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Vernaza A, Cardus DF, Smith JL, Partridge V, Baker AL, Lewis EG, Zhang A, Zhao Z, Du L. Identification of CDKN3 as a Key Gene that Regulates Neuroblastoma Cell Differentiation. J Cancer 2024; 15:1153-1168. [PMID: 38356706 PMCID: PMC10861815 DOI: 10.7150/jca.89660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
We conducted a high-content screening (HCS) in neuroblastoma BE(2)-C cells to identify cell cycle regulators that control cell differentiation using a library of siRNAs against cell cycle-regulatory genes. We discovered that knocking down expression of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 3 (CDKN3) showed the most potent effect in inducing neurite outgrowth, the morphological cell differentiation marker of neuroblastoma cells. We then demonstrated that CDKN3 knockdown increased expression of neuroblastoma molecular differentiation markers, neuron specific enolase (NSE), βIII-tubulin and growth associated protein 43 (GAP43). We further showed that CDKN3 knockdown reduced expression of cell proliferation markers Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and reduced colony formation of neuroblastoma cells. More importantly, we observed a correlation of high tumor CDKN3 mRNA levels with poor patient survival in the investigation of public neuroblastoma patient datasets. In exploring the mechanisms that regulate CDKN3 expression, we found that multiple strong differentiation-inducing molecules, including miR-506-3p and retinoic acid, down-regulated CDKN3 expression. In addition, we found that N-Myc promoted CDKN3 expression at the transcriptional level by directly binding to the CDKN3 promoter. Furthermore, we found that CDKN3 and two additional differentiation-regulating cell cycle proteins identified in our HCS, CDC6 and CDK4, form an interactive network to promote expression of each other. In summary, we for the first time discovered the function of CDKN3 in regulating neuroblastoma cell differentiation and characterized the transcriptional regulation of CDKN3 expression by N-Myc in neuroblastoma cells. Our findings support that CDKN3 plays a role in modulating neuroblastoma cell differentiation and that overexpression of CDKN3 may contribute to neuroblastoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Liqin Du
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
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2
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Epp S, Chuah SM, Halasz M. Epigenetic Dysregulation in MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17085. [PMID: 38069407 PMCID: PMC10707345 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242317085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood cancer arising from the neural crest, poses significant clinical challenges, particularly in cases featuring amplification of the MYCN oncogene. Epigenetic factors play a pivotal role in normal neural crest and NB development, influencing gene expression patterns critical for tumorigenesis. This review delves into the multifaceted interplay between MYCN and known epigenetic modifications during NB genesis, shedding light on the intricate regulatory networks underlying the disease. We provide an extensive survey of known epigenetic mechanisms, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNAs, super-enhancers (SEs), bromodomains (BET), and chromatin modifiers in MYCN-amplified (MNA) NB. These epigenetic changes collectively contribute to the dysregulated gene expression landscape observed in MNA NB. Furthermore, we review emerging therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic regulators, including histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), histone methyltransferase inhibitors (HMTi), and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi). We also discuss and summarize current drugs in preclinical and clinical trials, offering insights into their potential for improving outcomes for MNA NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Epp
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
| | - Shin Mei Chuah
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
| | - Melinda Halasz
- Systems Biology Ireland, UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland; (S.E.)
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Deng Z, Richardson DR. The Myc Family and the Metastasis Suppressor NDRG1: Targeting Key Molecular Interactions with Innovative Therapeutics. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:1007-1035. [PMID: 37280098 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in ∼10 million deaths in 2020. Major oncogenic effectors are the Myc proto-oncogene family, which consists of three members including c-Myc, N-Myc, and L-Myc. As a pertinent example of the role of the Myc family in tumorigenesis, amplification of MYCN in childhood neuroblastoma strongly correlates with poor patient prognosis. Complexes between Myc oncoproteins and their partners such as hypoxia-inducible factor-1α and Myc-associated protein X (MAX) result in proliferation arrest and pro-proliferative effects, respectively. Interactions with other proteins are also important for N-Myc activity. For instance, the enhancer of zest homolog 2 (EZH2) binds directly to N-Myc to stabilize it by acting as a competitor against the ubiquitin ligase, SCFFBXW7, which prevents proteasomal degradation. Heat shock protein 90 may also be involved in N-Myc stabilization since it binds to EZH2 and prevents its degradation. N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is downregulated by N-Myc and participates in the regulation of cellular proliferation via associating with other proteins, such as glycogen synthase kinase-3β and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6. These molecular interactions provide a better understanding of the biologic roles of N-Myc and NDRG1, which can be potentially used as therapeutic targets. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key interactions may also be a promising strategy for anti-cancer drug development. This review examines the interactions between the Myc proteins and other molecules, with a special focus on the relationship between N-Myc and NDRG1 and possible therapeutic interventions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Neuroblastoma is one of the most common childhood solid tumors, with a dismal five-year survival rate. This problem makes it imperative to discover new and more effective therapeutics. The molecular interactions between major oncogenic drivers of the Myc family and other key proteins; for example, the metastasis suppressor, NDRG1, may potentially be used as targets for anti-neuroblastoma drug development. In addition to directly targeting these proteins, disrupting their key molecular interactions may also be promising for drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Deng
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
| | - Des R Richardson
- Centre for Cancer Cell Biology and Drug Discovery, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia (Z.D., D.R.R.), and Department of Pathology and Biological Responses, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan (D.R.R.)
