Tankyrase inhibition impairs directional migration and invasion of lung cancer cells by affecting microtubule dynamics and polarity signals

A cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature-based prognostic model featuring on metastasis and drug selection strategy for patients with lung adenocarcinoma

Introduction: Lung adenocarcinoma is a common cause of mortality in patients with cancer. Recent studies have indicated that copper-related cell death may not occur in the same way as previously described. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in the occurrence and development of tumors; however, the relationship between cuproptosis and lncRNAs in tumorigenesis and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) treatment has not been well established. Our study aimed to construct a model to analyze the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma in patients using a carcinogenesis-related lncRNA (CR) signature. Methods: The transcriptional profiles of 507 samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas were assessed. Cox regression and co-expression analyses, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to filter the CR and develop the model. The expression status of the six prognostic CRs was used to classify all samples into high- and low-risk groups. The overall disease-free survival rate was compared between the two groups. The Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were used to identify the pathways and mechanisms involved in this model. Subsequently, immunotherapy response, sensitivity, and correlation analyses for several anti-tumor medications were performed. In vitro experiments, including qPCR, were conducted in nine lung adenocarcinoma cell lines and 16 pairs of lung adenocarcinoma and para-carcinoma tissues. Results: After confirmation using the ROC curve, patients in the low-risk category benefited from both overall and disease-free survival. Gene Ontology analysis highlighted cell movement in the model. In the in vitro experiments, qPCR results showed the expression levels of six CRs in 16 pairs of carcinoma and para-carcinoma tissues, which were in accordance with the results of the model. AL138778.1 is a protective factor that can weaken the invasion and migration of A549 cells, and AL360270.1 is a hazardous factor that promotes the invasion and migration of A549 cells. According to this model, targeted treatments such as axitinib, gefitinib, linsitinib, pazopanib, and sorafenib may be more appropriate for low-risk patients. Conclusion: Six CR profiles (AL360270.1, AL138778.1, CDKN2A-DT, AP003778.1, LINC02718, and AC034102.8) with predictive values may be used to evaluate the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma undergoing therapy.

Therapeutic Strategies for Ovarian Cancer in Point of HGF/c-MET Targeting

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women and is regarded as one of the most difficult cancers to treat. Currently, studies are being conducted to develop therapeutic agents for effective treatment of ovarian cancer. In this review, we explain the properties of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) and how the signaling pathway of HGF/c-MET is activated in different cancers and involved in tumorigenesis and metastasis of ovarian cancer. We present the findings of clinical studies using small chemicals or antibodies targeting HGF/c-MET signaling in various cancer types, particularly in ovarian cancer. We also discuss that HGF/c-MET-targeted therapy, when combined with chemo drugs, could be an effective strategy for ovarian cancer therapeutics.

The critical role of B4GALT4 in promoting microtubule spindle assembly in HCC through the regulation of PLK1 and RHAMM expression

Beta 1,4-galactosyltransferase (B4GALT)-family glycosyltransferases are involved in multiple biological processes promoting cancer progression, regulating the dynamic network of cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis, and are associated with metastasis. However, their roles in the dysregulation of expressions and functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. Herein, bioinformatic approaches have been applied to investigate their expression profiles, and to obtain correlations between gene expressions and clinicopathological parameters as well as downstream target genes in HCC. Multiple databases were used to screen the expressions of B4GALT family members in tumor tissues, and to evaluate their prognostic value among HCC patients in different aspects. Results indicated an overall upregulation of B4GALTs' transcription levels in tumor tissues and a strong correlation with poor prognosis. Through Gene Ontology analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, and verification of single-cell RNA sequencing data, we established a connection between the B4GALT family and microtubule spindle assembly, which particularly highlighted the role of B4GALT4 in this phenomenon. B4GALT4 knockdown downregulated the production of lumican, and repressed the expressions of polo-like kinase 1 and RHAMM by regulating the transforming growth factor-beta pathway, thus suggesting that B4GALT4 is a critical promotor for HCC. We believe that these studies will provide valuable insight into the role of B4GALT family members in HCC and lead to the development of new strategies to improve the outcomes for patients with HCC.

