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Lu Z, Xu S, Liao H, Zhang Y, Lu Z, Li Z, Chen Y, Guo F, Tang F, He Z. Identification of signature genes for renal ischemia‒reperfusion injury based on machine learning and WGCNA. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21151. [PMID: 37928383 PMCID: PMC10622618 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background As an inevitable event after kidney transplantation, ischemia‒reperfusion injury (IRI) can lead to a decrease in kidney transplant success. The search for signature genes of renal ischemia‒reperfusion injury (RIRI) is helpful in improving the diagnosis and guiding clinical treatment. Methods We first downloaded 3 datasets from the GEO database. Then, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and applied for functional enrichment analysis. After that, we performed three machine learning methods, including random forest (RF), Lasso regression analysis, and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), to further predict candidate genes. WGCNA was also executed to screen candidate genes from DEGs. Then, we took the intersection of candidate genes to obtain the signature genes of RIRI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted to measure the predictive ability of the signature genes. Kaplan‒Meier analysis was used for association analysis between signature genes and graft survival. Verifying the expression of signature genes in the ischemia cell model. Results A total of 117 DEGs were screened out. Subsequently, RF, Lasso regression analysis, SVM-RFE and WGCNA identified 17, 25, 18 and 74 candidate genes, respectively. Finally, 3 signature genes (DUSP1, FOS, JUN) were screened out through the intersection of candidate genes. ROC analysis suggested that the 3 signature genes could well diagnose and predict RIRI. Kaplan‒Meier analysis indicated that patients with low FOS or JUN expression had a longer OS than those with high FOS or JUN expression. Finally, we validated using the ischemia cell model that compared to the control group, the expression level of JUN increased under hypoxic conditions. Conclusions Three signature genes (DUSP1, FOS, JUN) offer a good prediction for RIRI outcome and may serve as potential therapeutic targets for RIRI intervention, especially JUN. The prediction of graft survival by FOS and JUN may improve graft survival in patients with RIRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zechao Lu
- Department of Urology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Senkai Xu
- The Sixth Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Haiqin Liao
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Clinical Research Center for Urological Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zeguang Lu
- The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Zhibiao Li
- Department of Urology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Yushu Chen
- Department of Urology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Feng Guo
- Department of Urology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Fucai Tang
- Department of Urology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518033, China
| | - Zhaohui He
- Department of Urology, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518033, China
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Mirzaei R, Shafiee S, Vafaei R, Salehi M, Jalili N, Nazerian Z, Muhammadnajad A, Yadegari F, Reza Esmailinejad M, Farahmand L. Production of novel recombinant anti-EpCAM antibody as targeted therapy for breast cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110656. [PMID: 37473710 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utilization of monoclonal antibodies (moAbs), an issue correlated with the biopharmaceutical professions, is developing and maturing. Coordinated with this conception, we produced the appealingly modeled anti-EpCAM scFv for breast cancer tumors. METHODS Afterward cloning and expression of recombinant antibody in Escherichia coli bacteria, the correctness of the desired antibody was checked by western blotting. Flow cytometry was utilized to determine the capacity of the recombinant antibody to append to the desired receptors in the malignant breast cancer (BC)cell line. The recombinant antibody (anti-EpCAM scFv) was examined for preclinical efficacy in reducing tumor growth, angiogenesis, and invasiveness (in vitro- in vivo). FINDINGS A target antibody-mediated attenuation of migration and invasion in the examined cancer cell lines was substantiated (P-value < 0.05). Grafted tumors from breast cancer in mice indicated significant and compelling suppression of tumor growth and decrement in blood supply in reaction to the recombinant anti-EpCAM intervention. Evaluations of immunohistochemical and histopathological findings revealed an enhanced response rate to the treatment. CONCLUSION The desired anti-EpCAM scFv can be a therapeutic tool to reduce invasion and proliferation in malignant breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Mirzaei
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soodabeh Shafiee
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rana Vafaei
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Malihe Salehi
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Jalili
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Nazerian
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahad Muhammadnajad
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Cancer Institute of Iran, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Yadegari
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohamad Reza Esmailinejad
- Department of Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Farahmand
- Recombinant Proteins Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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Omar FA, Brown TC, Gillanders WE, Fleming TP, Smith MA, Bremner RM, Sankpal NV. Cytosolic EpCAM cooperates with H-Ras to regulate epithelial to mesenchymal transition through ZEB1. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285707. [PMID: 37192201 PMCID: PMC10187930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Next generation sequencing of human cancer mutations has identified novel therapeutic targets. Activating Ras oncogene mutations play a central role in oncogenesis, and Ras-driven tumorigenesis upregulates an array of genes and signaling cascades that can transform normal cells into tumor cells. In this study, we investigated the role of altered localization of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in Ras-expressing cells. Analysis of microarray data demonstrated that Ras expression induced EpCAM expression in normal breast epithelial cells. Fluorescent and confocal microscopy showed that H-Ras mediated transformation also promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) together with EpCAM. To consistently localize EpCAM in the cytosol, we generated a cancer-associated EpCAM mutant (EpCAM-L240A) that is retained in the cytosol compartment. Normal MCF-10A cells were transduced with H-Ras together with EpCAM wild-type (WT) or EpCAM-L240A. WT-EpCAM marginally effected invasion, proliferation, and soft agar growth. EpCAM-L240A, however, markedly altered cells and transformed to mesenchymal phenotype. Ras-EpCAM-L240A expression also promoted expression of EMT factors FRA1, ZEB1 with inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and IL1. This altered morphology was reversed using MEK-specific inhibitors and to some extent JNK inhibition. Furthermore, these transformed cells were sensitized to apoptosis using paclitaxel and quercetin, but not other therapies. For the first time, we have demonstrated that EpCAM mutations can cooperate with H-Ras and promote EMT. Collectively, our results highlight future therapeutic opportunities in EpCAM and Ras mutated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma A. Omar
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Taylor C. Brown
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - William E. Gillanders
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Timothy P. Fleming
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Smith
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Ross M. Bremner
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Narendra V. Sankpal
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
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Understanding the versatile roles and applications of EpCAM in cancers: from bench to bedside. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:97. [PMID: 36369033 PMCID: PMC9650829 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) functions not only in physiological processes but also participates in the development and progression of cancer. In recent decades, extensive efforts have been made to decipher the role of EpCAM in cancers. Great advances have been achieved in elucidating its structure, molecular functions, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical applications. Beyond its well-recognized role as a biomarker of cancer stem cells (CSCs) or circulating tumor cells (CTCs), EpCAM exhibits novel and promising value in targeted therapy. At the same time, the roles of EpCAM in cancer progression are found to be highly context-dependent and even contradictory in some cases. The versatile functional modules of EpCAM and its communication with other signaling pathways complicate the study of this molecule. In this review, we start from the structure of EpCAM and focus on communication with other signaling pathways. The impacts on the biology of cancers and the up-to-date clinical applications of EpCAM are also introduced and summarized, aiming to shed light on the translational prospects of EpCAM.
