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Small but Powerful: The Human Vault RNAs as Multifaceted Modulators of Pro-Survival Characteristics and Tumorigenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112787. [PMID: 35681764 PMCID: PMC9179338 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Small non-protein-coding RNAs have been recognized as valuable regulators of gene expression in all three domains of life. Particularly in multicellular organisms, ncRNAs-mediated gene expression control has evolved as a central principle of cellular homeostasis. Thus, it is not surprising that non-coding RNA misregulation has been linked to various diseases. Here, we review the contributions of the four human vault RNAs to cellular proliferation, apoptosis and cancer biology. Abstract The importance of non-coding RNAs for regulating gene expression has been uncovered in model systems spanning all three domains of life. More recently, their involvement in modulating signal transduction, cell proliferation, tumorigenesis and cancer progression has also made them promising tools and targets for oncotherapy. Recent studies revealed a class of highly conserved small ncRNAs, namely vault RNAs, as regulators of several cellular homeostasis mechanisms. The human genome encodes four vault RNA paralogs that share significant sequence and structural similarities, yet they seem to possess distinct roles in mammalian cells. The alteration of vault RNA expression levels has frequently been observed in cancer tissues, thus hinting at a putative role in orchestrating pro-survival characteristics. Over the last decade, significant advances have been achieved in clarifying the relationship between vault RNA and cellular mechanisms involved in cancer development. It became increasingly clear that vault RNAs are involved in controlling apoptosis, lysosome biogenesis and function, as well as autophagy in several malignant cell lines, most likely by modulating signaling pathways (e.g., the pro-survival MAPK cascade). In this review, we discuss the identified and known functions of the human vault RNAs in the context of cell proliferation, tumorigenesis and chemotherapy resistance.
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Frascotti G, Galbiati E, Mazzucchelli M, Pozzi M, Salvioni L, Vertemara J, Tortora P. The Vault Nanoparticle: A Gigantic Ribonucleoprotein Assembly Involved in Diverse Physiological and Pathological Phenomena and an Ideal Nanovector for Drug Delivery and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040707. [PMID: 33572350 PMCID: PMC7916137 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In recent decades, a molecular complex referred to as vault nanoparticle has attracted much attention by the scientific community, due to its unique properties. At the molecular scale, it is a huge assembly consisting of 78 97-kDa polypeptide chains enclosing an internal cavity, wherein enzymes involved in DNA integrity maintenance and some small noncoding RNAs are accommodated. Basically, two reasons justify this interest. On the one hand, this complex represents an ideal tool for the targeted delivery of drugs, provided it is suitably engineered, either chemically or genetically; on the other hand, it has been shown to be involved in several cellular pathways and mechanisms that most often result in multidrug resistance. It is therefore expected that a better understanding of the physiological roles of this ribonucleoproteic complex may help develop new therapeutic strategies capable of coping with cancer progression. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge. Abstract The vault nanoparticle is a eukaryotic ribonucleoprotein complex consisting of 78 individual 97 kDa-“major vault protein” (MVP) molecules that form two symmetrical, cup-shaped, hollow halves. It has a huge size (72.5 × 41 × 41 nm) and an internal cavity, wherein the vault poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (vPARP), telomerase-associated protein-1 (TEP1), and some small untranslated RNAs are accommodated. Plenty of literature reports on the biological role(s) of this nanocomplex, as well as its involvement in diseases, mostly oncological ones. Nevertheless, much has still to be understood as to how vault participates in normal and pathological mechanisms. In this comprehensive review, current understanding of its biological roles is discussed. By different mechanisms, vault’s individual components are involved in major cellular phenomena, which result in protection against cellular stresses, such as DNA-damaging agents, irradiation, hypoxia, hyperosmotic, and oxidative conditions. These diverse cellular functions are accomplished by different mechanisms, mainly gene expression reprogramming, activation of proliferative/prosurvival signaling pathways, export from the nucleus of DNA-damaging drugs, and import of specific proteins. The cellular functions of this nanocomplex may also result in the onset of pathological conditions, mainly (but not exclusively) tumor proliferation and multidrug resistance. The current understanding of its biological roles in physiological and pathological processes should also provide new hints to extend the scope of its exploitation as a nanocarrier for drug delivery.
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Involvement of the uridine cytidine kinase 2 enzyme in cancer cell death: A molecular crosstalk between the enzyme and cellular apoptosis induction. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:1506-1510. [PMID: 30551402 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Apoptosis is a series of molecular signalling regulating normal cellular growth and development. Cells resistance to apoptosis, however, leads to uncontrolled proliferation. Research involving cancer cell death is one of the most important targeted areas in the discovery of novel anticancer therapy. There are several biochemical pathways that are liked towards cancer cell death of which, uridine-cytidine kinase 2 (UCK2) was recently linked to cell apoptosis induction. UCK2 is responsible for the phosphorylation of uridine and cytidine to their corresponding monophosphate in a salvage pathway of pyrimidine nucleotides biosynthesis. Cytotoxic ribonucleoside analogues that target UCK2 enzyme activity are currently being investigated in clinical trials useful for cancer treatment. Whilst findings have clearly shown that these antimetabolites inhibit cancer development in clinical settings, they have yet to establish linking cytotoxic nucleoside analogues to cancer cell death. In this present review, we propose the probable molecular crosstalk involving UCK2 protein and cancer cell death through cell cycle arrest and triggering of apoptosis involving proteins, MDM2 and the subsequent activation of p53.
