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Żebrowska-Nawrocka M, Szmajda-Krygier D, Krygier A, Jeleń A, Balcerczak E. Bioinformatic Analysis of IKK Complex Genes Expression in Selected Gastrointestinal Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9868. [PMID: 39337357 PMCID: PMC11432643 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189868] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers account for over a quarter of all cancer cases and are associated with poor prognosis and high mortality rates. The IKK complex (the canonical I kappa B kinase), comprising the CHUK, IKBKB, and IKBKG genes, plays a crucial role in activating the NF-kB signaling pathway. This study aimed to analyze publicly available bioinformatics data to elucidate the oncogenic role of IKK genes in selected gastrointestinal cancers. Our findings reveal that IKBKB and IKBKG are significantly upregulated in all examined cancers, while CHUK is upregulated in esophageal carcinoma and stomach adenocarcinoma. Additionally, the expression of IKK genes varies with histological grade and nodal metastases. For instance, in stomach adenocarcinoma, CHUK and IKBKB are upregulated in higher histological grades and greater lymph node infiltration. Lower expression levels of CHUK, IKBKB, and IKBKG in stomach adenocarcinoma and IKBKB in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma correlate with shorter overall survival. Conversely, in esophageal adenocarcinoma, reduced IKBKG expression is linked to longer overall survival, while higher IKBKB expression in colon adenocarcinoma is associated with longer overall survival. Given the significant role of IKK genes in the development and progression of selected gastrointestinal cancers, they hold potential as prognostic markers and therapeutic targets, offering valuable insights for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Żebrowska-Nawrocka
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Brain Laboratories, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 4, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Dagmara Szmajda-Krygier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Brain Laboratories, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 4, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Adrian Krygier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jeleń
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Brain Laboratories, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 4, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
| | - Ewa Balcerczak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, Muszynskiego 1, 90-151 Lodz, Poland
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, Brain Laboratories, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 4, 92-216 Lodz, Poland
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2
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Zhou Y, Gu C, Zhu Y, Zhu Y, Chen Y, Shi L, Yang Y, Lu X, Pang H. Pharmacological effects and the related mechanism of scutellarin on inflammation-related diseases: a review. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1463140. [PMID: 39188946 PMCID: PMC11345237 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1463140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is a biological response of multicellular organisms caused by injuries, pathogens or irritants. An excessive inflammatory response can lead to tissue damage and various chronic diseases. Chronic inflammation is a common feature of many diseases, making the search for drugs to treat inflammation-related diseases urgent. Scutellarin, a natural flavonoid metabolite, is widely used in the treatment of various inflammation-related diseases for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities. Scutellarin can inhibit key inflammatory pathways (PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB, etc.) and activate the anti-oxidant related pathways (Nrf2, ARE, ect.), thereby protecting tissues from inflammation and oxidative stress. Modern extraction technologies, such as microwave-assisted, ultrasound assisted, and supercritical fluid extraction, have been utilized to extract scutellarin from Scutellaria and Erigeron genera. These technologies improve efficiency and retain biological activity, making scutellarin suitable for large-scale production. Scutellarin has significant therapeutic effects in treating osteoarthritis, pulmonary fibrosis, kidney injury, and cardiovascular diseases. However, due to its low bioavailability and short half-life, its clinical application is limited. Researchers are exploring innovative formulations (β-cyclodextrin polymers, triglyceride mimetic active ingredients, and liposome precursors, etc.) to improve stability and absorption rates. Despite these challenges, the potential of scutellarin in anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer applications remains enormous. By optimizing formulations, exploring combination therapies, and conducting in-depth mechanistic research, scutellarin can play an important role in treating various inflammatory diseases, providing patients with more and effective treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhou
- School of Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chenlin Gu
- School of Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhu
- School of Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Zhu
- School of Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yutong Chen
- School of Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Li Shi
- School of Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xin Lu
- School of Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hanqing Pang
- School of Medicine, Institute of Translational Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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3
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McKenzie M, Lian GY, Pennel KA, Quinn JA, Jamieson NB, Edwards J. NFκB signalling in colorectal cancer: Examining the central dogma of IKKα and IKKβ signalling. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32904. [PMID: 38975078 PMCID: PMC11226910 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The NFκB pathway, known as the central regulator of inflammation, has a well-established role in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation, progression, and therapy resistance. Due to the pathway's overarching roles in CRC, there have been efforts to characterise NFκB family members and target the pathway for therapeutic intervention. Initial research illustrated that the canonical NFκB pathway, driven by central kinase IKKβ, was a promising target for drug intervention. However, dose limiting toxicities and specificity concerns have resulted in failure of IKKβ inhibitors in clinical trials. The field has turned to look at targeting the less dominant kinase, IKKα, which along with NFκB inducing kinase (NIK), drives the lesser researched non-canonical NFκB pathway. However prognostic studies of the non-canonical pathway have produced conflicting results. There is emerging evidence that IKKα is involved in other signalling pathways, which lie outside of canonical and non-canonical NFκB signalling. Evidence suggests that some of these alternative pathways involve a truncated form of IKKα, and this may drive poor cancer-specific survival in CRC. This review aims to explore the multiple components of NFκB signalling, highlighting that NIK may be the central kinase for non-canonical NFκB signalling, and that IKKα is involved in novel pathways which promote CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly McKenzie
