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Ibrahim MT, Lee J, Tao P. Homology modeling of Forkhead box protein C2: identification of potential inhibitors using ligand and structure-based virtual screening. Mol Divers 2023; 27:1661-1674. [PMID: 36048303 PMCID: PMC9975119 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-022-10519-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Overexpression of Forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) has been associated with different types of carcinomas. FOXC2 plays an important role in the initiation and maintenance of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, which is essential for the development of higher-grade tumors with an enhanced ability for metastasis. Thus, FOXC2 has become a therapeutic target for the development of anticancer drugs. MC-1-F2, the only identified experimental inhibitor of FOXC2, interacts with the full length of FOXC2. However, only the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of FOXC2 has resolved crystal structure. In this work, a three-dimensional (3D) structure of the full-length FOXC2 using homology modeling was developed and used for structure-based drug design (SBDD). The quality of this 3D model of the full-length FOXC2 was evaluated using MolProbity, ERRAT, and ProSA modules. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was also carried out to verify its stability. Ligand-based drug design (LBDD) was carried out to identify similar analogues for MC-1-F2 against 15 million compounds from ChEMBL and ZINC databases. 792 molecules were retrieved from this similarity search. De novo SBDD was performed against the full-length 3D structure of FOXC2 through homology modeling to identify novel inhibitors. The combination of LBDD and SBDD helped in gaining a better insight into the binding of MC-1-F2 and its analogues against the full length of the FOXC2. The binding free energy of the top hits was further investigated using MD simulations and MM/GBSA calculations to result in eight promising hits as lead compounds targeting FOXC2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayar Tarek Ibrahim
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jiyong Lee
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Peng Tao
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Research Computing, Center for Drug Discovery, Design, and Delivery (CD4), Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Yimingjiang M, Aini A, Tuergan T, Zhang W. Differential Gene Expression Profiling in Alveolar Echinococcosis Identifies Potential Biomarkers Associated With Angiogenesis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad031. [PMID: 36817746 PMCID: PMC9927572 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Echinococcus multilocularis. Alveolar echinococcosis is a severe chronic parasitic disease that exhibits a tumor-like growth, with the potential for invasion and distant metastasis; however, the molecular mechanism underlying this condition remains unclear. Methods Transcriptome analyses were performed to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in samples from patients with AE with invasion and distant metastasis. The results were further verified by immunohistochemistry. Results A total of 1796 DEGs were identified, including 1742 upregulated and 54 downregulated DEGs. A subsequent functional analysis showed that the significant DEGs were involved in the angiogenesis process. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the reliability of the transcriptomic data. Conclusions These results suggest that angiogenesis is a possible mechanism underlying the tumor-like biological behavior observed during E multilocularis infection. Genes related to this process may play important roles in AE invasion and distant metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiweilidan Yimingjiang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Abudusalamu Aini
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Talaiti Tuergan
- Department of Hepatic Hydatid and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Digestive and Vascular Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Correspondence: Dr. Wei Zhang, Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, 137 Liyushan Southern Road, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830054, China ( )
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Hargadon KM, Goodloe TB, Lloyd ND. Oncogenic functions of the FOXC2 transcription factor: a hallmarks of cancer perspective. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:833-852. [PMID: 35701636 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10045-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is a fundamental determinant of molecular and cellular function, and epigenetic reprogramming in the context of cancer has emerged as one of the key enabling characteristics associated with acquisition of the core hallmarks of this disease. As such, there has been renewed interest in studying the role of transcription factors as epigenetic regulators of gene expression in cancer. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge surrounding the oncogenic functions of FOXC2, a transcription factor that frequently becomes dysregulated in a variety of cancer types. In addition to highlighting the clinical impact of aberrant FOXC2 activity in cancer, we discuss mechanisms by which this transcription factor becomes dysregulated in both tumor and tumor-associated cells, placing particular emphasis on the ways in which FOXC2 promotes key hallmarks of cancer progression. Finally, we bring attention to important issues related to the oncogenic dysregulation of FOXC2 that must be addressed going forward in order to improve our understanding of FOXC2-mediated cancer progression and to guide prognostic and therapeutic applications of this knowledge in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristian M Hargadon
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA.
| | - Travis B Goodloe
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA
| | - Nathaniel D Lloyd
- Hargadon Laboratory, Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, VA, 23943, USA
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Zhang L, He Y, Tu X, Wang C, Ding X, Ye R, Shi J, Xie Y, Jiang Y, Deng X. FOXC2 as a prognostic marker and a potential molecular target in patients with human solid tumors. Front Surg 2022; 9:960698. [DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.960698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundForkhead Box Protein C2 (FOXC2) belongs to the Forkhead/Wing-helix family. The regulatory role of this transcription factor in physiological function and carcinogenic activity has been proven in subsequent investigations. However, there is still scarcity of evidence on the relationship between FOXC2 expression and prognosis in human solid tumors. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the role of FOXC2 as a prognosis factor and a possible target marker in human solid tumors.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane library database were all searched methodically. Eligible publications on FOXC2 in human solid tumors were gathered and reviewed. The effect sizes were calculated using pooled hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical analysis was conducted with Stata SE12.0.ResultsThis meta-analysis comprised 3,267 patients from 20 studies covering a variety of solid tumors. Increased FOXC2 expression was related to shorter overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.73–2.42). High expression of FOXC2 is associated with lymph node metastases (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 2.65–4.19), TNM stage (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 2.00–4.78), and age (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.06–1.50), according to the pooled ORs. However, no significant association was observed between the high expression of FOXC2 and sex, tumor size or tumor differentiation.ConclusionIncreased expression of FOXC2 is associated with unfavored OS, lymph node metastases, TNM stage, and age. FOXC2 is a promising prognostic marker and a novel target marker in human solid tumors.
