1
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Ho M, Bonavida B. Cross-Talks between Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein and Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Expressions in Cancer: Role in Immune Evasion and Therapeutic Implications. Cells 2024; 13:864. [PMID: 38786085 PMCID: PMC11119125 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100864] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Innovations in cancer immunotherapy have resulted in the development of several novel immunotherapeutic strategies that can disrupt immunosuppression. One key advancement lies in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which have shown significant clinical efficacy and increased survival rates in patients with various therapy-resistant cancers. This immune intervention consists of monoclonal antibodies directed against inhibitory receptors (e.g., PD-1) on cytotoxic CD8 T cells or against corresponding ligands (e.g., PD-L1/PD-L2) overexpressed on cancer cells and other cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, not all cancer cells respond-there are still poor clinical responses, immune-related adverse effects, adaptive resistance, and vulnerability to ICIs in a subset of patients with cancer. This challenge showcases the heterogeneity of cancer, emphasizing the existence of additional immunoregulatory mechanisms in many patients. Therefore, it is essential to investigate PD-L1's interaction with other oncogenic genes and pathways to further advance targeted therapies and address resistance mechanisms. Accordingly, our aim was to investigate the mechanisms governing PD-L1 expression in tumor cells, given its correlation with immune evasion, to uncover novel mechanisms for decreasing PD-L1 expression and restoring anti-tumor immune responses. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the upregulation of Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP) in many cancers contributes to the suppression of key hyperactive pathways observed in malignant cells, alongside its broadening involvement in immune responses and the modulation of the TME. We, therefore, hypothesized that the role of PD-L1 in cancer immune surveillance may be inversely correlated with the low expression level of the tumor suppressor Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP) expression in cancer cells. This hypothesis was investigated and we found several signaling cross-talk pathways between the regulations of both RKIP and PD-L1 expressions. These pathways and regulatory factors include the MAPK and JAK/STAT pathways, GSK3β, cytokines IFN-γ and IL-1β, Sox2, and transcription factors YY1 and NFκB. The pathways that upregulated PD-L1 were inhibitory for RKIP expression and vice versa. Bioinformatic analyses in various human cancers demonstrated the inverse relationship between PD-L1 and RKIP expressions and their prognostic roles. Therefore, we suspect that the direct upregulation of RKIP and/or the use of targeted RKIP inducers in combination with ICIs could result in a more targeted anti-tumor immune response-addressing the therapeutic challenges related to PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benjamin Bonavida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
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2
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Zhao R, Li T, Zhao X, Yang Z, Ma L, Wang X. The m6A reader IGF2BP2 promotes the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by increasing the stability of OCT4 mRNA. Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 102:169-178. [PMID: 37917979 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2023-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignancy with high morbidity and mortality. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) serves as a reader of RNA m6A (N6 methyladenosine) modification to regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Emerging evidence suggests that IGF2BP2 plays critical roles in tumorigenesis and malignant development. However, the biological function and molecular mechanism of IGF2BP2 in ESCC are not well understood. Here, we found that IGF2BP2 expression was upregulated in esophageal cancer tissues and ESCC cells, and IGF2BP2 overexpression enhanced proliferation, migration, invasion, and stem cell-like properties of ESCC cells. Conversely, the knockdown of IGF2BP2 expression inhibited malignant phenotype of ESCC cells. Mechanistically, IGF2BP2 upregulated octomer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) mRNA expression, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay proved that IGF2BP2 could interact with OCT4 mRNA. Moreover, OCT4 was modified at m6A confirmed by methylated m6A RNA immunoprecipitation (Me-RIP)-qPCR assay, and IGF2BP2 knockdown reduced OCT4 mRNA stability. These results suggested that IGF2BP2 served as a reader for m6A-modified OCT4, thus increased OCT4 mRNA expression by regulating its stability. Furthermore, the knockdown of OCT4 could reverse the effects of IGF2BP2 on ESCC cells. In conclusion, these data indicate that IGF2BP2, as a reader for m6A, plays an oncogenic role by regulating OCT4 expression in ESCC, which provides new insights into targeting IGF2BP2/OCT4 axis for the therapy of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Xinran Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Ziyi Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Liying Ma
- 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 100021, China
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China
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3
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Chaudhary A, Raza SS, Haque R. Transcriptional factors targeting in cancer stem cells for tumor modulation. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:123-137. [PMID: 36603792 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs) are now considered the primary "seeds" for the onset, development, metastasis, and recurrence of tumors. Despite therapeutic breakthroughs, cancer remains the leading cause of death worldwide. This is because the tumor microenvironment contains a key population of cells known as CSCs, which promote tumor aggression. CSCs are self-renewing cells that aid tumor recurrence by promoting tumor growth and persisting in patients after many traditional cancer treatments. According to reports, numerous transcription factors (TF) play a key role in maintaining CSC pluripotency and its self-renewal property. The understanding of the functions, structures, and interactional dynamics of these transcription factors with DNA has modified the hypothesis, paving the way for novel transcription factor-targeted therapies. These TFs, which are crucial and are required by cancer cells, play a vital function in the etiology of human cancer. Such CSC TFs will help with gene expression profiling, which provides crucial data for predicting the prognosis of patients. To overcome anti-cancer medication resistance and completely eradicate cancer, a potent therapy combining TFs-based CSC targets with traditional chemotherapy may be developed. In order to develop therapies that could eliminate CSCs, we here concentrated on the effect of TFs and other components of signalling pathways on cancer stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Chaudhary
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Earth Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India
| | - Syed Shadab Raza
- Laboratory for Stem Cell & Restorative Neurology, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Lucknow, India
| | - Rizwanul Haque
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Earth Biological and Environmental Sciences, Central University of South Bihar, Gaya, Bihar, India.