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Guang-Yu Lian
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Kathryn A.F. Pennel
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Jean A. Quinn
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Nigel B. Jamieson
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
| | - Joanne Edwards
- School of Cancer Sciences, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK
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4
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Patange S, Maragh S. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble: What Is in Your Genome Editing Brew? Biochemistry 2023; 62:3500-3511. [PMID: 36306429 PMCID: PMC10734218 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.2c00431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Genome editing is a rapidly evolving biotechnology with the potential to transform many sectors of industry such as agriculture, biomanufacturing, and medicine. This technology is enabled by an ever-growing portfolio of biomolecular reagents that span the central dogma, from DNA to RNA to protein. In this paper, we draw from our unique perspective as the National Metrology Institute of the United States to bring attention to the importance of understanding and reporting genome editing formulations accurately and promoting concepts to verify successful delivery into cells. Achieving the correct understanding may be hindered by the way units, quantities, and stoichiometries are reported in the field. We highlight the variability in how editing formulations are reported in the literature and examine how a reference molecule could be used to verify the delivery of a reagent into cells. We provide recommendations on how more accurate reporting of editing formulations and more careful verification of the steps in an editing experiment can help set baseline expectations of reagent performance, toward the aim of enabling genome editing studies to be more reproducible. We conclude with a future outlook on technologies that can further our control and enable our understanding of genome editing outcomes at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Patange
- Biosystems and Biomaterials
Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Samantha Maragh
- Biosystems and Biomaterials
Division, Material Measurement Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
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5
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Picot-Allain MCN, Neergheen VS. Pectin a multifaceted biopolymer in the management of cancer: A review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e22236. [PMID: 38058641 PMCID: PMC10696011 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22236] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
This review article focuses on the multifaceted roles of pectin in cancer management, namely as an oncotherapeutic delivery vehicle and a pharmacological agent. Over the past decades, the potential of pectin as a novel therapeutical agent for the prevention and/or management of cancer has gained increasing interest. Pectin has been found to modulate different mechanisms involved in the onset and progression of carcinogenesis, such as galectin-3 inhibition, caspase-3-induced apoptosis, and autophagy. Elucidating the structure-activity relationship provides insight into the relationship between the structure of pectin and different mechanism/s. The bioactivity of pectin, with respect to its structure, was critically discussed to give a better insight of the relationship between the structure of the extracted pectin and the observed bioactive effects. The rhamnogalacturonan I part of the pectin chain was found to bind to galectin-3, associated with several cancer hallmarks. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of pectin were also described. The roles of pectin as a treatment enhancer and a drug delivery vehicle for oncotherapeutics were critically defined. The scientific findings presented in this paper are expected to highlight the potential and role of pectin recovered from various plant sources in preventing and managing cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Carene Nancy Picot-Allain
- Biopharmaceutical Unit, Centre for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
- Future Africa, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Vidushi Shradha Neergheen
- Biopharmaceutical Unit, Centre for Biomedical and Biomaterials Research, University of Mauritius, Réduit 80837, Mauritius
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6
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Zhang Y, Sun Y, Gan J, Zhou H, Guo S, Wang X, Zhang C, Zheng W, Zhao X, Zhang Y, Ning S, Li X. Reconstructing the immunosenescence core pathway reveals global characteristics in pan-cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3693-3705. [PMID: 37608128 PMCID: PMC10992234 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03521-4] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Immunosenescence has been demonstrated to play an important role in tumor progression. However, there is lacking comprehensive analyses of immunosenescence-related pathways. Meanwhile, the sex disparities of immunosenescence in cancer are still poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the multi-omics data of 12,836 tumor samples, including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. We systematically identified immunosenescence pathways that were disordered across cancer types. The mutations and copy number variations of immunosenescence pathways were found to be more active in pan-cancer. We reconstructed the immunosenescence core pathways (ISC-pathways) to improve the ability of prognostic stratification in 33 cancer types. We also found the head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC) contained abundant sex-specific immunosenescence features and showed sex differences in survival. We found that OSI-027 was a potential sex-specific drug in HNSC tumors, which tended to be more effective in male HNSC by targeting the MTOR gene in the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study provided a systematic understanding of immunosenescence pathways and revealed the global characteristics of immunosenescence in pan-cancer. We highlighted MTOR gene could be a powerful immunosenescence biomarker of HNSC that helps to develop sex-specific immunosenescence drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakun Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yue Sun
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Jing Gan
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Hanxiao Zhou
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Shuang Guo
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xinyue Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Caiyu Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Wen Zheng
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhao
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Shangwei Ning
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
| | - Xia Li
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China.
