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Niu Q, Ye S, Zhao L, Qian Y, Liu F. The role of liver cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2321768. [PMID: 38393655 PMCID: PMC10896152 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2321768] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of cancer deaths; however, this complex process has yet to be fully explained. To form metastases, cancer cells must undergo a series of steps, known as the "Metastatic cascade", each of which requires a specific functional transformation. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a vital role in tumor metastasis, but their dynamic behavior and regulatory mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Based on the "Metastatic cascade" theory, this review summarizes the effect of liver CSCs on the metastatic biological programs that underlie the dissemination and metastatic growth of cancer cells. Liver CSCs have the capacity to initiate distant organ metastasis via EMT, and the microenvironment transformation that supports the ability of these cells to disseminate, evade immune surveillance, dormancy, and regenerate metastasis. Understanding the heterogeneity and traits of liver CSCs in these processes is critical for developing strategies to prevent and treat metastasis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghui Niu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Susu Ye
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liu Zhao
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yanzhi Qian
- School Hospital, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Fengchao Liu
- Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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2
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Samarelli AV, Tonelli R, Raineri G, Mastrolia I, Costantini M, Fabbiani L, Catani V, Petrachi T, Bruzzi G, Andrisani D, Gozzi F, Marchioni A, Masciale V, Aramini B, Ruggieri V, Grisendi G, Dominici M, Cerri S, Clini E. Expression of HOXB7 in the Lung of Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Proof-of-Concept Study. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1321. [PMID: 38927528 PMCID: PMC11201217 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061321] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The molecular pathways involved in the onset and progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) still need to be fully clarified as some are shared with lung cancer development. HOXB7, a member of the homeobox (Hox) gene family, has been found involved in various cancers. METHODS Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was run on lung tissue samples from surgical lung biopsy (SLB) of 19 patients with IPF, retrospectively selected from the IPF database of the University Hospital of Modena. HOXB7 expression was analyzed and compared with that of five patients with no evidence of pulmonary fibrosis as controls. RESULTS The semi-quantitative analysis of IHC showed that HOXB7 protein expression was higher in IPF patients compared to controls (difference between means = 6.2 ± 2.37, p = 0.0157). Further, HOXB7 expression was higher in IPF patients with a higher extent of fibrosis (50-75%)-measured with high-resolution computer tomography-compared to those with a lower extent (0-25%) (difference between means = 25.74 ± 6.72, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS The expression of HOXB7 is higher in the lung of IPF patients compared to controls, and was represented in different cellular compartments within the lung niche. Further investigations are needed to clarify its role in the pathogenesis and progression of IPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Valeria Samarelli
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.V.S.); (G.R.); (G.B.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (A.M.); (V.R.); (S.C.); (E.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Roberto Tonelli
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.V.S.); (G.R.); (G.B.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (A.M.); (V.R.); (S.C.); (E.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Raineri
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.V.S.); (G.R.); (G.B.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (A.M.); (V.R.); (S.C.); (E.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Ilenia Mastrolia
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (I.M.); (V.C.); (V.M.); (G.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Matteo Costantini
- Pathology Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (M.C.); (L.F.)
| | - Luca Fabbiani
- Pathology Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (M.C.); (L.F.)
| | - Virginia Catani
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (I.M.); (V.C.); (V.M.); (G.G.); (M.D.)
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Tiziana Petrachi
- Technopole “Mario Veronesi”, Via 29 Maggio 6, 41037 Mirandola, Italy;
| | - Giulia Bruzzi
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.V.S.); (G.R.); (G.B.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (A.M.); (V.R.); (S.C.); (E.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Dario Andrisani
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.V.S.); (G.R.); (G.B.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (A.M.); (V.R.); (S.C.); (E.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Gozzi
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.V.S.); (G.R.); (G.B.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (A.M.); (V.R.); (S.C.); (E.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine PhD Program, University of Modena Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marchioni
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.V.S.); (G.R.); (G.B.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (A.M.); (V.R.); (S.C.); (E.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (I.M.); (V.C.); (V.M.); (G.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, DIMEC of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, GB Morgagni-L Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Valentina Ruggieri
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.V.S.); (G.R.); (G.B.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (A.M.); (V.R.); (S.C.); (E.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Grisendi
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (I.M.); (V.C.); (V.M.); (G.G.); (M.D.)
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (I.M.); (V.C.); (V.M.); (G.G.); (M.D.)
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Stefania Cerri
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.V.S.); (G.R.); (G.B.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (A.M.); (V.R.); (S.C.); (E.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Enrico Clini
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, University Hospital of Modena, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.V.S.); (G.R.); (G.B.); (D.A.); (F.G.); (A.M.); (V.R.); (S.C.); (E.C.)
- Laboratory of Cellular Therapies and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
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Li C, Mao X, Song L, Sheng J, Yang L, Huang X, Wang L. Unveiling HOXB7 as a novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker through pan-cancer computer screening. Comput Biol Med 2024; 176:108562. [PMID: 38728993 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108562] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
We attempted to investigate the role of HOXB7 in tumor progression and evolution by means of an extensive computer screening analysis of various cancer types. We performed univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses to assess the impact of HOXB7 on overall survival (OS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and progression-free interval (PFI) in different types of cancer. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between HOXB7 and several clinical features: tumor microenvironment, immune regulatory genes, immune checkpoints, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and microsatellite instability (MSI). We performed gene set enrichment analysis to gain deeper insights into the potential molecular mechanisms of HOXB7, and validated our findings through functional assays in cells, including methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium cytotoxicity and Transwell invasion assays. HOXB7 expression was associated with different clinical characteristics in numerous malignancies. Higher HOXB7 expression was associated with worse OS, DSS, and PFI in some cancer types. In particular, HOXB7 expression was favorably associated with immune cell infiltration, immune regulatory genes, immunological checkpoints, TMB, and MSI in malignancies. Furthermore, we identified a strong link between copper death-associated gene expression and HOXB7 expression. According to the findings of this study, HOXB7 might serve as an appealing focus for tumor diagnosis and immunotherapy and a prospective indicator of prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Li
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Xulong Mao
- Department of Cardiology, First School of Clinical Medicine College, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434000, China
| | - Lanlan Song
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Jueqi Sheng
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Lehe Yang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
| | - Liangxing Wang
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdiscipline and Translational Medicine, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Heart and Lung, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
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4
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Liu F, Liao Z, Zhang Z. MYC in liver cancer: mechanisms and targeted therapy opportunities. Oncogene 2023; 42:3303-3318. [PMID: 37833558 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02861-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
MYC, a major oncogenic transcription factor, regulates target genes involved in various pathways such as cell proliferation, metabolism and immune evasion, playing a critical role in the tumor initiation and development in multiple types of cancer. In liver cancer, MYC and its signaling pathways undergo significant changes, exerting a profound impact on liver cancer progression, including tumor proliferation, metastasis, dedifferentiation, metabolism, immune microenvironment, and resistance to comprehensive therapies. This makes MYC an appealing target, despite it being previously considered an undruggable protein. In this review, we discuss the role and mechanisms of MYC in liver physiology, chronic liver diseases, hepatocarcinogenesis, and liver cancer progression, providing a theoretical basis for targeting MYC as an ideal therapeutic target for liver cancer. We also summarize and prospect the strategies for targeting MYC, including direct and indirect approaches to abolish the oncogenic function of MYC in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhibin Liao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhanguo Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education; NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
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5