Akt inhibition improves the efficacy of cabazitaxel nanomedicine in preclinical taxane-resistant cancer models

Drug resistance remains a major challenge in achieving cures in cancer patients. Cabazitaxel has shown the ability to overcome drug resistance induced by paclitaxel and docetaxel; however, substantially high toxicity has been observed in patients receiving this agent, which compromises its efficacy. We have previously demonstrated that a polymeric platform (termed cabazitaxel-NPs) encapsulating the oligolactide-cabazitaxel conjugate exhibits desired antitumor efficacy and improved in vivo tolerability. However, we found that upon cabazitaxel treatment, cancer cells adapted to activate Akt signaling, which potentially discounts the drug efficacy. We therefore hypothesized that combing cabazitaxel nanotherapeutics with a pan-Akt inhibitor MK-2206 would synergistically sensitize the resistant cancer. In this study, we confirmed that nanoparticle formulation reduced the systemic toxicity, with higher tolerance than solution-based free cabazitaxel agent in animals. Interestingly, the activation of Akt signaling in the resistant cancer was reversed by the addition of MK-2206. In particular, the collaboration of these two ingredients was demonstrated to maximize the efficacy in vitro and in a xenograft model bearing paclitaxel-resistant tumors. Mechanistically, Akt inhibition increased the microtubule-stabilizing effect of cabazitaxel nanomedicine. Collectively, this report introduced a binary platform composed of cytotoxic nanotherapeutics and inhibitors with certain targets to combat multidrug resistance, and such a combined regimen has the potential for the clinical treatment of patients with resistant cancer.

Arpin Regulates Migration Persistence by Interacting with Both Tankyrases and the Arp2/3 Complex

During cell migration, protrusion of the leading edge is driven by the polymerization of Arp2/3-dependent branched actin networks. Migration persistence is negatively regulated by the Arp2/3 inhibitory protein Arpin. To better understand Arpin regulation in the cell, we looked for its interacting partners and identified both Tankyrase 1 and 2 (TNKS) using a yeast two-hybrid screening and coimmunoprecipitation with full-length Arpin as bait. Arpin interacts with ankyrin repeats of TNKS through a C-terminal-binding site on its acidic tail, which overlaps with the Arp2/3-binding site. Arpin was found to dissolve the liquid–liquid phase separation of TNKS upon overexpression. To uncouple the interactions of Arpin with TNKS and Arp2/3, we introduced point mutations in the Arpin tail and attempted to rescue the increased migration persistence of the Arpin knockout cells using random plasmid integration or compensating knock-ins at the ARPIN locus. Arpin mutations impairing interactions with either Arp2/3 or TNKS were insufficient to fully abolish Arpin activity. Only the mutation that affected both interactions rendered Arpin completely inactive, suggesting the existence of two independent pathways, whereby Arpin controls the migration persistence.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase enzymes and the maintenance of genome integrity

DNA damage response (DDR) relies on swift and accurate signaling to rapidly identify DNA lesions and initiate repair. A critical DDR signaling and regulatory molecule is the posttranslational modification poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR). PAR is synthesized by a family of structurally and functionally diverse proteins called poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs). Although PARPs share a conserved catalytic domain, unique regulatory domains of individual family members endow PARPs with unique properties and cellular functions. Family members PARP-1, PARP-2, and PARP-3 (DDR-PARPs) are catalytically activated in the presence of damaged DNA and act as damage sensors. Family members tankyrase-1 and closely related tankyrase-2 possess SAM and ankyrin repeat domains that regulate their diverse cellular functions. Recent studies have shown that the tankyrases share some overlapping functions with the DDR-PARPs, and even perform novel functions that help preserve genomic integrity. In this review, we briefly touch on DDR-PARP functions, and focus on the emerging roles of tankyrases in genome maintenance. Preservation of genomic integrity thus appears to be a common function of several PARP family members, depicting PAR as a multifaceted guardian of the genome.

Zoning in on Tankyrases: A Brief Review on the Past, Present and Prospective Studies

BACKGROUND

Tankyrases are known for their multifunctionalities within the poly(ADPribose) polymerases family and playing vital roles in various cellular processes which include the regulation of tumour suppressors. Tankyrases, which exist in two isoforms; Tankyrase 1 and 2, are highly homologous and an integral part of the Wnt β -catenin pathway that becomes overly dysregulated when hijacked by pro-carcinogenic machineries.

METHODS

In this review, we cover the distinct roles of the Tankyrase isoforms and their involvement in the disease pathogenesis. Also, we provide updates on experimentally and computationally derived antagonists of Tankyrase whilst highlighting the precedence of integrative computer-aided drug design methods towards the discovery of selective inhibitors.