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7
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Masaki T, Habara M, Hanaki S, Sato Y, Tomiyasu H, Miki Y, Shimada M. Calcineurin-mediated dephosphorylation enhances the stability and transactivation of c-Myc. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13116. [PMID: 37573463 PMCID: PMC10423207 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40412-1] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Myc, a transcription factor, induces cell proliferation and is often aberrantly or highly expressed in cancers. However, molecular mechanisms underlying this aberrantly high expression remain unclear. Here, we found that intracellular Ca2+ concentration regulates c-Myc oncoprotein stability. We identified that calcineurin, a Ca2+-dependent protein phosphatase, is a positive regulator of c-Myc expression. Calcineurin depletion suppresses c-Myc targeted gene expression and c-Myc degradation. Calcineurin directly dephosphorylates Thr58 and Ser62 in c-Myc, which inhibit binding to the ubiquitin ligase Fbxw7. Mutations within the autoinhibitory domain of calcineurin, most frequently observed in cancer, may increase phosphatase activity, increasing c-Myc transcriptional activity in turn. Notably, calcineurin inhibition with FK506 decreased c-Myc expression with enhanced Thr58 and Ser62 phosphorylation in a mouse xenograft model. Thus, calcineurin can stabilize c-Myc, promoting tumor progression. Therefore, we propose that Ca2+ signaling dysfunction affects cancer-cell proliferation via increased c-Myc stability and that calcineurin inhibition could be a new therapeutic target of c-Myc-overexpressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Masaki
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Makoto Habara
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Hanaki
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Yuki Sato
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Haruki Tomiyasu
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Yosei Miki
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan
| | - Midori Shimada
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Joint Faculty of Veterinary Science, Yamaguchi University, 1677-1 Yoshida, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan.
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8
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Mohd Sahardi NFN, Makpol S. Suppression of Inflamm-Aging by Moringa oleifera and Zingiber officinale Roscoe in the Prevention of Degenerative Diseases: A Review of Current Evidence. Molecules 2023; 28:5867. [PMID: 37570837 PMCID: PMC10421196 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155867] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation or inflamm-aging is a chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to numerous types of degenerative diseases among the elderly and might be impeded by introducing an anti-inflammatory agent like Moringa oleifera Lam (moringa) and Zingiber officinale Roscoe (ginger). Therefore, this paper aims to review the role of moringa and ginger in suppressing inflamm-aging to prevent degenerative diseases. Various peer-reviewed publications were searched and downloaded using the reputed search engine "Pubmed" and "Google Scholar". These materials were reviewed and tabulated. A comparison between these previous findings was made based on the mechanism of action of moringa and ginger against degenerative diseases, focusing on their anti-inflammatory properties. Many studies have reported the efficacy of moringa and ginger in type 2 diabetes mellitus, neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and kidney disease by reducing inflammatory cytokines activities, mainly of TNF-α and IL-6. They also enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase. The anti-inflammatory activities can be seen by inhibiting NF-κβ activity. Thus, the anti-inflammatory potential of moringa and ginger in various types of degenerative diseases due to inflamm-aging has been shown in many recent types of research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suzana Makpol
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
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9
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Saeed H, Leibowitz BJ, Zhang L, Yu J. Targeting Myc-driven stress addiction in colorectal cancer. Drug Resist Updat 2023; 69:100963. [PMID: 37119690 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2023.100963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
MYC is a proto-oncogene that encodes a powerful regulator of transcription and cellular programs essential for normal development, as well as the growth and survival of various types of cancer cells. MYC rearrangement and amplification is a common cause of hematologic malignancies. In epithelial cancers such as colorectal cancer, genetic alterations in MYC are rare. Activation of Wnt, ERK/MAPK, and PI3K/mTOR pathways dramatically increases Myc levels through enhanced transcription, translation, and protein stability. Elevated Myc promotes stress adaptation, metabolic reprogramming, and immune evasion to drive cancer development and therapeutic resistance through broad changes in transcriptional and translational landscapes. Despite intense interest and effort, Myc remains a difficult drug target. Deregulation of Myc and its targets has profound effects that vary depending on the type of cancer and the context. Here, we summarize recent advances in the mechanistic understanding of Myc-driven oncogenesis centered around mRNA translation and proteostress. Promising strategies and agents under development to target Myc are also discussed with a focus on colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haris Saeed
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Dept. of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Brian J Leibowitz
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Dept. of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lin Zhang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Dept. of Chemical Biology and Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jian Yu