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Zhang G, Xu X, Zhu L, Li S, Chen R, Lv N, Li Z, Wang J, Li Q, Zhou W, Yang P, Liu J. A Novel Molecular Classification Method for Glioblastoma Based on Tumor Cell Differentiation Trajectories. Stem Cells Int 2023; 2023:2826815. [PMID: 37964983 PMCID: PMC10643041 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2826815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The latest 2021 WHO classification redefines glioblastoma (GBM) as the hierarchical reporting standard by eliminating glioblastoma, IDH-mutant and only retaining the tumor entity of "glioblastoma, IDH-wild type." Knowing that subclassification of tumors based on molecular features is supposed to facilitate the therapeutic choice and increase the response rate in cancer patients, it is necessary to carry out molecular classification of the newly defined GBM. Although differentiation trajectory inference based on single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) data holds great promise for identifying cell heterogeneity, it has not been used in the study of GBM molecular classification. Single-cell transcriptome sequencing data from 10 GBM samples were used to identify molecular classification based on differentiation trajectories. The expressions of identified features were validated by public bulk RNA-sequencing data. Clinical feasibility of the classification system was examined in tissue samples by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and immunofluorescence, and their clinical significance was investigated in public cohorts and clinical samples with complete clinical follow-up information. By analyzing scRNA-seq data of 10 GBM samples, four differentiation trajectories from the glioblastoma stem cell-like (GSCL) cluster were identified, based on which malignant cells were classified into five characteristic subclusters. Each cluster exhibited different potential drug sensitivities, pathways, functions, and transcriptional modules. The classification model was further examined in TCGA and CGGA datasets. According to the different abundance of five characteristic cell clusters, the patients were classified into five groups which we named Ac-G, Class-G, Neo-G, Opc-G, and Undiff-G groups. It was found that the Undiff-G group exhibited the worst overall survival (OS) in both TCGA and CGGA cohorts. In addition, the classification model was verified by IHC staining in 137 GBM samples to further clarify the difference in OS between the five groups. Furthermore, the novel biomarkers of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) were also described. In summary, we identified five classifications of GBM and found that they exhibited distinct drug sensitivities and different prognoses, suggesting that the new grouping system may be able to provide important prognostic information and have certain guiding significance for the treatment of GBM, and identified the GSCL cluster in GBM tissues and described its characteristic program, which may help develop new potential therapeutic targets for GSCs in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghao Zhang
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiaolong Xu
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Luojiang Zhu
- Neurosurgery Department, 922th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, PLA, China
| | - Sisi Li
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Rundong Chen
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Nan Lv
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zifu Li
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Wang Zhou
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Pengfei Yang
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jianmin Liu
- Neurovascular Center, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
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Cell Cycle-Related Gene SPC24: A Novel Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Laryngeal Squamous Cell Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:1733100. [PMID: 36718148 PMCID: PMC9884166 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1733100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Laryngeal squamous cell cancer (LSCC) is a common malignant tumor with a high degree of malignancy, and its etiology remains unclear. Therefore, screening potential biomarkers is necessary to facilitate the treatment and diagnosis of LSCC. Robust rank aggregation (RRA) analysis was used to integrate two gene expression datasets of LSCC patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LSCC and nonneoplastic tissues. A gene coexpression network was constructed using weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to explore potential associations between the module genes and clinical features of LSCC. Combining differential gene expression analysis and survival analysis, we screened potential hub genes, including CDK1, SPC24, HOXB7, and SELENBP1. Subsequently, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to test the protein levels in clinical specimens to verify our findings. Finally, four candidate diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers (CDK1, SPC24, HOXB7, and SELENBP1) were identified. We propose, for the first time, that SPC24 is a gene that may associate with LSCC malignancy and is a novel therapeutic target. These findings may provide important mechanistic insight of LSCC.
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Ervin EH, French R, Chang CH, Pauklin S. Inside the stemness engine: Mechanistic links between deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:48-83. [PMID: 36347438 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cell identity is largely determined by its transcriptional profile. In tumour, deregulation of transcription factor expression and/or activity enables cancer cell to acquire a stem-like state characterised by capacity to self-renew, differentiate and form tumours in vivo. These stem-like cancer cells are highly metastatic and therapy resistant, thus warranting a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms downstream of the transcription factors that mediate the establishment of stemness state. Here, we review recent research findings that provide a mechanistic link between the commonly deregulated transcription factors and stemness in cancer. In particular, we describe the role of master transcription factors (SOX, OCT4, NANOG, KLF, BRACHYURY, SALL, HOX, FOX and RUNX), signalling-regulated transcription factors (SMAD, β-catenin, YAP, TAZ, AP-1, NOTCH, STAT, GLI, ETS and NF-κB) and unclassified transcription factors (c-MYC, HIF, EMT transcription factors and P53) across diverse tumour types, thereby yielding a comprehensive overview identifying shared downstream targets, highlighting unique mechanisms and discussing complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egle-Helene Ervin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Rhiannon French
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Chao-Hui Chang
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
| | - Siim Pauklin
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LD, United Kingdom.
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Zhang H, Ding Y, Zeng Q, Wang D, Liu G, Hussain Z, Xiao B, Liu W, Deng T. Characteristics of mesenteric adipose tissue attached to different intestinal segments and their roles in immune regulation. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 322:G310-G326. [PMID: 34984923 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00256.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Mesenteric adipose tissue (MAT) plays a critical role in the intestinal physiological ecosystems. Small and large intestines have evidently intrinsic and distinct characteristics. However, whether there exist any mesenteric differences adjacent to the small and large intestines (SMAT and LMAT) has not been properly characterized. We studied the important facets of these differences, such as morphology, gene expression, cell components, and immune regulation of MATs, to characterize the mesenteric differences. The SMAT and LMAT of mice were used for comparison of tissue morphology. Paired mesenteric samples were analyzed by RNA-seq to clarify gene expression profiles. MAT partial excision models were constructed to illustrate the immune regulation roles of MATs, and 16S-seq was applied to detect the subsequent effect on microbiota. Our data show that different segments of mesenteries have different morphological structures. SMAT not only has smaller adipocytes but also contains more fat-associated lymphoid clusters than LMAT. The gene expression profile is also discrepant between these two MATs in mice. B-cell markers were abundantly expressed in SMAT, whereas development-related genes were highly expressed in LMAT. Adipose-derived stem cells of LMAT exhibited higher adipogenic potential and lower proliferation rates than those of SMAT. In addition, SMAT and LMAT play different roles in immune regulation and subsequently affect microbiota components. Finally, our data clarified the described differences between SMAT and LMAT in humans. There were significant differences in cell morphology, gene expression profiles, cell components, biological characteristics, and immune and microbiota regulation roles between regional MATs.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our results change the paradigm of how we regard MAT as a contiguous and homogeneous tissue to an intensely heterogeneous tissue. Appreciation of the differences between regional MATs will guide future research to investigate the specialized roles of different MATs in intestinal health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowei Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yujin Ding
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qin Zeng
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ganglei Liu
- Department of Geriatric Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zain Hussain
- Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas
| | - Boen Xiao
- Department of Biliopancreatic Surgery and Bariatric Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Biliopancreatic Surgery and Bariatric Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tuo Deng
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, and Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Diabetes Immunology, Ministry of Education, and Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China.,Clinical Immunology Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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9
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Morgan R, Hunter K, Pandha HS. Downstream of the HOX genes: explaining conflicting tumour suppressor and oncogenic functions in cancer. Int J Cancer 2022; 150:1919-1932. [PMID: 35080776 PMCID: PMC9304284 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The HOX genes are a highly conserved group of transcription factors that have key roles in early development, but which are also highly expressed in most cancers. Many studies have found strong associative relationships between the expression of individual HOX genes in tumours and clinical parameters including survival. For the majority of HOX genes, high tumour expression levels seem to be associated with a worse outcome for patients, and in some cases this has been shown to result from the activation of pro-oncogenic genes and pathways. However, there are also many studies that indicate a tumour suppressor role for some HOX genes, sometimes with conclusions that contradict earlier work. In this review, we have attempted to clarify the role of HOX genes in cancer by focusing on their downstream targets as identified in studies that provide experimental evidence for their activation or repression. On this basis, the majority of HOX genes would appear to have a pro-oncogenic function, with the notable exception of HOXD10, which acts exclusively as a tumour suppressor. HOX proteins regulate a wide range of target genes involved in metastasis, cell death, proliferation, and angiogenesis, and activate key cell signalling pathways. Furthermore, for some functionally related targets, this regulation is achieved by a relatively small subgroup of HOX genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Morgan
- School of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of West LondonLondonUK
| | - Keith Hunter
- Unit of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Clinical DentistryUniversity of SheffieldSheffieldUK
| | - Hardev S. Pandha
- Faculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of SurreyGuildfordUK
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10