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Recouvreux MS, Miao J, Gozo MC, Wu J, Walts AE, Karlan BY, Orsulic S. FOXC2 Promotes Vasculogenic Mimicry in Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4851. [PMID: 36230774 PMCID: PMC9564305 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXC2 is a forkhead family transcription factor that plays a critical role in specifying mesenchymal cell fate during embryogenesis. FOXC2 expression is associated with increased metastasis and poor survival in various solid malignancies. Using in vitro and in vivo assays in mouse ovarian cancer cell lines, we confirmed the previously reported mechanisms by which FOXC2 could promote cancer growth, metastasis, and drug resistance, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stem cell-like differentiation, and resistance to anoikis. In addition, we showed that FOXC2 expression is associated with vasculogenic mimicry in mouse and human ovarian cancers. FOXC2 overexpression increased the ability of human ovarian cancer cells to form vascular-like structures in vitro, while inhibition of FOXC2 had the opposite effect. Thus, we present a novel mechanism by which FOXC2 might contribute to cancer aggressiveness and poor patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sol Recouvreux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jiangyong Miao
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Maricel C. Gozo
- Women’s Cancer Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jingni Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ann E. Walts
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Beth Y. Karlan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Veterans Administration Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Liu G, Ouyang X, Gong L, Yao L, Liu S, Li J, Zhang Q, Xiao Y. E2F3 promotes liver cancer progression under the regulation of circ-PRKAR1B. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 26:104-113. [PMID: 34513297 PMCID: PMC8413671 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most lethal malignant tumors in the world. The high recurrence and mortality rate make it urgent for scientists and clinicians to find new targets for better treatment of liver cancer. Here, we found that circ-PRKAR1B expression was increased in the paired intrahepatic metastasis sample through high-throughput sequencing. Further experiments also confirmed its high expression both in carcinoma and metastasis when compared to the paired para-carcinoma and the paired carcinoma, respectively. Mechanism study showed that circ-PRKAR1B could promote liver cancer progression through the miR-432-5p/E2F3 pathway, and microRNA-432-5p could directly target the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of E2F3 mRNA to suppress its translation, thereby influencing liver cancer cell invasion and migration capacities. Clinical data obtained by using online databases based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) samples and the clinicopathological data of liver cancer patients who underwent surgery in our hospital in the past 2 years also confirmed the significance of circ-PRKAR1B/miR-432-5p/E2F3 signaling in liver cancer progression. Animal experiments also indicated that targeting this newly identified signaling by overexpressing microRNA-432-5p could suppress the progression of liver cancer. Together, our study suggests that circ-PRKAR1B plays an important role in the regulation of liver cancer progression, and targeting this new circ-PRKAR1B/miR-432-5p/E2F3 signaling may help us find new treatment strategies to better suppress liver cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guodong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,Department of Geriatric Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xiwu Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Liansheng Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Lei Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Shiqing Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Jiarong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China.,International Joint Research Center of Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Technology Equipment & Standards, Changsha 410008, China
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Shi J, Wang J, Cheng H, Liu S, Hao X, Lan L, Wu G, Liu M, Zhao Y. FOXP4 promotes laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma progression through directly targeting LEF‑1. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:831. [PMID: 34590150 PMCID: PMC8503739 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box (FOX) proteins are multifaceted transcription factors that have been shown to be involved in cell cycle progression, proliferation and metastasis. FOXP4, a member of the FOX family, has been implicated in diverse biological processes in tumor initiation and progression. However, the molecular mechanisms of FOXP4 in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remain unknown. In the present study, differentially expressed transcripts in transforming growth factor‑β‑treated TU177 cells were screened using microarrays and it was found that FOXP4 was significantly upregulated. The high expression of FOXP4 was detected in LSCC tissues and cells, and predicted poor prognosis. The role of FOXP4 in laryngeal cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion was determined by gain‑ and loss‑of‑function assays. Besides, FOXP4 was demonstrated to participate in the epithelial‑mesenchymal transition process at the mRNA and protein levels. Mechanically, FOXP4 directly bound to the promoter of lymphoid enhancer‑binding factor 1 and activated Wnt signaling pathway, which was confirmed via chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. Consequently, these findings provided novel mechanisms of FOXP4 in LSCC progression, which may be considered as potential therapeutic and prognostic targets for LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Shi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Jingtian Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Hongkun Cheng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Third Hospital of Handan, Handan, Hebei 056001, P.R. China
| | - Shenghui Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Hao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The People's Hospital of Cixian, Handan, Hebei 056500, P.R. China
| | - Lili Lan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Gancun Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Meng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050011, P.R. China
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