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4
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Moghaddam M, Vivarelli S, Falzone L, Libra M, Bonavida B. Cancer resistance via the downregulation of the tumor suppressors RKIP and PTEN expressions: therapeutic implications. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:170-207. [PMID: 37205308 PMCID: PMC10185445 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00128] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) has been reported to be underexpressed in many cancers and plays a role in the regulation of tumor cells' survival, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, hence, a tumor suppressor. RKIP also regulates tumor cell resistance to cytotoxic drugs/cells. Likewise, the tumor suppressor, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which inhibits the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway, is either mutated, underexpressed, or deleted in many cancers and shares with RKIP its anti-tumor properties and its regulation in resistance. The transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulations of RKIP and PTEN expressions and their roles in resistance were reviewed. The underlying mechanism of the interrelationship between the signaling expressions of RKIP and PTEN in cancer is not clear. Several pathways are regulated by RKIP and PTEN and the transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulations of RKIP and PTEN is significantly altered in cancers. In addition, RKIP and PTEN play a key role in the regulation of tumor cells response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In addition, molecular and bioinformatic data revealed crosstalk signaling networks that regulate the expressions of both RKIP and PTEN. These crosstalks involved the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/PI3K pathways and the dysregulated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB)/Snail/Yin Yang 1 (YY1)/RKIP/PTEN loop in many cancers. Furthermore, further bioinformatic analyses were performed to investigate the correlations (positive or negative) and the prognostic significance of the expressions of RKIP or PTEN in 31 different human cancers. These analyses were not uniform and only revealed that there was a positive correlation between the expression of RKIP and PTEN only in few cancers. These findings demonstrated the existence of signaling cross-talks between RKIP and PTEN and both regulate resistance. Targeting either RKIP or PTEN (alone or in combination with other therapies) may be sufficient to therapeutically inhibit tumor growth and reverse the tumor resistance to cytotoxic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Moghaddam
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), East Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Silvia Vivarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Luca Falzone
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, National Cancer Institute IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Research Centre for Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Benjamin Bonavida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), East Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence: Benjamin Bonavida, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 1602 Molecular Sciences Building, 609 Charles E. Young Drive, East Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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5
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Feng B, Chen K, Zhang W, Zheng Q, He Y. Silencing of
lncRNA MIR31HG
promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis through suppressing the
PI3K
/
AKT
signaling pathway. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24720. [DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Feng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo City China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Radiochemotherapy Yinzhou Hospital Affiliated to Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo City China
| | - Weiwei Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo City China
| | - Qi Zheng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo City China
| | - Yong He
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo City China
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6
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Zhang T, Zhou H, Wang K, Wang X, Wang M, Zhao W, Xi X, Li Y, Cai M, Zhao W, Xu Y, Shao R. Role, molecular mechanism and the potential target of breast cancer stem cells in breast cancer development. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 147:112616. [PMID: 35008001 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in women globally, and its occurrence has surpassed lung cancer and become the biggest threat for women. At present, breast cancer treatment includes surgical resection or postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, tumor relapse and metastasis usually lead to current therapy failure thanks to breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs)-mediated tumorigenicity and drug resistance. Drug resistance is mainly due to the long-term quiescent G0 phase, strong DNA repairability, and high expression of ABC transporter, and the tumorigenicity is reflected in the activation of various proliferation pathways related to BCSCs. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of BCSCs and their intracellular and extracellular molecular mechanisms is crucial for the development of targeted drugs for BCSCs. To this end, we discussed the latest developments in BCSCs research, focusing on the analysis of specific markers, critical signaling pathways that maintain the stemness of BCSCs,such as NOTCH, Wnt/β-catenin, STAT3, Hedgehog, and Hippo-YAP signaling, immunomicroenviroment and summarizes targeting therapy strategies for stemness maintenance and differentiation, which provides a theoretical basis for further exploration of treating breast cancer and preventing relapse derived from BCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Huimin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Kexin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Mengyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wenxia Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaoming Xi
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Meilian Cai
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wuli Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yanni Xu
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Rongguang Shao
- Key Laboratory of Antibiotic Bioengineering, Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Oncology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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7
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Xu M, Bai X, Ai B, Zhang G, Song C, Zhao J, Wang Y, Wei L, Qian F, Li Y, Zhou X, Zhou L, Yang Y, Chen J, Liu J, Shang D, Wang X, Zhao Y, Huang X, Zheng Y, Zhang J, Wang Q, Li C. TF-Marker: a comprehensive manually curated database for transcription factors and related markers in specific cell and tissue types in human. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:D402-D412. [PMID: 34986601 PMCID: PMC8728118 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) play key roles in biological processes and are usually used as cell markers. The emerging importance of TFs and related markers in identifying specific cell types in human diseases increases the need for a comprehensive collection of human TFs and related markers sets. Here, we developed the TF-Marker database (TF-Marker, http://bio.liclab.net/TF-Marker/), aiming to provide cell/tissue-specific TFs and related markers for human. By manually curating thousands of published literature, 5905 entries including information about TFs and related markers were classified into five types according to their functions: (i) TF: TFs which regulate expression of the markers; (ii) T Marker: markers which are regulated by the TF; (iii) I Marker: markers which influence the activity of TFs; (iv) TFMarker: TFs which play roles as markers and (v) TF Pmarker: TFs which play roles as potential markers. The 5905 entries of TF-Marker include 1316 TFs, 1092 T Markers, 473 I Markers, 1600 TFMarkers and 1424 TF Pmarkers, involving 383 cell types and 95 tissue types in human. TF-Marker further provides a user-friendly interface to browse, query and visualize the detailed information about TFs and related markers. We believe TF-Marker will become a valuable resource to understand the regulation patterns of different tissues and cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcong Xu