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Xia S, Ji L, Tang L, Zhang L, Zhang X, Tang Q, Feng Z, Lu L. Proteasome Subunit Alpha Type 7 Promotes Proliferation and Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Through MAPK Signaling Pathway. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:880-891. [PMID: 33721161 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-06903-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Proteasome subunit alpha type 7 (PSMA7) shows a carcinogenic effect on various human malignancies, but its role and regulatory mechanism in gastric carcinoma (GC) remain unclear. AIMS This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of PSMA7 in GC. METHODS In this study, PSMA7 expressions in GC cells and tissues were detected, and relationships between PSMA7 and clinicopathological features were explored. Then, PSMA7 levels in human GC cells were intervened, and changes in cell biological behavior were observed in vitro and vivo. Key proteins and downstream factors of MAPK signaling pathway were detected after PSMA7 intervention. RESULTS PSMA7 was upregulated in GC tissues and cell lines. PSMA7 overexpression was significantly associated with poor pTNM, cTNM stage, and high HP infection. PSMA7 can promote proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of GC cells in vitro and vivo. Furthermore, PSMA7 expression affected the phosphorylation level of JNK, P38, ERK and the expressions of their downstream factors Ap-1, c-myc, P53. CONCLUSION PSMA7 can promote GC proliferation, invasion, and metastasis through MAPK signaling pathway in GC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yancheng TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Yancheng, 224000, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Xinghua People's Hospital, Xinghua, 225700, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Lei Ji
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Lizhong Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Yancheng TCM Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Yancheng, 224000, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Xinghua People's Hospital, Xinghua, 225700, China
| | - Xiumei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Xinghua People's Hospital, Xinghua, 225700, China
| | - Qi Tang
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhenqing Feng
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Antibody Techniques, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, 200080, China
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6
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Pan M, Kohlbauer V, Blancke Soares A, Schinke H, Huang Y, Kranz G, Quadt T, Hachmeister M, Gires O. Interactome analysis reveals endocytosis and membrane recycling of EpCAM during differentiation of embryonic stem cells and carcinoma cells. iScience 2021; 24:103179. [PMID: 34693227 PMCID: PMC8517208 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is expressed in epithelia, carcinoma, teratoma, and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). EpCAM displays spatiotemporal patterning during embryogenesis, tissue morphogenesis, cell differentiation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in carcinomas. Potential interactors of EpCAM were identified in murine F9 teratoma cells using a stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture-based proteomic approach (n = 77, enrichment factor >3, p value ≤ 0.05). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene ontology terms revealed interactions with regulators of endosomal trafficking and membrane recycling, which were further validated for Rab5, Rab7, and Rab11. Endocytosis and membrane recycling of EpCAM were confirmed in mF9 cells, E14TG2α ESC, and Kyse30 carcinoma cells. Reduction of EpCAM during mesodermal differentiation and TGFβ-induced EMT correlated with enhanced endocytosis and block or reduction of recycling in ESCs and esophageal carcinoma cells. Hence, endocytosis and membrane recycling are means of regulation of EpCAM protein levels during differentiation of ESC and EMT induction in carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Vera Kohlbauer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Blancke Soares
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuanchi Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Quadt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Hachmeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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7
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Functional Implications of the Dynamic Regulation of EpCAM during Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070956. [PMID: 34209658 PMCID: PMC8301972 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in epithelial tissues. EpCAM forms intercellular, homophilic adhesions, modulates epithelial junctional protein complex formation, and promotes epithelial tissue homeostasis. EpCAM is a target of molecular therapies and plays a prominent role in tumor biology. In this review, we focus on the dynamic regulation of EpCAM expression during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the functional implications of EpCAM expression on the regulation of EMT. EpCAM is frequently and highly expressed in epithelial cancers, while silenced in mesenchymal cancers. During EMT, EpCAM expression is downregulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and EMT transcription factors, as well as by regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). The functional impact of EpCAM expression on tumor biology is frequently dependent on the cancer type and predominant oncogenic signaling pathways, suggesting that the role of EpCAM in tumor biology and EMT is multifunctional. Membrane EpCAM is cleaved in cancers and its intracellular domain (EpICD) is transported into the nucleus and binds β-catenin, FHL2, and LEF1. This stimulates gene transcription that promotes growth, cancer stem cell properties, and EMT. EpCAM is also regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and the EpCAM ectoderm (EpEX) is an EGFR ligand that affects EMT. EpCAM is expressed on circulating tumor and cancer stem cells undergoing EMT and modulates metastases and cancer treatment responses. Future research exploring EpCAM’s role in EMT may reveal additional therapeutic opportunities.
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Sankpal NV, Brown TC, Fleming TP, Herndon JM, Amaravati AA, Loynd AN, Gillanders WE. Cancer-associated mutations reveal a novel role for EpCAM as an inhibitor of cathepsin-L and tumor cell invasion. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:541. [PMID: 33980181 PMCID: PMC8114703 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08239-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background EpCAM (Epithelial cell adhesion molecule) is often dysregulated in epithelial cancers. Prior studies implicate EpCAM in the regulation of oncogenic signaling pathways and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. It was recently demonstrated that EpCAM contains a thyroglobulin type-1 (TY-1) domain. Multiple proteins with TY-1 domains are known to inhibit cathepsin-L (CTSL), a cysteine protease that promotes tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Analysis of human cancer sequencing studies reveals that somatic EpCAM mutations are present in up to 5.1% of tested tumors. Methods The Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer (COSMIC) database was queried to tabulate the position and amino acid changes of cancer associated EpCAM mutations. To determine how EpCAM mutations affect cancer biology we studied C66Y, a damaging TY-1 domain mutation identified in liver cancer, as well as 13 other cancer-associated EpCAM mutations. In vitro and in vivo models were used to determine the effect of wild type (WT) and mutant EpCAM on CTSL activity and invasion. Immunoprecipitation and localization studies tested EpCAM and CTSL protein binding and determined compartmental expression patterns of EpCAM mutants. Results We demonstrate that WT EpCAM, but not C66Y EpCAM, inhibits CTSL activity in vitro, and the TY-1 domain of EpCAM is responsible for this inhibition. WT EpCAM, but not C66Y EpCAM, inhibits tumor cell invasion in vitro and lung metastases in vivo. In an extended panel of human cancer cell lines, EpCAM expression is inversely correlated with CTSL activity. Previous studies have demonstrated that EpCAM germline mutations can prevent EpCAM from being expressed at the cell surface. We demonstrate that C66Y and multiple other EpCAM cancer-associated mutations prevent surface expression of EpCAM. Cancer-associated mutations that prevent EpCAM cell surface expression abrogate the ability of EpCAM to inhibit CTSL activity and tumor cell invasion. Conclusions These studies reveal a novel role for EpCAM as a CTSL inhibitor, confirm the functional relevance of multiple cancer-associated EpCAM mutations, and suggest a therapeutic vulnerability in cancers harboring EpCAM mutations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08239-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra V Sankpal
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Taylor C Brown
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.,Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Timothy P Fleming
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 124 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix, 85013, AZ, USA
| | - John M Herndon
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Anusha A Amaravati
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Allison N Loynd
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - William E Gillanders
- Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Campus Box 8109, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA. .,Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Focus on Cdc42 in Breast Cancer: New Insights, Target Therapy Development and Non-Coding RNAs. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020146. [PMID: 30754684 PMCID: PMC6406589 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumors in females. Although the conventional treatment has demonstrated a certain effect, some limitations still exist. The Rho guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Cdc42 (Cell division control protein 42 homolog) is often upregulated by some cell surface receptors and oncogenes in breast cancer. Cdc42 switches from inactive guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound to active GTP-bound though guanine-nucleotide-exchange factors (GEFs), results in activation of signaling cascades that regulate various cellular processes such as cytoskeletal changes, proliferation and polarity establishment. Targeting Cdc42 also provides a strategy for precise breast cancer therapy. In addition, Cdc42 is a potential target for several types of non-coding RNAs including microRNAs and lncRNAs. These non-coding RNAs is extensively involved in Cdc42-induced tumor processes, while many of them are aberrantly expressed. Here, we focus on the role of Cdc42 in cell morphogenesis, proliferation, motility, angiogenesis and survival, introduce the Cdc42-targeted non-coding RNAs, as well as present current development of effective Cdc42-targeted inhibitors in breast cancer.
