1
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Kao TW, Chen HH, Lin J, Wang TL, Shen YA. PBX1 as a novel master regulator in cancer: Its regulation, molecular biology, and therapeutic applications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189085. [PMID: 38341110 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
PBX1 is a critical transcription factor at the top of various cell fate-determining pathways. In cancer, PBX1 stands at the crossroads of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and mediates responses by recruiting a broad repertoire of downstream targets. Research thus far has corroborated the involvement of PBX1 in cancer proliferation, resisting apoptosis, tumor-associated neoangiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis, immune evasion, genome instability, and dysregulating cellular metabolism. Recently, our understanding of the functional regulation of the PBX1 protein has advanced, as increasing evidence has depicted a regulatory network consisting of transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels of control mechanisms. Furthermore, accumulating studies have supported the clinical utilization of PBX1 as a prognostic or therapeutic target in cancer. Preliminary results showed that PBX1 entails vast potential as a targetable master regulator in the treatment of cancer, particularly in those with high-risk features and resistance to other therapeutic strategies. In this review, we will explore the regulation, protein-protein interactions, molecular pathways, clinical application, and future challenges of PBX1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Wan Kao
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Han Chen
- Department of General Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100224, Taiwan
| | - James Lin
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Tian-Li Wang
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1550 Orleans Street, CRB2, Room 306, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA; Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Yao-An Shen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan; International Master/Ph.D. Program in Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan.
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2
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Olatoke T, Wagner A, Astrinidis A, Zhang EY, Guo M, Zhang AG, Mattam U, Kopras EJ, Gupta N, Smith EP, Karbowniczek M, Markiewski MM, Wikenheiser-Brokamp KA, Whitsett JA, McCormack FX, Xu Y, Yu JJ. Single-cell multiomic analysis identifies a HOX-PBX gene network regulating the survival of lymphangioleiomyomatosis cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadf8549. [PMID: 37163604 PMCID: PMC10171823 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf8549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, progressive lung disease that predominantly affects women. LAM cells carry TSC1/TSC2 mutations, causing mTORC1 hyperactivation and uncontrolled cell growth. mTORC1 inhibitors stabilize lung function; however, sustained efficacy requires long-term administration, and some patients fail to tolerate or respond to therapy. Although the genetic basis of LAM is known, mechanisms underlying LAM pathogenesis remain elusive. We integrated single-cell RNA sequencing and single-nuclei ATAC-seq of LAM lungs to construct a gene regulatory network controlling the transcriptional program of LAM cells. We identified activation of uterine-specific HOX-PBX transcriptional programs in pulmonary LAMCORE cells as regulators of cell survival depending upon HOXD11-PBX1 dimerization. Accordingly, blockage of HOXD11-PBX1 dimerization by HXR9 suppressed LAM cell survival in vitro and in vivo. PBX1 regulated STAT1/3, increased the expression of antiapoptotic genes, and promoted LAM cell survival in vitro. The HOX-PBX gene network provides promising targets for treatment of LAM/TSC mTORC1-hyperactive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnim Olatoke
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Andrew Wagner
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Aristotelis Astrinidis
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Erik Y. Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Minzhe Guo
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Alan G. Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Ushodaya Mattam
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Kopras
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Nishant Gupta
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Eric P. Smith
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Magdalena Karbowniczek
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Maciej M. Markiewski
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, TX 79601, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Wikenheiser-Brokamp
- Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perinatal Institute, Division of Pulmonary Biology, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Whitsett
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Francis X. McCormack
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Yan Xu
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Jane J. Yu
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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3
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Juárez-Rendón KJ, Castro-García MA, Prada-Ortega DG, Rivera G, Ruíz-Godoy LM, Enríquez-Cárcamo VI, Reyes-Lopez MA. Variants Identified in the HOXC13 and HOXD13 Genes Suggest Association with Cervical Cancer in a Cohort of Mexican Women. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14020358. [PMID: 36833285 PMCID: PMC9957514 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
HOX genes have been associated with carcinogenesis. However, the molecular mechanism by which tumors are generated remains unclear. The HOXC13 and HOXD13 genes are of interest for their involvement in the development of genitourinary structures. The aim of this first study in the Mexican population was to search for and analyze variants in the coding region of the HOXC13 and HOXD13 genes in women with cervical cancer. Samples from Mexican women with cervical cancer and healthy women were sequenced (50/50). Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between groups. The functional impact of the proteins was determined with two bioinformatics servers (SIFT and PolyPhen-2), and the oncogenic potential of the identified nonsynonymous variants was determined using the CGI server. We identified five unreported gene variants: c.895C>A p.(Leu299Ile) and c.777C>T p.(Arg259Arg) in the HOXC13 gene and c.128T>A p.(Phe43Tyr), c.204G>A p.(Ala68Ala), and c.267G>A p.(Ser89Ser) in the HOXD13 gene. In this study, we suggest that the non-synonymous variants c.895C>A p.(Leu299Ile) and c.128T>A p.(Phe43Tyr) could represent a risk factor for the development of the disease, although additional studies in larger patient populations and in different ethnic groups are needed in order to support the results observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina Janett Juárez-Rendón
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Blvd. del Maestro s/n. Esq. Elías Piña. Col. Narciso Mendoza, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Manuel Alejandro Castro-García
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Blvd. del Maestro s/n. Esq. Elías Piña. Col. Narciso Mendoza, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | - Diddier Giovanni Prada-Ortega
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Unit for Biomedical Research in Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City 14080, Mexico
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City 04510, Mexico
| | - Gildardo Rivera
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Blvd. del Maestro s/n. Esq. Elías Piña. Col. Narciso Mendoza, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
| | | | | | - Miguel Angel Reyes-Lopez
- Centro de Biotecnología Genómica, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Blvd. del Maestro s/n. Esq. Elías Piña. Col. Narciso Mendoza, Reynosa 88710, Mexico
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-5557296000 (ext. 87751)
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Belpaire M, Taminiau A, Geerts D, Rezsohazy R. HOXA1, a breast cancer oncogene. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188747. [PMID: 35675857 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