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Zhou T, Feng Z, Yang F, Zhu W, Cao J, Hou X, Zhao Y, Chen D. High expression of HOXB7 is an unfavorable prognostic factor for solid malignancies: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e28564. [PMID: 35060516 PMCID: PMC8772762 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000028564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HOXB7 is abnormally expressed in a variety of tumors, but its prognostic value remains unclear due to sample size limitation and outcome inconsistency in previous studies. This meta-analysis was performed to explore the effect of HOXB7 expression on prognoses and clinicopathological factors in range of the whole solid tumors. METHODS PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify included studies. Hazard ratios (HR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) and clinicopathological factors were extracted. Subgroup analyses were performed according to histopathological type, tumor occurrence systems, and HOXB7 detection methods. RESULTS A total of 3430 solid tumors patients from 20 studies (21 cohorts) were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that high HOXB7 expression was significantly associated with worse survival (overall survival: HR = 1.98, 95%CI: 1.74-2.26, P < .001 and disease-free survival: HR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.21-2.09, P = .001), more advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage (odds ratio [OR] = 2.14, 95%CI: 1.68-2.73, P < .001), positive lymph node metastasis (OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.74-2.70, P < .001), more distant metastasis (OR = 1.63, 95%CI: 1.01-2.63, P = .048), poorer differentiation (OR = 1.48, 95%CI: 1.14-1.91, P = .003), and higher Ki-67 expression (OR = 2.53, 95%CI: 1.68-3.84, P < .001). Subgroup analysis showed that survival of patients with HOXB7 high expression was worse in either squamous cell carcinomas or non-squamous cell carcinomas, digestive tumors or non-digestive tumors, and protein level or mRNA level. CONCLUSION High HOXB7 expression might be a valuable biomarker of poor prognosis for solid tumors. HOXB7 promotes tumor proliferation and metastasis, and is associated with poorer differentiation, more advanced stage, even the chemotherapy resistance, suggesting that HOXB7 is a potential therapeutic target for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Zonghao Feng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Weipeng Zhu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Jiashun Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Xianming Hou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- Senior Department of Urology, the Third Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, China
| | - Donghong Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, China
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11
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Feng Y, Zhang T, Wang Y, Xie M, Ji X, Luo X, Huang W, Xia L. Homeobox Genes in Cancers: From Carcinogenesis to Recent Therapeutic Intervention. Front Oncol 2021; 11:770428. [PMID: 34722321 PMCID: PMC8551923 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.770428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox (HOX) genes encoding an evolutionarily highly conserved family of homeodomain-containing transcriptional factors are essential for embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. HOX genes are involved in cell identity determination during early embryonic development and postnatal processes. The deregulation of HOX genes is closely associated with numerous human malignancies, highlighting the indispensable involvement in mortal cancer development. Since most HOX genes behave as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in human cancer, a better comprehension of their upstream regulators and downstream targets contributes to elucidating the function of HOX genes in cancer development. In addition, targeting HOX genes may imply therapeutic potential. Recently, novel therapies such as monoclonal antibodies targeting tyrosine receptor kinases, small molecular chemical inhibitors, and small interfering RNA strategies, are difficult to implement for targeting transcriptional factors on account of the dual function and pleiotropic nature of HOX genes-related molecular networks. This paper summarizes the current state of knowledge on the roles of HOX genes in human cancer and emphasizes the emerging importance of HOX genes as potential therapeutic targets to overcome the limitations of present cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tongyue Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangyuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Limin Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Molecular implications of HOX genes targeting multiple signaling pathways in cancer. Cell Biol Toxicol 2021; 38:1-30. [PMID: 34617205 PMCID: PMC8789642 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09657-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) genes encode highly conserved homeotic transcription factors that play a crucial role in organogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Their deregulation impacts the function of several regulatory molecules contributing to tumor initiation and progression. A functional bridge exists between altered gene expression of individual HOX genes and tumorigenesis. This review focuses on how deregulation in the HOX-associated signaling pathways contributes to the metastatic progression in cancer. We discuss their functional significance, clinical implications and ascertain their role as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in the various cancer types. Besides, the mechanism of understanding the theoretical underpinning that affects HOX-mediated therapy resistance in cancers has been outlined. The knowledge gained shall pave the way for newer insights into the treatment of cancer.
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13
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Zhou X, Liang T, Deng J, Ng K, Li M, Lv C, Chen J, Yang K, Ma Z, Ma W, Wang P. Differential and Prognostic Significance of HOXB7 in Gliomas. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:697086. [PMID: 34458259 PMCID: PMC8385304 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.697086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse glioma is the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system. The prognosis of the individual tumor is heavily dependent on its grade and subtype. Homeobox B7 (HOXB7), a member of the homeobox family, is abnormally overexpressed in a variety of tumors. However, its function in glioma is unclear. In this study, HOXB7 mRNA and protein expression levels were analyzed in 401 gliomas from the CGGA RNA-seq database (325 cases) and our hospital (76 cases). HOXB7 expression, at both mRNA and protein levels, were upregulated in glioblastoma (GBM) and isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) wild-type glioma tissues. Kaplan–Meier with log-rank test showed that patients with high HOXB7 expression had a poor prognosis (p < 0.0001). Moreover, HOXB7 protein was deleted in 90.9% (20/22) of oligodendrogliomas and 13.0% (3/23) of astrocytomas. The sensitivity and specificity of HOXB7 protein deletion in oligodendroglioma were 90.9% (20/22) and 87.0% (20/23), respectively. To verify the reliability of using HOXB7 in differentiating oligodendroglioma, we used 1p/19q fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing as a positive control. The Cohen’s kappa coefficient of HOXB7 immunohistochemistry staining and 1p/19q FISH testing was 0.778 (95% CI: 0.594–0.962, p < 0.001). In conclusion, HOXB7 is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in all grade gliomas. Additionally, HOXB7 is also a highly sensitive and specific indicator to differentiate oligodendroglioma from astrocytoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingyu Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhai Deng
- Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Center for Human Disease Genomics, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Richard Dimbleby Department of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kenrick Ng
- Department of Medical Oncology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Man Li
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunxin Lv
- Geriatric Department, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiamin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kun Yang
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Ma
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenping Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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14
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Wu X, Li J, Yan T, Ke X, Li X, Zhu Y, Yang J, Li Z. HOXB7 acts as an oncogenic biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:393. [PMID: 34303375 PMCID: PMC8306226 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02093-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The homeobox gene Homeobox B7 (HOXB7) is overexpressed across a range of cancers and promotes tumorigenesis through varying effects on proliferation, survival, migration and invasion. However, its expression pattern and oncogenic role of HOXB7 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain largely unexplored. Here, we aimed to explore the expression pattern of HOXB7, its clinical significance as well as functional roles in HNSCC. Methods HOXB7 mRNA expression in HNSCC was determined by data mining and analyses from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) datasets. The protein abundance of HOXB7 was measured by immunohistochemistry in 119 primary HNSCC samples and associations between its expression and clinicopathological parameters and patient survival were evaluated. The pro-tumorigenic roles of HOXB7 in HNSCC were further delineated in vitro by loss-of-function assay. And a xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice to assess the role of HOXB7 in tumor growth. Connectivity Map (CMap) analysis was performed to identify bioactive small molecules which might be potential inhibitors for HOXB7. Results Bioinformatics analyses showed that HOXB7 mRNA was significantly overexpressed in 8 independent HNSCC datasets from TCGA and GEO databases. HOXB7 protein was markedly upregulated in HNSCC samples as compared to normal counterparts and its overexpression significantly associated with high pathological grade, advanced clinical stage, cervical node metastasis (P = 0.0195, 0.0152, 0.0300) and reduced overall and disease-free survival (P = 0.0014, 0.0007). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses further revealed HOXB7 as an independent prognostic factor for patients’ overall survival. Moreover, HOXB7 knockdown significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion and induced cell apoptosis in HNSCC cells, and resulted in compromised tumour growth in vivo. Furthermore, CMap (Connectivity map) analysis has identified three potential bioactive small molecule inhibitors (NU-1025, thiamine, vinburnine) for HOXB7 targeted therapy in HNSCC. Conclusions Our findings revealed that overexpression of HOXB7 was associates with tumour aggressiveness and unfavourable prognosis by serving a novel prognostic biomarker in HNSCC. Moreover, HOXB7 might be involved in the development and progression of HNSCC as an oncogene, and thereby might be a potential therapeutic target for HNSCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02093-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tingyuan Yan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xueping Ke
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yumin Zhu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianrong Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongwu Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China. .,Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, China.