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10
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Choi HY, Yang GM, Dayem AA, Saha SK, Kim K, Yoo Y, Hong K, Kim JH, Yee C, Lee KM, Cho SG. Hydrodynamic shear stress promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition by downregulating ERK and GSK3β activities. Breast Cancer Res 2019; 21:6. [PMID: 30651129 PMCID: PMC6335853 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-018-1071-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) occurs in the tumor microenvironment and presents an important mechanism of tumor cell intravasation, stemness acquisition, and metastasis. During metastasis, tumor cells enter the circulation to gain access to distant tissues, but how this fluid microenvironment influences cancer cell biology is poorly understood. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we present both in vivo and in vitro evidence that EMT-like transition also occurs in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) as a result of hydrodynamic shear stress (+SS), which promotes conversion of CD24middle/CD44high/CD133middle/CXCR4low/ALDH1low primary patient epithelial tumor cells into specific high sphere-forming CD24low/CD44low/CD133high/CXCR4high/ALDH1high cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) or tumor-initiating cells (TICs) with elevated tumor progression and metastasis capacity in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that conversion of CSLCs/TICs from epithelial tumor cells via +SS is dependent on reactive oxygen species (ROS)/nitric oxide (NO) generation, and suppression of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK)/glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β, a mechanism similar to that operating in embryonic stem cells to prevent their differentiation while promoting self-renewal. CONCLUSION Fluid shear stress experienced during systemic circulation of human breast tumor cells can lead to specific acquisition of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-like potential that promotes EMT, mesenchymal-epithelial transition, and metastasis to distant organs. Our data revealed that biomechanical forces appeared to be important microenvironmental factors that not only drive hematopoietic development but also lead to acquisition of CSLCs/TIC potential in cancer metastasis. Our data highlight that +SS is a critical factor that promotes the conversion of CTCs into distinct TICs in blood circulation by endowing plasticity to these cells and by maintaining their self-renewal signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Yeon Choi
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology and Incurable Disease Animal Model and Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Gwang-Mo Yang
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology and Incurable Disease Animal Model and Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Ahmed Abdal Dayem
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology and Incurable Disease Animal Model and Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Subbroto Kumar Saha
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology and Incurable Disease Animal Model and Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeongseok Kim
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology and Incurable Disease Animal Model and Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngbum Yoo
- Department of Surgery, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, 05030, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwonho Hong
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology and Incurable Disease Animal Model and Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Hoi Kim
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology and Incurable Disease Animal Model and Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Cassian Yee
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77054, USA
| | - Kyung-Mi Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Korea University College of Medicine, 26-1 Anam-dong, Sungbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ssang-Goo Cho
- Department of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biotechnology and Incurable Disease Animal Model and Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, 120 Neungdong-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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Huang Y, Chanou A, Kranz G, Pan M, Kohlbauer V, Ettinger A, Gires O. Membrane-associated epithelial cell adhesion molecule is slowly cleaved by γ-secretase prior to efficient proteasomal degradation of its intracellular domain. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:3051-3064. [PMID: 30598504 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) is a key mechanism for activating transmembrane proteins such as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) for cellular signaling and degradation. EpCAM is highly expressed in carcinomas and progenitor and embryonic stem cells and is involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Strictly sequential cleavage of EpCAM through RIP involves initial shedding of the extracellular domain by α-secretase (ADAM) and β-secretase (BACE) sheddases, generating a membrane-tethered C-terminal fragment EpCTF. Subsequently, the rate-limiting γ-secretase complex catalyzes intramembrane cleavage of EpCTF, generating an extracellular EpCAM-Aβ-like fragment and an intracellular EpICD fragment involved in nuclear signaling. Here, we have combined biochemical approaches with live-cell imaging of fluorescent protein tags to investigate the kinetics of γ-secretase-mediated intramembrane cleavage of EpCTF. We demonstrate that γ-secretase-mediated proteolysis of exogenously and endogenously expressed EpCTF is a slow process with a 50% protein turnover in cells ranging from 45 min to 5.5 h. The slow cleavage was dictated by γ-secretase activity and not by EpCTF species, as indicated by cross-species swapping experiments. Furthermore, both human and murine EpICDs generated from EpCTF by γ-secretase were degraded efficiently (94-99%) by the proteasome. Hence, proteolytic cleavage of EpCTF is a comparably slow process, and EpICD generation does not appear to be suited for rapidly transducing extracellular cues into nuclear signaling, but appears to provide steady signals that can be further controlled through efficient proteasomal degradation. Our approach provides an unbiased bioassay to investigate proteolytic processing of EpCTF in single living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanchi Huang
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany, .,the Department of Spinal Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Anna Chanou
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Min Pan
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Vera Kohlbauer
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Ettinger
- the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Marchioninistrasse 25, 81377 München, Germany, and
| | - Olivier Gires
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany, .,the Clinical Cooperation Group Personalized Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Tumors, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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12
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Extracellular domain of EpCAM enhances tumor progression through EGFR signaling in colon cancer cells. Cancer Lett 2018; 433:165-175. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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13
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Cao L, Liu Y, Wang D, Huang L, Li F, Liu J, Zhang C, Shen Z, Gao Q, Yuan W, Zhang Y. MiR-760 suppresses human colorectal cancer growth by targeting BATF3/AP-1/cyclinD1 signaling. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:83. [PMID: 29661228 PMCID: PMC5902951 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0757-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Recent studies have reported that microRNAs (miRNAs) often function as negative post-transcriptional regulators with altered expression levels found in colorectal cancer (CRC). There have been few studies on miRNAs that regulate the oncogenic alterations in CRC. Here, we aim to explore the anti-cancer miRNA and the potential mechanisms by which miRNAs modulate CRC progression. Methods We performed an integrated analysis of CRC miRNA expression datasets in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The miRNA with the lowest expression, miR-760, was validated in an independent validation sample cohort of 76 CRC tissues. Functional assays, such as CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, and CFSE staining, were used to determine the oncogenic role of miR-760 in human CRC progression. Furthermore, western blotting and dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to determine the mechanism by which miR-760 promotes proliferation of CRC cells. Xenograft nude mouse models were used to determine the role of miR-760 in CRC tumorigenicity in vivo. Immunohistochemical assays were conducted to study the relationship between miR-760 expression and basic leucine zipper transcriptional factor ATF-like 3 (BATF3) expression in human CRC samples. Results miR-760 was markedly downregulated in CRC tissues, and low miR-760 expression was associated with poor prognosis among CRC patients. Upregulation of miR-760 suppressed CRC cell proliferation, whereas downregulation of miR-760 promoted CRC proliferation in vitro. Additionally, we identified BATF3 as a direct target of miR-760, and that the essential biological function of miR-760 during CRC progression both in vitro and in vivo is to suppress the expression of BATF3 and downstream cyclinD1 via AP-1 transcription factor. Finally, we showed a significant correlation between miR-760 and BATF3 expression in CRC tissues. Conclusions miR-760 inhibited CRC growth by downregulating BATF3/AP-1/ cyclinD1 signaling. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0757-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Cao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yulin Liu