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xuefeng Bai
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Bo Ai
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Guorui Zhang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Chao Song
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jun Zhao
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yuezhu Wang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Ling Wei
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Fengcui Qian
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yanyu Li
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhou
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Liwei Zhou
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yongsan Yang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,School of Computer, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,Hunan Provincial Base for Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Desi Shang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,School of Computer, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,Hunan Provincial Base for Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,School of Computer, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,Hunan Provincial Base for Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xuemei Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,School of Computer, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,Hunan Provincial Base for Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Human Phenome Institute and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China
| | - Qiuyu Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China.,School of Computer, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,Hunan Provincial Base for Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Chunquan Li
- School of Medical Informatics, Daqing Campus, Harbin Medical University. Daqing 163319, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,School of Computer, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Cardiovascular Lab of Big Data and Imaging Artificial Intelligence, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,Hunan Provincial Base for Scientific and Technological Innovation Cooperation, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.,General Surgery Department, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541199, China
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8
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Cho JH, Park S, Kim S, Kang SM, Woo TG, Yoon MH, Lee H, Jeong M, Park YH, Kim H, Han YT, Suh YG, Kim BH, Kwon Y, Yun H, Park BJ. RKIP Induction Promotes Tumor Differentiation via SOX2 Degradation in NF2-Deficient Conditions. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 20:412-424. [PMID: 34728553 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Loss of NF2 (merlin) has been suggested as a genetic cause of neurofibromatosis type 2 and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST). Previously, we demonstrated that NF2 sustained TGFβ receptor 2 (TβR2) expression and reduction or loss of NF2 activated non-canonical TGFβ signaling, which reduced Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP) expression via TβR1 kinase activity. Here, we show that a selective RKIP inducer (novel chemical, Nf18001) inhibits tumor growth and promotes schwannoma cell differentiation into mature Schwann cells under NF2-deficient conditions. In addition, Nf18001 is not cytotoxic to cells expressing NF2 and is not disturb canonical TGFβ signaling. Moreover, the novel chemical induces expression of SOX10, a marker of differentiated Schwann cells, and promotes nuclear export and degradation of SOX2, a stem cell factor. Treatment with Nf18001 inhibited tumor growth in an allograft model with mouse schwannoma cells. These results strongly suggest that selective RKIP inducers could be useful for the treatment of neurofibromatosis type 2 as well as NF2-deficient MPNST. IMPLICATIONS: This study identifies that a selective RKIP inducer inhibits tumor growth and promotes schwannoma cell differentiation under NF2-deficient conditions by reducing SOX2 and increasing SOX10 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hyun Cho
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyoung Park
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Mi Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Gyun Woo
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ho Yoon
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunkee Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeonggyo Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong Hye Park
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Heegyu Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Taek Han
- College of Pharmacy, Dankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ger Suh
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bae-Hoon Kim
- Rare Disease R&D Center, PRG S&T Co., Ltd. Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonghoon Kwon
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwayoung Yun
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Bum-Joon Park
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Yoon C, Lu J, Ryeom SW, Simon MC, Yoon SS. PIK3R3, part of the regulatory domain of PI3K, is upregulated in sarcoma stem-like cells and promotes invasion, migration, and chemotherapy resistance. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:749. [PMID: 34321458 PMCID: PMC8319167 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04036-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To identify drivers of sarcoma cancer stem-like cells (CSCs), we compared gene expression using RNA sequencing between HT1080 fibrosarcoma and SK-LMS-1 leiomyosarcoma spheroids (which are enriched for CSCs) compared with the parent populations. The most overexpressed survival signaling-related gene in spheroids was phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 3 (PIK3R3), a regulatory subunit of PI3K, which functions in tumorigenesis and metastasis. In a human sarcoma microarray, PIK3R3 was also overexpressed by 4.1-fold compared with normal tissues. PIK3R3 inhibition using shRNA in the HT1080, SK-LMS-1, and DDLS8817 dedifferentiated liposarcoma in spheroids and in CD133+ cells (a CSC marker) reduced expression of CD133 and the stem cell factor Nanog and blocked spheroid formation by 61-71%. Mechanistic studies showed that in spheroid cells, PIK3R3 activated AKT and ERK signaling. Inhibition of PIK3R3, AKT, or ERK using shRNA or inhibitors decreased expression of Nanog, spheroid formation by 68-73%, and anchorage-independent growth by 76-91%. PIK3R3 or ERK1/2 inhibition similarly blocked sarcoma spheroid cell migration, invasion, secretion of MMP-2, xenograft invasion into adjacent normal tissue, and chemotherapy resistance. Together, these results show that signaling through the PIK3R3/ERK/Nanog axis promotes sarcoma CSC phenotypes such as migration, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance, and identify PIK3R3 as a potential therapeutic target in sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhwan Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian, China
| | - Sandra W Ryeom
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - M Celeste Simon
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sam S Yoon
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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10
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Liu C, Sheng M, Lin L, Li H, Guo S, Zhang J, Chen G, Chen H. NANOG regulates the proliferation of PCSCs via the TGF-β1/SMAD pathway. Open Med (Wars) 2020; 15:841-849. [PMID: 33336042 PMCID: PMC7712027 DOI: 10.1515/med-2020-0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In prostate cancer, castration resistance is a factor that frequently leads to death in individuals with this disease. Recent studies have suggested that prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) are pivotal regulators in the establishment of castration resistance. The nanog homeobox (NANOG) and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic protein (SMAD) signaling pathways are involved in several cancer stem cells but are not involved in PCSCs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of NANOG on the proliferation of PCSCs regulated by the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway. Methods In this study, we used flow cytometry to isolate CD44+/CD133+/NANOG+ PCSCs from DU145 prostate cancer cells. Then we used short hairpin RNA to silence NANOG and observed the biological behavior and the TGF-β1/SMAD signal of PCSCs. Results NANOG decreased PCSC proliferation, increased apoptosis, and blocked cell cycling at G0/G1. Furthermore, reduction in the TGF-β1, p15, and p-SMAD2 expression was observed. Conclusion These findings suggest that NANOG positively regulates the growth of PCSCs through the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changming Liu