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15
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Activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 1 promotes invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 31:908-917. [PMID: 32097138 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Neural regulation plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, and activation of sympathetic nervous system can promote the migration and invasion of cancer cells. However, little research has been conducted on how the vagus nerve influences hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we found that the expression of vesicular acetylcholine transporter, a biomarker of vagus nerve, was associated with hepatocellular carcinoma patients' clinicopathological characteristics by immunohistochemistry. Further, activation of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor 1 (M1R) promoted HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells migration and invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via PI3K/Akt pathway. Moreover, inhibition of M1R by antagonist or shRNA suppressed hepatocellular carcinoma cells migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo, inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition and PI3K/Akt pathway. Therefore, these results indicate that activation of M1R promotes invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma through epithelial-mesenchymal transition and PI3K/Akt pathway.
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16
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Lei Y, Wang X, Sun H, Fu Y, Tian Y, Yang L, Wang J, Xia F. Association of Preoperative NANOG-Positive Circulating Tumor Cell Levels With Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:601668. [PMID: 34123777 PMCID: PMC8190394 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.601668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer stem cells (CSCs) and Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been proposed as fundamental causes for the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CTCs isolated from patients with HCC illustrate a unique Nanog expression profile analysis. The aim of this study was to enhance the prediction of recurrence and prognosis of the CTC phenotype in patients with HCC by combining Nanog expression into a combined forecasting model. SUBJECTS MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected 320 blood samples from 160 patients with HCC cancer before surgery and used CanPatrol™ CTC enrichment technology and in situ hybridization (ISH) to enrich and detect CTCs and CSCs. Nanog expression in all CTCs was also determined. In addition, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to study the expression of Nanog, E-Cadherin, and N-Cadherin in liver cancer tissues and to conduct clinical correlation studies. RESULTS The numbers of EpCAM mRNA+ CTCs and Nanog mRNA+ CTCs were strongly correlated with postoperative HCC recurrence (CTC number (P = 0.03), the total number of mixed CTCS (P = 0.02), and Nanog> 6.7 (P = 0.001), with Nanog > 6.7 (P = 0.0003, HR = 2.33) being the most crucial marker. There are significant differences in the expression of Nanog on different types of CTC: most Epithelial CTCs do not express Nanog, while most of Mixed CTC and Mesenchymal CTC express Nanog, and their positive rates are 38.7%, 66.7%, and 88.7%, respectively, (P=0.0001). Moreover, both CTC (≤/> 13.3) and Nanog (≤/>6.7) expression were significantly correlated with BCLC stage, vascular invasion, tumor size, and Hbv-DNA (all P < 0.05). In the young group and the old group, patients with higher Nanog expression had a higher recurrence rate. (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The number of Nanog-positive cells showed positive correlation with the poor prognosis of HCC patients. The detection and analysis of CTC markers (EpCAM and CK8, 18, CD45 Vimentin,Twist and 19) and CSCs markers (NANOG) are of great value in the evaluation of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongrong Lei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated to AMU (Southwest Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Heng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuna Fu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yichen Tian
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ludi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated to AMU (Southwest Hospital), Chongqing, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Xia
- Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Southwest Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated to AMU (Southwest Hospital), Chongqing, China
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Xu H, Jia P, Zhao Z. DeepVISP: Deep Learning for Virus Site Integration Prediction and Motif Discovery. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2004958. [PMID: 33977077 PMCID: PMC8097320 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 15% of human cancers are estimated to be attributed to viruses. Virus sequences can be integrated into the host genome, leading to genomic instability and carcinogenesis. Here, a new deep convolutional neural network (CNN) model is developed with attention architecture, namely DeepVISP, for accurately predicting oncogenic virus integration sites (VISs) in the human genome. Using the curated benchmark integration data of three viruses, hepatitis B virus (HBV), human herpesvirus (HPV), and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), DeepVISP achieves high accuracy and robust performance for all three viruses through automatically learning informative features and essential genomic positions only from the DNA sequences. In comparison, DeepVISP outperforms conventional machine learning methods by 8.43-34.33% measured by area under curve (AUC) value enhancement in three viruses. Moreover, DeepVISP can decode cis-regulatory factors that are potentially involved in virus integration and tumorigenesis, such as HOXB7, IKZF1, and LHX6. These findings are supported by multiple lines of evidence in literature. The clustering analysis of the informative motifs reveales that the representative k-mers in clusters could help guide virus recognition of the host genes. A user-friendly web server is developed for predicting putative oncogenic VISs in the human genome using DeepVISP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodong Xu
- Center for Precision HealthSchool of Biomedical InformaticsThe University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)HoustonTX77030USA
| | - Peilin Jia
- Center for Precision HealthSchool of Biomedical InformaticsThe University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)HoustonTX77030USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision HealthSchool of Biomedical InformaticsThe University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth)HoustonTX77030USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical SciencesHoustonTX77030USA
- Department of Biomedical InformaticsVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTN37203USA
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18
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Shi Z, Zhang H, Jie S, Yang X, Huang Q, Mao Y, Zhang Y. Long non-coding RNA SNHG8 promotes prostate cancer progression through repressing miR-384 and up-regulating HOXB7. J Gene Med 2021; 23:e3309. [PMID: 33450101 DOI: 10.1002/jgm.3309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to function as vital regulators in the progression of prostate cancer (PCa). In the present study, we aimed to probe the function of lncRNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 8 (SNHG8) in PCa progression. METHODS A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were utilized to measure SNHG8, microRNA-384 (miR-384) and homeobox B7 (HOXB7) expression. Call-couting kit-8 and bromodeoxyuridine experiments were employed to evaluate PCa cell proliferation. Transwell experiments were performed to detect PCa cell migration and invasion. Dual-luciferase reporter experiments and RNA immunoprecipitation experiments were conducted to determine the targeting relationships among miR-384, SNHG8 and HOXB7. RESULTS SNHG8 was up-regulated in PCa tissues and cells. Silencing of SNHG8 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion of PCa cells. SNHG8 functioned as a molecular sponge to repress miR-384. The effects of SNHG8 knockdown on PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion were counteracted by miR-384 inhibition. HOXB7 was confirmed to be a target gene of miR-384. SNHG8 knockdown repressed HOXB7 expression via targeting miR-384. CONCLUSIONS SNHG8 promotes PCa cell proliferation, migration and invasion via decoying miR-384 and up-regulating HOXB7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenfeng Shi
- Department of Urology Center, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Situ Jie
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaojian Yang
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qunxiong Huang
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunhua Mao
- Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Infertility and Sexual Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Abstract
Knowledge of the role of HOX proteins in cancer has been steadily accumulating in the last 25 years. They are encoded by 39 HOX genes arranged in 4 distinct clusters, and have unique and redundant function in all types of cancers. Many HOX genes behave as oncogenic transcriptional factors regulating multiple pathways that are critical to malignant progression in a variety of tumors. Some HOX proteins have dual roles that are tumor-site specific, displaying both oncogenic and tumor suppressor function. The focus of this review is on how HOX proteins contribute to growth or suppression of metastasis. The review will cover HOX protein function in the critical aspects of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, in cancer stem cell sustenance and in therapy resistance, manifested as distant metastasis. The emerging role of adiposity in both initiation and progression of metastasis is described. Defining the role of HOX genes in the metastatic process has identified candidates for targeted cancer therapies that may combat the metastatic process. We will discuss potential therapeutic opportunities, particularly in pathways influenced by HOX proteins.