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4
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Chen H, Yang W, Li Y, Ji Z. PLAGL2 promotes bladder cancer progression via RACGAP1/RhoA GTPase/YAP1 signaling. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:433. [PMID: 37454211 PMCID: PMC10349853 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05970-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
PLAGL2 is upregulated in various tumors, including bladder cancer (BCa). However, the mechanisms underlying the tumorigenic effects of PLAGL2 in BCa remain unclear. In our study, we proved that PLAGL2 was overexpressed in BCa tissues and correlated with decreased survival. Functionally, PLAGL2 deficiency significantly suppressed the proliferation and metastasis of BCa cells in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing, qRT‒PCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence staining, luciferase reporter, and ChIP assays revealed that overexpressed PLAGL2 disrupted the Hippo pathway and increased YAP1/TAZ activity by transactivating RACGAP1. Further investigations demonstrated that PLAGL2 activated YAP1/TAZ signaling via RACGAP1-mediated RhoA activation. Importantly, the RhoA inhibitor simvastatin or the YAP1/TAZ inhibitor verteporfin abrogated the proproliferative and prometastatic effects of BCa enhanced by PLAGL2. These findings suggest that PLAGL2 promotes BCa progression via RACGAP1/RhoA GTPase/YAP1 signaling. Hence, the core nodes of signaling may be promising therapeutic targets for BCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualin Chen
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Wenjie Yang
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yingjie Li
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Zhigang Ji
- Department of Urology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, No.1 Shuaifuyuan Wangfujing Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
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5
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A Review of the Regulatory Mechanisms of N-Myc on Cell Cycle. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28031141. [PMID: 36770809 PMCID: PMC9920120 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28031141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma has obvious heterogeneity. It is one of the few undifferentiated malignant tumors that can spontaneously degenerate into completely benign tumors. However, for its high-risk type, even with various intensive treatment options, the prognosis is still unsatisfactory. At the same time, a large number of research data show that the abnormal amplification and high-level expression of the MYCN gene are positively correlated with the malignant progression, poor prognosis, and mortality of neuroblastoma. In this context, this article explores the role of the N-Myc, MYCN gene expression product on its target genes related to the cell cycle and reveals its regulatory network in promoting tumor proliferation and malignant progression. We hope it can provide ideas and direction for the research and development of drugs targeting N-Myc and its downstream target genes.
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A Drug Repurposing Screen Identifies Fludarabine Phosphate as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for N-MYC Overexpressing Neuroendocrine Prostate Cancers. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142246. [PMID: 35883689 PMCID: PMC9317991 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC) represents a highly aggressive form of prostate tumors. NEPC results from trans-differentiated castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) with increasing evidence indicating that the incidence of NEPC often results from the adaptive response to androgen deprivation therapy. Recent studies have shown that a subset of NEPC exhibits overexpression of the MYCN oncogene along with the loss of tumor suppressing TP53 and RB1 activities. N-MYC is structurally disordered with no binding pockets available on its surface and so far, no clinically approved drug is available. We adopted a drug-repurposing strategy, screened ~1800 drug molecules, and identified fludarabine phosphate to preferentially inhibit the proliferation of N-MYC overexpressing NEPC cells by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS). We also show that fludarabine phosphate affects N-MYC protein levels and N-MYC transcriptional targets in NEPC cells. Moreover, enhanced ROS production destabilizes N-MYC protein by inhibiting AKT signaling and is responsible for the reduced survival of NEPC cells and tumors. Our results indicate that increasing ROS production by the administration of fludarabine phosphate may represent an effective treatment option for patients with N-MYC overexpressing NEPC tumors.