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Lan Huang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Feng Li
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Chaoqi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhibo Shen
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Qun Gao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, People's Republic of China. .,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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14
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Bai F, Liu K, Li H, Wang J, Zhu J, Hao P, Zhu L, Zhang S, Shan L, Ma W, Bode AM, Zhang W, Li H, Dong Z. Veratramine modulates AP-1-dependent gene transcription by directly binding to programmable DNA. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:546-557. [PMID: 29237043 PMCID: PMC5778533 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx1241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Because the transcription factor activator protein-1 (AP-1) regulates a variety of protein-encoding genes, it is a participant in many cellular functions, including proliferation, transformation, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and apoptosis. Inhibitors targeting AP-1 have potential use in the treatment of cancer and other inflammatory diseases. Here, we identify veratramine as a potent natural modulator of AP-1, which selectively binds to a specific site (TRE 5'-TGACTCA-3') of the AP-1 target DNA sequence and regulates AP-1-dependent gene transcription without interfering with cystosolic signaling cascades that might lead to AP-1 activation. Moreover, RNA-seq experiments demonstrate that veratramine does not act on the Hedgehog signaling pathway in contrast to its analogue, cyclopamine, and likely does not harbor the same teratogenicity and toxicity. Additionally, veratramine effectively suppresses EGF-induced AP-1 transactivation and transformation of JB6 P+ cells. Finally, we demonstrate that veratramine inhibits solar-ultraviolet-induced AP-1 activation in mice. The identification of veratramine and new findings in its specific regulation of AP-1 down stream genes pave ways to discovering and designing regulators to regulate transcription factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Bai
- Faculty of Chemical, Environmental, and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Basic Medical College, Zhengzhou University, No. 100 Science Road, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Cancer Chemoprevention, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, No.127 Dongmin Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Huiliang Li
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Junsheng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, No.127 Dongmin Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Pei Hao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institute Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Lili Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Shoude Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lei Shan
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Weiya Ma
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Ann M Bode
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
| | - Weidong Zhang
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, 325 Guohe Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Honglin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, USA
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, No.127 Dongmin Road, Zhengzhou 450008, China
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15
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Bhavsar D, Subramanian K, Sethuraman S, Krishnan UM. 'Nano-in-nano' hybrid liposomes increase target specificity and gene silencing efficiency in breast cancer induced SCID mice. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2017; 119:96-106. [PMID: 28600223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gene silencing has immense potential in the treatment of cancer. However, enhancement of its efficiency requires the development of specifically targeted and safe carrier systems. Cationic carriers are generally limited by their immunogenicity. Hence, in this study, we report hybrid liposomes encapsulating Poly (L-lysine)-siRNA complex to silence epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), highly expressed in epithelial cancers. The hybrid liposomes LL1 (Egg PC:DSPE-PEG, 10:0) and hybrid immunoliposomes LL2 (Egg PC:DSPE-PEG, 8:2) linked with EpCAM antibody as the targeting ligand showed an encapsulation efficiency of 70% and 86%, respectively. LL2 liposomes with a zeta potential of -26mV exhibited good colloidal stability in phosphate buffered saline containing bovine serum albumin and fetal bovine serum at 37°C. Cell uptake studies showed increased uptake of the LL2 when compared to LL1 liposomes. Finally, the hybrid immunoliposomes were evaluated for their efficacy in regressing the tumor volume in SCID mice. Eight doses each of 0.15mg/kg, which is among the lowest reported siRNA concentrations, were administered to the animals. About 45% reduction in tumor volume was achieved after 28days in the mice treated with LL2 when compared with the positive control and LL1 treated groups. Thus, our results demonstrate that the 'nano-in-nano' concept of encapsulating poly (l-Lysine) complexed EpCAM siRNA in immunoliposomes may be a promising strategy to treat EpCAM-positive epithelial cancers, especially as an adjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Bhavsar
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Krishnakumar Subramanian
- L&T Ophthalmic Pathology Department, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Swaminathan Sethuraman
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India.
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16
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Gao S, Sun Y, Liu X, Zhang D, Yang X. EpCAM and COX-2 expression are positively correlated in human breast cancer. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:3755-3760. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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A double-negative feedback loop between EpCAM and ERK contributes to the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer. Oncogene 2017; 36:3706-3717. [PMID: 28192403 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process that has been implicated in cancer metastasis. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is expressed at the basolateral membrane of most normal epithelial cells but is overexpressed in many epithelial cancers. In our studies on the role of EpCAM in cancer biology, we observed that EpCAM expression is decreased in mesenchymal-like primary cancer specimens in vivo and following induction of EMT in cancer cell lines in vitro. Extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) is a key regulator of EMT. We observed that EpCAM expression is decreased with activation of the ERK pathway in primary cancer specimens in vivo and in cancer cell lines in vitro. In experimental models, growth factor stimulation and/or oncogene-induced ERK2 activation suppressed EpCAM expression, whereas genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the ERK pathway restored EpCAM expression. In detailed studies of the EpCAM promoter region, we observed that ERK2 suppresses EpCAM transcription directly by binding to a consensus ERK2-binding site in the EpCAM promoter and indirectly through activation of EMT-associated transcription factors SNAI1, SNAI2, TWIST1 and ZEB1, which bind to E-box sites in the EpCAM promoter. Surprisingly, EpCAM appears to modulate ERK activity. Using multiple cell lines, we demonstrated that specific ablation of EpCAM resulted in increased ERK pathway activity and SNAI2 expression, migration and invasion, whereas forced expression of EpCAM resulted in decreased ERK pathway activity and SNAI2 expression, migration and invasion. These observations provide important insights into the regulation of EpCAM expression during EMT, demonstrate an unexpected role for EpCAM in the regulation of ERK and define a novel double-negative feedback loop between EpCAM and ERK that contributes to the regulation of EMT. These studies have important translational implications as both EpCAM and ERK are currently being targeted in human clinical trials.