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20
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Cheng W, Shi X, Lin M, Yao Q, Ma J, Li J. LncRNA MAGI2-AS3 Overexpression Sensitizes Esophageal Cancer Cells to Irradiation Through Down-Regulation of HOXB7 via EZH2. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:552822. [PMID: 33330444 PMCID: PMC7732634 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.552822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence has suggested that aberrant expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) may contribute to cancer progression in association with radioresistance. The current study aimed to identify the potential role of lncRNA MAGI2-AS3 and the underlying mechanism in its regulation of the radio-sensitivity of esophageal cancer cells. Methods and Results Initially, we detected high expression of HOXB7 from microarray-based gene expression profiling of esophageal cancer. Then, we identified the interactions among MAGI2-AS3, HOXB7, and EZH2 by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA pull-down assay, RIP assay and ChIP assay. HOXB7 was highly-expressed, while MAGI2-AS3 was poorly-expressed in esophageal cancer tissues and cells. The effect of MAGI2-AS3 and HOXB7 on esophageal cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as tumorigenicity of radioresistant cells was examined by gain- and loss-of-function experiments. Interestingly, MAGI2-AS3 down-regulated HOXB7 through interaction with EZH2, which promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited proliferation and radio-resistance. Besides, down-regulation of MAGI2-AS3 exerted a promoting effect on these malignant phenotypes. Conclusion Taken together, our results reveal the potential role of MAGI2-AS3 over-expression in controlling esophageal cancer resistance to radiotherapy by down-regulating HOXB7, this providing a candidate biomarker for resistance to radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfang Cheng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiuling Shi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mingqiang Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qiwei Yao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiancheng Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, China
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21
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The let-7c/HoxB7 axis regulates the cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anticancer Drugs 2020; 31:6-18. [PMID: 31609764 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Ectopic expression of HOX-containing genes is closely related to carcinogenesis, acting as either tumor suppressors or oncogenes. A preliminary bioinformatics analysis showed that HoxB7 is a possible target of let-7c. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between HoxB7 and let-7c in liver carcinogenesis. We found that HoxB7 was upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cells and negatively correlated with survival time, whereas let-7c was downregulated and positively correlated with survival time in patients with HCC. Let-7c overexpression suppressed proliferation, migration but promoted cell apoptosis in HCC cells. We validated that HoxB7 is a target of let-7c. Consistently, let-7c overexpression reversed the promotional effects of HoxB7 on proliferation and migration in HCC cells, and increased the cell apoptotic rate reduced by HoxB7. Furthermore, let-7c overexpression reversed the promotional effect of HoxB7 on tumor growth in subcutaneous HCC tumor model. Our data suggest that the let-7c/HoxB7 axis regulates HCC development, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC.
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22
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Li J, Zhu Y. Recent Advances in Liver Cancer Stem Cells: Non-coding RNAs, Oncogenes and Oncoproteins. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:548335. [PMID: 33117795 PMCID: PMC7575754 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.548335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with high morbidity, relapse, metastasis and mortality rates. Although liver surgical resection, transplantation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some molecular targeted therapeutics may prolong the survival of HCC patients to a certain degree, the curative effect is still poor, primarily because of tumor recurrence and the drug resistance of HCC cells. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs), also known as liver tumor-initiating cells, represent one small subset of cancer cells that are responsible for disease recurrence, drug resistance and death. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanism of LCSCs in HCC is of vital importance. Thus, new studies that present gene regulation strategies to control LCSC differentiation and replication are under development. In this review, we provide an update on the latest advances in experimental studies on non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), oncogenes and oncoproteins. All the articles addressed the crosstalk between different ncRNAs, oncogenes and oncoproteins, as well as their upstream and downstream products targeting LCSCs. In this review, we summarize three pathways, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, and interleukin 6/Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (IL6/JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway, and their targeting gene, c-Myc. Furthermore, we conclude that octamer 4 (OCT4) and Nanog are two important functional genes that play a pivotal role in LCSC regulation and HCC prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China.,Liver Disease Center of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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23
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Bondos SE, Geraldo Mendes G, Jons A. Context-dependent HOX transcription factor function in health and disease. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 174:225-262. [PMID: 32828467 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
During animal development, HOX transcription factors determine the fate of developing tissues to generate diverse organs and appendages. The power of these proteins is striking: mis-expressing a HOX protein causes homeotic transformation of one body part into another. During development, HOX proteins interpret their cellular context through protein interactions, alternative splicing, and post-translational modifications to regulate cell proliferation, cell death, cell migration, cell differentiation, and angiogenesis. Although mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins during development can be lethal, changes in HOX proteins that do not pattern vital organs can result in survivable malformations. In adults, mutation and/or mis-expression of HOX proteins disrupts their gene regulatory networks, deregulating cell behaviors and leading to arthritis and cancer. On the molecular level, HOX proteins are composed of DNA binding homeodomain, and large regions of unstructured, or intrinsically disordered, protein sequence. The primary roles of HOX proteins in arthritis and cancer suggest that mutations associated with these diseases in both the structured and disordered regions of HOX proteins can have substantial functional effects. These insights lead to new questions critical for understanding and manipulating HOX function in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Bondos
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.