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ERCC1-expressing circulating tumor cells as a potential diagnostic tool for monitoring response to platinum-based chemotherapy and for predicting post-therapeutic outcome of ovarian cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:24303-24313. [PMID: 28388557 PMCID: PMC5421848 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We recently showed that the presence of ERCC1+CTCs is an independent predictive biomarker for platinum-resistance and poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. The goal of our current research was to determine how the auxiliary assessment of ERCC1-transcripts influences overall CTC-detection rate. We extended this investigation from an initially predictive setting to paired pre- and post-therapeutic blood analysis in order to see, whether ERCC1+CTCs dynamics mirror response to chemotherapy. Methods 65 Paired blood samples (10ml) of primary ovarian cancer patients at primary diagnosis and after chemotherapy were studied for CTCs with the AdnaTest Ovarian Cancer (QIAGEN Hannover GmbH). We analyzed the tumor-associated transcripts EpCAM, MUC-1 and CA-125. ERCC1-transcripts were investigated in a separate approach by singleplex RT-PCR. RESULTS Auxiliary assessment of ERCC1-transcripts enhanced the overall CTC-detection rate up to 17%. ERCC1+CTCs (defined as positive for one of the AdnaTest markers plus ERCC1-positivity) were detected in 15% of patients at primary diagnosis and in 12% after chemotherapy. The presence of ERCC1+CTCs after chemotherapy correlated with platinum-resistance (P=0.01), reduced PFS (P=0.0293) and OS (P=0.0008) and their persistence indicated poor post-therapeutic outcome (PFS: P=0.005; OS: P=0.0058). Interestingly, the assessment of ERCC1-transcripts alone was sufficient for the detection of prognostic relevant ERCC1-expressing CTCs. Conclusion Auxiliary assessment of ERCC1-transcripts expands the phenotypic spectrum of CTC detection and defines an additional overlapping fraction of ERCC1-expressing CTCs, which are potentially selected by platinum-based chemotherapy. Specifically, we suggest that ERCC1+CTCs could additionally be useful as a surrogate for monitoring platinum-based chemotherapy and to assess the post-therapeutic outcome of ovarian cancer.
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Schott S, Wimberger P, Klink B, Grützmann K, Puppe J, Wauer US, Klotz DM, Schröck E, Kuhlmann JD. The conjugated antimetabolite 5-FdU-ECyd and its cellular and molecular effects on platinum-sensitive vs. -resistant ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Oncotarget 2017; 8:76935-76948. [PMID: 29100359 PMCID: PMC5652753 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy is a clinical challenge in the treatment of ovarian cancer (OC) and limits survival. Therefore, innovative drugs against platinum-resistance are urgently needed. Our therapeutic concept is based on the conjugation of two chemotherapeutic compounds to a monotherapeutic pro-drug, which is taken up by cancer cells and cleaved into active cytostatic metabolites. We explore the activity of the duplex-prodrug 5-FdU-ECyd, covalently linking 2'-deoxy-5-fluorouridine (5-FdU) and 3'-C-ethynylcytidine (ECyd), on platinum-resistant OC cells. Methods In vitro assays and RNA-Sequencing were applied for characterization of 5-FdU-ECyd treated platinum-sensitive A2780 and isogenic platinum-resistant A2780cis and independent platinum-resistant Skov-3-IP OC cells. Results Nano molar 5-FdU-ECyd concentrations induced a rapid dose-dependent decline of cell viability in platinum-sensitive and -resistant OC cells. The effect of 5-FdU-ECyd was accompanied by the formation of DNA double strand breaks and apoptosis induction, indicated by a strong increase of pro-apoptotic molecular markers. Moreover, 5-FdU-ECyd efficiently decreased migration of platinum-resistant OC cells and inhibited clonogenic or spheroidal growth. Transcriptome analysis showed early up-regulation of CDKN1A and c-Fos in both, platinum-resistant and -sensitive cells after 5-FdU-ECyd treatment and de-regulation of distinct cellular pathways involved in cell cycle regulation, apoptosis, DNA-damage response and RNA-metabolism. Combined treatment of 5-FdU-ECyd and cisplatin did not show a synergistic cellular response, suggesting the potential use of 5-FdU-ECyd as a monotherapeutic agent. Conclusion Our data provide novel mechanistic insight into the anti-tumor effect of 5-FdU-ECyd and we hypothesize that this duplex-prodrug could be a promising therapeutic option for OC patients with resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Schott
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara Klink
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Konrad Grützmann
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julian Puppe
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ulrike Sophie Wauer
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel Martin Klotz
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Evelin Schröck
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Institute for Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Dominik Kuhlmann