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18
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Somasundaram RT, Kaur J, Leong I, MacMillan C, Witterick IJ, Walfish PG, Ralhan R. Subcellular differential expression of Ep-ICD in oral dysplasia and cancer is associated with disease progression and prognosis. BMC Cancer 2016; 16:486. [PMID: 27421772 PMCID: PMC4947324 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-016-2507-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of patients with oral dysplasia at high risk of cancer development and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) at increased risk of disease recurrence will enable rigorous personalized treatment. Regulated intramembranous proteolysis of Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) resulting in release of its intracellular domain Ep-ICD into cytoplasm and nucleus triggers oncogenic signaling. We analyzed the expression of Ep-ICD in oral dysplasia and cancer and determined its clinical significance in disease progression and prognosis. Methods In a retrospective study, immunohistochemical analysis of nuclear and cytoplasmic Ep-ICD and EpEx (extracellular domain of EpCAM), was carried out in 115 OSCC, 97 oral dysplasia and 105 normal oral tissues, correlated with clinicopathological parameters and disease outcome over 60 months for oral dysplasia and OSCC patients. Disease-free survival (DFS) was determined by Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results In comparison with normal oral tissues, significant increase in nuclear Ep-ICD and membrane EpEx was observed in dysplasia, and OSCC (p = 0.013 and < 0.001 respectively). Oral dysplasia patients with increased overall Ep-ICD developed cancer in short time period (mean = 47 months; p = 0.044). OSCC patients with increased nuclear Ep-ICD and membrane EpEx had significantly reduced mean DFS of 33.7 months (p = 0.018). Conclusions Our study provided clinical evidence for Ep-ICD as a predictor of cancer development in patients with oral dysplasia and recurrence in OSCC patients, suggesting its potential utility in enhanced management of those patients detected to have increased risk of progression to cancer and recurrence in OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj Thani Somasundaram
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine in Molecular Onocolgy, Mount Sinia Hospital, Room 6-318, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Jatinder Kaur
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine in Molecular Onocolgy, Mount Sinia Hospital, Room 6-318, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Iona Leong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Mount Sinai Hospital, Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Health Complex, 600 University Avenue, 6-500, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Christina MacMillan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Ian J Witterick
- Joseph and Mildred Sonshine Family Centre for Head and Neck Diseases, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory in Molecular Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Health Complex, 600 University Avenue, 6-500, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2N2, Canada
| | - Paul G Walfish
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine in Molecular Onocolgy, Mount Sinia Hospital, Room 6-318, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Joseph and Mildred Sonshine Family Centre for Head and Neck Diseases, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2N2, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, Endocrine Division, Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto, Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Health Complex, Room 413-7, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.
| | - Ranju Ralhan
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory, Laboratory Medicine in Molecular Onocolgy, Mount Sinia Hospital, Room 6-318, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Joseph and Mildred Sonshine Family Centre for Head and Neck Diseases, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Alex and Simona Shnaider Laboratory in Molecular Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Health Complex, 600 University Avenue, 6-500, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada. .,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 2N2, Canada.
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Exploring Different Strategies for Efficient Delivery of Colorectal Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:26936-52. [PMID: 26569228 PMCID: PMC4661854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161125995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the world. Currently available chemotherapy of CRC usually delivers the drug to both normal as well as cancerous tissues, thus leading to numerous undesirable effects. Much emphasis is being laid on the development of effective drug delivery systems for achieving selective delivery of the active moiety at the anticipated site of action with minimized unwanted side effects. Researchers have employed various techniques (dependent on pH, time, pressure and/or bacteria) for targeting drugs directly to the colonic region. On the other hand, systemic drug delivery strategies to specific molecular targets (such as FGFR, EGFR, CD44, EpCAM, CA IX, PPARγ and COX-2) overexpressed by cancerous cells have also been shown to be effective. This review aims to put forth an overview of drug delivery technologies that have been, and may be developed, for the treatment of CRC.
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Vercollone JR, Balzar M, Litvinov SV, Yang W, Cirulli V. MMTV/LTR Promoter-Driven Transgenic Expression of EpCAM Leads to the Development of Large Pancreatic Islets. J Histochem Cytochem 2015. [PMID: 26216137 DOI: 10.1369/0022155415583876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous work demonstrated an important role of EpCAM in the regulation of pancreatic cell adhesion, growth and differentiation. Here we investigated the consequences of human EpCAM (hEpCAM) overexpression under the control of the MMTV-LTR promoter, known to drive robust gene expression in a number of ductal epithelia, including the pancreas. In this animal model (MMTV-hEpCAM) we uncovered a striking pancreatic phenotype exhibiting a 12-fold increase in the islet cell mass, with normal expression patterns of insulin and the transcription factor PDX-1. Intriguingly, these large islet clusters revealed an altered architectural organization of α- and δ-cells that appeared interspersed with β-cells in the islet cores. This suggests an effect of the hEpCAM transgene on the function of other cell adhesion molecules that we have previously shown to regulate islet cell type segregation. Consistent with this finding, we show that the pancreatic epithelium in MMTV-hEpCAM transgenic mice exhibits a redistribution of β-catenin, a known regulator of E-cadherin-mediated adhesions. Collectively, these results provide an important in vivo validation of hEpCAM signaling properties in normal epithelia and offer unique opportunities to further explore the function of this glycoprotein in select pancreatic cell lineages to elicit islet cell expansion, and/or regeneration in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Vercollone
- Department of Medicine, Diabetes & Obesity Center of Excellence, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (JRV, WY, VC)
| | - Maarten Balzar
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (MB, SVL)
| | - Sergey V Litvinov
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (MB, SVL)
| | - Wendy Yang
- Department of Medicine, Diabetes & Obesity Center of Excellence, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (JRV, WY, VC)
| | - Vincenzo Cirulli
- Department of Medicine, Diabetes & Obesity Center of Excellence, Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (JRV, WY, VC)
