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Han X, Zhu Y, Ke J, Zhai Y, Huang M, Zhang X, He H, Zhang X, Zhao X, Guo K, Li X, Han Z, Zhang Y. Progression of m 6A in the tumor microenvironment: hypoxia, immune and metabolic reprogramming. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:331. [PMID: 39033180 PMCID: PMC11271487 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02092-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has aroused widespread discussion in the scientific community as a mode of RNA modification. m6A comprises writers, erasers, and readers, which regulates RNA production, nuclear export, and translation and is very important for human health. A large number of studies have found that the regulation of m6A is closely related to the occurrence and invasion of tumors, while the homeostasis and function of the tumor microenvironment (TME) determine the occurrence and development of tumors to some extent. TME is composed of a variety of immune cells (T cells, B cells, etc.) and nonimmune cells (tumor-associated mesenchymal stem cells (TA-MSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), etc.). Current studies suggest that m6A is involved in regulating the function of various cells in the TME, thereby affecting tumor progression. In this manuscript, we present the composition of m6A and TME, the relationship between m6A methylation and characteristic changes in TME, the role of m6A methylation in TME, and potential therapeutic strategies to provide new perspectives for better treatment of tumors in clinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Han
- First Clinical College of Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, China
| | - Yu Zhu
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | - Juan Ke
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | | | - Min Huang
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Linfen Central Hospital, Linfen, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Zhongyu Han
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Peng B, Lin Y, Yi G, Lin M, Xiao Y, Qiu Y, Yao W, Zhou X, Liu Z. Comprehensive landscape of m6A regulator-related gene patterns and tumor microenvironment infiltration characterization in gastric cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16404. [PMID: 39013954 PMCID: PMC11252343 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66744-0] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic regulation of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) has attracted considerable interest in tumor research, but the potential roles of m6A regulator-related genes, remain largely unknown within the context of gastric cancer (GC) and tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, a comprehensive strategy of data mining and computational biology utilizing multiple datasets based on 28 m6A regulators (including novel anti-readers) was employed to identify m6A regulator-related genes and patterns and elucidate their underlying mechanisms in GC. Subsequently, a scoring system was constructed to evaluate individual prognosis and immunotherapy response. Three distinct m6A regulator-related patterns were identified through the unsupervised clustering of 56 m6A regulator-related genes (all significantly associated with GC prognosis). TME characterization revealed that these patterns highly corresponded to immune-inflamed, immune-excluded, and immune-desert phenotypes, and their TME characteristics were highly consistent with different clinical outcomes and biological processes. Additionally, an m6A-related scoring system was developed to quantify the m6A modification pattern of individual samples. Low scores indicated high survival rates and high levels of immune activation, whereas high scores indicated stromal activation and tumor malignancy. Furthermore, the m6A-related scores were correlated with tumor mutation loads and various clinical traits, including molecular or histological subtypes and clinical stage or grade, and the score had predictive values across all digestive system tumors and even in all tumor types. Notably, a low score was linked to improved responses to anti-PD-1/L1 and anti-CTLA4 immunotherapy in three independent cohorts. This study has expanded the important role of m6A regulator-related genes in shaping TME diversity and clinical/biological traits of GC. The developed scoring system could help develop more effective immunotherapy strategies and personalized treatment guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Peng
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinglin Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gao Yi
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingzhen Lin
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yezhenghong Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenxia Yao
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xinke Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Zhaoyu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeting Diagnosis, Therapy and Rehabilitation of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, The Fifth Clinical College of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Gan Y, Yu Y, Xu H, Piao H. Liposomal Nanomaterials: A Rising Star in Glioma Treatment. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:6757-6776. [PMID: 38983132 PMCID: PMC11232959 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s470478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioma is a primary malignant tumor in the central nervous system. In recent years, the treatment of glioma has developed rapidly, but the overall survival of glioma patients has not significantly improved. Due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier and intracranial tumor barrier, many drugs with good effects to cure glioma in vitro cannot be accurately transported to the corresponding lesions. In order to enable anti-tumor drugs to overcome the barriers and target glioma, nanodrug delivery systems have emerged recently. It is gratifying that liposomes, as a multifunctional nanodrug delivery carrier, which can be compatible with hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, easily functionalized by various targeted ligands, biodegradable, and hypoimmunogenic in vivo, has become a quality choice to solve the intractable problem of glioma medication. Therefore, we focused on the liposome nanodrug delivery system, and summarized its current research progress in glioma. Hopefully, this review may provide new ideas for the research and development of liposome-based nanomaterials for the clinical treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
- Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yingying Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huizhe Xu
- Central Laboratory, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haozhe Piao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, People’s Republic of China
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Wu Y, He H, Zheng K, Qin Z, Cai N, Zuo S, Zhu X. RNA M6A modification shaping cutaneous melanoma tumor microenvironment and predicting immunotherapy response. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2024; 37:496-509. [PMID: 38624045 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13170] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Recent years have seen rising mortality rates linked to cutaneous melanoma (SKCM), despite advances in immunotherapy. Understanding RNA N6-methyladenosine (M6A) significance in SKCM is crucial for prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME), immune cell presence, and immunotherapy efficacy. We analyzed 23 M6A regulators using SKCM samples from TCGA and GEO databases, identifying three M6A modification patterns linked to TME cell infiltration. Principal component analysis (PCA) yielded an M6A score for individual tumors, utilizing patient gene expression profiles and CNV data from TCGA. M6A modification patterns play a crucial role in SKCM development and progression, influencing tumor attributes such as inflammatory stage, subtype, TME interstitial activity, and genetic mutations. The M6A score independently predicts patient outcomes and correlates with improved response to immunotherapy, validated across anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1 therapy cohorts. M6A modifications significantly impact the TME landscape, with the M6A score serving as a predictive marker for immunotherapy response. Integrating M6A-related information into clinical practice could revolutionize SKCM management and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Wu
- School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Hongying He
- Liuzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Application, Affiliated Liutie Central Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Kairong Zheng
- School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhenxin Qin
- School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Naikun Cai
- School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Shuguang Zuo
- Liuzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis, Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Application, Affiliated Liutie Central Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zhu
- School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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Ding M, Yan J, Chen Y, Liu J, Chao G, Zhang S. Changes in M6A methylation: A key factor in the vicious cycle of flora -gut aging. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 98:102351. [PMID: 38820855 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
The aging process significantly impacts the gastrointestinal tract and various bodily systems, exacerbating age-related diseases. Research suggests a correlation between an imbalance in intestinal flora and gut aging, yet the precise mechanism remains incompletely elucidated. Epigenetic modifications, particularly m6A methylation, play a pivotal role in driving aging and are closely associated with gut aging. Maintaining a healthy balance of intestinal microbes is contingent upon m6A methylation, which is believed to be crucial in the vicious cycle of gut aging and intestinal flora. This article highlights the importance of m6A methylation in the nexus between gut aging and flora. It proposes the potential for targeted m6A methylation to break the vicious cycle of gut aging and flora imbalance, offering novel perspectives on attenuating or reversing gut aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglu Ding
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Junbin Yan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Yuxuan Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Jinguo Liu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China
| | - Guanqun Chao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China.
| | - Shuo Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (The Xin Hua Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, PR China; Department of General Practice, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310000, PR China.
