based on Toxicogenomic Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043410. [PMID: 36834821 PMCID: PMC9963995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Heavy metals are defined as metals with relatively high density and atomic weight, and their various applications have raised serious concerns about the environmental impacts and potential human health effects. Chromium is an important heavy metal that is involved in biological metabolism, but Cr exposure can induce a severe impact on occupational workers or public health. In this study, we explore the toxic effects of Cr exposure through three exposure routes: dermal contact, inhalation, and ingestion. We propose the underlying toxicity mechanisms of Cr exposure based on transcriptomic data and various bioinformatic tools. Our study provides a comprehensive understanding of the toxicity mechanisms of different Cr exposure routes by diverse bioinformatics analyses.
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40
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Son J, Jung O, Kim JH, Park KS, Kweon HS, Nguyen NT, Lee YJ, Cha H, Lee Y, Tran Q, Seo Y, Park J, Choi J, Cheong H, Lee SY. MARS2 drives metabolic switch of non-small-cell lung cancer cells via interaction with MCU. Redox Biol 2023; 60:102628. [PMID: 36774778 PMCID: PMC9947422 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MARS2) canonically mediates the formation of fMet-tRNAifMet for mitochondrial translation initiation. Mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a major gate of Ca2+ flux from cytosol into the mitochondrial matrix. We found that MARS2 interacts with MCU and stimulates mitochondrial Ca2+ influx. Methionine binding to MARS2 would act as a molecular switch that regulates MARS2-MCU interaction. Endogenous knockdown of MARS2 attenuates mitochondrial Ca2+ influx and induces p53 upregulation through the Ca2+-dependent CaMKII/CREB signaling. Subsequently, metabolic rewiring from glycolysis into pentose phosphate pathway is triggered and cellular reactive oxygen species level decreases. This metabolic switch induces inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) via cellular redox regulation. Expression of MARS2 is regulated by ZEB1 transcription factor in response to Wnt signaling. Our results suggest the mechanisms of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and metabolic control of cancer that are exerted by the key factors of the mitochondrial translational machinery and Ca2+ homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juhyeon Son
- Department of Life Sciences, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13120, South Korea
| | - Okkeun Jung
- Department of Life Sciences, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13120, South Korea
| | - Jong Heon Kim
- Cancer Molecular Biology Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, 10408, South Korea,Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Sciences and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, 10408, South Korea
| | - Kyu Sang Park
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Gangwon, 26424, South Korea
| | - Hee-Seok Kweon
- Electron Microscopy Research Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju, Chungbuk, 28119, South Korea
| | - Nhung Thi Nguyen
- Department of Physiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Gangwon, 26424, South Korea
| | - Yu Jin Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13120, South Korea
| | - Hansol Cha
- Department of Life Sciences, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13120, South Korea
| | - Yejin Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13120, South Korea
| | - Quangdon Tran
- Department of Pharmacology and Medical Sciences, Metabolic Syndrom and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015, South Korea
| | - Yoona Seo
- Cancer Molecular Biology Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, 10408, South Korea,Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Sciences and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, 10408, South Korea
| | - Jongsun Park
- Department of Pharmacology and Medical Sciences, Metabolic Syndrom and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 35015, South Korea
| | - Jungwon Choi
- Cancer Molecular Biology Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, 10408, South Korea
| | - Heesun Cheong
- Cancer Molecular Biology Branch, Division of Cancer Biology, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Gyeonggi, 10408, South Korea
| | - Sang Yeol Lee
- Department of Life Sciences, College of BioNano Technology, Gachon University, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, 13120, South Korea.