More than 25 years ago, the first literature records mentioned HOXA1 expression in human breast cancer. A few years later, HOXA1 was confirmed as a proper oncogene in mammary tissue. In the following two decades, molecular data about the mode of action of the HOXA1 protein, the factors contributing to activate and maintain HOXA1 gene expression and the identity of its target genes have accumulated and provide a wider view on the association of this transcription factor to breast oncogenesis. Large-scale transcriptomic data gathered from wide cohorts of patients further allowed refining the relationship between breast cancer type and HOXA1 expression. Several recent reports have reviewed the connection between cancer hallmarks and the biology of HOX genes in general. Here we take HOXA1 as a paradigm and propose an extensive overview of the molecular data centered on this oncoprotein, from what its expression modulators, to the interactors contributing to its oncogenic activities, and to the pathways and genes it controls. The data converge to an intricate picture that answers questions on the multi-modality of its oncogene activities, point towards better understanding of breast cancer aetiology and thereby provides an appraisal for treatment opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Belpaire
- Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology Group (AMCB), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Taminiau
- Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology Group (AMCB), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Dirk Geerts
- Heart Failure Research Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AMC), Universiteit van Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - René Rezsohazy
- Animal Molecular and Cellular Biology Group (AMCB), Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
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5
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El-Meligui YM, Hassan NM, Kassem AB, Gouda NA, Mohanad M, Hamouda MA, Salahuddin A. Impact of HOXB4 and PRDM16 Gene Expressions on Prognosis and Treatment Response in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients. Pharmgenomics Pers Med 2022; 15:663-674. [PMID: 35782688 PMCID: PMC9241994 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s368640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of leukemia among adults and is characterized by various genetic abnormalities. HOXB4 and PRDM16 are promising markers of AML. Our objective is to assess the potential roles of HOXB4 and PRDM16 as prognostic and predictive markers in newly diagnosed AML patients and determine the correlation between their expressions and other prognostic markers as FLT3-ITD, NPM1 exon 12 mutations, response to treatment, and patient’s survival. Methods This study included 83 de novo AML adult patients. All patients were subjected to clinical, morphological, cytochemical, and molecular analysis to detect HOXB4 and PRDM16 gene expressions and FLT3-ITD, NPM1 exon 12 mutations. Results The results showed that a low expression of HOXB4 was found in 31.3% of AML patients, whereas a high expression of PRDM16 was evident in 33.8% of AML patients. FLT3-ITD mutations were detected in 6 patients (7.2%), while NPM1 exon 12 mutations were detected in 7 patients (19.4%) out of 36 patients with intermediate genetic risk. Out of the 50 patients who achieved complete remission (CR), relapse occurred in 16% of the cases. Low expression of HOXB4 and high expression of PRDM16 were associated with CR of 32% and 28%, respectively, and a short overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Conclusion Further larger study should be conducted to verify that high PRDM16 and low HOXB4 gene expressions could be used as a poor prognostic predictor for AML. The correlation between PRDM16 and HOXB4 gene expressions and FLT3-ITD and NPM1 exon 12 mutations might have a role on CR, relapse, OS, and, however, this should be clarified in analysis with a larger number of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yomna M El-Meligui
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Naglaa M Hassan
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amira B Kassem
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
- Correspondence: Amira B Kassem, Email
| | - Nora A Gouda
- Cancer Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Mohanad
- Biochemistry Department, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Manufacturing, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Manal A Hamouda
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Ahmad Salahuddin
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
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6
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Cai H, Ke ZB, Dong RN, Chen H, Lin F, Zheng WC, Chen SH, Zhu JM, Chen SM, Zheng QS, Wei Y, Xue XY, Xu N. The prognostic value of homeobox A9 (HOXA9) methylation in solid tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Cancer Res 2022; 10:4347-4354. [PMID: 35116293 PMCID: PMC8797409 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-21-765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background The prognosis of homeobox A9 (HOXA9) methylation have been assessed in a variety of cancers; nevertheless, the results remain undetermined due to discrete outcome and the limitations of small sample size. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the effect of HOXA9 methylation on the prognostic outcomes of patients with solid tumors. Methods Qualified studies were verified by searching PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database and Web of Science until September, 2020. Clinicopathological factors and hazard ratio (HR) of 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were selected. Subgroup analysis including carcinoma category, analysis method and sample size were adopted. Results In the meta-analysis 1,031 patients with solid carcinoma from 7 eligible investigations were involved. Among human cancer we discovered that the high HOXA9 methylation level was negative correlative with overall survival (OS) (HR =2.36; 95% CI: 1.70–3.26). In the subgroup analysis, we found HOXA9 methylation over-expression had statistical significance with poorer OS in lung cancer patients (HR =3.08, 95% CI: 1.70–5.55, P=0.002) and non-lung cancer (HR =2.10, 95% CI: 1.42–3.10, P=0.0002). Similar result was found in sample size. Greater than or equal to 100 (HR =2.31, 95% CI: 1.54–3.45, P<0.0001) and less than 100 (HR =2.45, 95% CI: 1.42–4.23, P=0.001). Discussion HOXA9 methylation has a significantly estimable biomarker of predicting poor prognosis and a potential target for therapy in solid malignant carcinoma from our meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Cai
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Bin Ke
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ru-Nan Dong
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hang Chen
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fei Lin
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Cai Zheng
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shao-Hao Chen
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jun-Ming Zhu
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shao-Ming Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qing-Shui Zheng
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yong Wei
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xue-Yi Xue
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Department of Urology, Urology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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7
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Shenoy US, Adiga D, Kabekkodu SP, Hunter KD, Radhakrishnan R. Molecular implications of HOX genes targeting multiple signaling pathways in cancer. Cell Biol Toxicol 2022; 38:1-30. [PMID: 34617205 PMCID: PMC8789642 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) genes encode highly conserved homeotic transcription factors that play a crucial role in organogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Their deregulation impacts the function of several regulatory molecules contributing to tumor initiation and progression. A functional bridge exists between altered gene expression of individual HOX genes and tumorigenesis. This review focuses on how deregulation in the HOX-associated signaling pathways contributes to the metastatic progression in cancer. We discuss their functional significance, clinical implications and ascertain their role as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in the various cancer types. Besides, the mechanism of understanding the theoretical underpinning that affects HOX-mediated therapy resistance in cancers has been outlined. The knowledge gained shall pave the way for newer insights into the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Sangeetha Shenoy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Divya Adiga
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Shama Prasada Kabekkodu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Manipal School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, 576104, India
| | - Keith D Hunter
- Academic Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TA, UK
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, India.