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Zhang Y, Liu D, Qiao B, Luo Y, Zhang L, Cao Y, Ran H, Yang C. Breakthrough of Hypoxia Limitation by Tumor-Targeting Photothermal Therapy-Enhanced Radiation Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:6499-6513. [PMID: 38946887 PMCID: PMC11214800 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s450124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose To address the problem of suboptimal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Radiation therapy (RT) which was resulted from exacerbated tumor hypoxia and the heterogeneous distribution of radiation sensitizers. Materials and Methods In this work, a novel nanomedicine, designated as PLGA@IR780-Bi-DTPA (PIBD), was engineered by loading the radiation sensitizer Bi-DTPA and the photothermal agent IR780 onto poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). This design leverages the tumor-targeting ability of IR780 to ensure selective accumulation of the nanoparticles in tumor cells, particularly within the mitochondria. The effect of the photothermal therapy-enhanced radiation therapy was also examined to assess the alleviation of hypoxia and the enhancement of radiation sensitivity. Results The PIBD nanoparticles exhibited strong capacity in mitochondrial targeting and selective tumor accumulation. Upon activation by 808 nm laser irradiation, the nanoparticles effectively alleviated local hypoxia by photothermal effect enhanced blood supplying to improve oxygen content, thereby enhancing the ROS production for effective RT. Comparative studies revealed that PIBD-induced RT significantly outperformed conventional RT in treating hypoxic tumors. Conclusion This design of tumor-targeting photothermal therapy-enhanced radiation therapy nanomedicine would advance the development of targeted drug delivery system for effective RT regardless of hypoxic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dang Liu
- Department of Radiology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Qiao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging & Department of Ultrasound, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanli Luo
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging & Department of Ultrasound, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging & Department of Ultrasound, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Cao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging & Department of Ultrasound, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haitao Ran
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Molecular Imaging & Department of Ultrasound, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Radiology, Jiulongpo District People’s Hospital, Chongqing, People’s Republic of China
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Li Y, Jin H, Li Q, Shi L, Mao Y, Zhao L. The role of RNA methylation in tumor immunity and its potential in immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:130. [PMID: 38902779 PMCID: PMC11188252 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02041-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA methylation, a prevalent post-transcriptional modification, has garnered considerable attention in research circles. It exerts regulatory control over diverse biological functions by modulating RNA splicing, translation, transport, and stability. Notably, studies have illuminated the substantial impact of RNA methylation on tumor immunity. The primary types of RNA methylation encompass N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), and N7-methylguanosine (m7G), and 3-methylcytidine (m3C). Compelling evidence underscores the involvement of RNA methylation in regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). By affecting RNA translation and stability through the "writers", "erasers" and "readers", RNA methylation exerts influence over the dysregulation of immune cells and immune factors. Consequently, RNA methylation plays a pivotal role in modulating tumor immunity and mediating various biological behaviors, encompassing proliferation, invasion, metastasis, etc. In this review, we discussed the mechanisms and functions of several RNA methylations, providing a comprehensive overview of their biological roles and underlying mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment and among immunocytes. By exploring how these RNA modifications mediate tumor immune evasion, we also examine their potential applications in immunotherapy. This review aims to provide novel insights and strategies for identifying novel targets in RNA methylation and advancing cancer immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Haoer Jin
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qingling Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liangrong Shi
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yitao Mao
- Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Luqing Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Gu Y, Ma E, Jiang S, Shan Z, Xia G, Ma R, Fu J, Wang Z. Immune- and metabolism-related gene signature analysis uncovers the prognostic and immune microenvironments of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:311. [PMID: 38896142 PMCID: PMC11186947 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05849-5] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic reprogramming is an emerging hallmark that influences the tumour microenvironment (TME) by regulating the behavior of cancer cells and immune cells. The relationship between metabolism and immunity remains elusive. The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive value of immune- and metabolism-related genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their intricate interplay with TME. METHODS We established the immune- and metabolism-related signature (IMRPS) based on the LIHC cohort from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. Kaplan-Meier analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and Cox regression analysis confirmed the prognostic value of IMRPS. We investigated differences in immune cell infiltration, clinical features, and therapeutic response between risk groups. The quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to confirm the expression of signature genes. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate immune infiltration features in HCC tissue samples. We conducted cell experiments including gene knockout, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and flow cytometry to explore the role of the IMRPS key gene UCK2 in HCC. RNA-seq was used to further investigate the potential underlying mechanism involved. RESULTS The IMRPS, composed of four genes, SMS, UCK2, PFKFB4 and MAPT, exhibited significant correlations with survival, immune cell infiltration, clinical features, immune checkpoints and therapeutic response. The IMRPS was shown to be an excellent predictor of HCC prognosis. It could stratify patients appropriately and characterize the TME accurately. The high-risk HCC group exhibited an immunosuppressive microenvironment with abundant M2-like macrophage infiltration, which was confirmed by the immunohistochemistry results. The results of qPCR revealed that the expression of signature genes in 20 HCC tissues was significantly greater than that in adjacent normal tissues. After the key gene UCK2 was knocked out, the proliferation of the Huh7 cell line was significantly inhibited, and monocyte-derived macrophages polarized towards an M1-like phenotype in the coculture system. RNA-seq and GSEA suggested that the phenotypes were closely related to the negative regulation of growth and regulation of macrophage chemotaxis. CONCLUSIONS This study established a new IMRS for the accurate prediction of patient prognosis and the TME, which is also helpful for identifying new targets for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yange Gu
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ensi Ma
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengran Jiang
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Guixi Xia
- Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Rui Ma
- Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Jiaqi Fu
- Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, China
| | - Zhengxin Wang
- Liver Transplantation Center, General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Wu C, Li L, Tang Q, Liao Q, Chen P, Guo C, Zeng Z, Xiong W. Role of m 6A modifications in immune evasion and immunotherapy. Med Oncol 2024; 41:159. [PMID: 38761335 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02402-9] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
RNA modification has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its pivotal role in tumorigenesis and immune surveillance. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most prevalent RNA modification, which can affect the expression of RNA by methylating adenylate at the sixth N position to regulate the occurrence and development of tumors. Dysregulation of m6A affects the activation of cancer-promoting pathways, destroys immune cell function, maintains immunosuppressive microenvironment, and promotes tumor cell growth. In this review, we delve into the latest insights into how abnormalities in m6A modification in both tumor and immune cells orchestrate immune evasion through the activation of signaling pathways. Furthermore, we explore how dysregulated m6A modification in tumor cells influences immune cells, thereby regulating tumor immune evasion via interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Lastly, we highlight recent discoveries regarding specific inhibitors of m6A modulators and the encapsulation of m6A-targeting nanomaterials for cancer therapy, discussing their potential applications in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lvyuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pan Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Can Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, China.