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Dept. of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Dept. of Radiation Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5117 Centre Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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10
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Zhao H, Tang S, Tao Q, Ming T, Lei J, Liang Y, Peng Y, Wang M, Liu M, Yang H, Ren S, Xu H. Ursolic Acid Suppresses Colorectal Cancer by Down-Regulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Activity. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3981-3993. [PMID: 36826439 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence points to an abnormally active Wnt/β-catenin signaling as a key player in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathogenesis. Ursolic acid (UA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid that has been found in a broad variety of fruits, spices, and medicinal plants. UA has been shown to have potent bioactivity against a variety of cancers, including CRC, with the action mechanism obscure. Our study tried to learn more about the efficacy of UA on CRC and its functional mechanism amid the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. We determined the efficacy of UA on CRC SW620 cells with respect to the proliferation, migration, clonality, apoptosis, cell cycle, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade, with assessment of the effect of UA on normal colonic NCM460 cells. Also, the effects of UA on the tumor development, apoptosis, cell cycle, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis were evaluated after a subcutaneous SW620 xenograft tumor model was established in mice. In this work, we showed that UA drastically suppressed proliferation, migration, and clonality; induced apoptosis; and arrested the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase of SW620 cells, without the influence on NCM460 cells, accompanied by weakened activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Besides, UA markedly deterred the growth of the xenograft tumor, ameliorated pathological features, triggered apoptosis, and arrested the cell cycle in xenograft CRC tissue, by lessening the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade. Overall, UA may inhibit the malignant phenotype, induce apoptosis, and arrest the cell cycle of CRC, potentially by attenuating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling axis, providing insights into the mechanism for the potency of UA on CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shun Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Qiu Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Tianqi Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Jiarong Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuanjing Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuhui Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Minmin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Maolun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Han Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shan Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Haibo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Department of Pharmacology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
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11
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Mussbacher M, Derler M, Basílio J, Schmid JA. NF-κB in monocytes and macrophages - an inflammatory master regulator in multitalented immune cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1134661. [PMID: 36911661 PMCID: PMC9995663 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1134661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is a dimeric transcription factor constituted by two of five protein family members. It plays an essential role in inflammation and immunity by regulating the expression of numerous chemokines, cytokines, transcription factors, and regulatory proteins. Since NF-κB is expressed in almost all human cells, it is important to understand its cell type-, tissue-, and stimulus-specific roles as well as its temporal dynamics and disease-specific context. Although NF-κB was discovered more than 35 years ago, many questions are still unanswered, and with the availability of novel technologies such as single-cell sequencing and cell fate-mapping, new fascinating questions arose. In this review, we will summarize current findings on the role of NF-κB in monocytes and macrophages. These innate immune cells show high plasticity and dynamically adjust their effector functions against invading pathogens and environmental cues. Their versatile functions can range from antimicrobial defense and antitumor immune responses to foam cell formation and wound healing. NF-κB is crucial for their activation and balances their phenotypes by finely coordinating transcriptional and epigenomic programs. Thereby, NF-κB is critically involved in inflammasome activation, cytokine release, and cell survival. Macrophage-specific NF-κB activation has far-reaching implications in the development and progression of numerous inflammatory diseases. Moreover, recent findings highlighted the temporal dynamics of myeloid NF-κB activation and underlined the complexity of this inflammatory master regulator. This review will provide an overview of the complex roles of NF-κB in macrophage signal transduction, polarization, inflammasome activation, and cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Mussbacher
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martina Derler
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - José Basílio
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- INESC ID–Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores, Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Johannes A. Schmid
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Centre of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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12