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Chebouti I, Kuhlmann JD, Buderath P, Weber S, Wimberger P, Bokeloh Y, Hauch S, Kimmig R, Kasimir-Bauer S. ERCC1-expressing circulating tumor cells as a potential diagnostic tool for monitoring response to platinum-based chemotherapy and for predicting post-therapeutic outcome of ovarian cancer. Oncotarget 2017. [PMID: 28388557 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13286] [] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently showed that the presence of ERCC1+CTCs is an independent predictive biomarker for platinum-resistance and poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. The goal of our current research was to determine how the auxiliary assessment of ERCC1-transcripts influences overall CTC-detection rate. We extended this investigation from an initially predictive setting to paired pre- and post-therapeutic blood analysis in order to see, whether ERCC1+CTCs dynamics mirror response to chemotherapy. METHODS 65 Paired blood samples (10ml) of primary ovarian cancer patients at primary diagnosis and after chemotherapy were studied for CTCs with the AdnaTest Ovarian Cancer (QIAGEN Hannover GmbH). We analyzed the tumor-associated transcripts EpCAM, MUC-1 and CA-125. ERCC1-transcripts were investigated in a separate approach by singleplex RT-PCR. RESULTS Auxiliary assessment of ERCC1-transcripts enhanced the overall CTC-detection rate up to 17%. ERCC1+CTCs (defined as positive for one of the AdnaTest markers plus ERCC1-positivity) were detected in 15% of patients at primary diagnosis and in 12% after chemotherapy. The presence of ERCC1+CTCs after chemotherapy correlated with platinum-resistance (P=0.01), reduced PFS (P=0.0293) and OS (P=0.0008) and their persistence indicated poor post-therapeutic outcome (PFS: P=0.005; OS: P=0.0058). Interestingly, the assessment of ERCC1-transcripts alone was sufficient for the detection of prognostic relevant ERCC1-expressing CTCs. CONCLUSION Auxiliary assessment of ERCC1-transcripts expands the phenotypic spectrum of CTC detection and defines an additional overlapping fraction of ERCC1-expressing CTCs, which are potentially selected by platinum-based chemotherapy. Specifically, we suggest that ERCC1+CTCs could additionally be useful as a surrogate for monitoring platinum-based chemotherapy and to assess the post-therapeutic outcome of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issam Chebouti
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Dominik Kuhlmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul Buderath
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Weber
- ACOMED Statistik, Department of Biostatics, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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Chebouti I, Kuhlmann JD, Buderath P, Weber S, Wimberger P, Bokeloh Y, Hauch S, Kimmig R, Kasimir-Bauer S. ERCC1-expressing circulating tumor cells as a potential diagnostic tool for monitoring response to platinum-based chemotherapy and for predicting post-therapeutic outcome of ovarian cancer. Oncotarget 2017. [PMID: 28388557 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13286]+[] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently showed that the presence of ERCC1+CTCs is an independent predictive biomarker for platinum-resistance and poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. The goal of our current research was to determine how the auxiliary assessment of ERCC1-transcripts influences overall CTC-detection rate. We extended this investigation from an initially predictive setting to paired pre- and post-therapeutic blood analysis in order to see, whether ERCC1+CTCs dynamics mirror response to chemotherapy. METHODS 65 Paired blood samples (10ml) of primary ovarian cancer patients at primary diagnosis and after chemotherapy were studied for CTCs with the AdnaTest Ovarian Cancer (QIAGEN Hannover GmbH). We analyzed the tumor-associated transcripts EpCAM, MUC-1 and CA-125. ERCC1-transcripts were investigated in a separate approach by singleplex RT-PCR. RESULTS Auxiliary assessment of ERCC1-transcripts enhanced the overall CTC-detection rate up to 17%. ERCC1+CTCs (defined as positive for one of the AdnaTest markers plus ERCC1-positivity) were detected in 15% of patients at primary diagnosis and in 12% after chemotherapy. The presence of ERCC1+CTCs after chemotherapy correlated with platinum-resistance (P=0.01), reduced PFS (P=0.0293) and OS (P=0.0008) and their persistence indicated poor post-therapeutic outcome (PFS: P=0.005; OS: P=0.0058). Interestingly, the assessment of ERCC1-transcripts alone was sufficient for the detection of prognostic relevant ERCC1-expressing CTCs. CONCLUSION Auxiliary assessment of ERCC1-transcripts expands the phenotypic spectrum of CTC detection and defines an additional overlapping fraction of ERCC1-expressing CTCs, which are potentially selected by platinum-based chemotherapy. Specifically, we suggest that ERCC1+CTCs could additionally be useful as a surrogate for monitoring platinum-based chemotherapy and to assess the post-therapeutic outcome of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issam Chebouti
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Dominik Kuhlmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paul Buderath
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Weber
- ACOMED Statistik, Department of Biostatics, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Rainer Kimmig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Kasimir-Bauer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Dresden and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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