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Morgan R, Hunter K, Pandha HS. Downstream of the HOX genes: explaining conflicting tumour suppressor and oncogenic functions in cancer. Int J Cancer 2022; 150:1919-1932. [PMID: 35080776 PMCID: PMC9304284 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The HOX genes are a highly conserved group of transcription factors that have key roles in early development, but which are also highly expressed in most cancers. Many studies have found strong associative relationships between the expression of individual HOX genes in tumours and clinical parameters including survival. For the majority of HOX genes, high tumour expression levels seem to be associated with a worse outcome for patients, and in some cases this has been shown to result from the activation of pro-oncogenic genes and pathways. However, there are also many studies that indicate a tumour suppressor role for some HOX genes, sometimes with conclusions that contradict earlier work. In this review, we have attempted to clarify the role of HOX genes in cancer by focusing on their downstream targets as identified in studies that provide experimental evidence for their activation or repression. On this basis, the majority of HOX genes would appear to have a pro-oncogenic function, with the notable exception of HOXD10, which acts exclusively as a tumour suppressor. HOX proteins regulate a wide range of target genes involved in metastasis, cell death, proliferation, and angiogenesis, and activate key cell signalling pathways. Furthermore, for some functionally related targets, this regulation is achieved by a relatively small subgroup of HOX genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Morgan
- School of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of West LondonLondonUK
| | - Keith Hunter
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical DentistryUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Hardev S. Pandha
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK
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9
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Feng Y, Zhang T, Wang Y, Xie M, Ji X, Luo X, Huang W, Xia L. Homeobox Genes in Cancers: From Carcinogenesis to Recent Therapeutic Intervention. Front Oncol 2021; 11:770428. [PMID: 34722321 PMCID: PMC8551923 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.770428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox (HOX) genes encoding an evolutionarily highly conserved family of homeodomain-containing transcriptional factors are essential for embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. HOX genes are involved in cell identity determination during early embryonic development and postnatal processes. The deregulation of HOX genes is closely associated with numerous human malignancies, highlighting the indispensable involvement in mortal cancer development. Since most HOX genes behave as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in human cancer, a better comprehension of their upstream regulators and downstream targets contributes to elucidating the function of HOX genes in cancer development. In addition, targeting HOX genes may imply therapeutic potential. Recently, novel therapies such as monoclonal antibodies targeting tyrosine receptor kinases, small molecular chemical inhibitors, and small interfering RNA strategies, are difficult to implement for targeting transcriptional factors on account of the dual function and pleiotropic nature of HOX genes-related molecular networks. This paper summarizes the current state of knowledge on the roles of HOX genes in human cancer and emphasizes the emerging importance of HOX genes as potential therapeutic targets to overcome the limitations of present cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tongyue Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangyuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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10
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Integrated analysis of ceRNA network and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in esophageal cancer. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:228599. [PMID: 33960364 PMCID: PMC8164107 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20203804] [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: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Esophageal cancer (ESCA) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the world. Tumor immune microenvironment is closely related to tumor prognosis. The present study aimed at analyzing the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in ESCA. Methods: The expression profiles of mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs were downloaded from the Cancer Genome Atlas database. A ceRNA network was established based on the differentially expressed RNAs by Cytoscape. CIBERSORT was applied to estimate the proportion of immune cells in ESCA. Prognosis-associated genes and immune cells were applied to establish prognostic models basing on Lasso and multivariate Cox analyses. The survival curves were constructed with Kaplan–Meier method. The predictive efficacy of the prognostic models was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: The differentially expressed mRNAs, lncRNAs, and miRNAs were identified. We constructed the ceRNA network including 23 lncRNAs, 19 miRNAs, and 147 mRNAs. Five key molecules (HMGB3, HOXC8, HSPA1B, KLHL15, and RUNX3) were identified from the ceRNA network and five significant immune cells (plasma cells, T cells follicular helper, monocytes, dendritic cells activated, and neutrophils) were selected via CIBERSORT. The ROC curves based on key genes and significant immune cells all showed good sensitivity (AUC of 3-year survival: 0.739, AUC of 5-year survival: 0.899, AUC of 3-year survival: 0.824, AUC of 5-year survival: 0.876). There was certain correlation between five immune cells and five key molecules. Conclusion: The present study provides an effective bioinformatics basis for exploring the potential biomarkers of ESCA and predicting its prognosis.
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11
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Gulotta MR, De Simone G, John J, Perricone U, Brancale A. A Computer-Based Methodology to Design Non-Standard Peptides Potentially Able to Prevent HOX-PBX1-Associated Cancer Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5670. [PMID: 34073517 PMCID: PMC8198631 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, HOX proteins have been extensively studied due to their pivotal role in transcriptional events. HOX proteins execute their activity by exploiting a cooperative binding to PBX proteins and DNA. Therefore, an increase or decrease in HOX activity has been associated with both solid and haematological cancer diseases. Thus, inhibiting HOX-PBX interaction represents a potential strategy to prevent these malignancies, as demonstrated by the patented peptide HTL001 that is being studied in clinical trials. In this work, a computational study is described to identify novel potential peptides designed by employing a database of non-natural amino acids. For this purpose, residue scanning of the HOX minimal active sequence was performed to select the mutations to be further processed. According to these results, the peptides were point-mutated and used for Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations in complex with PBX1 protein and DNA to evaluate complex binding stability. MM-GBSA calculations of the resulting MD trajectories were exploited to guide the selection of the most promising mutations that were exploited to generate twelve combinatorial peptides. Finally, the latter peptides in complex with PBX1 protein and DNA were exploited to run MD simulations and the ΔGbinding average values of the complexes were calculated. Thus, the analysis of the results highlighted eleven combinatorial peptides that will be considered for further assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rita Gulotta
- Molecular Informatics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, Via Filippo Marini 14, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.S.); (U.P.)
| | - Giada De Simone
- Molecular Informatics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, Via Filippo Marini 14, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.S.); (U.P.)