| | - Gabriela Geraldo Mendes
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Amanda Jons
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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24
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Brotto DB, Siena ÁDD, de Barros II, Carvalho SDCES, Muys BR, Goedert L, Cardoso C, Plaça JR, Ramão A, Squire JA, Araujo LF, Silva WAD. Contributions of HOX genes to cancer hallmarks: Enrichment pathway analysis and review. Tumour Biol 2020; 42:1010428320918050. [PMID: 32456563 DOI: 10.1177/1010428320918050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox genes function as master regulatory transcription factors during development, and their expression is often altered in cancer. The HOX gene family was initially studied intensively to understand how the expression of each gene was involved in forming axial patterns and shaping the body plan during embryogenesis. More recent investigations have discovered that HOX genes can also play an important role in cancer. The literature has shown that the expression of HOX genes may be increased or decreased in different tumors and that these alterations may differ depending on the specific HOX gene involved and the type of cancer being investigated. New studies are also emerging, showing the critical role of some members of the HOX gene family in tumor progression and variation in clinical response. However, there has been limited systematic evaluation of the various contributions of each member of the HOX gene family in the pathways that drive the common phenotypic changes (or "hallmarks") and that underlie the transformation of normal cells to cancer cells. In this review, we investigate the context of the engagement of HOX gene targets and their downstream pathways in the acquisition of competence of tumor cells to undergo malignant transformation and tumor progression. We also summarize published findings on the involvement of HOX genes in carcinogenesis and use bioinformatics methods to examine how their downstream targets and pathways are involved in each hallmark of the cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Barbosa Brotto
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy (INCT/CNPq) and Center for Cell-Based Therapy, CEPID/FAPESP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Ádamo Davi Diógenes Siena
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy (INCT/CNPq) and Center for Cell-Based Therapy, CEPID/FAPESP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Isabela Ichihara de Barros
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy (INCT/CNPq) and Center for Cell-Based Therapy, CEPID/FAPESP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Simone da Costa E Silva Carvalho
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy (INCT/CNPq) and Center for Cell-Based Therapy, CEPID/FAPESP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Bruna Rodrigues Muys
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy (INCT/CNPq) and Center for Cell-Based Therapy, CEPID/FAPESP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Lucas Goedert
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy (INCT/CNPq) and Center for Cell-Based Therapy, CEPID/FAPESP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Cibele Cardoso
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy (INCT/CNPq) and Center for Cell-Based Therapy, CEPID/FAPESP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jessica Rodrigues Plaça
- National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy (INCT/CNPq) and Center for Cell-Based Therapy, CEPID/FAPESP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Anelisa Ramão
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy (INCT/CNPq) and Center for Cell-Based Therapy, CEPID/FAPESP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jeremy Andrew Squire
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Luiza Ferreira Araujo
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy (INCT/CNPq) and Center for Cell-Based Therapy, CEPID/FAPESP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Wilson Araújo da Silva
- Department of Genetics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy (INCT/CNPq) and Center for Cell-Based Therapy, CEPID/FAPESP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Center for Integrative System Biology (CISBi), NAP/USP, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Center for Medical Genomics, Clinics Hospital, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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25
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Zhang Y, Le Y, Bu P, Cheng X. Regulation of Hox and ParaHox genes by perfluorochemicals in mouse liver. Toxicology 2020; 441:152521. [PMID: 32534105 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2020.152521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Homeobox (Hox) genes encode homeodomain proteins, which play important roles in the development and morphological diversification of organisms including plants and animals. Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which are well recognized industrial pollutants and universally detected in human and wildlife, interfere with animal development. In addition, PFCs produce a number of hepatic adverse effects, such as hepatomegaly and dyslipidemia. Homeodomain proteins profoundly contribute to liver regeneration. Hox genes serve as either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes during target organ carcinogenesis. However, to date, no study investigated whether PFCs regulate expression of Hox genes. This study was designed to determine the regulation of Hox (including Hox-a to -d subfamily members) and paraHox [including GS homeobox (Gsx), pancreatic and duodenal homeobox (Pdx), and caudal-related homeobox (Cdx) family members] genes by PFCs including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) in mouse liver. 46.4 mg/kg PFNA induced mRNA expression of Hoxa5, b7, c5, d10 and Pdx1 in wild-type and CAR-null mouse livers, but not in PPARα-null mouse livers, indicating a PPARα-dependent manner. PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA all induced mRNA expression of Hoxa5, b7, c5, d10, Pdx1 and Zeb2 in wild-type but not PPARα-null mouse livers. In addition, in Nrf2-null mouse livers, PFNA continued to increase mRNA expression of Hoxa5 and Pdx1, but not Hoxb7, c5 or d10. Furthermore, Wy14643, a classical PPARα agonist, induced mRNA expression of Hoxb7 and c5 in wild-type but not PPARα-null mouse livers. However, Wy14643 did not induce mRNA expression of Hoxa5, d10 or Pdx1 in either wild-type or PPARα-null mouse livers. TCPOBOP, a classical mouse CAR agonist, increased mRNA expression of Hoxb7, c5 and d10 but not Hoxa5 or Pdx1 in mouse livers. Moreover, PFNA decreased cytoplasmic and nuclear Hoxb7 protein levels in mouse livers. However, PFNA increased cytoplasmic Hoxc5 protein level but decreased nuclear Hoxc5 protein level in mouse livers. In conclusion, PFCs induced mRNA expression of several Hox genes such as Hoxb7, c5 and d10, mostly through the activation of PPARα and/or Nrf2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, United States
| | - Yuan Le
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, United States
| | - Pengli Bu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, IL, 60064, United States
| | - Xingguo Cheng
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, United States.
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26
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Ma XL, Hu B, Tang WG, Xie SH, Ren N, Guo L, Lu RQ. CD73 sustained cancer-stem-cell traits by promoting SOX9 expression and stability in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:11. [PMID: 32024555 PMCID: PMC7003355 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-0845-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant AKT activation contributes to cancer stem cell (CSC) traits in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously reported that CD73 activated AKT signaling via the Rap1/P110β cascade. Here, we further explored the roles of CD73 in regulating CSC characteristics of HCC. Methods CD73 expression modulations were conducted by lentiviral transfections. CD73+ fractions were purified by magnetic-based sorting, and fluorescent-activated cell sorting was used to assess differentiation potentials. A sphere-forming assay was performed to evaluate CSC traits in vitro, subcutaneous NOD/SCID mice models were generated to assess in vivo CSC features, and colony formation assays assessed drug resistance capacities. Stemness-associated gene expression was also determined, and underlying mechanisms were investigated by evaluating immunoprecipitation and ubiquitylation. Results We found CD73 expression was positively associated with sphere-forming capacity and elevated in HCC spheroids. CD73 knockdown hindered sphere formation, Lenvatinib resistance, and stemness-associated gene expression, while CD73 overexpression achieved the opposite effects. Moreover, CD73 knockdown significantly inhibited the in vivo tumor propagation capacity. Notably, we found that CD73+ cells exhibited substantially stronger CSC traits than their CD73– counterparts. Mechanistically, CD73 exerted its pro-stemness activity through dual AKT-dependent mechanisms: activating SOX9 transcription via c-Myc, and preventing SOX9 degradation by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3β. Clinically, the combined analysis of CD73 and SOX9 achieved a more accurate prediction of prognosis. Conclusions Collectively, CD73 plays a critical role in sustaining CSCs traits by upregulating SOX9 expression and enhancing its protein stability. Targeting CD73 might be a promising strategy to eradicate CSCs and reverse Lenvatinib resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Lu Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei-Guo Tang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201100, China
| | - Su-Hong Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ning Ren
- Department of Liver Surgery, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 201100, China.