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Zhong YL, Wang PQ, Hao DL, Sui F, Zhang FB, Li B. Traditional Chinese medicine for transformation of gastric precancerous lesions to gastric cancer: A critical review. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:36-54. [PMID: 36684050 PMCID: PMC9850768 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i1.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a common gastrointestinal tumor. Gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) are the last pathological stage before normal gastric mucosa transforms into GC. However, preventing the transformation from GPL to GC remains a challenge. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to treat gastric disease for millennia. A series of TCM formulas and active compounds have shown therapeutic effects in both GC and GPL. This article reviews recent progress on the herbal drugs and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM in preventing the transformation from GPL to GC, especially focusing on anti-inflammatory, anti-angiogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. This review may provide a meaningful reference for the prevention of the transformation from GPL to GC using TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Lin Zhong
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Peng-Qian Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Dan-Li Hao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Feng Sui
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Feng-Bin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050011, Hebei Province, China
| | - Bing Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
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13
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Basílio J, Hochreiter B, Hoesel B, Sheshori E, Mussbacher M, Hanel R, Schmid JA. Antagonistic Functions of Androgen Receptor and NF-κB in Prostate Cancer-Experimental and Computational Analyses. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246164. [PMID: 36551650 PMCID: PMC9776608 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is very frequent and is, in many countries, the third-leading cause of cancer related death in men. While early diagnosis and treatment by surgical removal is often curative, metastasizing prostate cancer has a very bad prognosis. Based on the androgen-dependence of prostate epithelial cells, the standard treatment is blockade of the androgen receptor (AR). However, nearly all patients suffer from a tumor relapse as the metastasizing cells become AR-independent. In our study we show a counter-regulatory link between AR and NF-κB both in human cells and in mouse models of prostate cancer, implying that inhibition of AR signaling results in induction of NF-κB-dependent inflammatory pathways, which may even foster the survival of metastasizing cells. This could be shown by reporter gene assays, DNA-binding measurements, and immune-fluorescence microscopy, and furthermore by a whole set of computational methods using a variety of datasets. Interestingly, loss of PTEN, a frequent genetic alteration in prostate cancer, also causes an upregulation of NF-κB and inflammatory activity. Finally, we present a mathematical model of a dynamic network between AR, NF-κB/IκB, PI3K/PTEN, and the oncogene c-Myc, which indicates that AR blockade may upregulate c-Myc together with NF-κB, and that combined anti-AR/anti-NF-κB and anti-PI3K treatment might be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Basílio
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- INESC ID—Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores, Investigação e Desenvolvimento em Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Rua Alves Redol 9, 1000-029 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Bernhard Hochreiter
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Bastian Hoesel
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Emira Sheshori
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Mussbacher
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Rudolf Hanel
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Josefstaedter Strasse 39, 1080 Vienna, Austria
- Section for Science of Complex Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes A. Schmid
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-40160-31155
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14
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Song MY, Lee DY, Han YM, Kim EH. Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Korean Propolis on Helicobacter pylori-Infected Gastric Mucosal Injury Mice Model. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14214644. [PMID: 36364906 PMCID: PMC9659254 DOI: 10.3390/nu14214644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Propolis, a natural resinous substance obtained from a variety of buds and plants, has been reported to possess various biological functions. Several recent studies have demonstrated the inhibitory effects of propolis on the growth of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in vitro; however, current research efforts on Korean propolis (KP) remain insufficient especially in vivo. Our study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect and molecular mechanism of KP on mouse gastric mucosa during H. pylori infection. We examined an in vivo H. pylori-induced gastric mucosal injury mice model. We found that KP inhibited the growth of H. pylori and attenuated the expression of H. pylori virulence factors such as cytotoxin-associated gene A, encoding urease A subunit, surface antigen gene and neutrophil-activating protein A. Moreover, KP reduced both gross lesions and pathological scores in H. pylori-challenged mice. In addition, KP markedly restrained the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide levels compared with an untreated H. pylori-infected group. In particular, we found that KP repressed the phosphorylation of IκBα and NF-κB p65 subunit, and subsequently suppressed their downstream target genes. Taken together, these findings demonstrate the beneficial effects of KP on inflammation through the inhibition of NF-κB signaling as well as inhibition of H. pylori growth in a mouse model infected with H. pylori. This suggests the potential application of KP as a natural supplement for patient’s suffering from gastric mucosal injury caused by H. pylori infection.