- The Department of Urology, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuan, Fujian 355000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxiong Sheng
- The Department of Urology, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuan, Fujian 355000, People's Republic of China
| | - Liheng Lin
- The Department of Urology, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuan, Fujian 355000, People's Republic of China
| | - Huizhang Li
- The Department of Urology, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuan, Fujian 355000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanming Guo
- The Department of Urology, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuan, Fujian 355000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiabin Zhang
- The Department of Urology, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuan, Fujian 355000, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangbing Chen
- The Department of Urology, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuan, Fujian 355000, People's Republic of China
| | - Huihong Chen
- The Department of Urology, Mindong Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Fuan, Fujian 355000, People's Republic of China
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11
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He D, Zhang X, Tu J. Diagnostic significance and carcinogenic mechanism of pan-cancer gene POU5F1 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2020; 9:8782-8800. [PMID: 32978904 PMCID: PMC7724499 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognostic and clinicopathological significance of POU Class 5 Homeobox 1 (POU5F1) among various cancers are disputable heretofore. The diagnostic value and functional mechanism of POU5F1 in liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) have not been studied thoroughly. METHODS An integrative strategy of meta-analysis, bioinformatics, and wet-lab approach was used to explore the diagnostic and prognostic significance of POU5F1 in various types of tumors, especially in LIHC. Meta-analysis was utilized to investigate the impact of POU5F1 on prognosis and clinicopathological parameters in various cancers. The expression level and diagnostic value of POU5F1 were assessed by qPCR in plasma collected from LIHC patients and controls. The correlation between POU5F1 and tumor infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) in LIHC was evaluated by CIBERSORT. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed based on TCGA. Hub genes and related pathways were identified on the basis of co-expression genes of POU5F1. RESULTS Elevated POU5F1 was associated with poor OS, DFS, RFS, and DSS in various cancers. POU5F1 was confirmed as an independent risk factor for LIHC and correlated with tumor occurrence, stage, and invasion depth. The combination of POU5F1 and AFP in plasma was with high diagnostic validity (AUC = 0.902, p < .001). Specifically, the level of POU5F1 was correlated with infiltrating levels of B cells, T cells, dendritic cells, and monocytes in LIHC. GSEA indicated that POU5F1 participated in multiple cancer-related pathways and cell proliferation pathways. Moreover, CBX3, CCHCR1, and NFYC were filtered as the central hub genes of POU5F1. CONCLUSION Our study identified POU5F1 as a pan-cancer gene that could not only be a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker in various cancers, especially in LIHC, but functionally carcinogenic in LIHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingdong He
- Center for Gene Diagnosis, and Clinical LabZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Xiaokang Zhang
- Center for Gene Diagnosis, and Clinical LabZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Jiancheng Tu
- Center for Gene Diagnosis, and Clinical LabZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
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12
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Zhang Q, Han Z, Zhu Y, Chen J, Li W. The Role and Specific Mechanism of OCT4 in Cancer Stem Cells: A Review. Int J Stem Cells 2020; 13:312-325. [PMID: 32840233 PMCID: PMC7691851 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc20097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, evidences show that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a type of cancer cell group with self-renewal and play a huge role in tumor recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Finding new treatment directions and targets for cancer prognosis and reducing mortality has become a top priority. OCT4, as a transcription factor, participates in maintaining the stem characteristics of CSCs, but the mechanism of OCT4 is often overlooked. In this review, we try to illustrate the mechanism by which OCT4 plays a role in CSCs from the perspective of genetic modification of OCT4, non-coding RNA, complexes and signaling pathways associated with OCT4. Our ultimate goal is to provide new targets for cancer treatment to prolong the survival of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zhang
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenzhen Han
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanbo Zhu
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingcheng Chen
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Li
- Stem Cell and Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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13
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Penas C, Apraiz A, Muñoa I, Arroyo-Berdugo Y, Rasero J, Ezkurra PA, Velasco V, Subiran N, Bosserhoff AK, Alonso S, Asumendi A, Boyano MD. RKIP Regulates Differentiation-Related Features in Melanocytic Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061451. [PMID: 32503139 PMCID: PMC7352799 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP) has been extensively reported as an inhibitor of key signaling pathways involved in the aggressive tumor phenotype and shows decreased expression in several types of cancers. However, little is known about RKIP in melanoma or regarding its function in normal cells. We examined the role of RKIP in both primary melanocytes and malignant melanoma cells and evaluated its diagnostic and prognostic value. IHC analysis revealed a significantly higher expression of RKIP in nevi compared with early-stage (stage I–II, AJCC 8th) melanoma biopsies. Proliferation, wound healing, and collagen-coated transwell assays uncovered the implication of RKIP on the motility but not on the proliferative capacity of melanoma cells as RKIP protein levels were inversely correlated with the migration capacity of both primary and metastatic melanoma cells but did not alter other parameters. As shown by RNA sequencing, endogenous RKIP knockdown in primary melanocytes triggered the deregulation of cellular differentiation-related processes, including genes (i.e., ZEB1, THY-1) closely related to the EMT. Interestingly, NANOG was identified as a putative transcriptional regulator of many of the deregulated genes, and RKIP was able to decrease the activation of the NANOG promoter. As a whole, our data support the utility of RKIP as a diagnostic marker for early-stage melanomas. In addition, these findings indicate its participation in the maintenance of a differentiated state of melanocytic cells by modulating genes intimately linked to the cellular motility and explain the progressive decrease of RKIP often described in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Penas
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (C.P.); (A.A.); (Y.A.-B.); (P.A.E.); (A.A.)
| | - Aintzane Apraiz
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (C.P.); (A.A.); (Y.A.-B.); (P.A.E.); (A.A.)