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10
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Zhao L, Guo J, Xu S, Duan M, Liu B, Zhao H, Wang Y, Liu H, Yang Z, Yuan H, Jiang X, Jiang X. Abnormal changes in metabolites caused by m 6A methylation modification: The leading factors that induce the formation of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and their promising potential for clinical application. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00159-0. [PMID: 38677545 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation modifications have been widely implicated in the metabolic reprogramming of various cell types within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are essential for meeting the demands of cellular growth and maintaining tissue homeostasis, enabling cells to adapt to the specific conditions of the TME. An increasing number of research studies have focused on the role of m6A modifications in glucose, amino acid and lipid metabolism, revealing their capacity to induce aberrant changes in metabolite levels. These changes may in turn trigger oncogenic signaling pathways, leading to substantial alterations within the TME. Notably, certain metabolites, including lactate, succinate, fumarate, 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), glutamate, glutamine, methionine, S-adenosylmethionine, fatty acids and cholesterol, exhibit pronounced deviations from normal levels. These deviations not only foster tumorigenesis, proliferation and angiogenesis but also give rise to an immunosuppressive TME, thereby facilitating immune evasion by the tumor. AIM OF REVIEW The primary objective of this review is to comprehensively discuss the regulatory role of m6A modifications in the aforementioned metabolites and their potential impact on the development of an immunosuppressive TME through metabolic alterations. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW This review aims to elaborate on the intricate networks governed by the m6A-metabolite-TME axis and underscores its pivotal role in tumor progression. Furthermore, we delve into the potential implications of the m6A-metabolite-TME axis for the development of novel and targeted therapeutic strategies in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China; Department of Colorectal Anal Surgery, Shenyang Coloproctology Hospital, Shenyang 110002, China.
| | - Junchen Guo
- Department of Radiology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Shasha Xu
- Department of Gastroendoscopy, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Meiqi Duan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Baiming Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - He Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Yihan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
| | - Hexue Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Anal Surgery, Shenyang Coloproctology Hospital, Shenyang 110002, China.
| | - Xiaodi Jiang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110020, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110032, China.
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11
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Wang J, Zhang J, Liu H, Meng L, Gao X, Zhao Y, Wang C, Gao X, Fan A, Cao T, Fan D, Zhao X, Lu Y. N6-methyladenosine reader hnRNPA2B1 recognizes and stabilizes NEAT1 to confer chemoresistance in gastric cancer. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:469-490. [PMID: 38512764 PMCID: PMC11024687 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12534] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemoresistance is a major cause of treatment failure in gastric cancer (GC). Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (hnRNPA2B1) is an N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-binding protein involved in a variety of cancers. However, whether m6A modification and hnRNPA2B1 play a role in GC chemoresistance is largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of hnRNPA2B1 and the downstream mechanism in GC chemoresistance. METHODS The expression of hnRNPA2B1 among public datasets were analyzed and validated by quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical staining. The biological functions of hnRNPA2B1 in GC chemoresistance were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA immunoprecipitation, and RNA stability assay were performed to assess the association between hnRNPA2B1 and the binding RNA. The role of hnRNPA2B1 in maintenance of GC stemness was evaluated by bioinformatic analysis, qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and sphere formation assays. The expression patterns of hnRNPA2B1 and downstream regulators in GC specimens from patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy were analyzed by RNAscope and multiplex immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Elevated expression of hnRNPA2B1 was found in GC cells and tissues, especially in multidrug-resistant (MDR) GC cell lines. The expression of hnRNPA2B1 was associated with poor outcomes of GC patients, especially in those who received 5-fluorouracil treatment. Silencing hnRNPA2B1 effectively sensitized GC cells to chemotherapy by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, hnRNPA2B1 interacted with and stabilized long noncoding RNA NEAT1 in an m6A-dependent manner. Furthermore, hnRNPA2B1 and NEAT1 worked together to enhance the stemness properties of GC cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In clinical specimens from GC patients subjected to chemotherapy, the expression levels of hnRNPA2B1, NEAT1, CD133, and CD44 were markedly elevated in non-responders compared with responders. CONCLUSION Our findings indicated that hnRNPA2B1 interacts with and stabilizes lncRNA NEAT1, which contribute to the maintenance of stemness property via Wnt/β-catenin pathway and exacerbate chemoresistance in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesXijing Hospital of Digestive DiseasesFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
- The Air Force Hospital of Southern Theater CommandGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Jiehao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesXijing Hospital of Digestive DiseasesFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
- The Air Force Hospital of Southern Theater CommandGuangzhouGuangdongP. R. China
| | - Hao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesXijing Hospital of Digestive DiseasesFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Lingnan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesXijing Hospital of Digestive DiseasesFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
- National Center for International Research of Bio‐targeting TheranosticsGuangxi Key Laboratory of Bio‐targeting TheranosticsGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningGuangxiP. R. China
| | - Xianchun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesXijing Hospital of Digestive DiseasesFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Yihan Zhao
- Second Clinical CollegeShaanxi University of Traditional Chinese MedicineXianyangShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Chen Wang
- College of Life SciencesNorthwest UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Xiaoliang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesXijing Hospital of Digestive DiseasesFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Ahui Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesXijing Hospital of Digestive DiseasesFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Tianyu Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesXijing Hospital of Digestive DiseasesFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Daiming Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesXijing Hospital of Digestive DiseasesFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Xiaodi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesXijing Hospital of Digestive DiseasesFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and National Clinical Research Center for Digestive DiseasesXijing Hospital of Digestive DiseasesFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
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12
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Dong H, Sun Y, Nie L, Cui A, Zhao P, Leung WK, Wang Q. Metabolic memory: mechanisms and diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:38. [PMID: 38413567 PMCID: PMC10899265 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01755-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic diseases and their complications impose health and economic burdens worldwide. Evidence from past experimental studies and clinical trials suggests our body may have the ability to remember the past metabolic environment, such as hyperglycemia or hyperlipidemia, thus leading to chronic inflammatory disorders and other diseases even after the elimination of these metabolic environments. The long-term effects of that aberrant metabolism on the body have been summarized as metabolic memory and are found to assume a crucial role in states of health and disease. Multiple molecular mechanisms collectively participate in metabolic memory management, resulting in different cellular alterations as well as tissue and organ dysfunctions, culminating in disease progression and even affecting offspring. The elucidation and expansion of the concept of metabolic memory provides more comprehensive insight into pathogenic mechanisms underlying metabolic diseases and complications and promises to be a new target in disease detection and management. Here, we retrace the history of relevant research on metabolic memory and summarize its salient characteristics. We provide a detailed discussion of the mechanisms by which metabolic memory may be involved in disease development at molecular, cellular, and organ levels, with emphasis on the impact of epigenetic modulations. Finally, we present some of the pivotal findings arguing in favor of targeting metabolic memory to develop therapeutic strategies for metabolic diseases and provide the latest reflections on the consequences of metabolic memory as well as their implications for human health and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuezhang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lulingxiao Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aimin Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengfei Zhao
- Periodontology and Implant Dentistry Division, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Keung Leung
- Periodontology and Implant Dentistry Division, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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13