| | - Justin John
- NRN Tech LTD, Henstaff Court, Llantrisant Road, Groesfaen CF72 8NG, UK;
| | - Ugo Perricone
- Molecular Informatics Unit, Fondazione Ri.MED, Via Filippo Marini 14, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (G.D.S.); (U.P.)
| | - Andrea Brancale
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3NB, UK;
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12
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Shao L, Zhang Y, Gong X, Dong Z, Wei W, Sun H, Sun R, Cong L, Cong X, Jin S. Effects of MLL5 and HOXA regulated by NRP1 on radioresistance in A549. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:403. [PMID: 33777226 PMCID: PMC7988706 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy is widely used in the management of lung cancer, and physicians are aware that the effect of radiotherapy is dependent on radiosensitivity. Although a series of blockers and activators targeting molecules related to radioresistance have been developed as radiation sensitizers, compensatory mechanisms or drug resistance limits their clinical efficacy. The identification of a key molecule related to lung cancer cell radioresistance or an effective molecular target is a challenging but important problem in radiation oncology. A previous study found that neuropilin 1 (NRP1) is related to radioresistance in A549 cells and is associated with VEGF, PI3K-Akt, MAPK-ERK, P38, NF-κβ and TGF-β. Inhibition of NRP1 can increase the radiosensitivity of A549 cells. Therefore, NRP1 may be a molecular target for radiotherapy-sensitizing drugs in lung cancer. The present study investigated the key downstream genes of NRP1, verified their regulation and clarified their roles in regulating lung cancer radioresistance. NRP1 positively regulated the downstream homeobox genes (HOXs) HOXA6, HOXA9 and mixed lineage leukaemia 5 (MLL5) in addition to MLL5-regulated HOXA6 and HOXA9, but these genes did not regulate NRP1. MLL5, HOXA6 and HOXA9 levels were decreased in tumour tissues and positively correlated with NRP1. All of these genes were induced by ionizing radiation in vivo and in vitro. NRP1 expression was significantly lower in squamous cell carcinoma compared with that in adenocarcinoma, and lymph node metastasis occurred more often in patients with lung cancer with high MLL5 and NRP1 expression compared with patients with low MLL5 and NRP1 expression. Collectively, these data confirmed that NRP1 is associated with MLL5 and regulates radioresistance through HOXA6 and HOXA9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Shao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China.,Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Yuyu Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China.,Department of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology and Therapy, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Xinkou Gong
- Department Radiology, 2nd Hospital Affiliated to Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Zhuo Dong
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wei
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Sun
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Ran Sun
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Lele Cong
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Xianling Cong
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
| | - Shunzi Jin
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Radiobiology, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China
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13
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Abstract
Knowledge of the role of HOX proteins in cancer has been steadily accumulating in the last 25 years. They are encoded by 39 HOX genes arranged in 4 distinct clusters, and have unique and redundant function in all types of cancers. Many HOX genes behave as oncogenic transcriptional factors regulating multiple pathways that are critical to malignant progression in a variety of tumors. Some HOX proteins have dual roles that are tumor-site specific, displaying both oncogenic and tumor suppressor function. The focus of this review is on how HOX proteins contribute to growth or suppression of metastasis. The review will cover HOX protein function in the critical aspects of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in cancer stem cell sustenance and in therapy resistance, manifested as distant metastasis. The emerging role of adiposity in both initiation and progression of metastasis is described. Defining the role of HOX genes in the metastatic process has identified candidates for targeted cancer therapies that may combat the metastatic process. We will discuss potential therapeutic opportunities, particularly in pathways influenced by HOX proteins.
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14
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Lei D, Yang WT, Zheng PS. HOXB4 inhibits the proliferation and tumorigenesis of cervical cancer cells by downregulating the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:105. [PMID: 33479226 PMCID: PMC7820415 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03411-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox B4 (HOXB4), which belongs to the homeobox (HOX) family, possesses transcription factor activity and has a crucial role in stem cell self-renewal and tumorigenesis. However, its biological function and exact mechanism in cervical cancer remain unknown. Here, we found that HOXB4 was markedly downregulated in cervical cancer. We demonstrated that HOXB4 obviously suppressed cervical cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenic potential in nude mice. Additionally, HOXB4-induced cell cycle arrest at the transition from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase. Conversely, loss of HOXB4 promoted cervical cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analyses and mechanistic studies revealed that HOXB4 inhibited the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by direct transcriptional repression of β-catenin. Furthermore, β-catenin re-expression rescued HOXB4-induced cervical cancer cell defects. Taken together, these findings suggested that HOXB4 directly transcriptional repressed β-catenin and subsequently inactivated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, leading to significant inhibition of cervical cancer cell growth and tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lei
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Ting Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng-Sheng Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China. .,Section of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, 710061, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Hussain I, Deb P, Chini A, Obaid M, Bhan A, Ansari KI, Mishra BP, Bobzean SA, Udden SMN, Alluri PG, Das HK, Brothers RM, Perrotti LI, Mandal SS. HOXA5 Expression Is Elevated in Breast Cancer and Is Transcriptionally Regulated by Estradiol. Front Genet 2021; 11:592436. [PMID: 33384715 PMCID: PMC7770181 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.592436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HOXA5 is a homeobox-containing gene associated with the development of the lung, gastrointestinal tract, and vertebrae. Here, we investigate potential roles and the gene regulatory mechanism in HOXA5 in breast cancer cells. Our studies demonstrate that HOXA5 expression is elevated in breast cancer tissues and in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells. HOXA5 expression is critical for breast cancer cell viability. Biochemical studies show that estradiol (E2) regulates HOXA5 gene expression in cultured breast cancer cells in vitro. HOXA5 expression is also upregulated in vivo in the mammary tissues of ovariectomized female rats. E2-induced HOXA5 expression is coordinated by ERs. Knockdown of either ERα or ERβ downregulated E2-induced HOXA5 expression. Additionally, ER co-regulators, including CBP/p300 (histone acetylases) and MLL-histone methylases (MLL2, MLL3), histone acetylation-, and H3K4 trimethylation levels are enriched at the HOXA5 promoter in present E2. In summary, our studies demonstrate that HOXA5 is overexpressed in breast cancer and is transcriptionally regulated via estradiol in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Hussain
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Paromita Deb
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Avisankar Chini
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Monira Obaid
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Arunoday Bhan
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Khairul I Ansari
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Bibhu P Mishra
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Samara A Bobzean
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - S M Nashir Udden
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Prasanna G Alluri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Hriday K Das
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Institute for Healthy Aging, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Robert Matthew Brothers
- Department of Kinesiology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Linda I Perrotti
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Subhrangsu S Mandal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
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16
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Bruckmann C, Tamburri S, De Lorenzi V, Doti N, Monti A, Mathiasen L, Cattaneo A, Ruvo M, Bachi A, Blasi F. Mapping the native interaction surfaces of PREP1 with PBX1 by cross-linking mass-spectrometry and mutagenesis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:16809. [PMID: 33033354 PMCID: PMC7545097 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74032-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Both onco-suppressor PREP1 and the oncogene MEIS1 bind to PBX1. This interaction stabilizes the two proteins and allows their translocation into the nucleus and thus their transcriptional activity. Here, we have combined cross-linking mass-spectrometry and systematic mutagenesis to detail the binding geometry of the PBX1-PREP1 (and PBX1-MEIS1) complexes, under native in vivo conditions. The data confirm the existence of two distinct interaction sites within the PBC domain of PBX1 and unravel differences among the highly similar binding sites of MEIS1 and PREP1. The HR2 domain has a fundamental role in binding the PBC-B domain of PBX1 in both PREP1 and MEIS1. The HR1 domain of MEIS1, however, seem to play a less stringent role in PBX1 interaction with respect to that of PREP1. This difference is also reflected by the different binding affinity of the two proteins to PBX1. Although partial, this analysis provides for the first time some ideas on the tertiary structure of the complexes not available before. Moreover, the extensive mutagenic analysis of PREP1 identifies the role of individual hydrophobic HR1 and HR2 residues, both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bruckmann
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.