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Zheng GF, Cai Z, Meng XK, Zhang Y, Zhu W, Pang XY, Dou L. Unfolded protein response mediated JNK/AP-1 signal transduction, a target for ovarian cancer treatment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2015; 8:6505-6511. [PMID: 26261528 PMCID: PMC4525862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Researches have revealed several stressors, which could activate unfolded protein response (UPR) in cells. However, the survival or death pathway was determined by the duration of UPR exposure. Based on the UPR mediated death pathway, our study was aimed to investigate role of UPR on c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/activator protein-1 (Ap-1) signal transduction in diindolylmethane (DIM) treated ovarian cancer cell lines. Activation of UPR proteins, UPR mediated apoptotic signaling proteins and expression level of EpCAM, JNK, Ap-1, Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 were measured. Protein and gene expression, transcription factor activity, and protein phosphorylation were measured using standard molecular biology techniques. Our results demonstrated DIM treatment had significantly increased the expression of Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress regulators such as Bip, IRE1, CHOP and activation of UPR related apoptotic proteins in ovarian cancer cells. Decreased expression of EpCAM and activity of AP-1 transcription factor were observed in DIM treated cells. The pharmacologic inhibitors of the JNK signal transduction pathway, suggest that the impact of EpCAM expression on AP-1 transcription factor activity is mediated through the JNK pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that UPR mediated JNK/Ap-1 signal transduction has a significant role in the regulation of apoptosis in human ovarian cancer cells, and is a potential molecular target to enhance sensitivity of ovarian cancer to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao-Feng Zheng
- The Bone Marrow Transplantation Center & Multiple Myeloma Treatment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhen Cai
- The Bone Marrow Transplantation Center & Multiple Myeloma Treatment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang-Kai Meng
- Department of Gynecology, The First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Pang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Lei Dou
- Department of Gynecology, The First Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyang 110001, Liaoning, China
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Seeber A, Martowicz A, Spizzo G, Buratti T, Obrist P, Fong D, Gastl G, Untergasser G. Soluble EpCAM levels in ascites correlate with positive cytology and neutralize catumaxomab activity in vitro. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:372. [PMID: 25947366 PMCID: PMC4427982 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND EpCAM is highly expressed on membrane of epithelial tumor cells and has been detected as soluble/secreted (sEpCAM) in serum of cancer patients. In this study we established an ELISA for in vitro diagnostics to measure sEpCAM concentrations in ascites. Moreover, we evaluated the influence of sEpCAM levels on catumaxomab (antibody)--dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). METHODS Ascites specimens from cancer patients with positive (C+, n = 49) and negative (C-, n = 22) cytology and ascites of patients with liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 31) were collected. All cell-free plasma samples were analyzed for sEpCAM levels with a sandwich ELISA system established and validated by a human recombinant EpCAM standard for measurements in ascites as biological matrix. In addition, we evaluated effects of different sEpCAM concentrations on catumaxomab-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) and human tumor cells. RESULTS Our ELISA showed a high specificity for secreted EpCAM as determined by control HEK293FT cell lines stably expressing intracellular (EpICD), extracellular (EpEX) and the full-length protein (EpCAM) as fusion proteins. The lower limit of quantification was 200 pg/mL and the linear quantification range up to 5,000 pg/mL in ascites as biological matrix. Significant levels of sEpCAM were found in 39% of C+, 14% of C- and 13% of LC ascites samples. Higher concentrations of sEpCAM were detectable in C+ (mean: 1,015 pg/mL) than in C- (mean: 449 pg/mL; p = 0.04) or LC (mean: 326 pg/mL; p = 0.01). Soluble EpCAM concentration of 1 ng/mL significantly inhibited ADCC of PBMNCs on EpCAM overexpressing target cells. CONCLUSION Elevated concentrations of sEpCAM can be found in a subgroup of C+ and also in a small group of C- patients. We consider that sEpCAM levels in different tumor entities and individual patients should be evaluated prior to applying anti-EpCAM antibody-based cancer therapies, since sEpCAM neutralizes catumaxomab activity, making therapy less efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Seeber
- Experimental Oncogenomics, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Oncotyrol - Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Agnieszka Martowicz
- Experimental Oncogenomics, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Division of Vascular Biology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gilbert Spizzo
- Experimental Oncogenomics, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Oncotyrol - Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Hemato-Oncological Day Hospital, Hospital of Merano, Merano, Italy.
| | - Thomas Buratti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Merano, Merano, Italy.
| | - Peter Obrist
- Pathology Laboratory, Hospital of Zams, Zams, Austria.
| | - Dominic Fong
- Experimental Oncogenomics, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Hemato-Oncological Day Hospital, Hospital of Merano, Merano, Italy.
| | - Guenther Gastl
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Gerold Untergasser
- Experimental Oncogenomics, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Oncotyrol - Center for Personalized Cancer Medicine, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Gao J, Yan Q, Wang J, Liu S, Yang X. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition induced by TGF-β1 is mediated by AP1-dependent EpCAM expression in MCF-7 cells. J Cell Physiol 2015; 230:775-82. [PMID: 25205054 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process involving the breakdown of cell-cell junctions and loss of epithelial polarity, is closely related to cancer metastasis and invasion. The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a type I transmembrane protein expressed in the majority of normal epithelial tissues and overexpressed in the majority of human epithelial cancers including breast cancer. EpCAM plays an important role in cancer progression. We showed that EpCAM participated in TGF-β1-induced EMT. TGF-β1 treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells was shown to induce EpCAM expression, which promoted the EMT and cell migration. EpCAM overexpression further enhanced TGF-β1-induced EMT and EpCAM knockdown inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT. We further demonstrated that TGF-β1 treatment induced the phosphorylation of JNK that was in turn responsible for the increased expression of Jun and Fos. This result suggests an important role of the JNK to AP-1 signaling to EpCAM downstream of TGF-β1 for the induction of EMT in the breast cancer cells. Collectively, our study highlights a novel function for EpCAM in TGF-β1-induced EMT process and suggests that targeting of EpCAM may be an attractive strategy to treat breast cancer. This study implicates the potential value of EpCAM as a molecular marker for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiujiao Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalian Medical University, Liaoning Provincial Core Lab of Glycobiology and Glycoengineering, Dalian, P. R. China
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Bhavsar D, Subramanian K, Sethuraman S, Krishnan UM. EpCAM-targeted liposomal si-RNA delivery for treatment of epithelial cancer. Drug Deliv 2014; 23:1101-14. [PMID: 25417832 DOI: 10.3109/10717544.2014.973082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RNA interference (RNAi) technology using short interfering RNA (si-RNA) has shown immense potential in the treatment of cancers through silencing of specific genes. Cationic non-viral vectors employed for gene delivery exhibit toxic effects in normal cells limiting their widespread use, therefore, site-specific delivery using benign carriers could address this issue. OBJECTIVE Design of a non-toxic carrier that enables site-specific delivery of si-RNA into the cancer cells is of prime importance to realize the promise of gene silencing. METHODS In the present study, non-cationic liposomes encapsulating si-RNA against epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) were developed and characterized for encapsulation efficiency, colloidal stability, in vitro and in vivo gene silencing efficacy. RESULTS PEGylated liposomes containing phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine exhibited maximum si-RNA encapsulation efficiency of 47%, zeta potential of -21 mV, phase transition temperature of 51 °C and good colloidal stability in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) containing bovine serum albumin (BSA) and plasma protein (PP) at 37 °C. Conjugation of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibody to the liposomes resulted in enhanced cell internalization and superior down-regulation of EpCAM gene in MCF-7 cell lines when compared with free si-RNA and the non-targeted liposomes. In vivo evaluation of immunoliposomes for their efficacy in regressing the tumor volume in Balb/c SCID mice showed about 35% reduction of tumor volume in comparison with the positive control when administered with an extremely low dose of 0.15 mg/kg twice a week for 4 weeks. CONCLUSION Our results exhibit that the nanocarrier-mediated silencing of EpCAM gene is a promising strategy to treat epithelial cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhiraj Bhavsar