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Oladipo EK, Olufemi SE, Adediran DA, Adejumo IO, Jimah EM, Oloke JK, Udekwu CC, Ogunwobi OO. Epigenetic modifications in solid tumor metastasis in people of African ancestry. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1325614. [PMID: 38450190 PMCID: PMC10915648 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1325614] [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: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the critical role of epigenetic modifications in solid tumor metastasis, particularly in people of African ancestry. Epigenetic alterations, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, alterations in non-coding RNAs, and mRNA methylation, significantly influence gene expression, contributing to cancer development and progression. Despite the primary focus on populations of European, American, and Asian descent in most cancer research, this work emphasizes the importance of studying the unique genetic and epigenetic landscapes of African populations for a more inclusive approach in understanding and treating cancer. Insights from this review have the potential to pave the way for the development of effective, tailored treatments, and provide a richer resource for understanding cancer progression and metastasis. Specific focus was placed on the role of DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, and mRNA methylation in solid tumor metastasis, including how these modifications contribute to the regulation of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, influence cellular pathways and signaling, and interact with the immune system. Moreover, this review elaborates on the development of epigenetic-targeted therapeutic strategies and the current advances in this field, highlighting the promising applications of these therapies in improving outcomes for African ancestry populations disproportionately affected by certain types of cancer. Nevertheless, this work acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead, particularly the under-representation of African populations in cancer genomic and epigenomic studies and the technical complications associated with detecting subtle epigenetic modifications. Emphasis is placed on the necessity for more inclusive research practices, the development of more robust and sensitive methods for detecting and interpreting epigenetic changes, and the understanding of the interplay between genetic and epigenetic variations. The review concludes with an optimistic outlook on the future of epigenetic research in People of African ancestry, urging the concerted efforts of researchers, clinicians, funding agencies, and policymakers to extend the benefits of this research to all populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elijah Kolawole Oladipo
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Immunology and Bioinformatics, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Seun Elijah Olufemi
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Adewole Adediran
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Julius Kola Oloke
- Genomics Unit, Helix Biogen Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
- Department of Natural Sciences, Precious Cornerstone University, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Chinedum C. Udekwu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Olorunseun O. Ogunwobi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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14
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Guo H, Han Q, Guan X, Li Z, Wang Y, He L, Guo Y, Zhao L, Xue X, Liu H, Zhang C. M6A reader YTHDF1 promotes malignant progression of laryngeal squamous carcinoma through activating the EMT pathway by EIF4A3. Cell Signal 2024; 114:111002. [PMID: 38048860 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the common malignant tumors in the head and neck region, and its high migration and invasion seriously threaten the survival and health of patients. In cancer development, m6A RNA modification plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and signaling. This study delved into the function and mechanism of the m6A reading protein YTHDF1 in LSCC. It was found that YTHDF1 was highly expressed in the GEO database and LSCC tissues. Cell function experiments confirmed that the downregulation of YTHDF1 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion ability of LSCC cells. Further studies revealed that EIF4A3 was a downstream target gene of YTHDF1, and knockdown of EIF4A3 similarly significantly inhibited the malignant progression of LSCC in both in vivo and in vitro experiments. The molecular mechanism studies suggested that YTHDF1-EIF4A3 may promote the malignant development of LSCC by activating the EMT signaling pathway. This study provides important clues for an in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of LSCC and is a solid foundation for the discovery of new therapeutic targets and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huina Guo
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Qi Han
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Xiaoya Guan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Zhongxun Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Long He
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Yujia Guo
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Liting Zhao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Xuting Xue
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Hongliang Liu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, the Basic Medical School of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Chunming Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Shanxi Province Clinical Medical Research Center for Precision Medicine of Head and Neck Cancer, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China; Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.
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15
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Malavasi E, Adamo M, Zamprogno E, Vella V, Giamas G, Gagliano T. Decoding the Tumour Microenvironment: Molecular Players, Pathways, and Therapeutic Targets in Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:626. [PMID: 38339377 PMCID: PMC10854614 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) is a complex and constantly evolving collection of cells and extracellular components. Cancer cells and the surrounding environment influence each other through different types of processes. Characteristics of the TME include abnormal vasculature, altered extracellular matrix, cancer-associated fibroblast and macrophages, immune cells, and secreted factors. Within these components, several molecules and pathways are altered and take part in the support of the tumour. Epigenetic regulation, kinases, phosphatases, metabolic regulators, and hormones are some of the players that influence and contribute to shaping the tumour and the TME. All these characteristics contribute significantly to cancer progression, metastasis, and immune escape, and may be the target for new approaches for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Malavasi
- Cancer Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (E.M.); (M.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Manuel Adamo
- Cancer Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (E.M.); (M.A.); (E.Z.)
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK;
| | - Elisa Zamprogno
- Cancer Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (E.M.); (M.A.); (E.Z.)
| | - Viviana Vella
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK;
| | - Georgios Giamas
- School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9QG, UK;
| | - Teresa Gagliano
- Cancer Cell Signalling Laboratory, Department of Medicine, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy; (E.M.); (M.A.); (E.Z.)
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16
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Huang Q, Chen H, Yin D, Wang J, Wang S, Yang F, Li J, Mu T, Li J, Zhao J, Yin R, Li W, Qiu M, Zhang E, Li X. Multi-omics analysis reveals NNMT as a master metabolic regulator of metastasis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:24. [PMID: 38291241 PMCID: PMC10828394 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00509-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic reprogramming has been observed in cancer metastasis, whereas metabolic changes required for malignant cells during lymph node metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are still poorly understood. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of paired ESCC tumor tissues and lymph nodes to uncover the reprogramming of tumor microenvironment (TME) and metabolic pathways. By integrating analyses of scRNA-seq data with metabolomics of ESCC tumor tissues and plasma samples, we found nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism pathway was dysregulated in ESCC patients with lymph node metastasis (LN+), exhibiting as significantly increased 1-methylnicotinamide (MNA) in both tumors and plasma. Further data indicated high expression of N-methyltransferase (NNMT), which converts active methyl groups from the universal methyl donor, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), to stable MNA, contributed to the increased MNA in LN+ ESCC. NNMT promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of ESCC in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting E-cadherin expression. Mechanically, high NNMT expression consumed too much active methyl group and decreased H3K4me3 modification at E-cadherin promoter and inhibited m6A modification of E-cadherin mRNA, therefore inhibiting E-cadherin expression at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Finally, a detection method of lymph node metastasis was build based on the dysregulated metabolites, which showed good performance among ESCC patients. For lymph node metastasis of ESCC, this work supports NNMT is a master regulator of the cross-talk between cellular metabolism and epigenetic modifications, which may be a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Haiming Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Dandan Yin
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhong Fu Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, 210003, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, 21009, China
- Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, 21009, China
- Biobank of Lung Cancer, Jiangsu Biobank of Clinical Resources, Nanjing, 21009, China
| | - Shaodong Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Teng Mu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Jilun Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Jia Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China
| | - Rong Yin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Cancer Research, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, 21009, China
- Department of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, 21009, China
- Biobank of Lung Cancer, Jiangsu Biobank of Clinical Resources, Nanjing, 21009, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Mantang Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.