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15
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Helweg LP, Storm J, Witte KE, Schulten W, Wrachtrup L, Janotte T, Kitke A, Greiner JFW, Knabbe C, Kaltschmidt B, Simon M, Kaltschmidt C. Targeting Key Signaling Pathways in Glioblastoma Stem Cells for the Development of Efficient Chemo- and Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12919. [PMID: 36361720 PMCID: PMC9659205 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive and most common malignant brain tumor with poor patient survival despite therapeutic intervention. On the cellular level, GBM comprises a rare population of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), driving therapeutic resistance, invasion, and recurrence. GSCs have thus come into the focus of therapeutic strategies, although their targeting remains challenging. In the present study, we took advantage of three GSCs-populations recently established in our lab to investigate key signaling pathways and subsequent therapeutic strategies targeting GSCs. We observed that NF-κB, a crucial transcription factor in GBM progression, was expressed in all CD44+/CD133+/Nestin+-GSC-populations. Exposure to TNFα led to activation of NF-κB-RELA and/or NF-κB-c-REL, depending on the GBM type. GSCs further expressed the proto-oncogene MYC family, with MYChigh GSCs being predominantly located in the tumor spheres ("GROW"-state) while NF-κB-RELAhigh GSCs were migrating out of the sphere ("GO"-state). We efficiently targeted GSCs by the pharmacologic inhibition of NF-κB using PTDC/Bortezomib or inhibition of MYC by KJ-Pyr-9, which significantly reduced GSC-viability, even in comparison to the standard chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide. As an additional cell-therapeutic strategy, we showed that NK cells could kill GSCs. Our findings offer new perspectives for developing efficient patient-specific chemo- and immunotherapy against GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laureen P. Helweg
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld, OWL (FBMB e.V.), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Jonathan Storm
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld, OWL (FBMB e.V.), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Kaya E. Witte
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld, OWL (FBMB e.V.), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Wiebke Schulten
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Lennart Wrachtrup
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Till Janotte
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Angelika Kitke
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Johannes F. W. Greiner
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld, OWL (FBMB e.V.), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld, OWL (FBMB e.V.), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
- Heart and Diabetes Centre NRW, Institute for Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany
| | - Barbara Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld, OWL (FBMB e.V.), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
- Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Biology, Bielefeld University, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Matthias Simon
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld, OWL (FBMB e.V.), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
- Department of Neurosurgery and Epilepsy Surgery, Protestant Hospital of Bethel Foundation, University Medical School OWL at Bielefeld, Bielefeld University, Campus Bielefeld-Bethel, Burgsteig 13, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Christian Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstrasse 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
- Forschungsverbund BioMedizin Bielefeld, OWL (FBMB e.V.), Maraweg 21, 33617 Bielefeld, Germany
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16
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Lepore Signorile M, Grossi V, Fasano C, Forte G, Disciglio V, Sanese P, De Marco K, La Rocca F, Armentano R, Valentini AM, Giannelli G, Simone C. c-MYC Protein Stability Is Sustained by MAPKs in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194840. [PMID: 36230763 PMCID: PMC9562641 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal tract malignancy. Previous reports have shown that cancerous phenotypes in the intestine are dependent on c-MYC target gene expression. Unfortunately, finding c-MYC inhibitors has proven difficult because c-MYC does not have a deep surface-binding pocket. Considering that c-MYC is maintained upregulated through β-catenin-mediated transcriptional activation and ERK-mediated post-translational stabilization, and since we have previously demonstrated that c-MYC transcriptional activation is affected by p38α as a β-catenin chromatin-associated kinase, here, we investigated p38α’s involvement in c-MYC protein stabilization in CRC. Interestingly, we found that p38α sustains c-MYC’s stability by preventing its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Moreover, we showed that p38α inhibitors exhibit a synthetic lethality effect when used in combination with MEK inhibitors in CRC cells. Our findings identify p38α as a promising therapeutic target that acts on the pharmacologically “undruggable” c-MYC protein, with implications for countering c-MYC-mediated CRC proliferation, metastasization, and chemoresistance. Abstract c-MYC is one of the most important factors involved in colorectal cancer (CRC) initiation and progression; indeed, it is found to be upregulated in up to 80% of sporadic cases. During colorectal carcinogenesis, c-MYC is maintained upregulated through β-catenin-mediated transcriptional activation and ERK-mediated post-translational stabilization. Our data demonstrate that p38α, a kinase involved in CRC metabolism and survival, contributes to c-Myc protein stability. Moreover, we show that p38α, like ERK, stabilizes c-MYC protein levels by preventing its ubiquitination. Of note, we found that p38α phosphorylates c-MYC and interacts with it both in vitro and in cellulo. Extensive molecular analyses in the cellular and in vivo models revealed that the p38α kinase inhibitors, SB202190 and ralimetinib, affect c-MYC protein levels. Ralimetinib also exhibited a synthetic lethality effect when used in combination with the MEK1 inhibitor trametinib. Overall, our findings identify p38α as a promising therapeutic target, acting directly on c-MYC, with potential implications for countering c-MYC-mediated CRC proliferation, metastatic dissemination, and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lepore Signorile
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (M.L.S.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (V.D.); (P.S.); (K.D.M.); (F.L.R.)
| | - Valentina Grossi
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (M.L.S.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (V.D.); (P.S.); (K.D.M.); (F.L.R.)