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.M.); (J.R.); (V.V.); (N.S.)
| | - Iraia Muñoa
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.M.); (J.R.); (V.V.); (N.S.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Yoana Arroyo-Berdugo
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (C.P.); (A.A.); (Y.A.-B.); (P.A.E.); (A.A.)
| | - Javier Rasero
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.M.); (J.R.); (V.V.); (N.S.)
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburg, PA 15213, USA
| | - Pilar A. Ezkurra
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (C.P.); (A.A.); (Y.A.-B.); (P.A.E.); (A.A.)
| | - Veronica Velasco
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.M.); (J.R.); (V.V.); (N.S.)
| | - Nerea Subiran
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.M.); (J.R.); (V.V.); (N.S.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain
| | - Anja K. Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
- Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Santos Alonso
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain;
| | - Aintzane Asumendi
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (C.P.); (A.A.); (Y.A.-B.); (P.A.E.); (A.A.)
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.M.); (J.R.); (V.V.); (N.S.)
| | - Maria D. Boyano
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, UPV/EHU, 48940 Leioa, Spain; (C.P.); (A.A.); (Y.A.-B.); (P.A.E.); (A.A.)
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain; (I.M.); (J.R.); (V.V.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-946015689
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Liu J, Yang J, Hou Y, Zhu Z, He J, Zhao H, Ye X, Li D, Wu Z, Huang Z, Hao B, Yao K. Casticin inhibits nasopharyngeal carcinoma growth by targeting phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:348. [PMID: 31889900 PMCID: PMC6925493 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-1069-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Casticin, an isoflavone compound extracted from the herb Fructus Viticis, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities and properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of casticin in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells and to determine its potential for targeted use as a medicine. Methods NPC cells were used to perform the experiments. The CCK‑8 assay and colony formation assays were used to assess cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to measure the cell cycle and apoptosis analysis (annexin V/PI assay). A three-dimensional (3D) tumour sphere culture system was used to characterize the effect of casticin on NPC stem cells. In silico molecular docking prediction and high-throughput KINOME scan assays were used to evaluate the binding of casticin to phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), including wild-type and most of mutants variants. We also used the SelectScreen assay to detect the IC50 of ATP activity in the active site of the target kinase. Western blotting was used to evaluate the changes in key proteins involved cell cycle, apoptosis, stemness, and PI3K/protein kinase B (AKT) signalling. The effect of casticin treatment in vivo was determined by using a xenograft mouse model. Results Our results indicate that casticin is a new and novel selective PI3K inhibitor that can significantly inhibit NPC proliferation and that it induces G2/GM arrest and apoptosis by upregulating Bax/BCL2 expression. Moreover, casticin was observed to affect the self-renewal ability of the nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines, and a combination of casticin with BYL719 was observed to induce a decrease in the level of the phosphorylation of mTORC1 downstream targets in BYL719-insensitive NPC cell lines. Conclusion Casticin is a newly emerging selective PI3K inhibitor with potential for use as a targeted therapeutic treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Accordingly, casticin might represent a novel and effective agent against NPC and likely has high potential for combined use with pharmacological agents targeting PI3K/AKT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxian Liu
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghong Yang
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhe Hou
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenwei Zhu
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China.,2Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Jie He
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zhao
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Xidong Ye
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Dengke Li
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaohui Wu
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongxi Huang
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China.,2Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Bingtao Hao
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China.,3Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shunde, 528300 Guangdong People's Republic of China
| | - Kaitai Yao
- 1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunotherapy, Cancer Research Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515 Guangdong People's Republic of China.,2Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518000 Guangdong People's Republic of China
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Gabriela-Freitas M, Pinheiro J, Raquel-Cunha A, Cardoso-Carneiro D, Martinho O. RKIP as an Inflammatory and Immune System Modulator: Implications in Cancer. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9120769. [PMID: 31766768 PMCID: PMC6995551 DOI: 10.3390/biom9120769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Raf kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP), an important modulator of intracellular signalling pathways, is commonly downregulated in multiple cancers. This reduction, or loss of expression, is correlated not only with the presence of metastasis, contributing to RKIP’s classification as a metastasis suppressor, but also with tumour aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Recent findings suggest a strong involvement of RKIP in the modulation of tumour microenvironment components, particularly by controlling the infiltration of specific immune cells and secretion of pro-metastatic factors. Additionally, RKIP interaction with multiple signalling molecules seems to potentiate its function as a regulator of inflammatory processes, mainly through stimulation of anti- or pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, RKIP is involved in the modulation of immunotherapeutic drugs response, through diverse mechanisms that sensitize cells to apoptosis. In the present review, we will provide updated information about the role of RKIP as an inflammatory and immune modulator and its potential implications in cancer will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gabriela-Freitas
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.G.-F.); (J.P.); (A.R.-C.); (D.C.-C.)
- ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Joana Pinheiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.G.-F.); (J.P.); (A.R.-C.); (D.C.-C.)
- ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel-Cunha
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.G.-F.); (J.P.); (A.R.-C.); (D.C.-C.)
- ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Diana Cardoso-Carneiro
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.G.-F.); (J.P.); (A.R.-C.); (D.C.-C.)
- ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Olga Martinho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (M.G.-F.); (J.P.); (A.R.-C.); (D.C.-C.)