- Thoracic Oncology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Erbao Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Xiangnan Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
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17
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Zhou X, Zhu H, Luo C, Yan Z, Zheng G, Zou X, Zou J, Zhang G. The role of RNA modification in urological cancers: mechanisms and clinical potential. Discov Oncol 2023; 14:235. [PMID: 38117350 PMCID: PMC10733275 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-023-00843-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA modification is a post-transcriptional level of regulation that is widely distributed in all types of RNAs, including mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, miRNA, and lncRNA, where N6-methyladenine (m6A) is the most abundant mRNA methylation modification. Significant evidence has depicted that m6A modifications are closely related to human diseases, especially cancer, and play pivotal roles in RNA transcription, splicing, stabilization, and translation processes. The most common urological cancers include prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers, accounting for a certain proportion of human cancers, with an ever-increasing incidence and mortality. The recurrence, systemic metastasis, poor prognosis, and drug resistance of urologic tumors have prompted the identification of new therapeutic targets and mechanisms. Research on m6A modifications may provide new solutions to the current puzzles. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the key roles played by RNA modifications, especially m6A modifications, in urologic cancers, as well as recent research advances in diagnostics and molecularly targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuming Zhou
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Hezhen Zhu
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Cong Luo
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Zhaojie Yan
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Guansong Zheng
- First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Junrong Zou
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Guoxi Zhang
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
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Ren M, Fan B, Cao G, Zong R, Feng L, Sun H. Exploration and validation of a combined Hypoxia and m6A/m5C/m1A regulated gene signature for prognosis prediction of liver cancer. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:776. [PMID: 38097948 PMCID: PMC10722758 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09876-3] [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: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely acknowledged that hypoxia and m6A/m5C/m1A RNA modifications promote the occurrence and development of tumors by regulating the tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to establish a novel liver cancer risk signature based on hypoxia and m6A/m5C/m1A modifications. METHODS We collected data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-LIHC), the National Omics Data Encyclopedia (NODE-HCC), the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC), and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases for our study (GSE59729, GSE41666). Using Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method, we developed a risk signature for liver cancer based on differentially expressed genes related to hypoxia and genes regulated by m6A/m5C/m1A modifications. We stratified patients into high- and low-risk groups and assessed differences between these groups in terms of gene mutations, copy number variations, pathway enrichment, stemness scores, immune infiltration, and predictive capabilities of the model for immunotherapy and chemotherapy efficacy. RESULTS Our analysis revealed a significantly correlated between hypoxia and methylation as well as m6A/m5C/m1A RNA methylation. The three-gene prognosis signature (CEP55, DPH2, SMS) combining hypoxia and m6A/m5C/m1A regulated genes exhibited strong predictive performance in TCGA-LIHC, NODE-HCC, and ICGC-LIHC-JP cohorts. The low-risk group demonstrated a significantly better overall survival compared to the high-risk group (p < 0.0001 in TCGA, p = 0.0043 in NODE, p = 0.0015 in ICGC). The area under the curve (AUC) values for survival at 1, 2, and 3 years are all greater than 0.65 in the three cohorts. Univariate and Multivariate Cox regression analyses of the three datasets indicated that the signature could serve as an independent prognostic predictor (p < 0.001 in the three cohorts). The high-risk group exhibited more genome changes and higher homologous recombination deficiency scores and stemness scores. Analysis of immune infiltration and immune activation confirmed that the signature was associated with various immune microenvironment characteristics. Finally, patients in the high-risk group experienced a more favorable response to immunotherapy, and various common chemotherapy drugs. CONCLUSION Our prognostic signature which integrates hypoxia and m6A/m5C/m1A-regulated genes, provides valuable insights for clinical prediction and treatment guidance for liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ren
- College of Life Science, Yan'an University, 716000, Yan'an, China
| | - Bei Fan
- College of Life Science, Yan'an University, 716000, Yan'an, China
| | - Guangcai Cao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Yan'an University, 716000, Yan'an, China
| | - Rongrong Zong
- College of Life Science, Yan'an University, 716000, Yan'an, China
| | - Liaoliao Feng
- College of Life Science, Yan'an University, 716000, Yan'an, China
| | - Huiru Sun
- College of Life Science, Yan'an University, 716000, Yan'an, China.
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19
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Zeng K, Peng J, Xing Y, Zhang L, Zeng P, Li W, Zhang W, Pan Z, Zhou C, Lin J. A positive feedback circuit driven by m 6A-modified circular RNA facilitates colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:202. [PMID: 38087322 PMCID: PMC10717141 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01848-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Emerge evidence suggests that circular RNA (circRNA) is a pivotal player in cancer progression. However, its role in CRC liver metastasis remains largely unknown. METHODS Circ-YAP expression was detected by qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization. The function of circ-YAP was tested by wound healing, transwell and CCK-8 assays. RNA immunoprecipitation, pull-down, luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to investigate the mechanism underlying circ-YAP promoting CRC liver metastasis. CRC liver metastasis animal model was established to assess the effect of circ-YAP in vivo. RESULTS Circ-YAP was notably upregulated in CRC with liver metastasis, which was associated with dismal prognosis. Circ-YAP promoted CRC cell migration and invasion in vitro, and facilitated liver metastasis in patient-derived xenografts (PDX) models in vivo. Mechanistically, circ-YAP encoded a novel truncated protein containing 220 amino acids, termed as YAP-220aa, which competitively bound to LATS1, resulting in YAP dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation, thereby activating a cohort of metastasis-promoting genes. Importantly, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification orchestrated efficient initiation of circ-YAP translation, requiring m6A reader YTHDF3 and eIF4G2 translation initiation complex. Intriguingly, circ-YAP was transcriptionally enhanced by YAP/TEAD complex, thus forming a positive regulatory feed-forward loop. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal a previously uncharacterized oncoprotein encoded by circ-YAP, implying a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for CRC patients with liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaixuan Zeng
- Precision Medical Research Institute, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Jianhong Peng
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yue Xing
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
- Breast Tumor Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Linjie Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peishan Zeng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Weihao Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weili Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhizhong Pan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chi Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Junzhong Lin
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
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20
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Mao Z, Wang B, Zhang T, Cui B. The roles of m6A methylation in cervical cancer: functions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical applications. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:734. [PMID: 37951987 PMCID: PMC10640579 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is a gynecological neoplasm with the highest incidence rate, primarily attributed to the persistent infection of high-risk Human papillomavirus (HPV). Despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of CC remains unclear. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, the most prevalent form of epigenetic modification in RNA, is intricately linked to cell proliferation, metastasis, metabolism, and therapeutic resistance within the tumor microenvironment (TME) of CC. The involvement of the writer, reader, and eraser in m6A modification impacts the advancement of tumors through the regulation of RNA stability, nuclear export, translation efficiency, and RNA degradation. Here, we discuss the biogenesis of m6A, the atypical expressions of m6A regulators, the mechanisms of molecular interactions, and their functions in CC. Furthermore, we elucidate m6A modification of non-coding RNA. In the context of precision medicine, and with the advancements of genomics, proteomics, and high-throughput sequencing technologies, we summarize the application of m6A in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CC. Additionally, new perspectives on detection methods, immune regulation, and nano-drug development are presented, which lay the foundation for further research of m6A and provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghao Mao
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 44 Wenhua West Road, Jinan City, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Bingyu Wang
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No. 44 Wenhua West Road, Jinan City, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan City, 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Baoxia Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, No. 107 Wenhua West Road, Jinan City, 250012, Shandong Province, China.