- Correspondence: (V.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Candida Fasano
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (M.L.S.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (V.D.); (P.S.); (K.D.M.); (F.L.R.)
| | - Giovanna Forte
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (M.L.S.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (V.D.); (P.S.); (K.D.M.); (F.L.R.)
| | - Vittoria Disciglio
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (M.L.S.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (V.D.); (P.S.); (K.D.M.); (F.L.R.)
| | - Paola Sanese
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (M.L.S.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (V.D.); (P.S.); (K.D.M.); (F.L.R.)
| | - Katia De Marco
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (M.L.S.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (V.D.); (P.S.); (K.D.M.); (F.L.R.)
| | - Francesca La Rocca
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (M.L.S.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (V.D.); (P.S.); (K.D.M.); (F.L.R.)
| | - Raffaele Armentano
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (R.A.); (A.M.V.)
| | - Anna Maria Valentini
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (R.A.); (A.M.V.)
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- Scientific Direction, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy;
| | - Cristiano Simone
- Medical Genetics, National Institute of Gastroenterology Saverio de Bellis, IRCCS Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy; (M.L.S.); (C.F.); (G.F.); (V.D.); (P.S.); (K.D.M.); (F.L.R.)
- Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology (DIMO), University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.G.); (C.S.)
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Polydatin Prevents Neuroinflammation and Relieves Depression via Regulating Sirt1/HMGB1/NF-κB Signaling in Mice. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1393-1404. [PMID: 35986876 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00553-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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18
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Fujita H, Fujita T, Fujii H. IL-3-Induced Immediate Expression of c- fos and c- jun Is Modulated by the IKK2-JNK Axis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091451. [PMID: 35563758 PMCID: PMC9105775 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-3 is a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. The binding of IL-3 to its receptor activates intracellular signaling, inducing transcription of immediate early genes (IEGs) such as c-fos, c-jun, and c-myc; however, transcriptional regulation under IL-3 signaling is not fully understood. This study assessed the role of the inhibitor of nuclear factor-κB kinases (IKKs) in inducing IL-3-mediated expression of IEGs. We show that IKK1 and IKK2 are required for the IL-3-induced immediate expression of c-fos and c-jun in murine hematopoietic Ba/F3 cells. Although IKK2 is well-known for its pivotal role as a regulator of the canonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, activation of IKKs did not induce the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB transcription factor. We further revealed the important role of IKK2 in the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), which mediates the IL-3-induced expression of c-fos and c-jun. These findings indicate that the IKK2-JNK axis modulates the IL-3-induced expression of IEGs in a canonical NF-κB-independent manner.
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19
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Gu J, Xu H, Chen Y, Li N, Hou X. MiR-223 as a Regulator and Therapeutic Target in Liver Diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:860661. [PMID: 35371024 PMCID: PMC8965842 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.860661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding single-stranded small molecule RNAs consisting of 20–24 nucleotides that are highly conserved in species evolution. Expression of miRNAs is strictly tissue-specific, and it is chronological in fungi and plants, as well as in animals. MiR-223 has been shown to play a key role in innate immunity, and dysregulation of its expression contributes to the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory diseases, and cancers. In this article the biosynthesis and functions of miR-223 in innate immunity are reviewed, and the role of miR-223 in liver physiopathology and therapeutic prospects are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiarong Gu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Hao Xu
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Yandong Chen
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Na Li
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Xin Hou
- School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China.,The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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20
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Xie Y, Du D, Zhang L, Yang Y, Zou Z, Li Z, Zhou L, Shang R, Zhou P. TJ-M2010-5, A self-developed MyD88 inhibitor, attenuates liver fibrosis by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 354:109839. [PMID: 35101388 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the result of most chronic inflammatory liver damage and seriously endangers human health. However, no drugs have been approved to treat this disease. Previous studies showed that the Toll-like receptors (TLRs)/myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway plays a key role in liver fibrosis. TJ-M2010-5 is a self-developed small molecule MyD88 inhibitor, which has been proven to have a good protective effect in a variety of inflammatory disease models. In the present study, to investigate the anti-fibrotic effect of TJ-M2010-5, mice were injected with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in vivo and LX2 cells (a human hepatic stellate cell