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Ren-Quan Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical School, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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27
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Zhou W, Gross KM, Kuperwasser C. Molecular regulation of Snai2 in development and disease. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:132/23/jcs235127. [PMID: 31792043 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.235127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Snai2, encoded by the SNAI2 gene, is an evolutionarily conserved C2H2 zinc finger protein that orchestrates biological processes critical to tissue development and tumorigenesis. Initially characterized as a prototypical epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factor, Snai2 has been shown more recently to participate in a wider variety of biological processes, including tumor metastasis, stem and/or progenitor cell biology, cellular differentiation, vascular remodeling and DNA damage repair. The main role of Snai2 in controlling such processes involves facilitating the epigenetic regulation of transcriptional programs, and, as such, its dysregulation manifests in developmental defects, disruption of tissue homeostasis, and other disease conditions. Here, we discuss our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating Snai2 expression, abundance and activity. In addition, we outline how these mechanisms contribute to disease phenotypes or how they may impact rational therapeutic targeting of Snai2 dysregulation in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhui Zhou
- Department of Developmental, Molecular & Chemical Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA 02111, USA.,Raymond and Beverly Sackler Convergence Laboratory, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Kayla M Gross
- Department of Developmental, Molecular & Chemical Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA 02111, USA.,Raymond and Beverly Sackler Convergence Laboratory, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Charlotte Kuperwasser
- Department of Developmental, Molecular & Chemical Biology, Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Boston, MA 02111, USA .,Raymond and Beverly Sackler Convergence Laboratory, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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28
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Zhang C, Ge S, Wang J, Jing X, Li H, Mei S, Zhang J, Liang K, Xu H, Zhang X, Zhang C. Epigenomic profiling of DNA methylation for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis and prognosis prediction. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:1869-1877. [PMID: 31038805 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM DNA hypermethylation has emerged as a novel molecular biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of many cancers. We aimed to identify clinically useful biomarkers regulated by DNA methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Genome-wide methylation analysis in HCCs and paired noncancerous tissues was performed using an Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation 450K BeadChip array. Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and pyrosequencing were used to validate the methylation status of selected genes in 100 paired HCCs and noncancerous samples. RESULTS A total of 97 027 (20.0%) out of 485 577 CpG sites significantly were differed between HCC and noncancerous tissues. Among all the significant CpG sites, 48.8% are hypermethylated and 51.2% are hypomethylated in HCCs. Multiple signaling pathways (AMP-activated protein kinase, estrogen, and adipocytokine) involved in gene methylation were identified in HCC. FES was selected for further analysis based on its high level of methylation confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and pyrosequencing. The result showed that FES hypermethylation was correlated with tumor size (0.001), serum alpha fetoprotein (0.023), and tumor differentiation (0.006). FES protein was significantly downregulated in 51/100 (51%) HCCs, and 94.12% (48/51) of them were due to promoter hypermethylation. Both FES hypermethylation and protein downregulation were associated with the progression-free survival and overall survival of HCC patients. Overexpressed and knockdown of FES confirmed its inhibitory effect on the proliferation and migration of HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS We identified many new differentially methylated CpGs in HCCs and demonstrate that FES functions as a tumor suppressor gene in HCC and its methylation status could be used as an indicator for prognosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shuang Ge
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaotong Jing
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | | | - Shuyu Mei
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Ke Liang
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Cuijuan Zhang
- Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, China
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29
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Liu L, Yang X, Li NF, Lin L, Luo H. Circ_0015756 promotes proliferation, invasion and migration by microRNA-7-dependent inhibition of FAK in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:2939-2953. [PMID: 31522588 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1664223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) afflicts more than half a million people each year worldwide. It was reported that circ_0015756 was up-regulated in HCC, but the mechanism did not extensively studied. Methods: we collected 24 paired cancerous and noncancerous liver tissues surgically resected from HCC patients. HCC cell proliferation, invasion, migration and apoptosis in vitro were evaluated using MTT assay, Transwell assay, scratch test and Annexin-V/PI staining respectively. Interactions between circ_0015756 and miR-7, miR-7 and FAK were further validated by the luciferase reporter assay. Tumor xenografts of HCC cells with circ_0015756 knockdown were established in nude mice. Results: The expression level of circ_0015756 was increased and the expression level of miR-7 was diminished in cancerous liver tissues relative to noncancerous liver tissues. Circ_0015756 knockdown was shown to increase the expression of miR-7, reduce the proliferation, invasion, migration and resistance to apoptosis, and down-regulate the expression of FAK in HCC. We found miR-7 impaired expression of FAK to inhibit HCC cells, suggesting that miR-7 is responsible for the dysfunction of FAK. Importantly, we showed circ_0015756 could up-regulate FAK via targeting miR-7. These in vitro findings were reproduced in vivo that circ_0015756 knockdown decreased HCC xenograft growth. Conclusion: Our present study reveals a model of HCC development that is composed of circ_0015756, miR-7 and FAK. Modulation of their levels exhibits a promise in the treatment of HCC. Abbreviations: HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; circRNAs: circular RNAs; miRNA/miR: microRNA; miR-7: microRNA-7; FAK: focal adhesion kinase; KLF-4: kruppel like factor 4; DKK1: dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1; ccRCC: clear cell renal cell carcinoma; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; Ct: comparative threshold cycle; RPMI: Roswell Park Memorial Institute; FBS: fetal bovine serum; RT: reverse transcription; qPCR: quantitative polymerase chain reaction; RIPA: radioimmunoprecipitation assay; SDS-PAGE: sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; PVDF: polyvinylidene difluoride; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; MTT: 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; DMEM: Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium; PI: propidium iodide; SPF: specific pathogen-free; SD: standard deviation; p-Akt: phosphorylated-Akt; shRNAs: small hairpin RNAs; 3'UTR: 3'-untranslated regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , P.R.China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , P.R.China
| | - Nian-Feng Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , P.R.China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , P.R.China
| | - Hui Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University , Changsha , P.R.China
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30
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Jiang Y, Han QJ, Zhang J. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Mechanisms of progression and immunotherapy. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:3151-3167. [PMID: 31333308 PMCID: PMC6626719 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i25.3151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies, and various pathogenic factors can lead to its occurrence and development. Among all primary liver cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common. With extensive studies, an increasing number of molecular mechanisms that promote HCC are being discovered. Surgical resection is still the most effective treatment for patients with early HCC. However, early detection and treatment are difficult for most HCC patients, and the postoperative recurrence rate is high, resulting in poor clinical prognosis of HCC. Although immunotherapy takes longer than conventional chemotherapy to produce therapeutic effects, it persists for longer. In recent years, the emergence of many new immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies, has given new hope for the treatment of HCC.
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MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Cancer Vaccines/therapeutic use
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/immunology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Disease Progression
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Liver Neoplasms/therapy
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/immunology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/pathology
- Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/prevention & control
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/immunology
- Treatment Outcome
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qiu-Ju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
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31
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Homeobox Genes and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050621. [PMID: 31058850 PMCID: PMC6562709 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common type of cancer, and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths each year. It involves a multi-step progression and is strongly associated with chronic inflammation induced by the intake of environmental toxins and/or viral infections (i.e., hepatitis B and C viruses). Although several genetic dysregulations are considered to be involved in disease progression, the detailed regulatory mechanisms are not well defined. Homeobox genes that encode transcription factors with homeodomains control cell growth, differentiation, and morphogenesis in embryonic development. Recently, more aberrant expressions of Homeobox genes were found in a wide variety of human cancer, including HCC. In this review, we summarize the currently available evidence related to the role of Homeobox genes in the development of HCC. The objective is to determine the roles of this conserved transcription factor family and its potential use as a therapeutic target in future investigations.
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32
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Li B, Huang Q, Wei GH. The Role of HOX Transcription Factors in Cancer Predisposition and Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040528. [PMID: 31013831 PMCID: PMC6520925 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Homeobox (HOX) transcription factors, encoded by a subset of homeodomain superfamily genes, play pivotal roles in many aspects of cellular physiology, embryonic development, and tissue homeostasis. Findings over the past decade have revealed that mutations in HOX genes can lead to increased cancer predisposition, and HOX genes might mediate the effect of many other cancer susceptibility factors by recognizing or executing altered genetic information. Remarkably, several lines of evidence highlight the interplays between HOX transcription factors and cancer risk loci discovered by genome-wide association studies, thereby gaining molecular and biological insight into cancer etiology. In addition, deregulated HOX gene expression impacts various aspects of cancer progression, including tumor angiogenesis, cell autophagy, proliferation, apoptosis, tumor cell migration, and metabolism. In this review, we will discuss the fundamental roles of HOX genes in cancer susceptibility and progression, highlighting multiple molecular mechanisms of HOX involved gene misregulation, as well as their potential implications in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Qilai Huang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shandong University, Qingdao 266237, China.
| | - Gong-Hong Wei
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, 90220 Oulu, Finland.