- ICVS/3Bs-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057 Braga/4805-017 Guimarães, Portugal
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, São Paulo 14784 400, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-253604868
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16
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Wang Y, Bonavida B. A New Linkage between the Tumor Suppressor RKIP and Autophagy: Targeted Therapeutics. Crit Rev Oncog 2019; 23:281-305. [PMID: 30311561 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2018027211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The complexities of molecular signaling in cancer cells have been hypothesized to mediate cross-network alterations of oncogenic processes such as uncontrolled cell growth, proliferation, acquisition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, and resistance to cytotoxic therapies. The two biochemically exclusive processes/proteins examined in the present review are the metastasis suppressor Raf-1 kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) and the cell-intrinsic system of macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy). RKIP is poorly expressed in human cancer tissues, and low expression levels are correlated with high incidence of tumor growth, metastasis, poor treatment efficacy, and poor prognoses in cancer patients. By comparison, autophagy is a conserved cytoprotective degradation pathway that has been shown to influence the acquisition of resistance to hypoxia and nutrient depletion as well as the regulation of chemo-immuno-resistance and apoptotic evasion. Evidently, a broad library of cancer-relevant studies exists for RKIP and autophagy, although reports of the interactions between pathways involving RKIP and autophagy have been relatively sparse. To circumvent this limitation, the coordinate regulatory and effector mechanisms were examined for both RKIP and autophagy. Here, we propose three putative pathways that demonstrate the inherent pleiotropism and relevance of RKIP and the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (MAP1LC3, LC3) on cell growth, proliferation, senescence, and EMT, among the hallmarks of cancer. Our findings suggest that signaling modules involving p53, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and Snail highlight the novel roles for RKIP in the control of autophagy and vice versa. The suggested potential crosstalk mechanisms are new areas of research in which to further study RKIP and autophagy in cancer models. These should lead to novel prognostic motifs and will provide alternative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of unresponsive aggressive cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1747
| | - Benjamin Bonavida
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, & Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, Johnson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90025-1747
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17
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Bort A, Sánchez BG, Mateos-Gómez PA, Vara-Ciruelos D, Rodríguez-Henche N, Díaz-Laviada I. Targeting AMP-activated kinase impacts hepatocellular cancer stem cells induced by long-term treatment with sorafenib. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:1311-1331. [PMID: 30959553 PMCID: PMC6487713 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. HCC treatment is hindered by the frequent emergence of chemoresistance to the multikinase inhibitor sorafenib, which has been related to the presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that self‐renew and often escape therapy. The key metabolic sensor AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK) has recently been recognized as a tumour growth regulator. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the role of AMPK in the development of a stem cell phenotype in HCC cells. To this end, we enriched the CSC population in HCC cell lines that showed increased expression of drug resistance (ALDH1A1, ABCB1A) and stem cell (CD133, Nanog, Oct4, alpha fetoprotein) markers and demonstrated their stemness phenotype. These cells were refractory to sorafenib‐induced cell death. We report that sorafenib‐resistant cells had lower levels of total and phosphorylated AMPK as well as its downstream substrate, ACC, compared with the parental cells. Interestingly, AMPK knockdown with siRNA or inhibition with dorsomorphin increased the expression of stem cell markers in parental cells and blocked sorafenib‐induced cell death. Conversely, the upregulation of AMPK, either by transfection or by pharmacological activation with A‐769662, decreased the expression of ALDH1A1, ABCB1A, CD133, Nanog, Oct4, and alpha fetoprotein, and restored sensitivity to sorafenib. Analysis of the underlying mechanism points to hypoxia‐inducible factor HIF‐1α as a regulator of stemness. In vivo studies in a xenograft mouse model demonstrated that stem‐like cells have greater tumourigenic capacity. AMPK activation reduced xenograft tumour growth and decreased the expression of stem cell markers. Taken together, these results indicate that AMPK may serve as a novel target to overcome chemoresistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Bort
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén G Sánchez
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro A Mateos-Gómez
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Diana Vara-Ciruelos
- Division of Cell Signalling & Immunology, College of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, UK
| | - Nieves Rodríguez-Henche
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Díaz-Laviada
- Department of Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Alcala, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.,Chemical Research Institute 'Andrés M. del Río' (IQAR), Alcalá University, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Role of OCT4 in cancer stem-like cells and chemotherapy resistance. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165432. [PMID: 30904611 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) contribute to the tumorigenicity, progression, and chemoresistance of cancers. It is not known whether CSCs arise from normal stem cells or if they arise from differentiated cancer cells by acquiring self-renewal features. These CSCs share stem cell markers that normal stem cells express. There is a rising interest in octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), one of the stem cell factors that are essential in embryogenesis and pluripotency. OCT4 is also overexpressed in CSCs of various cancers. Although the majority of the studies in CSCs reported a positive association between the expression of OCT4 and chemoresistance and an inverse correlation between OCT4 and clinical prognosis, there are studies rebuking these findings, possibly due to the sparsity of stem cells within tumors and the heterogeneity of tumors. In addition, post-translational modification of OCT4 affects its activity and warrants further investigation for its association with chemoresistance and prognosis.