line) were treated with TGF-β1 in vitro to induce liver fibrosis. In vivo studies showed that TJ-M2010-5 attenuated the CCl4-induced liver damage, collagen accumulation, and the activation of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting the nuclear transfer of NF-κB. Moreover, in vitro experiments of LX2 cells stimulated with TGF-β1 further indicated that the NF-κB pathway is involved in the development of liver fibrosis. TJ-M2010-5 significantly inhibited the proliferation and activation of LX2 cells. In addition, TJ-M2010-5 upregulated the expression of bone morphogenetic protein and membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) in LX2 cells by blocking the activation of MyD88/NF-κB, thereby inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and the expression of collagen I (COL1A1) induced by TGF-β1. In conclusion, this study illustrates the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of TJ-M2010-5 and provides a new treatment method for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalong Xie
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Dunfeng Du
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Limin Zhang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhimiao Zou
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zeyang Li
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Runshi Shang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
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Wang Z, Lu C, Zhang K, Lin C, Wu F, Tang X, Wu D, Dou Y, Han R, Wang Y, Hou C, Ouyang Q, Feng M, He Y, Li L. Metformin Combining PD-1 Inhibitor Enhanced Anti-Tumor Efficacy in STK11 Mutant Lung Cancer Through AXIN-1-Dependent Inhibition of STING Ubiquitination. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:780200. [PMID: 35281267 PMCID: PMC8905189 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.780200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with STK11 mutation showed primary resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). The glucose-lowering drug metformin exerted anti-cancer effect and enhanced efficacy of chemotherapy in NSCLC with KRAS/STK11 co-mutation, yet it is unknown whether metformin may enhance ICI efficacy in STK11 mutant NSCLC.Methods: We studied the impact of metformin on ICI efficacy in STK11 mutant NSCLC in vitro and in vivo using colony formation assay, cell viability assay, Ki67 staining, ELISA, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout, and animal experiments.Results: Through colony formation assay, Ki67 incorporation assay, and CCK-8 assay, we found that metformin significantly enhanced the killing of H460 cells and A549 cells by T cells. In NOD-SCID xenografts, metformin in combination with PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab effectively decreased tumor growth and increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Metformin enhanced stabilization of STING and activation of its downstream signaling pathway. siRNA-mediated knockdown of STING abolished the effect of metformin on T cell-mediated killing of tumor cells. Next, we found that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of the scaffold protein AXIN-1 abolished the effect of metformin on T cell-mediated killing and STING stabilization. Immunoprecipitation and confocal macroscopy revealed that metformin enhanced the interaction and colocalization between AXIN-1 and STING. Protein-protein interaction modeling indicated that AXIN-1 may directly bind to STING at its K150 site. Next, we found that metformin decreased K48-linked ubiquitination of STING and inhibited the interaction of E3-ligand RNF5 and STING. Moreover, in AXIN-1−/− H460 cells, metformin failed to alter the interaction of RNF5 and STING.Conclusion: Metformin combining PD-1 inhibitor enhanced anti-tumor efficacy in STK11 mutant lung cancer through inhibition of RNF5-mediated K48-linked ubiquitination of STING, which was dependent on AXIN-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiguo Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Conghua Lu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Kejun Zhang
- Department of Outpatients, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Caiyu Lin
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Oncology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaolin Tang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanyao Dou
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Han
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yubo Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Hou
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Ouyang
- School of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Mingxia Feng
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Mingxia Feng, ; Yong He, ; Li Li,
| | - Yong He
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Mingxia Feng, ; Yong He, ; Li Li,
| | - Li Li
- Department of Respiratory Disease, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Mingxia Feng, ; Yong He, ; Li Li,
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22
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TLR3 agonists: RGC100, ARNAX, and poly-IC: a comparative review. Immunol Res 2021; 69:312-322. [PMID: 34145551 PMCID: PMC8213534 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09203-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors 3 (TLR3) have been broadly studied among all TLRs over the last few decades together with its agonists due to their contribution to cancer regression. These agonists undeniably have some shared characteristics such as mimicking dsRNA but pathways through which they exhibit antitumor properties are relatively diverse. In this review, three widely studied agonists RGC100, ARNAX, and poly-IC are discussed along with their structural and physiochemical differences including the signaling cascades through which they exert their actions. Comparison has been made to identify the finest agonist with maximum effectivity and the least side effect profile.
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