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21
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Qu J, Li P, Sun Z. Histone lactylation regulates cancer progression by reshaping the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1284344. [PMID: 37965331 PMCID: PMC10641494 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1284344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
As a major product of glycolysis and a vital signaling molecule, many studies have reported the key role of lactate in tumor progression and cell fate determination. Lactylation is a newly discovered post-translational modification induced by lactate. On the one hand, lactylation introduced a new era of lactate metabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and on the other hand, it provided a key breakthrough point for elucidation of the interaction between tumor metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modification. Studies have shown that the lactylation of tumor cells, tumor stem cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells in TME can participate in the development of cancer through downstream transcriptional regulation, and is a potential and promising tumor treatment target. This review summarized the discovery and effects of lactylation, as well as recent research on histone lactylation regulating cancer progression through reshaping TME. We also focused on new strategies to enhance anti-tumor effects via targeting lactylation. Finally, we discussed the limitations of existing studies and proposed new perspectives for future research in order to further explore lactylation targets. It may provide a new way and direction to improve tumor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxing Qu
- Institutes of Health Central Plains, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Peizhi Li
- The First People’s Hospital of Xinxiang City, The Fifth Clinical College of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhiheng Sun
- College of Life Science, Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
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22
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Zhao H, Shi C, Zhao G, Liu J, Wang X, Liang J, Li F. RNA modification regulator DDC in endometrial cancer affects the tumor microenvironment and patient prognosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18057. [PMID: 37872211 PMCID: PMC10593861 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44269-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) is infiltrated by immune cells, which are involved in the growth and proliferation of malignant tumors and resistance to immunotherapy. This study suggested that RNA modification regulators played an important role in the development and prognosis of UCEC. Many studies confirmed that RNA modification played an essential role in tumor immune regulation, and abnormal RNA modification contributed to tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Based on the RNA modification regulatory factors, the UCEC samples from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) were classified into two clusters, namely Cluster A and Cluster B, using unsupervised consensus clustering. We obtained DEG (differentially expressed genes) between the two clusters, and constructed a risk model of RNA modification-related genes using DEGs. Cluster A had lower RNA modification regulatory factors, richer immune cell infiltration, and better prognosis. The differentially expressed genes between the two clusters were obtained, and these genes were used for modeling. This model divided patients with UCEC into two groups. The low-risk group had better immune infiltration, and the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve showed that this model had good predictive efficacy. The low-risk group had a better response to immunotherapy by immune checkpoint prediction. We obtained the key gene L-dopa decarboxylase (DDC) through the intersection of LASSO model genes and GEO dataset GSE17025. We evaluated the potential biological functions of DDC. The differences in the expression of DDC were verified by immunohistochemistry. We evaluated the relationship between DDC and immune cell infiltration and verified this difference using immunofluorescence. Cluster A with low expression of RNA modification regulators has better prognosis and richer immune cell infiltration, therefore, we believed that RNA modification regulators in UCEC were closely related to the tumor microenvironment. Also, the risk score could well predict the prognosis of patients and guide immunotherapy, which might benefit patients with UCEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai Zhao
- Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chuang Shi
- Guangming Community Health Service Center, 101127, Shunyi District, Beijing, China
| | - Guoguang Zhao
- Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiamin Liu
- Zigong First People's Hospital, 643099, Zigong, Sichuan, China
| | - Xi Wang
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jie Liang
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Fangmei Li
- The First Hospital of China Medical University, 110001, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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23
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Sun L, Zhang Y, Yang B, Sun S, Zhang P, Luo Z, Feng T, Cui Z, Zhu T, Li Y, Qiu Z, Fan G, Huang C. Lactylation of METTL16 promotes cuproptosis via m 6A-modification on FDX1 mRNA in gastric cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6523. [PMID: 37863889 PMCID: PMC10589265 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42025-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cuproptosis, caused by excessively high copper concentrations, is urgently exploited as a potential cancer therapeutic. However, the mechanisms underlying the initiation, propagation, and ultimate execution of cuproptosis in tumors remain unknown. Here, we show that copper content is significantly elevated in gastric cancer (GC), especially in malignant tumors. Screening reveals that METTL16, an atypical methyltransferase, is a critical mediator of cuproptosis through the m6A modification on FDX1 mRNA. Furthermore, copper stress promotes METTL16 lactylation at site K229 followed by cuproptosis. The process of METTL16 lactylation is inhibited by SIRT2. Elevated METTL16 lactylation significantly improves the therapeutic efficacy of the copper ionophore- elesclomol. Combining elesclomol with AGK2, a SIRT2-specific inhibitor, induce cuproptosis in gastric tumors in vitro and in vivo. These results reveal the significance of non-histone protein METTL16 lactylation on cuproptosis in tumors. Given the high copper and lactate concentrations in GC, cuproptosis induction becomes a promising therapeutic strategy for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianhui Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Boyu Yang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Sijun Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Pengshan Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zai Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zelin Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Ting Zhu
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yuming Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Zhengjun Qiu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Guangjian Fan
- Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China.
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201620, China.
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24
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Xi Y, Shen Y, Chen L, Tan L, Shen W, Niu X. Exosome-mediated metabolic reprogramming: Implications in esophageal carcinoma progression and tumor microenvironment remodeling. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2023; 73:78-92. [PMID: 37696716 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2023.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal carcinoma is among the most fatal malignancies with increasing incidence globally. Tumor onset and progression can be driven by metabolic reprogramming, especially during esophageal carcinoma development. Exosomes, a subset of extracellular vesicles, display an average size of ∼100 nanometers, containing multifarious components (nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, etc.). An increasing number of studies have shown that exosomes are capable of transferring molecules with biological functions into recipient cells, which play crucial roles in esophageal carcinoma progression and tumor microenvironment that is a highly heterogeneous ecosystem through rewriting the metabolic processes in tumor cells and environmental stromal cells. The review introduces the reprogramming of glucose, lipid, amino acid, mitochondrial metabolism in esophageal carcinoma, and summarize current pharmaceutical agents targeting such aberrant metabolism rewiring. We also comprehensively overview the biogenesis and release of exosomes, and recent advances of exosomal cargoes and functions in esophageal carcinoma and their promising clinical application. Moreover, we discuss how exosomes trigger tumor growth, metastasis, drug resistance, and immunosuppression as well as tumor microenvironment remodeling through focusing on their capacity to transfer materials between cells or between cells and tissues and modulate metabolic reprogramming, thus providing a theoretical reference for the design potential pharmaceutical agents targeting these mechanisms. Altogether, our review attempts to fully understand the significance of exosome-based metabolic rewriting in esophageal carcinoma progression and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, bringing novel insights into the prevention and treatment of esophageal carcinoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Xi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315040, Zhejiang, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yaxing Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lijie Chen
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, Fujian, China; China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Lijie Tan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Weiyu Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315040, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xing Niu
- China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China.