| | - Simone Tamburri
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina De Lorenzi
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Center for Nanotechnology Innovation@NEST, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Piazza San Silvestro 12, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Monti
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Lisa Mathiasen
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Cattaneo
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Cogentech S.R.L. Benefit Corporation IT, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (IBB)-CNR, Via Mezzocannone 16, 80134, Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Bachi
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- IFOM (Foundation FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.
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17
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Bondos SE, Geraldo Mendes G, Jons A. Context-dependent HOX transcription factor function in health and disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 174:225-262. [PMID: 32828467 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During animal development, HOX transcription factors determine the fate of developing tissues to generate diverse organs and appendages. The power of these proteins is striking: mis-expressing a HOX protein causes homeotic transformation of one body part into another. During development, HOX proteins interpret their cellular context through protein interactions, alternative splicing, and post-translational modifications to regulate cell proliferation, cell death, cell migration, cell differentiation, and angiogenesis. Although mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins during development can be lethal, changes in HOX proteins that do not pattern vital organs can result in survivable malformations. In adults, mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins disrupts their gene regulatory networks, deregulating cell behaviors and leading to arthritis and cancer. On the molecular level, HOX proteins are composed of DNA binding homeodomain, and large regions of unstructured, or intrinsically disordered, protein sequence. The primary roles of HOX proteins in arthritis and cancer suggest that mutations associated with these diseases in both the structured and disordered regions of HOX proteins can have substantial functional effects. These insights lead to new questions critical for understanding and manipulating HOX function in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Bondos
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
| | - Gabriela Geraldo Mendes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Amanda Jons
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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18
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Sorolla A, Wang E, Golden E, Duffy C, Henriques ST, Redfern AD, Blancafort P. Precision medicine by designer interference peptides: applications in oncology and molecular therapeutics. Oncogene 2019; 39:1167-1184. [PMID: 31636382 PMCID: PMC7002299 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1056-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In molecular cancer therapeutics only 10% of known cancer gene products are targetable with current pharmacological agents. Major oncogenic drivers, such as MYC and KRAS proteins are frequently highly overexpressed or mutated in multiple human malignancies. However, despite their key role in oncogenesis, these proteins are hard to target with traditional small molecule drugs due to their large, featureless protein interfaces and lack of deep pockets. In addition, they are inaccessible to large biologicals, which are unable to cross cell membranes. Designer interference peptides (iPeps) represent emerging pharmacological agents created to block selective interactions between protein partners that are difficult to target with conventional small molecule chemicals or with large biologicals. iPeps have demonstrated successful inhibition of multiple oncogenic drivers with some now entering clinical settings. However, the clinical translation of iPeps has been hampered by certain intrinsic limitations including intracellular localization, targeting tissue specificity and pharmacological potency. Herein, we outline recent advances for the selective inhibition of major cancer oncoproteins via iPep approaches and discuss the development of multimodal peptides to overcome limitations of the first generations of iPeps. Since many protein–protein interfaces are cell-type specific, this approach opens the door to novel programmable, precision medicine tools in cancer research and treatment for selective manipulation and reprogramming of the cancer cell oncoproteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anabel Sorolla
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
| | - Edina Wang
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Emily Golden
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Ciara Duffy
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Sónia T Henriques
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health & Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, 4102, Australia
| | - Andrew D Redfern
- School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, 6009, Australia.