RESULTS

Despite the high prospects embedded in the therapeutic targeting and blockade of Tankyrase isoforms, the inability of small molecule inhibitors to achieve selective targeting has remained a major setback, even until date. This explains numerous incessant drug design efforts geared towards the development of highly selective inhibitors of the respective Tankyrase isoforms since they mediate distinct aberrancies in disease progression. Therefore, considering the setbacks of conventional drug design methods, can computer-aided approaches actually save the day?

CONCLUSION

The implementation of computer-aided drug design techniques in Tankyrase research could help complement experimental methods and facilitate ligand/structure-based design and discovery of small molecule inhibitors with enhanced selectivity.

An Orally Available Tubulin Inhibitor, VERU-111, Suppresses Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Tumor Growth and Metastasis and Bypasses Taxane Resistance

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 15% of breast cancer cases in the United States. TNBC has poorer overall prognosis relative to other molecular subtypes due to rapid onset of drug resistance to conventional chemotherapies and increased risk of visceral metastases. Taxanes like paclitaxel are standard chemotherapies that stabilize microtubules, but their clinical efficacy is often limited by drug resistance and neurotoxicities. We evaluated the preclinical efficacy of a novel, potent, and orally bioavailable tubulin inhibitor, VERU-111, in TNBC models. VERU-111 showed potent cytotoxicity against TNBC cell lines, inducing apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in a concentration-dependent manner. VERU-111 also efficiently inhibited colony formation, cell migration, and invasion. Orally administered VERU-111 inhibited MDA-MB-231 xenograft growth in a dose-dependent manner, with similar efficacies to paclitaxel, but without acute toxicity. VERU-111 significantly reduced metastases originating from the mammary fat pad into lung, liver, and kidney metastasis in an experimental metastasis model. Moreover, VERU-111, but not paclitaxel, suppressed growth of luciferase-labeled, taxane-resistant, patient-derived metastatic TNBC tumors. In this model, VERU-111 repressed growth of preestablished axillary lymph node metastases and lung, bone, and liver metastases at study endpoint, whereas paclitaxel enhanced liver metastases relative to vehicle controls. Collectively, these studies strongly suggest that VERU-111 is not only a potent inhibitor of aggressive TNBC phenotypes, but it is also efficacious in a taxane-resistant model of metastatic TNBC. Thus, VERU-111 is a promising new generation of tubulin inhibitor for the treatment of TNBC and may be effective in patients who progress on taxanes.Results presented in this study demonstrate the efficacy of VERU-111 in vivo and provide strong rationale for future development of VERU-111 as an effective treatment for metastatic breast cancer.

Screening and Identification of Key Biomarkers in Pancreatic Cancer: Evidence from Bioinformatic Analysis

Pancreatic cancer (PC) whose mortality is comparable to morbidity is a highly fatal disease. Early approaches of diagnosis and treatment for PC are quite limited, so it is of great urgency to figure out the exact tumorigenesis and development mechanism of PC. To identify the related molecular markers of pancreatic oncogenesis, we downloaded three microarray datasets (GSE63111, GSE101448, and GSE107610) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among them were identified, and the corresponding function enrichment analyses were accomplished. The protein-protein interaction network was conducted by Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), and the corresponding module analysis was accomplished by Cytoscape. There were 55 DEGs found in total. The molecular function and biological processes (BP) of these DEGs mainly include cytokinesis, mitotic nuclear division, cell division, cell proliferation, microtubule-based movement, and mineral absorption. Among the 55 DEGs, 14 hub genes were further confirmed and it was concluded that they mainly function in mitotic cytokinesis, microtubule-based movement, mitotic chromosome condensation, and mitotic spindle assembly from the BP analysis. The survival analysis showed that all the 14 hub genes, especially nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1 and abnormal spindle microtubule assembly, may involve in the tumorigenesis and development of PC. And they might be used as new biomarkers for auxiliary diagnosis and potential targets for immunotherapy of PC.