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41
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Hu P, Wan P, Xu A, Yan B, Liu C, Xu Q, Wei Z, Xu J, Liu S, Yang G, Pan Y. Neferine, a novel ROCK1-targeting inhibitor, blocks EMT process and induces apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:553-566. [PMID: 35984492 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04280-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The compounds derived from Traditional Chinese Medicines have shown various pharmacological activities with unique advantages, especially in the aspect of antitumor. Neferine (Nef), a natural compound, extracted from green seed embryos of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) also exerts antitumor effects on cancers. In this study, the effects and mechanisms of Nef on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were evaluated. The results showed that Nef had the antitumor effects in vivo and in vitro. Nef significantly suppressed cell viability and induced apoptosis in NSCLC cells, with elevated reactive oxygen species and reduced BCL2/BAX ratio. Nef was also demonstrated to inhibit the invasion, metastasis and EMT process of NSCLC cells, and attenuate EMT-related changes of E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin at both transcriptional and translational levels. Moreover, we concluded that the inhibitory effects of Nef on EMT was achieved by targeting Rho-associated protein kinase 1, a protein mediating the process of EMT in various cancers. These results showed that Nef had a significant antitumor effect on NSCLC cells by inducing apoptosis and blocking EMT, providing the therapeutical prospect on NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Peng Wan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Anna Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Binghui Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chunmei Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qixuan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zhenhuan Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jingyi Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Siqi Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guangming Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Yang Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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42
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Saproo S, Sarkar SS, Gupta E, Chattopadhyay S, Charaya A, Kalra S, Ahuja G, Naidu S. MiR-330-5p and miR-1270 target essential components of RNA polymerase I transcription and exhibit a novel tumor suppressor role in lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer Gene Ther 2023; 30:288-301. [PMID: 36253542 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00544-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Upregulation of RNA polymerase I (Pol I) transcription and the overexpression of Pol I transcriptional machinery are crucial molecular alterations favoring malignant transformation. However, the causal molecular mechanism(s) of this aberration remain largely unknown. Here, we found that Pol I transcription and its core machinery are upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We show that the loss of miRNAs (miR)-330-5p and miR-1270 expression contributes to the upregulation of Pol I transcription in LUAD. Constitutive overexpression of these miRs in LUAD cell lines suppressed the expression of core components of Pol I transcription, and reduced global ribosomal RNA synthesis. Importantly, miR-330-5p/miR-1270-mediated repression of Pol I transcription exerted multiple tumor suppressive functions including reduced proliferation, cell cycle arrest, enhanced apoptosis, reduced migration, increased drug sensitivity, and reduced tumor burden in a mouse xenograft model. Mechanistically, the downregulation of miR-330-5p and miR-1270 is regulated by Pol I subunit-derived circular RNA circ_0055467 and DNA hypermethylation, respectively. This study uncovers a novel miR-330-5p/miR-1270 mediated post-transcriptional regulation of Pol I transcription, and establish tumor suppressor properties of these miRs in LUAD. Ultimately, our findings provide a rationale for the therapeutic targeting of Pol I transcriptional machinery for LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetanshu Saproo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India
| | - Shashanka S Sarkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India
| | - Ekta Gupta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India
| | - Sourav Chattopadhyay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India
| | - Aarzoo Charaya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India
| | - Siddhant Kalra
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Gaurav Ahuja
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Srivatsava Naidu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Rupnagar, Punjab, India.
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43
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Vad-Nielsen J, Staunstrup NH, Kjeldsen ML, Dybdal N, Flandin G, De Stradis C, Daugaard TF, Vilsbøll-Larsen T, Maansson CT, Doktor TK, Sorensen BS, Nielsen AL. Genome-wide epigenetic and mRNA-expression profiling followed by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene-disruptions corroborate the MIR141/MIR200C-ZEB1/ZEB2-FGFR1 axis in acquired EMT-associated EGFR TKI-resistance in NSCLC cells. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2023; 12:42-65. [PMID: 36762066 PMCID: PMC9903082 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-22-507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Background Epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT) is an epigenetic-based mechanism contributing to the acquired treatment resistance against receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutations. Delineating the exact epigenetic and gene-expression alterations in EMT-associated EGFR TKI-resistance (EMT-E-TKI-R) is vital for improved diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC patients. Methods We characterized genome-wide changes in mRNA-expression, DNA-methylation and the histone-modification H3K36me3 in EGFR-mutated NSCLC HCC827 cells in result of acquired EMT-E-TKI-R. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to functional examine key findings from the omics analyses. Results Acquired EMT-E-TKI-R was analyzed with three omics approaches. RNA-sequencing identified 2,233 and 1,972 up- and down-regulated genes, respectively, and among these were established EMT-markers. DNA-methylation EPIC array analyses identified 14,163 and 7,999 hyper- and hypo-methylated, respectively, differential methylated positions of which several were present in EMT-markers. Finally, H3K36me3 chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-sequencing detected 2,873 and 3,836 genes with enrichment and depletion, respectively, and among these were established EMT-markers. Correlation analyses showed that EMT-E-TKI-R mRNA-expression changes correlated better with H3K36me3 changes than with DNA-methylation changes. Moreover, the omics data supported the involvement of the MIR141/MIR200C-ZEB1/ZEB2-FGFR1 signaling axis for acquired EMT-E-TKI-R. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated analyses corroborated the importance of ZEB1 in acquired EMT-E-TKI-R, MIR200C and MIR141 to be in an EMT-E-TKI-R-associated auto-regulatory loop with ZEB1, and FGFR1 to mediate cell survival in EMT-E-TKI-R. Conclusions The current study describes the synchronous genome-wide changes in mRNA-expression, DNA-methylation, and H3K36me3 in NSCLC EMT-E-TKI-R. The omics approaches revealed potential novel diagnostic markers and treatment targets. Besides, the study consolidates the functional impact of the MIR141/MIR200C-ZEB1/ZEB2-FGFR1-signaling axis in NSCLC EMT-E-TKI-R.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nina Dybdal
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Christoffer Trier Maansson
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark;,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark;,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas Koed Doktor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Boe Sandahl Sorensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark;,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Lobb RJ, Visan KS, Wu LY, Norris EL, Hastie ML, Everitt S, Yang IA, Bowman RV, Siva S, Larsen JE, Gorman JJ, MacManus M, Leimgruber A, Fong KM, Möller A. An epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition induced extracellular vesicle prognostic signature in non-small cell lung cancer. Commun Biol 2023; 6:68. [PMID: 36653467 PMCID: PMC9849257 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant therapeutic advances, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide1. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients have a very poor overall five-year survival rate of only 10-20%. Currently, TNM staging is the gold standard for predicting overall survival and selecting optimal initial treatment options for NSCLC patients, including those with curable stages of disease. However, many patients with locoregionally-confined NSCLC relapse and die despite curative-intent interventions, indicating a need for intensified, individualised therapies. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the phenotypic depolarisation of epithelial cells to elongated, mesenchymal cells, is associated with metastatic and treatment-refractive cancer. We demonstrate here that EMT-induced protein changes in small extracellular vesicles are detectable in NSCLC patients and have prognostic significance. Overall, this work describes a novel prognostic biomarker signature that identifies potentially-curable NSCLC patients at risk of developing metastatic NSCLC, thereby enabling implementation of personalised treatment decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. Lobb
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395Tumour Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia
| | - Kekoolani S. Visan
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395Tumour Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Present Address: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Li-Ying Wu
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395Tumour Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001 Australia
| | - Emma L. Norris
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395Protein Discovery Centre, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Marcus L. Hastie
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395Protein Discovery Centre, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Sarah Everitt
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Ian A. Yang
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537UQ Thoracic Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia ,grid.415184.d0000 0004 0614 0266The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4032 Australia
| | - Rayleen V. Bowman
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537UQ Thoracic Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia ,grid.415184.d0000 0004 0614 0266The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4032 Australia
| | - Shankar Siva
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | - Jill E. Larsen
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia ,grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395Oncogenomics Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Jeffrey J. Gorman
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395Protein Discovery Centre, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia
| | - Michael MacManus
- grid.1055.10000000403978434Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia ,grid.1008.90000 0001 2179 088XSir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia
| | | | - Kwun M. Fong
- grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537UQ Thoracic Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia ,grid.415184.d0000 0004 0614 0266The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4032 Australia
| | - Andreas Möller
- grid.1049.c0000 0001 2294 1395Tumour Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006 Australia ,grid.1003.20000 0000 9320 7537Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072 Australia ,grid.1024.70000000089150953School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001 Australia ,grid.10784.3a0000 0004 1937 0482Present Address: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Wang S, Rong R, Yang DM, Fujimoto J, Bishop JA, Yan S, Cai L, Behrens C, Berry LD, Wilhelm C, Aisner D, Sholl L, Johnson BE, Kwiatkowski DJ, Wistuba II, Bunn PA, Minna J, Xiao G, Kris MG, Xie Y. Features of tumor-microenvironment images predict targeted therapy survival benefit in patients with EGFR-mutant lung cancer. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e160330. [PMID: 36647832 PMCID: PMC9843059 DOI: 10.1172/jci160330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are effective for many patients with lung cancer with EGFR mutations. However, not all patients are responsive to EGFR TKIs, including even those harboring EGFR-sensitizing mutations. In this study, we quantified the cells and cellular interaction features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) using routine H&E-stained biopsy sections. These TME features were used to develop a prediction model for survival benefit from EGFR TKI therapy in patients with lung adenocarcinoma and EGFR-sensitizing mutations in the Lung Cancer Mutation Consortium 1 (LCMC1) and validated in an independent LCMC2 cohort. In the validation data set, EGFR TKI treatment prolonged survival in the predicted-to-benefit group but not in the predicted-not-to-benefit group. Among patients treated with EGFR TKIs, the predicted-to-benefit group had prolonged survival outcomes compared with the predicted not-to-benefit group. The EGFR TKI survival benefit positively correlated with tumor-tumor interaction image features and negatively correlated with tumor-stroma interaction. Moreover, the tumor-stroma interaction was associated with higher activation of the hepatocyte growth factor/MET-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, supporting the hypothesis of fibroblast-involved resistance to EGFR TKI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shidan Wang
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, The Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ruichen Rong
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, The Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Donghan M. Yang
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, The Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Junya Fujimoto
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology/Lab Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Justin A. Bishop
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Shirley Yan
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ling Cai
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, The Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Carmen Behrens
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology/Lab Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lynne D. Berry
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Clare Wilhelm
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dara Aisner
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Lynette Sholl
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce E. Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David J. Kwiatkowski
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ignacio I. Wistuba
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology/Lab Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Paul A. Bunn
- Division of Medical Oncology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - John Minna
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Guanghua Xiao
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, The Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
- Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Mark G. Kris
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yang Xie
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, The Peter O’Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
- Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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LINC00963 promotes the malignancy and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma by stabilizing Zeb1 and exosomes-induced M2 macrophage polarization. Mol Med 2023; 29:1. [PMID: 36604626 PMCID: PMC9817280 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00598-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long intergenic non-coding RNA 00963 (LINC00963) is an oncogenic lncRNA in human cancers. However, little is known on how it impacts the pathogenesis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). METHODS Biological effects on proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were examined by CCK-8, colony formation, EdU incorporation, transwell, and immunofluorescence assays, respectively. Macrophage polarization was evaluated by flow cytometry. Ubiquitination of Zeb1 was examined by co-immunoprecipitation. The location of LINC00963 in LUAD tissues and cell lines was tested by FISH assay. The LINC00963/HNRNPA2B1/Siah1 mRNA complex interaction was verified using RNA pull-down and immunoprecipitation assays. The exact roles of LINC00963 were further validated in metastasis and xenograft models. RESULTS Higher LINC00963 expression in LUAD patients positively correlated with shorter overall survival, higher stages, and metastasis. LINC00963 mainly localized in the cytoplasm and aggravated malignant phenotypes of LUAD cells in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00963 directly interacted HNRNPA2B1 protein to trigger the degradation of Siah1 mRNA, which inhibited the ubiquitination and degradation of Zeb1. Moreover, exosomal LINC00963 derived from LUAD cells induced M2 macrophage polarization and promoted LUAD growth and metastasis. CONCLUSION By stabilizing Zeb1 in cancer cells and delivering exosomes to induce M2 macrophage polarization, LINC00963 promoted the malignancy and metastasis of LUAD. Targeting LINC00963 may become a valuable therapeutic target for LUAD.
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Prognostic impact of tumor microenvironment-related markers in patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung. Int J Clin Oncol 2023; 28:229-239. [PMID: 36376711 PMCID: PMC9889427 DOI: 10.1007/s10147-022-02271-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a prominent component in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which plays an important role in lung carcinogenesis. Here, we investigated microenvironmental markers expressed by CAFs, including α-smooth muscle actin, CD10, podoplanin, fibroblast-specific protein 1, platelet-derived growth factor α and β, fibroblast-associated protein, tenascin-C, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), and twist-related protein 1 expression levels. We evaluated samples from 257 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LAD) to assess the associations of CAF-related protein expression patterns with prognosis. LAD cases were stratified using cluster analysis. To determine the utility of prognostic markers in LAD, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. LAD cases were classified into subgroups 1 and 2. Subgroup 2 was shown to be significantly correlated with disease-free and overall survival using univariate and multivariate analyses in this group. Upregulation of podoplanin was identified as a single prognostic marker in this study by univariate and multivariate analyses. In addition, ZEB1 overexpression was correlated with disease-free survival. Our current results suggested that the specific CAF phenotype (e.g., the expression pattern of CAF-related proteins) could predict outcomes in patients with LAD. In addition, podoplanin upregulation may predict outcomes in these patients.