- a Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical & Biotechnology , SASTRA University , Thanjavur , India and
| | - Krishnakumar Subramanian
- b L&T Ophthalmic Pathology Department, Sankara Nethralaya , Vision Research Foundation , Chennai , India
| | - Swaminathan Sethuraman
- a Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical & Biotechnology , SASTRA University , Thanjavur , India and
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- a Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical & Biotechnology , SASTRA University , Thanjavur , India and
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Srivastava G, Assi J, Kashat L, Matta A, Chang M, Walfish PG, Ralhan R. Nuclear Ep-ICD accumulation predicts aggressive clinical course in early stage breast cancer patients. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:726. [PMID: 25265904 PMCID: PMC4190296 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regulated intramembrane proteolysis of Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) results in release of its intracellular domain (Ep-ICD) which triggers oncogenic signalling. The clinical significance of Ep-ICD in breast cancer remains to be determined. Herein, we examined the expression of nuclear and cytoplasmic Ep-ICD, and membranous extracellular domain of EpCAM (EpEx) in breast cancer patients, to determine its potential utility in predicting aggressive clinical course of the disease. Methods In this retrospective study, 266 breast cancers and 45 normal breast tissues were immunohistochemically analyzed to determine the expression patterns of nuclear and cytoplasmic Ep-ICD and membranous EpEx and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and follow up. Disease-free survival was determined by Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results Nuclear Ep-ICD was more frequently expressed in breast cancers compared to normal tissues. Significant association was observed between increased nuclear Ep-ICD expression and reduced disease-free survival in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) (p < 0.001). Nuclear Ep-ICD was positive in all the 13 DCIS and 25 IDC patients who had reduced disease-free survival, while none of the nuclear Ep-ICD negative DCIS or IDC patients had recurrence during the follow up period. Notably, majority of IDC patients who had recurrence had early stage tumors. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified nuclear Ep-ICD as the most significant predictive factor for reduced disease-free survival in IDC patients (p = 0.011, Hazard ratio = 80.18). Conclusion Patients with nuclear Ep-ICD positive breast cancers had poor prognosis. The high recurrence of disease in nuclear Ep-ICD positive patients, especially those with early tumor stage suggests that nuclear Ep-ICD accumulation holds the promise of identifying early stage patients with aggressive disease who are likely to be in need of more rigorous post-operative surveillance and/or treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul G Walfish
- Alex and Simona Shnaider Research Laboratory in Molecular Oncology, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Suite 6-318, Toronto M5G 1X5, Ontario, Canada.
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Liu D, Sun J, Zhu J, Zhou H, Zhang X, Zhang Y. Expression and clinical significance of colorectal cancer stem cell marker EpCAM high/CD44 + in colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2014; 7:1544-1548. [PMID: 24765173 PMCID: PMC3997707 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2014.1907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer stem cells are considered the source of recurrence, metastasis and drug resistance in colorectal tumors. Therefore, the identification and targeting of cancer stem cells facilitates the elimination of tumors. Although epithelial cell adhesion molecule-high (EpCAMhigh)/cluster of differentiation (CD)44+ cells are thought to act as a marker of colorectal cancer stem cells, the clinical significance of these cells in colorectal cancer remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the prevalence and clinical significance of colorectal cancer stem cell marker EpCAMhigh/CD44+ in colorectal cancer. Double immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression of EpCAM/CD44 in 80 cases of colorectal cancer and their corresponding liver metastases. The expression of EpCAM/CD44 in colorectal cancer was analyzed, and the correlation of EpCAMhigh/CD44+ with the biological behavior of colorectal cancer was explored. In the 80 cases of colorectal cancer studied, the presence of EpCAMhigh/CD44+ cells had no correlation with gender, patient age or the magnitude of the tumor (P>0.05), but was significantly correlated with degree of differentiation, depth of invasion, clinical stage and metastatic status (P<0.05). In addition, EpCAMhigh/CD44+ cells were detected in the corresponding liver metastases. Thus, the results of this study indicate that EpCAMhigh/CD44+, a marker of colorectal cancer stem cells, is significantly correlated with the invasion and metastases of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
| | - Jinghua Sun
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
| | - Jinming Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, P.R. China
| | - Huan Zhou
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116027, P.R. China
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Abstract
Despite significant advances in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat prostate cancer (CaP), many patients die of secondary disease (metastases). Current therapeutic approaches are limited, and there is no cure for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM, also known as CD326) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed in rapidly proliferating carcinomas and plays an important role in the prevention of cell-cell adhesion, cell signalling, migration, proliferation and differentiation. Stably and highly expressed EpCAM has been found in primary CaP tissues, effusions and CaP metastases, making it an ideal candidate of tumour-associated antigen to detect metastasis of CaP cells in the circulation as well as a promising therapeutic target to control metastatic CRPC disease. In this review, we discuss the implications of the newly identified roles of EpCAM in terms of its diagnostic and metastatic relevance to CaP. We also summarize EpCAM expression in human CaP and EpCAM-mediated signalling pathways in cancer metastasis. Finally, emerging and innovative approaches to the management of the disease and expanding potential therapeutic applications of EpCAM for targeted strategies in future CaP therapy will be explored.
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EpCAM expression varies significantly and is differentially associated with prognosis in the luminal B HER2(+), basal-like, and HER2 intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2013; 108:1480-7. [PMID: 23519058 PMCID: PMC3629430 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is frequently expressed in breast cancer, and its expression has been associated with poor prognosis. Breast cancer can be subdivided into intrinsic subtypes, differing in prognosis and response to therapy. Methods: To investigate the association between EpCAM expression and prognosis in the intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer, we performed immunohistochemical studies on a tissue microarray encompassing a total of 1365 breast cancers with detailed clinicopathological annotation and outcomes data. Results: We observed EpCAM expression in 660 out of 1365 (48%) cases. EpCAM expression varied significantly in the different intrinsic subtypes. In univariate analyses of all cases, EpCAM expression was associated with a significantly worse overall survival. In the intrinsic subtypes, EpCAM expression was associated with an unfavourable prognosis in the basal-like and luminal B HER2+ subtypes but associated with a favourable prognosis in the HER2 subtype. Consistently, specific ablation of EpCAM resulted in increased cell viability in the breast cancer cell line SKBR3 (ER−, PR−, and HER2+) but decreased viability in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 (ER−, PR−, and HER2− ). Conclusion: The differential association of EpCAM expression with prognosis in intrinsic subtypes has important implications for the development of EpCAM-targeted therapies in breast cancer.