Structural and functional analysis of parameters governing tankyrase-1 interaction with telomeric repeat-binding factor 1 and GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase

Human tankyrase-1 (TNKS) is a member of the poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) superfamily of proteins that posttranslationally modify themselves and target proteins with ADP-ribose (termed PARylation). The TNKS ankyrin repeat domain mediates interactions with a growing number of structurally and functionally diverse binding partners, linking TNKS activity to multiple critical cell processes, including Wnt signaling, Golgi trafficking, and telomere maintenance. However, some binding partners can engage TNKS without being modified, suggesting that separate parameters influence TNKS interaction and PARylation. Here, we present an analysis of the sequence and structural features governing TNKS interactions with two model binding partners: the PARylated partner telomeric repeat-binding factor 1 (TRF1) and the non-PARylated partner GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMD). Using a combination of TNKS-binding assays, PARP activity assays, and analytical ultracentrifugation sedimentation analysis, we found that both the specific sequence of a given TNKS-binding peptide motif and the quaternary structure of individual binding partners play important roles in TNKS interactions. We demonstrate that GMD forms stable 1:1 complexes with the TNKS ankyrin repeat domain; yet, consistent with results from previous studies, we were unable to detect GMD modification. We also report in vitro evidence that TNKS primarily directs PAR modification to glutamate/aspartate residues. Our results suggest that TNKS-binding partners possess unique sequence and structural features that control binding and PARylation. Ultimately, our findings highlight the binding partner:ankyrin repeat domain interface as a viable target for inhibition of TNKS activity.

Solution NMR assignment of the ARC4 domain of human tankyrase 2

Tankyrases are poly(ADP-ribose)polymerases (PARPs) which recognize their substrates via their ankyrin repeat cluster (ARC) domains. The human tankyrases (TNKS/TNKS2) contain five ARCs in their extensive N-terminal region; of these, four bind peptides present within tankyrase interactors and substrates. These short, linear segments, known as tankyrase-binding motifs (TBMs), contain some highly conserved features: an arginine at position 1, which occupies a predominantly acidic binding site, and a glycine at position 6 that is sandwiched between two aromatic side chains on the surface of the ARC domain. Tankyrases are involved in a multitude of biological functions, amongst them Wnt/β-catenin signaling, the maintenance of telomeres, glucose metabolism, spindle formation, the DNA damage response and Hippo signaling. As many of these are relevant to human disease, tankyrase is an important target candidate for drug development. With the emergence of non-catalytic (scaffolding) functions of tankyrase, it seems attractive to interfere with ARC function rather than the enzymatic activity of tankyrase. To study the mechanism of ARC-dependent recruitment of tankyrase binders and enable protein-observed NMR screening methods, we have as the first step obtained a full backbone and partial side chain assignment of TNKS2 ARC4. The assignment highlights some of the unusual structural features of the ARC domain.

Tankyrase Promotes Aerobic Glycolysis and Proliferation of Ovarian Cancer through Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Tankyrase (TNKS) plays important roles in the malignancy of several cancers such as human lung tumor, breast cancer, and hepatocellular cancer. However, its exact functions and molecular mechanisms in ovarian cancer remain unclear. In this study, we found that TNKS was aberrantly overexpressed in human ovarian cancer tissues and associated with poor patient prognosis. TNKS inhibition or knockdown not only reduced ovarian cancer cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenic potential in nude mice but also enhanced the drug susceptibility of ovarian cancer cells through arresting cell cycle and inducing apoptosis. These phenotypic changes correlated with downregulation of targets (Cyclin D1, MDR, and MMP-9) of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Furthermore, downregulation of TNKS suppressed the glucose uptake, lactate excretion, and cellular ATP levels and increased cellular O₂ consumption rates. Molecular mechanism studies revealed that TNKS promoted aerobic glycolysis at least in part due to upregulation of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) via activation of Wnt/β-catenin/snail signaling. In agreement with these findings, expression of TNKS is positively associated with snail and PC in clinical ovarian cancer samples. Our findings identified TNKS as an oncogenic regulator of ovarian cancer cells proliferation that promotes aerobic glycolysis via activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, indicating that the TNKS might serve as a potential molecular target for clinical therapy of Wnt/β-catenin dependent ovarian cancer.