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19
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Zhou T, Fu H, Dong B, Dai L, Yang Y, Yan W, Shen L. HOXB7 mediates cisplatin resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma through involvement of DNA damage repair. Thorac Cancer 2019; 11:3071-3085. [PMID: 31568655 PMCID: PMC7606015 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background DNA damage repair is an important mechanism of platinum resistance. HOXB7 is one member of HOX family genes, which are essential developmental regulators and frequently dysregulated in cancer. Recently, its relevance in chemotherapy resistance and DNA damage repair has also been addressed. However, little is known regarding the association between HOXB7 and chemotherapy resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Methods The association between HOXB7 expression detected by immunohistochemisty and tumor regression grade (TRG) and long‐term survival was analyzed in 143 ESCC patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CCK8 assay was used to examine the effect of cisplatin in a panel of four ESCC cell lines. A stable cell strain with HOXB7 knockdown of KYSE150 and KYSE450 was established to explore the effect on cisplatin sensitivity. The interaction of HOXB7 with Ku70, Ku80 and DNA‐PKcs was determined by GST‐pull down, coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent colocalization. Finally, we investigated whether disrupting HOXB7 function by a synthetic peptide HXR9 blocking the formation of HOXB7/PBX could enhance cisplatin sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. Results High expression of HOXB7 was associated with cisplatin resistance and worse chemotherapy efficacy. HOXB7 knockdown reinforced cisplatin sensitivity. It was identified that HOXB7 interacts with Ku70, Ku80 and DNA‐PKcs. HOXB7 knockdown was related to the downregulation of Ku70, Ku80 and DNA‐PKcs as well as arrested cell cycle in S phase. HOXB7 inhibition by HXR9 had a synergistic effect to improve cisplatin sensitivity. Conclusion HOXB7 may be a biomarker for the prediction of chemoresistance of ESCC and serves as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Fu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Dong
- Department of Pathology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Dai
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yongbo Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Wanpu Yan
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Luyan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
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20
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Lambert M, Alioui M, Jambon S, Depauw S, Van Seuningen I, David-Cordonnier MH. Direct and Indirect Targeting of HOXA9 Transcription Factor in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060837. [PMID: 31213012 PMCID: PMC6627208 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060837] [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: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
HOXA9 (Homeobox A9) is a homeotic transcription factor known for more than two decades to be associated with leukemia. The expression of HOXA9 homeoprotein is associated with anterior-posterior patterning during embryonic development, and its expression is then abolished in most adult cells, with the exception of hematopoietic progenitor cells. The oncogenic function of HOXA9 was first assessed in human acute myeloid leukemia (AML), particularly in the mixed-phenotype associated lineage leukemia (MPAL) subtype. HOXA9 expression in AML is associated with aggressiveness and a poor prognosis. Since then, HOXA9 has been involved in other hematopoietic malignancies and an increasing number of solid tumors. Despite this, HOXA9 was for a long time not targeted to treat cancer, mainly since, as a transcription factor, it belongs to a class of protein long considered to be an "undruggable" target; however, things have now evolved. The aim of the present review is to focus on the different aspects of HOXA9 targeting that could be achieved through multiple ways: (1) indirectly, through the inhibition of its expression, a strategy acting principally at the epigenetic level; or (2) directly, through the inhibition of its transcription factor function by acting at either the protein/protein interaction or the protein/DNA interaction interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Lambert
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Meryem Alioui
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Samy Jambon
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Sabine Depauw
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille, F-59045 Lille, France.
| | - Isabelle Van Seuningen
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - Marie-Hélène David-Cordonnier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S1172 - JPArc - Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences and Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.
- Institut pour la Recherche sur le Cancer de Lille, F-59045 Lille, France.
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21
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Bell D, Bell AH, Kupferman ME, Prieto VG, Weber RS, Hanna EY. Comparative transcriptome analysis of sinonasal inverted papilloma and associated squamous cell carcinoma: Out-HOXing developmental genes. Head Neck 2019; 41:3090-3104. [PMID: 31041828 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sinonasal papilloma has a tendency toward local destruction, recurrence, and malignant transformation. This study aimed to unravel mechanisms in the malignant transformation of sinonasal papillomas using RNA-seq. METHODS The cohort consisted of 37 consecutive patients; tumor histology included a continuum spectrum (sinonasal papillomas/dysplastic/carcinomas-in-situ/invasive squamous cell carcinomas). These were microdissected and RNA was subjected to whole-transcriptome shotgun sequencing. RESULTS RNA-seq and pathway analysis showed that the highest expressed genes/potential drivers were development- and differentiation-related genes. The protein expression of six highly upregulated genes (HOXA9, EN1, DUX4, CA9, CD1a, and CK5/6) validated the RNA-seq results. HOXA9 and CA9 were found to be expressed in most of the carcinoma samples but were largely negative in papillomas; all of the CA9-negative carcinomas were recurrent. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that sinonasal carcinomas arising from papillomas are mainly defined by overexpressed developmental/homeobox genes, which provide the potential for transformation/plasticity, along with differentiation and proliferation behavior of neoplastic cells. Our results support HOXA9 and CA9 as biomarkers for carcinomas, with CA9 emerging as a predictive marker of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Bell
- Department of Pathology Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Achim H Bell
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Michael E Kupferman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Victor G Prieto
- Department of Pathology Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Randal S Weber
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ehab Y Hanna
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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22
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Shen LY, Zhou T, Du YB, Shi Q, Chen KN. Targeting HOX/PBX dimer formation as a potential therapeutic option in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2019; 110:1735-1745. [PMID: 30844117 PMCID: PMC6501045 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes are known to be classic examples of the intimate relationship between embryogenesis and tumorigenesis, which are a family of transcriptional factors involved in determining cell identity during early development, and also dysregulated in many malignancies. Previously, HOXB7, HOXC6 and HOXC8 were found abnormally upregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues compared with normal mucosa and seen as poor prognostic predictors for ESCC patients, and were shown to promote cell proliferation and anti‐apoptosis in ESCC cells. These three HOX members have a high level of functional redundancy, making it difficult to target a single HOX gene. The aim of the present study was to explore whether ESCC cells are sensitive to HXR9 disrupting the interaction between multiple HOX proteins and their cofactor PBX, which is required for HOX functions. ESCC cell lines (KYSE70, KYSE150, KYSE450) were treated with HXR9 or CXR9, and coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescent colocalization were carried out to observe HOX/PBX dimer formation. To further investigate whether HXR9 disrupts the HOX pro‐oncogenic function, CCK‐8 assay and colony formation assay were carried out. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry, and tumor growth in vivo was investigated in a xenograft model. RNA‐seq was used to study the transcriptome of HXR9‐treated cells. Results showed that HXR9 blocked HOX/PBX interaction, leading to subsequent transcription alteration of their potential target genes, which are involved in JAK‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) activation and apoptosis inducement. Meanwhile, HXR9 showed an antitumor phenotype, such as inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing cell apoptosis and significantly retarding tumor growth. Therefore, it is suggested that targeting HOX/PBX may be a novel effective treatment for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Yan Shen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Bing Du
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Shi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Ke-Neng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Thoracic Surgery I, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
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23
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Role of HOX Genes in Stem Cell Differentiation and Cancer. Stem Cells Int 2018; 2018:3569493. [PMID: 30154863 PMCID: PMC6081605 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3569493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
HOX genes encode an evolutionarily conserved set of transcription factors that control how the phenotype of an organism becomes organized during development based on its genetic makeup. For example, in bilaterian-type animals, HOX genes are organized in gene clusters that encode anatomic segment identity, that is, whether the embryo will form with bilateral symmetry with a head (anterior), tail (posterior), back (dorsal), and belly (ventral). Although HOX genes are known to regulate stem cell (SC) differentiation and HOX genes are dysregulated in cancer, the mechanisms by which dysregulation of HOX genes in SCs causes cancer development is not fully understood. Therefore, the purpose of this manuscript was (i) to review the role of HOX genes in SC differentiation, particularly in embryonic, adult tissue-specific, and induced pluripotent SC, and (ii) to investigate how dysregulated HOX genes in SCs are responsible for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We analyzed HOX gene expression in CRC and AML using information from The Cancer Genome Atlas study. Finally, we reviewed the literature on HOX genes and related therapeutics that might help us understand ways to develop SC-specific therapies that target aberrant HOX gene expression that contributes to cancer development.