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19
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Liu Y, Dong N, Miao J, Li C, Wang X, Ruan J. Lin28 promotes dental pulp cell proliferation via upregulation of cyclin-dependent proteins and interaction with let-7a/IGF2BP2 pathways. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 113:108742. [PMID: 30851545 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Caries, pulpitis, and trauma are the main causes of dental pulp damage. The regeneration capacity of dental pulp declines with age. Lin28 is a conserved RNA-binding protein in higher eukaryotes that regulates several important cellular functions associated with development, glucose metabolism, differentiation, and pluripotency. Conditional reactivation of Lin28 gene in adult mice markedly accelerates the wound-healing process in injured digits. However, little is known about its functions and molecular mechanism in human dental pulp. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanism of overexpression of Lin28 gene on the proliferation of human dental pulp cells (HDPCs). For this purpose, a number of molecular and biochemical analytical techniques, including the ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay, RNA-protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) analysis, and luciferase assays, were used for detailed characterization. In addition, factors regulating HDPCs activation were explored through gain-of-function and loss-of-function analyses. The results demonstrate that Lin28 promotes cell proliferation and the S-G2/M transition of HDPCs and directly binds to a group of cell cycle regulatory mRNAs in HDPCs. Through bioinformatics analysis and luciferase assays, we confirmed that let-7a targets IGF2BP2. Silencing of IGF2BP2 showed similar cellular and molecular effects as let-7a. Similarly, restoration of IGF2BP2 counteracted the effects of let-7a expression. In conclusion, Lin28 promotes cell proliferation by regulation of both mRNA translation (let-7-independent) and miRNA biogenesis (let-7-dependent). Lin28 can promote the expression of pro-proliferative genes by directly enhancing their translation to maintain a tight control over HDPC proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Clinical Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Dental and Maxillofacial Diseases, Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 Xiwu Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Dong
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 Xiwu Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiyu Miao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenxing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianping Ruan
- Clinical Research Center of Shaanxi Province for Dental and Maxillofacial Diseases, Department of Preventive Dentistry, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 98 Xiwu Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710004, People's Republic of China.
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20
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Ma DQ, Zhang YH, Ding DP, Li J, Chen LL, Tian YY, Ao KJ. Effect of Bmi-1-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway on the stem-like properties of CD133+ human liver cancer cells. Cancer Biomark 2018; 22:575-585. [PMID: 29843222 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-181329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of Bmi-1-mediated NF-κB pathway on the biological characteristics of CD133+ liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). METHODS Flow cytometry was used to isolate CD133+ LCSC cells from Huh7, Hep3B, SK-hep1, and PLC/PRF-5 cells. CD133+ Huh7 cells were divided into Control, Blank, Bmi-1 siRNA, JSH-23 (NF-κB pathway inhibitor), and Bmi-1 + JSH-23 groups. The properties of CD133+ Huh7 cells were detected by the colony-formation and sphere-forming assays. Besides, Transwell assay was applied for the measurement of cell invasion and migration, immunofluorescence staining for the detection of NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, and qRT-PCR and Western blotting for the determination of SOX2, NANOG, OCT4, Bmi-1, and NF-κB p65 expression. RESULTS CD133+ Huh-7 cells were chosen as the experiment subjects after flow cytometry. Compared with CD133- Huh-7 cells, the expression of CD133, OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, Bmi-1, and NF-κB p65, the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65, the number of cell colonies and Sphere formation, as well as the abilities of invasion and migration were observed to be increased in CD133+ Huh-7 cells, which was inhibited after treated with Bmi-1 siRNA or JSH-23, meanwhile, the cell cycle was arrested at the G0/G1 and S phases with apparently enhanced cell apoptosis. Importantly, no significant differences in the biological characteristics of CD133 + Huh-7 cells were found between the Blank group and Bmi-1 + JSH-23 group. CONCLUSION Down-regulating Bmi-1 may inhibit the biological properties of CD133+ LCSC by blocking NF-κB signaling pathway, which lays a scientific foundation for the clinical treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Qiang Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Yin-Hua Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - De-Ping Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Juan Li
- Maternal and Child Health-Care Hospital, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Lin-Li Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - You-You Tian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
| | - Kang-Jian Ao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei 442000, China
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21
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Pyo JH, Jeon HJ, Park JS, Lee JS, Chung HY, Yoo MA. Drosophila PEBP1 inhibits intestinal stem cell aging via suppression of ERK pathway. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17980-17993. [PMID: 29719584 PMCID: PMC5915051 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestine is a high cellular turnover tissue largely dependent on the regenerative function of stem cell throughout life, and a signaling center for the health and viability of organisms. Therefore, better understanding of the mechanisms underlying the regulation of intestinal stem cell (ISC) regenerative potential is essential for the possible intervention of aging process and age-related diseases. Drosophila midgut is a well-established model system for studying the mechanisms underlying ISC regenerative potential during aging. Here, we report the requirement of Drosophila phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 1 (PEBP1) in ISC regenerative potential. We showed that PEBP1 was strongly expressed in enterocytes (ECs) of guts and its decrease with age and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the downregulation of PEBP1 in ECs accelerates ISC aging, as evidenced by ISC hyper-proliferation, γH2AX accumulation, and centrosome amplification, and intestinal hyperplasia. The decrease in PEBP1 expression was associated with increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity in ECs. All these phenotypes by EC-specific depletion of PEBP1 were rescued by the concomitant inhibition of ERK signaling. Our findings evidence that the age-related downregulation of PEBP1 in ECs is a novel cause accelerating ISC aging and that PEBP1 is an EC-intrinsic suppressor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ERK signaling. Our study provides molecular insights into the tight regulation of EGFR/ERK signaling in niches for stem cell regenerative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hoon Pyo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Systems Biology (ISB), Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho-Jun Jeon
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Joung-Sun Park
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Systems Biology (ISB), Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sun Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Hypoxia-Related Disease Research Center, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Young Chung
- Molecular Inflammation Research Center for Aging Intervention (MRCA), College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Ae Yoo
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Systems Biology (ISB), Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