Gastrin stimulates pancreatic cancer cell directional migration by activating the Gα12/13-RhoA-ROCK signaling pathway

The mechanism by which gastrin promotes pancreatic cancer cell metastasis is unclear. The process of directing polarized cancer cells toward the extracellular matrix is principally required for invasion and distant metastasis; however, whether gastrin can induce this process and its underlying mechanism remain to be elucidated. In this study, we found that gastrin-induced phosphorylation of paxillin at tyrosine 31/118 and RhoA activation as well as promoted the metastasis of PANC-1 cancer cells. Depletion of Gα12 and Gα13 inhibited the phosphorylation of paxillin and downstream activation of GTP-RhoA, blocked the formation and aggregation of focal adhesions and facilitated polarization of actin filaments induced by gastrin. Suppression of RhoA and ROCK also exhibited identical results. Selective inhibition of the CCKBR–Gα12/13–RhoA–ROCK signaling pathway blocked the reoriented localization of the Golgi apparatus at the leading edge of migrated cancer cells. YM022 and Y-27632 significantly suppressed hepatic metastasis of orthotic pancreatic tumors induced by gastrin in vivo. Collectively, we demonstrate that gastrin promotes Golgi reorientation and directional polarization of pancreatic cancer cells by activation of paxillin via the CCKBR–Gα12/13–RhoA–ROCK signal pathway.

A hormone found in high levels in pancreatic cancer sufferers helps the disease spread by co-ordinating cellular migration. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, being highly aggressive and likely to metastasize. Honggang Yu at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and scientists across China have demonstrated that gastrin, a hormone expressed at higher levels in patients with pancreatic cancer, helps to co-ordinate directional cell migration and ensure the disease spreads effectively. By activating two key molecules via a specific signalling pathway, gastrin ensures the correct orientation of the Golgi apparatus, a cellular organelle tasked with packaging proteins for transportation. This in turn activates directional migration of the cancer cells. The results explain why gastrin is over-expressed in both tumors and blood in cancer patients, and may inform future therapies.

MACC‑1 antibody target therapy suppresses growth and migration of non‑small cell lung cancer

Non‑small‑cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for ~80% of human lung cancers that result in mortalities worldwide. Metastasis‑associated in colon cancer‑1 (MACC‑1) has been demonstrated to be significantly expressed in cases of NSCLC and promotes tumor cell migration and metastasis through transactivation of the metastasis‑inducing hepatocyte growth factor/MET proto‑gene, receptor tyrosine kinase (HGF/MET) signaling pathway. The present study constructed a chimeric antibody (Chanti‑MACC‑1) targeting MACC‑1 and investigated its potential as a molecular therapeutic target in the treatment of NSCLC therapy. The expression of MACC‑1 was detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting in lung cancer cell lines and tissues. MTT assay was used to detect proliferation of A549 cells treated by Chanti‑MACC‑1, whereas the functional and regulatory effects of Chanti‑MACC‑1 in the migration and metastasis of NSCLC cells was investigated by a cell invasion assay. The therapeutic effect and survival time was observed in animal models. The results demonstrated that MACC‑1 expression was increased and overexpression of MACC‑1 promoted the progression of the cell cycle, significantly promoted NSCLC cell growth and enhanced tumor migration and invasion through the HGF/MET signaling pathway. It was further demonstrated that Chanti‑MACC‑1 efficiently suppressed MACC‑1 expression and significantly inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, migration and invasion by blocking the HGF/MET signaling pathway. The data revealed that Chanti‑MACC‑1 was not only beneficial for tumor remission, however additionally contributed to the long‑term survival of NSCLC ‑bearing mice. The findings of the present study indicated that MACC‑1 was significantly upregulated and promoted tumor cell growth and migration in NSCLC cells and tissues via transactivation of the metastasis‑inducing HGF/MET signaling pathway. However, Chanti‑MACC‑1significantly inhibited tumor growth and metastasis, which suggested that MACC‑1 may be essential for tumor initiation and progression by negatively regulating tumor suppressors.

HGF/Met Signaling in Cancer Invasion: The Impact on Cytoskeleton Remodeling

The invasion of cancer cells into surrounding tissue and the vasculature is essential for tumor metastasis. Increasing evidence indicates that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) induces cancer cell migration and invasion. A broad spectrum of mechanisms underlies cancer cell migration and invasion. Cytoskeletal reorganization is of central importance in the development of the phenotype of cancer cells with invasive behavior. Through their roles in cell mechanics, intracellular trafficking, and signaling, cytoskeleton proteins participate in all essential events leading to cell migration. HGF has been involved in cytoskeleton assembly and reorganization, and its role in regulating cytoskeleton dynamics is still expanding. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of HGF in regulating cytoskeleton remodeling, distribution, and interactions.