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24
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Platais C, Radhakrishnan R, Ebensberger SN, Morgan R, Lambert DW, Hunter KD. Targeting HOX-PBX interactions causes death in oral potentially malignant and squamous carcinoma cells but not normal oral keratinocytes. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:723. [PMID: 29980182 PMCID: PMC6035449 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4622-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High HOX gene expression has been described in many cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma and the functional roles of these genes are gradually being understood. The pattern of overexpression suggests that inhibition may be useful therapeutically. Inhibition of HOX protein binding to PBX cofactors by the use of synthetic peptides, such as HXR9, results in apoptosis in multiple cancers. METHODS Activity of the HOX-PBX inhibiting peptide HXR9 was tested in immortalised normal oral (NOK), potentially-malignant (PMOL) and squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells, compared to the inactive peptide CXR9. Cytotoxicity was assessed by LDH assay. Expression of PBX1/2 and c-Fos was assessed by qPCR and western blotting. Apoptosis was assessed by Annexin-V assay. RESULTS PMOL and OSCC cells expressed PBX1/2. HOX-PBX inhibition by HXR9 caused death of PMOL and OSCC cells, but not NOKs. HXR9 treatment resulted in apoptosis and increased expression of c-Fos in some cells, whereas CXR9 did not. A correlation was observed between HOX expression and resistance to HXR9. CONCLUSION Inhibition of HOX-PBX interactions causes selective apoptosis of OSCC/PMOL, indicating selective toxicity that may be useful clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Platais
- Integrated Biosciences, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Raghu Radhakrishnan
- Integrated Biosciences, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Sven Niklander Ebensberger
- Integrated Biosciences, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Facultad de Odontologia, Universidad Andres Bello, av. Valparaiso, 1560 Viña del Mar, Chile
| | - Richard Morgan
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, UK
| | - Daniel W. Lambert
- Integrated Biosciences, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Keith D. Hunter
- Integrated Biosciences, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Oral Biology and Pathology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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25
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Shiao SPK, Xiao H, Dong L, Wang X, Liu K, She J, Shi H. Genome wide DNA differential methylation regions in colorectal cancer patients in relation to blood related family members, obese and non-obese controls - a preliminary report. Oncotarget 2018; 9:25557-25571. [PMID: 29876008 PMCID: PMC5986643 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite evidences linking methylation changes in the cancer tissues, little is known about the methylation modification in the peripheral blood. With the current study, we identified differential methylation regions (DMRs) across human genome by collecting the blood samples of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients compared to that of their blood-related family who shared genetic inheritance and environmental influences, and unrelated obese and non-obese controls by accessing publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus data. We performed genome-wide analyses using the reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) method covering about 25% of CpGs for whole human genome of the four groups (n = 5 each). In comparison to the non-obese controls, we observed significant DMRs in CRC for genes involved in tumorigenesis including MLH3, MSH2, MSH6, SEPT9, GNAS; and glucose transporter genes associated with obesity and diabetes including SLC2A1/GLUT1, and SLC2A3/GLUT3 that were reported on methylation being modified in cancer tissues. In addition, we observed significant DMRs in CRC for genes involved in the methylation pathways including PEMT, ALDH1L1, and DNMT3A. CRC and family members shared significant DMRs for genes of tumorigenesis including MSH2, SEPT9, GNAS, SLC2A1/GLUT1 and SLC2A3/GLUT3); and CAMK1, GLUT1/SLC2A1 and GLUT3/SLC2A3 genes involved in glucose and insulin metabolism that played vital role in development of obesity and diabetes. Our study provided evidences that these differentially methylated genes in the blood could potentially serve as candidate biomarkers for CRC diagnostic and may provide further understanding on CRC progression. Further studies are warranted to validate these methylation changes for diagnostic and prevention of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pamela K Shiao
- College of Nursing, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Haiyan Xiao
- College of Nursing, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Lixin Dong
- College of Nursing, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Xiaoling Wang
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Georgia Prevention Institute, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Kebin Liu
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jinxiong She
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Huidong Shi
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.,Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta, GA, USA
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26
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Morgan R, El-Tanani M, Hunter KD, Harrington KJ, Pandha HS. Targeting HOX/PBX dimers in cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:32322-32331. [PMID: 28423659 PMCID: PMC5458287 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The HOX and PBX gene families encode transcription factors that have key roles in establishing the identity of cells and tissues in early development. Over the last 20 years it has become apparent that they are also dysregulated in a wide range of solid and haematological malignancies and have a predominantly pro-oncogenic function. A key mode of transcriptional regulation by HOX and PBX proteins is through their interaction as a heterodimer or larger complex that enhances their binding affinity and specificity for DNA, and there is growing evidence that this interaction is a potential therapeutic target in malignancies that include prostate, breast, renal, ovarian and lung cancer, melanoma, myeloma, and acute myeloid leukaemia. This review summarizes the roles of HOX and PBX genes in cancer and assesses the therapeutic potential of HOX/PBX dimer inhibition, including the availability of biomarkers for its application in precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Morgan
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, UK
| | - Mohamed El-Tanani
- Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, UK
| | - Keith D Hunter
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Kevin J Harrington
- Targeted Therapy Team, Chester Beatty Laboratories, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Hardev S Pandha
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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27
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Inamoto I, Shin JA. Peptide therapeutics that directly target transcription factors. Pept Sci (Hoboken) 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/pep2.24048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Inamoto
- Department of Chemistry; University of Toronto, 3359 Mississauga Road; Mississauga Ontario L5L 1C6 Canada