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25
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Jia C, Gao H, Ma W, Liu X, Chang M, Sun F. Identification of the expression patterns and potential prognostic role of m6A-RNA methylation regulators in Wilms Tumor. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:222. [PMID: 37735424 PMCID: PMC10514975 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01660-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the potential role of m6A methylation modification in Wilms Tumor (WT) by m6A-RNA Methylation (m6A) regulators. METHODOLOGY The association of m6A modification patterns with immune and prognostic characteristics of tumors was systematically evaluated using 19 m6A regulators extracted from Wilms Tumor's samples in public databases. A comprehensive model of "m6Ascore" was constructed using principal component analysis, and its prognostic value was evaluated. RESULTS Almost all m6A regulators were differentially expressed between WT and normal tissues. Unsupervised clustering identified three distinct m6A clusters that differed in both immune cell infiltration and biological pathways. The m6Ascore was constructed to quantify m6A modifications in individual patients. Our analysis suggests that m6Ascore is an independent prognostic factor for WT and can be used as a novel predictor of WT prognosis. CONCLUSIONS This study comprehensively explored and systematically characterized m6A modifications in WT. m6A modification patterns play a critical role in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and WT prognosis. m6Ascore provides a more comprehensive understanding of m6A modifications in WT and offers a practical tool for predicting WT prognosis. This study will help clinicians to identify valid indicators of WT to improve the poor prognosis of this disease. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at https://www.aliyundrive.com/drive/folder/64be739cd6956a741fb24670baeea53422be6024 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Changlin Jia
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hongjie Gao
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenyue Ma
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaoya Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mengmeng Chang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fengyin Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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魏 可, 石 纪, 肖 雨, 王 文, 杨 清, 陈 昌. [MiR-30e-5p overexpression promotes proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer cells by activating the CXCL12 axis via downregulating PTEN]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2023; 43:1081-1092. [PMID: 37488790 PMCID: PMC10366527 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2023.07.04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the regulatory effects of miR-30e-5p on biological behaviors of colorectal cancer cells and the role of PTEN/CXCL12 axis in mediating these effects. METHODS Bioinformatic analysis was performed to explore the differential expression of miR-30e-5p between colorectal cancer tissues and normal tissues. RT-qPCR was used to detect the differential expression of miR-30e-5p in intestinal epithelial cells and colorectal cancer cells. Bioinformatics and dual luciferase assay were used to predict and validate the targeting relationship between miR-30e-5p and PTEN. Human and murine colorectal cancer cell lines were transfected with miR-30e-5p mimics, miR-30e-5p inhibitor, miR-30e-5p mimics+LV-PTEN, or miR-30e-5p inhibitor + si-PTEN. The changes in biological behaviors of the cells were detected using plate clone formation assay, CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, scratch healing and Transwell assays. PTEN and CXCL12 expressions in the cancer cells were detected by Western blotting. The effects of miR-30e-5p inhibitor on colorectal carcinogenesis and development were observed in nude mice. RESULTS Bioinformatic analysis showed that miR-30e-5p expression was significantly elevated in colorectal cancer tissues compared with the adjacent tissue (P < 0.01). Higher miR-30e-5p expression was detected in colorectal cancer cell lines than in intestinal epithelial cells (P < 0.01). Dual luciferase assay confirmed the targeting relationship between miR-30e-5p and PTEN (P < 0.05). Transfection with miR-30e-5p mimics significantly enhanced proliferation and metastasis and inhibited apoptosis of the colorectal cancer cells (P < 0.05), and co-transfection with LV-PTEN obviously reversed these changes (P < 0.05). MiR-30e-5p mimics significantly inhibited PTEN expression and enhanced CXCL12 expression in the cancer cells (P < 0.01), and miR-30e-5p inhibitor produced the opposite effect. Transfection with miR-30e-5p inhibitor caused cell cycle arrest in the cancer cells, which was reversed by co-transfection with si-PTEN (P < 0.05). In the in vivo experiments, the colorectal cancer cells transfected with miR-30e-5p inhibitor showed significantly lowered tumorigenesis. CONCLUSION Overexpression of miR-30e-5p promotes the malignant behaviors of colorectal cancer cells by downregulating PTEN to activate the CXCL12 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- 可 魏
- 蚌埠医学院癌症转化医学安徽省重点实验室,安徽 蚌埠 233000Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
- 蚌埠医学院肿瘤基础研究与临床检验诊断重点实验室,安徽 蚌埠 233000Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
| | - 纪雯 石
- 蚌埠医学院癌症转化医学安徽省重点实验室,安徽 蚌埠 233000Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
| | - 雨寒 肖
- 蚌埠医学院癌症转化医学安徽省重点实验室,安徽 蚌埠 233000Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Translational Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
- 蚌埠医学院肿瘤基础研究与临床检验诊断重点实验室,安徽 蚌埠 233000Key Laboratory of Cancer Research and Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
| | - 文锐 王
- 蚌埠医学院生物技术教研室,安徽 蚌埠 233000Department of Biotechnology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
| | - 清玲 杨
- 蚌埠医学院生物化学与分子生物学教研室,安徽 蚌埠 233000Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
| | - 昌杰 陈
- 蚌埠医学院生物化学与分子生物学教研室,安徽 蚌埠 233000Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
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Han X, Ji G, Wang N, Yi L, Mao Y, Deng J, Wu H, Ma S, Han J, Bu Y, Fang P, Liu J, Sun F, Song X. Comprehensive analysis of m 6A regulators characterized by the immune microenvironment in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. J Transl Med 2023; 21:459. [PMID: 37434186 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked, incurable, degenerative neuromuscular disease that is exacerbated by secondary inflammation. N6-methyladenosine (m6A), the most common base modification of RNA, has pleiotropic immunomodulatory effects in many diseases. However, the role of m6A modification in the immune microenvironment of DMD remains elusive. METHODS Our study retrospectively analyzed the expression data of 56 muscle tissues from DMD patients and 26 from non-muscular dystrophy individuals. Based on single sample gene set enrichment analysis, immune cells infiltration was identified and the result was validated by flow cytometry analysis and immunohistochemical staining. Then, we described the features of genetic variation in 26 m6A regulators and explored their relationship with the immune mircoenvironment of DMD patients through a series of bioinformatical analysis. At last, we determined subtypes of DMD patients by unsupervised clustering analysis and characterized the molecular and immune characteristics in different subgroups. RESULTS DMD patients have a sophisticated immune microenvironment that is significantly different from non-DMD controls. Numerous m6A regulators were aberrantly expressed in the muscle tissues of DMD and inversely related to most muscle-infiltrating immune cell types and immune response-related signaling pathways. A diagnostic model involving seven m6A regulators was established using LASSO. Furthermore, we determined three m6A modification patterns (cluster A/B/C) with distinct immune microenvironmental characteristics. CONCLUSION In summary, our study demonstrated that m6A regulators are intimately linked to the immune microenvironment of muscle tissues in DMD. These findings may facilitate a better understanding of the immunomodulatory mechanisms in DMD and provide novel strategies for the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Han
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang Ji
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Yi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yafei Mao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, China
| | - Jinliang Deng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongran Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaojuan Ma
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingzhe Han
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Bu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingping Fang
- Department of Neurology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Juyi Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Fanzhe Sun
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueqin Song
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
- The Key Laboratory of Neurology (Hebei Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
- Neurological Laboratory of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, 050000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
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Zhang Y, Dong P, Yang L. The role of nanotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by targeting tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1189323. [PMID: 37292204 PMCID: PMC10244756 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1189323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) refers to a group of highly malignant and pathogenically complex tumors. Traditional treatment methods include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. However, with advancements in genetics, molecular medicine, and nanotherapy, more effective and safer treatments have been developed. Nanotherapy, in particular, has the potential to be an alternative therapeutic option for HNSCC patients, given its advantageous targeting capabilities, low toxicity and modifiability. Recent research has highlighted the important role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the development of HNSCC. The TME is composed of various cellular components, such as fibroblasts, vascular endothelial cells, and immune cells, as well as non-cellular agents such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, extracellular matrix (ECM), and extracellular vesicles (EVs). These components greatly influence the prognosis and therapeutic efficacy of HNSCC, making the TME a potential target for treatment using nanotherapy. By regulating angiogenesis, immune response, tumor metastasis and other factors, nanotherapy can potentially alleviate HNSCC symptoms. This review aims to summarize and discuss the application of nanotherapy that targets HNSCC's TME. We highlight the therapeutic value of nanotherapy for HNSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology/Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
| | - Pengbo Dong
- School of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology/Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shenyang, China
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Xia A, Yue Q, Zhu M, Xu J, Liu S, Wu Y, Wang Z, Xu Z, An H, Wang Q, Wang S, Sun B. The cancer-testis lncRNA LINC01977 promotes HCC progression by interacting with RBM39 to prevent Notch2 ubiquitination. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:169. [PMID: 37198207 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01459-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-testis genes are involved in the occurrence and development of cancer, but the role of cancer-testis-associated lncRNAs (CT-lncRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be explored. Here, we discovered a novel CT-lncRNA, LINC01977, based on the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. LINC01977 was exclusively expressed in testes and highly expressed in HCC. High LINC01977 levels correlated with poorer overall survival (OS) in individuals with HCC. Functional assays showed that LINC01977 promoted HCC growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC01977 directly bound to RBM39 to promote the further entry of Notch2 into the nucleus, thereby preventing the ubiquitination and degradation of Notch2. Furthermore, the RNA binding protein IGF2BP2, one of the m6A modification readers, enhanced the stability of LINC01977, resulting in its high level in HCC. Therefore, the data suggest that LINC01977 interacts with RBM39 and promotes the progression of HCC by inhibiting Notch2 ubiquitination and degradation, indicating that LINC01977 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anliang Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Yue
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Jiangsu University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianbo Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Siyuan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhangding Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhu Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongda An
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Shouyu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Jiangsu University, Nanjing, China.