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33
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Zhong Y, Zhang Y, Ma D, Ren X, Xu C, Wan D. Inhibition of HOXB7 suppresses p27-mediated acute lymphoblastic leukemia by regulating basic fibroblast growth factor and ERK1/2. Life Sci 2019; 218:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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34
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Upregulated expression of HOXB7 in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is associated with tumor cell metastasis and poor prognosis. J Transl Med 2019; 99:736-748. [PMID: 30664713 PMCID: PMC6760572 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-018-0150-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeobox B7 (HOXB7) protein is reported to be aberrantly expressed in a variety of cancers and to play an important role in multiple cellular processes. However, the specific mechanism by which HOXB7 promotes the malignant progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) remains unclear. Therefore, we used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the expression level of HOXB7 in 38 paired ICC tissue samples. Additionally, to assess correlation between HOXB7 and ICC prognosis, we performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) using 122 ICC tissues to detect HOXB7 expression. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were employed to assess ICC cell proliferation, and Transwell assays were performed to estimate the invasion and migration abilities of ICC cells. The capillary tube formation assay was applied to explore the angiogenic effects of HOXB7. A xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice to assess the role of HOXB7 in tumor growth and lung metastasis. The results showed higher expression of HOXB7 in ICC tissues than in noncancerous tissues, and this increased expression was significantly associated with a poor prognosis. In addition, HOXB7 overexpression enhanced capillary tube formation, invasion and migration of ICC cells in vitro, whereas HOXB7 knockdown produced the opposite results in vitro. Moreover, the role of HOXB7 in promoting tumor growth and metastasis was verified in vivo. Further investigation revealed that the expression levels of MMP2, MMP9, VEGFa, and IL8 were elevated by HOXB7 and that the ERK pathway was activated. Our results demonstrate the prognostic value of HOXB7 and its role in metastasis and angiogenesis in ICC. HOXB7 upregulated MMP2, MMP9, VEGFa, and IL8 expression via the ERK pathway to accelerate the malignant progression of ICC.
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Qin T, Li B, Feng X, Fan S, Liu L, Liu D, Mao J, Lu Y, Yang J, Yu X, Zhang Q, Zhang J, Song B, Li M, Li L. Abnormally elevated USP37 expression in breast cancer stem cells regulates stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cisplatin sensitivity. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:287. [PMID: 30482232 PMCID: PMC6258492 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0934-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Recent studies have indicated that deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are related to the stem-cell pathway network and chemo-resistance in cancer. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 37 (USP37), a novel DUB, was identified to be a potential factor associated with tumor progression. However, the biological functions of USP37 in breast cancer remain unclear. Methods The distribution of USP37 expression in breast cancer and the correlation between USP37 expression and the overall survival rate were detected by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized to evaluate potential mechanism of USP37 in breast cancer. The USP37 expression in breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cell lines were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Sorting of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) were by using MACS assay. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to examine the biological functions of USP37 in breast cancer cells. MG132, CHX chase, immunofluorescence staining and co-immunoprecipitation assays were used to test the interaction between USP37 and Gli-1. Results Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that USP37 gene was elevated in breast cancer tissues and its overexpression was strongly correlated with the increased mortality rate. GSEA analysis showed that USP37 expression was positively associated with cell growth and metastasis while negatively related to cell apoptosis in the TCGA breast cancer samples. USP37 expression was elevated in breast cancer tissues and breast cancer cell lines. Moreover, we also detected that USP37 was overexpressed in BCSCs. USP37 regulated the ability of cell invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness and cisplatin sensitivity in breast cancer cell lines. Additionally, USP37 knockdown inhibited tumorigenicity and increased anticancer effect of cisplatin in vivo. Knockdown of USP37 significantly decreased hedgehog (Hh) pathway components Smo and Gli-1. Gli-1 was stabilized by USP37 and they interacted with each other. Further studies indicated that USP37 knockdown could inhibit the stemness, cell invasion and EMT in breast cancer via downregulation of Hh pathway. Conclusions These findings reveal that USP37 is highly expressed in BCSCs and is correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. USP37 can regulate the stemness, cell invasion and EMT via Hh pathway, and decreased USP37 confers sensitivity to cisplatin in breast cancer cells. USP37 is required for the regulation of breast cancer progression, as well as a critical target for clinical treatment of breast cancer. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0934-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Qin
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Tumor Stem Cell Research of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Bai Li
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Tumor Stem Cell Research of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyue Feng
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Tumor Stem Cell Research of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujun Fan
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Tumor Stem Cell Research of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, People's Republic of China
| | - Dandan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Tumor Stem Cell Research of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Mao
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Tumor Stem Cell Research of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Lu
- Teaching Laboratory of Morphology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Xiangyang, 441000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotang Yu
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Dean, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Song
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China.,The Key Laboratory of Tumor Stem Cell Research of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116023, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lianhong Li
- Department of Pathology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China. .,The Key Laboratory of Tumor Stem Cell Research of Liaoning Province, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, People's Republic of China.
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36
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Duan X, Liu D, Wang Y, Chen Z. Circular RNA hsa_circ_0074362 Promotes Glioma Cell Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion by Attenuating the Inhibition of miR-1236-3p on HOXB7 Expression. DNA Cell Biol 2018; 37:917-924. [PMID: 30388035 DOI: 10.1089/dna.2018.4311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xingbang Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Danlin Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wright State University, Fairborn, Ohio
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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37
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Monterisi S, Lo Riso P, Russo K, Bertalot G, Vecchi M, Testa G, Di Fiore PP, Bianchi F. HOXB7 overexpression in lung cancer is a hallmark of acquired stem-like phenotype. Oncogene 2018; 37:3575-3588. [PMID: 29576613 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0229-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
HOXB7 is a homeodomain (HOX) transcription factor involved in regional body patterning of invertebrates and vertebrates. We previously identified HOXB7 within a ten-gene prognostic signature for lung adenocarcinoma, where increased expression of HOXB7 was associated with poor prognosis. This raises the question of how HOXB7 overexpression can influence the metastatic behavior of lung adenocarcinoma. Here, we analyzed publicly available microarray and RNA-seq lung cancer expression datasets and found that HOXB7-overexpressing tumors are enriched in gene signatures characterizing adult and embryonic stem cells (SC), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Experimentally, we found that HOXB7 upregulates several canonical SC/iPSC markers and sustains the expansion of a subpopulation of cells with SC characteristics, through modulation of LIN28B, an emerging cancer gene and pluripotency factor, which we discovered to be a direct target of HOXB7. We validated this new circuit by showing that HOXB7 enhances reprogramming to iPSC with comparable efficiency to LIN28B or its target c-MYC, which is a canonical reprogramming factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Monterisi
- Molecular Medicine Program, European Institute of Oncology, 20141, Milan, Italy.,IFOM, The FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology Foundation, 20139, Milan, Italy.,Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano (MI), Italy
| | - Pietro Lo Riso
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Karin Russo
- IFOM, The FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology Foundation, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bertalot
- Molecular Medicine Program, European Institute of Oncology, 20141, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuela Vecchi
- IFOM, The FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology Foundation, 20139, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, 20141, Milan, Italy.,DIPO, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Di Fiore
- Molecular Medicine Program, European Institute of Oncology, 20141, Milan, Italy.,IFOM, The FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology Foundation, 20139, Milan, Italy.,DIPO, Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Bianchi
- Molecular Medicine Program, European Institute of Oncology, 20141, Milan, Italy. .,ISBREMIT, Institute for Stem-Cell Biology, Regenerative Medicine and Innovative Therapies, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy.
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