| | - Jumi A. Shin
- Department of Chemistry; University of Toronto, 3359 Mississauga Road; Mississauga Ontario L5L 1C6 Canada
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28
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Zhang R, Deng Y, Zhang Y, Zhai GQ, He RQ, Hu XH, Wei DM, Feng ZB, Chen G. Upregulation of HOXA13 as a potential tumorigenesis and progression promoter of LUSC based on qRT-PCR and bioinformatics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2017; 10:10650-10665. [PMID: 31966409 PMCID: PMC6965808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/29/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the levels of homeobox A13 (HOXA13) and the mechanisms underlying the co-expressed genes of HOXA13 in lung squamous cancer (LUSC), the signaling pathways in which the co-expressed genes of HOXA13 are involved and their functional roles in LUSC. The clinical significance of 23 paired LUSC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues were gathered. HOXA13 levels in LUSC were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). HOXA13 levels in LUSC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Oncomine were analyzed. We performed receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves of various clinicopathological features of LUSC. Co-expressed of HOXA13 were collected from MEM, cBioPortal and GEPIA. The functions and pathways of the most reliable overlapped genes were achieved from the Gene Otology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) databases, respectively. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were mapped using STRING. HOXA13 in LUSC were markedly upregulated compared with those in the non-cancerous controls as demonstrated by qRT-PCR (LUSC: 0.330±0.360; CONTROLS: 0.155±0.142; P=0.021). TCGA (LUSC: 6.388±2.097, CONTROLS: 1.157±0.719; P<0.001) and Hou's study from Oncomine (LUSC: 1.154±0.260; CONTROLS: 0.957±0.065; P=0.001) showed the same tendency. Meanwhile, the area under the curve (AUC) of TNM was calculated as 0.877 with P=0.002. Based on the HOXA13 expression data from TCGA, the ROC of the tissue types was calculated as AUC=0.971 (P<0.001). In addition, 506 genes were filtered as co-expression genes of HOXA13. The 3 most significant KEGG pathways were metabolic pathways (P=5.41E-15), the calcium signaling pathway (P=3.01E-11), and the cAMP signaling pathway (P=5.63E-11). MAPK1, GNG7, GNG12, PRKCA were selected as the hub genes. In conclusion, HOXA13 was upregulated and related to the TNM stage in LUSC. The expression of hub genes in LUSC might be deregulated by HOXA13. Moreover, the 4 co-expressed hub genes of HOXA13 might be crucial biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of LUSC, as well as the development of novel therapeutic targets against LUSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yun Deng
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Gao-Qiang Zhai
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Rong-Quan He
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao-Hua Hu
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Dan-Ming Wei
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Feng
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical UniversityNanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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29
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Mansour MA, Senga T. HOXD8 exerts a tumor-suppressing role in colorectal cancer as an apoptotic inducer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 88:1-13. [PMID: 28457970 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 04/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) genes are conserved transcription factors which determine the anterior-posterior body axis patterning. HOXD8 is a member of HOX genes deregulated in several tumors such as lung carcinoma, neuroblastoma, glioma and colorectal cancer (CRC) in a context-dependent manner. In CRC, HOXD8 is downregulated in cancer tissues and metastatic foci as compared to normal tissues. Whether HOXD8 acts as a tumor suppressor of malignant progression and metastasis is still unclear. Also, the underlying mechanism of its function including the downstream targets is totally unknown. Here, we clarified the lower expression of HOXD8 in clinical colorectal cancer vs. normal colon tissues. Also, we showed that stable expression of HOXD8 in colorectal cancer cells significantly reduced the cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth and invasion. Further, using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we identified the genes associated with HOXD8 in order to demonstrate its function as a suppressor or a promoter of colorectal carcinoma. Among inversely related genes, apoptotic inhibitors like STK38 kinase and MYC were shown to be negatively associated with HOXD8. We demonstrated the ability of HOXD8 to upregulate executioner caspases 6 & 7 and cleaved PARP, thus inducing the apoptotic events in colorectal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed A Mansour
- Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt; Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.
| | - Takeshi Senga
- Division of Cancer Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai, Showa, Nagoya, 466-8550 Japan
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30
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Wang H, Jia XH, Chen JR, Yi YJ, Wang JY, Li YJ, Xie SY. HOXB4 knockdown reverses multidrug resistance of human myelogenous leukemia K562/ADM cells by downregulating P-gp, MRP1 and BCRP expression via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Int J Oncol 2016; 49:2529-2537. [PMID: 27779650 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) plays a pivotal role in human chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) chemotherapy failure. MDR is mainly associated with the overexpression of drug efflux transporters of the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling cascade is involved in the MDR phenotype and is correlated with multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1)/P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) expression in many human malignancies. Homeobox (HOX) B4, a member of the HOX gene family, has been reported to be correlated with occurrence, development, poor prognosis and drug resistance of human leukemia. In the present study, HOXB4 expression was analyzed in K562 cell line and its MDR subline K562/ADM. Compared with K562 cells, drug-resistant K562/ADM cells demonstrated evidently higher HOXB4 expression. In addition, we firstly investigated the reversal effect of HOXB4 deletion on K562/ADM cells and the underlying mechanism. The Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry assays showed that knockdown of HOXB4 enhanced chemosensitivity and decreased drug efflux in K562/ADM cells. Moreover, HOXB4 knockout led to downregulation of P-gp, MRP1 and BCRP expression and PI3K/Akt signaling activity, suggesting that repression of HOXB4 might be a key point to reverse MDR of K562/ADM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Hong Jia
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, P.R. China
| | - Jie-Ru Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Jie Yi
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Yong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou, Shandong 256603, P.R. China
| | - You-Jie Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Tumour Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Yang Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Tumour Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
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