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Gan L, Zhao Y, Fu Y, Chen Q. The potential role of m6A modifications on immune cells and immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114343. [PMID: 36758318 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), is the most prevalent and reversible post-transcriptional epigenetic modification of RNA in mammals. Dysregulation of m6A modifications impacts RNA procession, degradation, translocation, and translation, disrupting immune cell homeostasis and promoting tumor initiation and development. Here, we discuss an -up-to-date summary of the mechanisms by which m6A modifications regulate immune cell anti-tumor as well as self-homeostasis. We also present how the dysregulation of m6A modifications intrinsic to tumor cells regulates the function of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Meanwhile, we described some specific inhibitors targeting m6A modulators and discussed their potential use in cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linchuan Gan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Zhao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Yajuan Fu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China.
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China.
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Qing Y, Wu D, Deng X, Chen J, Su R. RNA Modifications in Cancer Metabolism and Tumor Microenvironment. Cancer Treat Res 2023; 190:3-24. [PMID: 38112997 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45654-1_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
RNA modifications have recently been recognized as essential posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression in eukaryotes. Investigations over the past decade have revealed that RNA chemical modifications have profound effects on tumor initiation, progression, refractory, and recurrence. Tumor cells are notorious for their robust plasticity in response to the stressful microenvironment and undergo metabolic adaptations to sustain rapid cell proliferation, which is termed as metabolic reprogramming. Meanwhile, cancer-associated metabolic reprogramming leads to substantial alterations of intracellular and extracellular metabolites, which further reshapes the tumor microenvironment (TME). Moreover, cancer cells compete with tumor-infiltrating immune cells for the limited nutrients to maintain their proliferation and function in the TME. In this chapter, we review recent interesting findings on the engagement of epitranscriptomic pathways, especially the ones associated with N6-methyladenosine (m6A), in the regulation of cancer metabolism and the surrounding microenvironment. We also discuss the promising therapeutic approaches targeting RNA modifications for anti-tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Qing
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Dong Wu
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaolan Deng
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
| | - Jianjun Chen
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA
- City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
- Gehr Family Center for Leukemia Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Rui Su
- Department of Systems Biology, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Monrovia, CA, 91016, USA.
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Wang G, Luo G, Zhao M, Miao H. Significance of exosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1056379. [PMID: 36531059 PMCID: PMC9748478 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1056379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Among the most prevalent cancers in the world, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high mortality rate. The diagnosis and management of HCC are presently hindered by difficulties in early detection and suboptimal treatment outcomes. Exosomes have been shown to play an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis and can also be used for diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we discussed the research progress on exosomes in hepatocarcinogenesis development, tumor microenvironment remodeling, treatment resistance, and immunosuppression. HCC can be diagnosed and treated by understanding the pathogenesis and identifying early diagnostic markers. This review will be a significant reference for scholars with an initial understanding of the field to fully understand the role of exosomes in the organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- GuoYun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - GaiXiang Luo
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Gansu Provincial People’s Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - MeiJing Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - HuiLai Miao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver Injury Diagnosis and Repair, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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Qian W, Cao Y. An overview of the effects and mechanisms of m6 A methylation on innate immune cells in sepsis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1041990. [PMID: 36505499 PMCID: PMC9731128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1041990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sepsis is a severe clinical syndrome caused by dysregulated systemic inflammatory responses to infection. Methylation modification, as a crucial mechanism of RNA functional modification, can manipulate the immunophenotype and functional activity of immune cells to participate in sepsis progression. This study aims to explore the mechanism of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification in immune cell-mediated sepsis through keyword search. Methods Literature retrieval. Results and Discussion Literature retrieval reveals that m6A methylation is implicated in sepsis-induced lung injury and myocardial injury,as well as sepsis-related encephalopathy. Furthermore, it is found that m6A methylation can regulate sepsis by inhibiting the chemotaxis of neutrophils and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps and suppressing macrophage phagocytosis, thereby playing a role in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Qian
- Emergency Department, Shangjinnanfu Hospital, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Emergency Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China,*Correspondence: Yu Cao,
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Tian M, Mao L, Zhang L. Crosstalk among N6-methyladenosine modification and RNAs in central nervous system injuries. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1013450. [PMID: 36246528 PMCID: PMC9556889 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1013450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBI), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and ischemic stroke, are the most common cause of death and disability around the world. As the most common modification on ribonucleic acids (RNAs), N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification has recently attracted great attentions due to its functions in determining the fate of RNAs through changes in splicing, translation, degradation and stability. A large number of studies have suggested that m6A modification played an important role in brain development and involved in many neurological disorders, particularly in CNS injuries. It has been proposed that m6A modification could improve neurological impairment, inhibit apoptosis, suppress inflammation, reduce pyroptosis and attenuate ferroptosis in CNS injuries via different molecules including phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA). Therefore, m6A modification showed great promise as potential targets in CNS injuries. In this article, we present a review highlighting the role of m6A modification in CNS injuries. Hence, on the basis of these properties and effects, m6A modification may be developed as therapeutic agents for CNS injury patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Li Zhang,
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RNA modifications: importance in immune cell biology and related diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:334. [PMID: 36138023 PMCID: PMC9499983 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01175-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA modifications have become hot topics recently. By influencing RNA processes, including generation, transportation, function, and metabolization, they act as critical regulators of cell biology. The immune cell abnormality in human diseases is also a research focus and progressing rapidly these years. Studies have demonstrated that RNA modifications participate in the multiple biological processes of immune cells, including development, differentiation, activation, migration, and polarization, thereby modulating the immune responses and are involved in some immune related diseases. In this review, we present existing knowledge of the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of RNA modifications, including N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C), N1-methyladenosine (m1A), N7-methylguanosine (m7G), N4-acetylcytosine (ac4C), pseudouridine (Ψ), uridylation, and adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing, and summarize their critical roles in immune cell biology. Via regulating the biological processes of immune cells, RNA modifications can participate in the pathogenesis of immune related diseases, such as cancers, infection, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We further highlight the challenges and future directions based on the existing knowledge. All in all, this review will provide helpful knowledge as well as novel ideas for the researchers in this area.
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