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22
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Zhao S, Shen W, Yu J, Wang L. TBX21 predicts prognosis of patients and drives cancer stem cell maintenance via the TBX21-IL-4 pathway in lung adenocarcinoma. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:89. [PMID: 29615105 PMCID: PMC5883886 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0820-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Th1 cell-specific transcription factor TBX21 functions as a regulator of expression of a Th1 cytokine, interferon gamma (IFN-γ). However, the specific function of TBX21 correlated with cancer stemness remains unclear. Methods Using univariate and multivariate survival analysis, TBX21was identified as an independent predictive factor and was associated with poor prognosis in 1389 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Its mechanism in the prognosis was explored by functional enrichment analysis and validated in bioexperiments. Results In the training and test sets, TBX21 could classify 1389 LUAD patients into high and low-risk groups with significantly different prognosis (P < 0.01). Its prognostic power was independent of other clinical factors including stage, age, gender and smoking status. Functional studies indicated that downregulating TBX21 in lung cancer cells decreased the fraction of cancer stem cells and their sphere and tumor initiation frequency. Furthermore, the study showed that TBX21 activation transduced a TBX21–IL-4 signaling cascade to promote tumor initiation, tumor growth and expression of stemness markers. Conclusions These data demonstrated a key role of TBX21 in the maintenance of cancer stemness and that the TBX21–IL-4 pathway is a crucial factor contributing to lung carcinogenesis. Graphical abstract TBX21 prognostic model correlated with cancer stemness via TBX21-IL-4 pathway in LUAD patients![]() Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-0820-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangtao Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wenzhi Shen
- Department of Pathology and Institute of Precision Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, China.,The School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jiangyong Yu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Luhua Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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23
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Heterodimer formation by Oct4 and Smad3 differentially regulates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-associated factors in breast cancer progression. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018. [PMID: 29526821 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The multifunctional cytokine TGF-β crucially participates in breast cancer (BCa) metastasis and works differently in the disease stages, thus contributing in BCa progression. We address connections between TGF-β and the stem cell-related transcription factor (TF) Oct4 in BCa. In 147 BCa patients with infiltrating duct carcinoma, we identified a significantly higher number of cases with both moderate/high Oct4 expression and high TGF-β in late stages compared to early stages of the disease. In vitro studies showed that TGF-β elevated Oct4 expression, which in turn, regulated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal transition (EMT)-regulatory gene (Snail and Slug) expression, migratory ability, chemotactic invasiveness and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation potential of BCa cells. Putative binding sites for Oct4 on the snail, slug and cxcl13 promoters and for Smad3 on the snail and slug promoters were identified. Promoter activities of snail and slug were greater in dual-treated cells than only TGF-β-treated or Oct4-overexpressing cells. CXCL13 mRNA fold changes, however, were low in cells induced with TGF-β, compared to dual-treated or Oct4-overexpressing cells. Our co-IP studies confirmed that Oct4 and Smad3 form heterodimers that recognize specific promoter sequences to promote Snail and Slug expression, but which in turn, indirectly inhibits Smad3-mediated repression of CXCL13 expression, allowing Oct4 to act as a positive TF for CXCL13. Taken together, these data suggest that TGF-β signaling and Oct4 cooperate to induce expression of EMT-related genes Snail, Slug and CXCL13, which accelerates disease progression, particularly in the late stages, and may indicate a poor prognosis for BCa patients.
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24
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Roato I, Ferracini R. Cancer Stem Cells, Bone and Tumor Microenvironment: Key Players in Bone Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10020056. [PMID: 29461491 PMCID: PMC5836088 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10020056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor mass is constituted by a heterogeneous group of cells, among which a key role is played by the cancer stem cells (CSCs), possessing high regenerative properties. CSCs directly metastasize to bone, since bone microenvironment represents a fertile environment that protects CSCs against the immune system, and maintains their properties and plasticity. CSCs can migrate from the primary tumor to the bone marrow (BM), due to their capacity to perform the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Once in BM, they can also perform the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, allowing them to proliferate and initiate bone lesions. Another factor explaining the osteotropism of CSCs is their ability to recognize chemokine gradients toward BM, through the CXCL12–CXCR4 axis, also known to be involved in tumor metastasis to other organs. Moreover, the expression of CXCR4 is associated with the maintenance of CSCs’ stemness, and CXCL12 expression by osteoblasts attracts CSCs to the BM niches. CSCs localize in the pre-metastatic niches, which are anatomically distinct regions within the tumor microenvironment and govern the metastatic progression. According to the stimuli received in the niches, CSCs can remain dormant for long time or outgrow from dormancy and create bone lesions. This review resumes different aspects of the CSCs’ bone metastastic process and discusses available treatments to target CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Roato
- Center for Research and Medical Studies (CeRMS), A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin 10126, Italy.
| | - Riccardo Ferracini
- Department of Surgical Sciences (DISC), Orthopaedic Clinic-IRCCS A.O.U. San Martino, Genoa 16132, Italy.
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25
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Xu M, Luo J. Alcohol and Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:cancers9110158. [PMID: 29156633 PMCID: PMC5704176 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9110158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heavy alcohol consumption has been associated with increased risk of several cancers, including cancer of the colon, rectum, female breast, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, liver, and esophagus. It appears that alcohol exposure not only promotes carcinogenesis but also enhances the progression and aggressiveness of existing cancers. The molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol tumor promotion, however, remain unclear. Cancer stem cells (CSC), a subpopulation of cancer cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacity, play an important role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence, and therapy resistance. The recent research evidence suggests that alcohol increases the CSC population in cancers, which may underlie alcohol-induced tumor promotion. This review discusses the recent progress in the research of alcohol promotion of CSC and underlying cellular/molecular mechanisms. The review will further explore the therapeutic potential of CSC inhibition in treating alcohol-induced tumor promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 1095 Veterans Drive, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
| | - Jia Luo
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 1095 Veterans Drive, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.
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