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Shigdar S, Qian C, Lv L, Pu C, Li Y, Li L, Marappan M, Lin J, Wang L, Duan W. The use of sensitive chemical antibodies for diagnosis: detection of low levels of EpCAM in breast cancer. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57613. [PMID: 23460885 PMCID: PMC3584034 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 01/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
EpCAM is expressed at low levels in a variety of normal human epithelial tissues, but is overexpressed in 70–90% of carcinomas. From a clinico-pathological point of view, this has both prognostic and therapeutic significance. EpCAM was first suggested as a therapeutic target for the treatment of epithelial cancers in the 1990s. However, following several immunotherapy trials, the results have been mixed. It has been suggested that this is due, at least in part, to an unknown level of EpCAM expression in the tumors being targeted. Thus, selection of patients who would benefit from EpCAM immunotherapy by determining EpCAM status in the tumor biopsies is currently undergoing vigorous evaluation. However, current EpCAM antibodies are not robust enough to be able to detect EpCAM expression in all pathological tissues. Here we report a newly developed EpCAM RNA aptamer, also known as a chemical antibody, which is not only specific but also more sensitive than current antibodies for the detection of EpCAM in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary breast cancers. This new aptamer, together with our previously described aptamer, showed no non-specific staining or cross-reactivity with tissues that do not express EpCAM. They were able to reliably detect target proteins in breast cancer xenograft where an anti-EpCAM antibody (323/A3) showed limited or no reactivity. Our results demonstrated a more robust detection of EpCAM using RNA aptamers over antibodies in clinical samples with chromogenic staining. This shows the potential of aptamers in the future of histopathological diagnosis and as a tool to guide targeted immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shigdar
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christine Qian
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Histopathology, St John of God Pathology, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Li Lv
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Chunwen Pu
- Dalian Sixth People’s Hospital, Dalian, China
| | - Yong Li
- Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, and St George Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Lianhong Li
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Science, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Manju Marappan
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jia Lin
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lifen Wang
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- * E-mail: (WD); (LW)
| | - Wei Duan
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail: (WD); (LW)
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Bidirectional modulation of endogenous EpCAM expression to unravel its function in ovarian cancer. Br J Cancer 2013; 108:881-6. [PMID: 23403823 PMCID: PMC3590680 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is overexpressed on most carcinomas. Dependent on the tumour type, its overexpression is either associated with improved or worse patient survival. For ovarian cancer, however, the role of EpCAM remains unclear. Methods: Cell survival of ovarian cancer cell lines was studied after induction or repression of endogenous EpCAM expression using siRNA/cDNA or artificial transcription factors (ATF) consisting of engineered zinc-fingers fused to either a transcriptional activator or repressor domain. Results: Two ATFs were selected as the most potent down- and upregulator, showing at least a two-fold alteration of EpCAM protein expression compared with control. Downregulation of EpCAM expression resulted in growth inhibition in breast cancer, but showed no effect on cell growth in ovarian cancer. Induction or further upregulation of EpCAM expression decreased ovarian cancer cell survival. Conclusion: The bidirectional ATF-based approach is uniquely suited to study cell-type-specific biological effects of EpCAM expression. Using this approach, the oncogenic function of EpCAM in breast cancer was confirmed. Despite its value as a diagnostic marker and for immunotherapy, EpCAM does not seem to represent a therapeutic target for gene expression silencing in ovarian cancer.
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Sankpal NV, Fleming TP, Gillanders WE. EpCAM modulates NF-κB signaling and interleukin-8 expression in breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2013; 11:418-26. [PMID: 23378578 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-12-0518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a 40-kD type I transmembrane protein that is overexpressed in human epithelial cancers and is currently the target of molecular therapy based on its overexpression at the cell surface. Recently, we and others have shown a role for EpCAM in cell signaling and carcinogenesis, and EpCAM expression seems to promote breast cancer invasion. Interleukin-8 (IL-8/CXCL-8) is an inflammatory cytokine that has recently been shown to modulate breast cancer invasion and angiogenesis. In preliminary experiments, we identified a correlation between EpCAM and IL-8 expression in primary human breast cancers. Specific ablation of EpCAM in breast cancer cell lines results in decreased IL-8 expression, and IL-8 contributes to EpCAM-dependent breast cancer invasion. Specific ablation of EpCAM is also associated with decreased NF-κB transcription factor activity, decreased phosphorylation of the NF-κB family member RELA, and increased IκBα protein expression. EpCAM modulates IL-8 expression at baseline, and following IL-1β stimulation, which is known to be a potent inducer of NF-κB in breast cancer. In functional rescue experiments, specific ablation of RELA or forced expression of the NF-κB inhibitor protein IκBα prevented EpCAM-dependent rescue of IL-8 promoter activity. These studies show for the first time that EpCAM can modulate NF-κB transcription factor activity and IL-8 expression in breast cancer and confirm the role of EpCAM signaling in modulating breast cancer invasion. Further study is required to define the molecular mechanism(s) of EpCAM signaling in breast cancer and to direct the rational development of molecular therapies targeting EpCAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra V Sankpal
- Department of Surgery, Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Simon M, Stefan N, Plückthun A, Zangemeister-Wittke U. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule-targeted drug delivery for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2013; 10:451-68. [PMID: 23316711 DOI: 10.1517/17425247.2013.759938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is abundantly expressed in epithelial tumors, on cancer stem cells and circulating tumor cells. Together with its role in oncogenic signaling, this has sparked interest in its potential for tumor targeting with antibodies and drug conjugates for safe and effective cancer therapy. Recent advances in protein engineering, linker design and drug formulations have provided a multitude of EpCAM-targeting anticancer agents, several of them with good perspectives for clinical development. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the biological, therapeutic and technical aspects of EpCAM-targeted drug delivery for cancer therapy. The authors discuss seminal findings, which distinguish EpCAM as a target with oncogenic function and abundant expression in epithelial tumors. Moreover, recent trends in engineering improved anti-EpCAM antibodies, binding proteins that are not derived from immunoglobulins and drug conjugates derived from them are highlighted and their therapeutic potential based on reported preclinical and clinical data, originality of design and perspectives are critically assessed. EXPERT OPINION EpCAM has shown promise for safe and efficient targeting of solid tumors using antibodies, alternative binding molecules and novel drug conjugates. Among the myriad of EpCAM-targeting drug delivery systems investigated so far, several could demonstrate therapeutic benefit, other formulations engineered to become tailor-made missiles are on the brink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Simon
- University of Bern, Institute of Pharmacology, Friedbühlstrasse 49, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Su PH, Lin YW, Huang RL, Liao YP, Lee HY, Wang HC, Chao TK, Chen CK, Chan MWY, Chu TY, Yu MH, Lai HC. Epigenetic silencing of PTPRR activates MAPK signaling, promotes metastasis and serves as a biomarker of invasive cervical cancer. Oncogene 2013; 32:15-26. [PMID: 22330137 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2011] [Revised: 01/04/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are a driving force in carcinogenesis. However, their role in cancer metastasis remains poorly understood. The present study investigated the role of DNA methylation in the cervical cancer metastasis. Here, we report evidence of the overexpression of DNA methyltransferases 3B (DNMT3B) in invasive cervical cancer and of the inhibition of metastasis by DNMT3B interference. Using methyl-DNA immunoprecipitation coupled with microarray analysis, we found that the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type R (PTPRR) was silenced through DNMT3B-mediated methylation in the cervical cancer. PTPRR inhibited p44/42 MAPK signaling, the expression of the transcription factor AP1, human papillomavirus (HPV) oncogenes E6/E7 and DNMTs. The methylation status of PTPRR increased in cervical scrapings (n=358) in accordance with disease severity, especially in invasive cancer. Methylation of the PTPRR promoter has an important role in the metastasis and may be a biomarker of invasive cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- P-H Su
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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