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Huang C, Wang M, Zhao WY, Shen YY, Zhuang C, Ni B, Yang LX, Lu L, Li XQ, Tu L, Cao H. Long noncoding RNA SPRY4-IT1 acts as a miR-101-5p sponge to promote gastrointestinal stromal tumor progression by inhibiting ZEB1. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:1026-1040. [PMID: 36915750 PMCID: PMC10006756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been conducted in different areas of oncology. Currently, the biological significance of lncRNAs and their regulatory features in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) remain largely unknown. We have previously identified SPRY4-IT1 overexpression in GIST through lncRNA sequencing of GIST tissues. Coincidentally, SPRY4-IT1 is an intron of the SPRY4 gene, and SPRY4 is specifically highly expressed in GIST. Thus the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of lncRNA SPRY4-IT1 in GIST pathogenesis. METHODS Herein, we screened for SPRY4-IT1 and analyzed its possible phenotypes using Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The phenotypes of GIST were verified using CCK-8, colony formation, and wound-healing assays. The ceRNA mechanism was determined by the location of lncRNA SPRY4-IT1, and its relationship to the Ago2 protein. The SPRY4-IT1/miR-101-5p/ZEB1 axis was predicted using online software and sequencing. Luciferase and pull-down assays were performed for verification. Pathway-associated and phenotype-associated proteins were detected by western blotting. RESULTS Sequencing analysis revealed 117 differentially expressed lncRNAs in GIST and normal gastric tissue samples. Accordingly, SPRY4-IT1 was screened out and its phenotype was predicted by GSEA. Mechanistically, SPRY4-IT1 was identified as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that downregulated miR-101-5p and upregulated ZEB1, which activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling to stimulate GIST proliferation, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Although this effect was regulated by a negative feedback loop through SPRY4, it was still controlled by SPRY4-IT1. CONCLUSIONS In GIST, we revealed a ceRNA mechanism by which SPRY4-IT1 modulates ZEB1 by sponging miR-101-5p, eventually driving tumor cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Wen-Yi Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yan-Ying Shen
- Department of Pathology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Chun Zhuang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Bo Ni
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Lin-Xi Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Qi Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Lin Tu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Hui Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Shanghai, P. R. China
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Xu J, Huang L, Bao T, Duan K, Cheng Y, Zhang H, Zhang Y, Li J, Li Q, Li F. CircCDR1as mediates PM 2.5-induced lung cancer progression by binding to SRSF1. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 249:114367. [PMID: 36508830 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Research indicates that particulate matter with an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of less than or equal to 2.5 µm in ambient air may induce lung cancer progression. Circular RNAs are a special kind of endogenous noncoding RNA, and their functions are reflected in various diseases and physiological processes, but there are still few studies related to PM2.5-induced lung cancer. Here, we identified that circCDR1as was upregulated in lung cancer cells stimulated with PM2.5 and positively correlated with the malignant features of lung cancer. The lower expression of CircCDR1as reduced the adverse progression of lung cancer cells after PM2.5 treatment; the lower expression of circCDR1as impaired the growth size and metastatic ability of lung cancer cells in mouse tumour models. Mechanistically, circCDR1as specifically bound to serine/arginine-rich splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1) and affected the splicing of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA) by SRSF1. Furthermore, circCDR1as affected SRSF1 function by regulating PARK2-mediated SRSF1 ubiquitination, protein production and degradation. CircCDR1as also affected C-myc and cyclin D1 expression by regulating SRSF1 and affecting the wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, ultimately promoting malignant behavior and inhibiting the apoptosis of lung cancer cells, thereby causing PM2.5-induced lung cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingbin Xu
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Lanyi Huang
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Tuya Bao
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Kaiqian Duan
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Yu Cheng
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Haimin Zhang
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qiujuan Li
- Department of Preventive medicine laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Fasheng Li
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China.
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Transcription factor ZEB1 regulates PLK1-mediated SKA3 phosphorylation to promote lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle. Anticancer Drugs 2022:00001813-990000000-00152. [PMID: 36728910 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with low 5-year survival rate. The mechanism of spindle and kinetochore-associated complex subunit 3 (SKA3) in LC tumorgenesis remains largely unclear. The expression of SKA3 in LC cells was detected by quantitative PCR. Cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle were evaluated by functional assays including 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine, wound healing, transwell assays and flow cytometry analysis. Bioinformatics analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter, co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro phosphorylation assays were applied to explore the interactions between zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) and SKA3/polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). SKA3 is highly expressed in LC cell lines and drives LC cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle. PLK1 also enhances the malignancy of LC cells. PLK1 can mediate SKA3 phosphorylation and enhance the stability of SKA3 protein, thus promoting LC progression. Besides, we found that transcription factor ZEB1 transcriptionally activates SKA3/PLK1 expression, contributing to LC cell malignancy. This study demonstrated that transcription factor ZEB1 modulates PLK1-mediated SKA3 phosphorylation to accelerate LC cell growth, migration and cycle, which might offer novel insight into LC treatment.
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