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7
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Alturkustani M, Walker AD, Tran I, Snuderl M, Cotter JA. Spectrum of paired-like homeobox 2b immunoexpression in pediatric brain tumors with embryonal morphology. Pathol Int 2022; 72:402-410. [PMID: 35763016 PMCID: PMC9544136 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Paired‐like homeobox 2b (PHOX2B) is an established immunomarker for peripheral neuroblastoma and autonomic nervous system cells. We aimed to evaluate the utility of PHOX2B immunostaining in central nervous system (CNS) tumors with embryonal morphology. Fifty‐one tumors were stained with PHOX2B and submitted for whole slide image analysis: 35 CNS tumors with embryonal morphology (31 CNS embryonal tumors and four gliomas); and 16 peripheral neuroblastomas were included for comparison. Diffuse nuclear immunopositivity was observed in all (16/16) neuroblastomas (primary and metastatic). Among CNS embryonal tumors, focal immunoreactivity for PHOX2B was observed in most (5/7) embryonal tumors with multilayered rosettes (ETMR) and a single high‐grade neuroepithelial tumor (HGNET) with PLAGL2 amplification; the remaining 27 CNS tumors were essentially immunonegative (<0.05% positive). Among ETMR, PHOX2B expression was observed in a small overall proportion (0.04%–4.94%) of neoplastic cells but focally reached up to 39% in 1 mm ‘hot spot’ areas. In the PLAGL2‐amplified case, 0.09% of the total neoplastic population was immunoreactive, with 0.53% in the ‘hot spot’ area. Care should be taken in interpreting PHOX2B immunopositivity in a differential diagnosis that includes metastatic neuroblastoma and CNS tumors; focal or patchy expression should not be considered definitively diagnostic of metastatic peripheral neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murad Alturkustani
- Department of Pathology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Adam D Walker
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Ivy Tran
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matija Snuderl
- Department of Pathology, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jennifer A Cotter
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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8
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Zhao Z, Li X, Cui Z, Tong T, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Yang X, Keerthiga R, Fu C, Fu A. Synthesis of Hemiprotonic Phenanthroline-Phenanthroline + Compounds with both Antitumor and Antimicrobial Activity. J Med Chem 2022; 65:2532-2547. [PMID: 35073076 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c01982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Currently, cancer patients with microbial infection are a severe challenge in clinical treatment. To address the problem, we synthesized hemiprotonic compounds based on the unique structure of hemiprotonic nucleotide base pairs in a DNA i-motif. These compounds were produced from phenanthroline (ph) dimerization with phenanthroline as a proton receptor and ammonium as a donor. The biological activity shows that the compounds have a selective antitumor effect through inducing cell apoptosis. The molecular mechanism could be related to specific inhibition of transcription factor PLAGL2 of tumor cells, assessed by transcriptomic analysis. Moreover, results show that the hemiprotonic ph-ph+ has broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal activities, and drug-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, are sensitive to the compound. In animal models of liver cancer with fungal infection, the ph-ph+ retards proliferation of hepatoma cells in tumor-bearing mice and remedies pneumonia and encephalitis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans. The study provides a novel therapeutic candidate for cancer patients accompanied by infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhen Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Zhihong Cui
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Tingting Tong
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Yuping Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Xiaoxi Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Rajendiran Keerthiga
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Chen Fu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
| | - Ailing Fu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400716, China
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9
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Wang G, Du W, Che L, Gao X, Zhao R, Duan J, Gu Z, Ma Q. High Expression of PLAGL2 is Associated With Poor Prognosis in High-Grade Glioma. Front Genet 2022; 12:787746. [PMID: 35222518 PMCID: PMC8863765 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.787746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 (PLAGL2) has been implicated in the development and progression of diverse malignancies, including glioblastoma. An increasing number of studies have reported that dysregulated expression of PLAGL2 is a common phenomenon in different malignancies. However, the mechanism and biological functions of PLAGL2 in patients with high-grade glioma (HGG) remain unclear. In addition, the expression and clinical significance of PLAGL2 in HGG have not yet been reported. Herein, we investigated the expression patterns and prognostic values of PLAGL2 in patients with HGG by using various databases, including Tumor Immune Estimation Resource 2.0 (TIMER2.0), GENT2, ONCOMINE, GEPIA, Human Protein Atlas, and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. In the present study, we analyzed the relationship between PLAGL2 mRNA expression and clinical parameters in 184 HGG cases and found that PLAGL2 presented positively high expression and was relevant to poor prognosis. Immunohistochemistry analysis confirmed the overexpression of PLAGL2 protein, which is mainly expressed in the nucleus of glioma. Additionally, a high level of expression of the PLAGL2 gene was associated with lower survival in progression-free survival and overall survival in GBM patients. The correlation analysis between PLAGL2 and immune infiltration related to the abundance of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, DCs, and neutrophils was also performed using TIMER2.0. GSEA results showed that high PLAGL2 expression was associated with cell migration, proliferation, actin cytoskeletal, and angiogenesis. To sum up, our findings indicated that PLAGL2 could serve as an independent prognostic biomarker and might be a potential therapeutic target for HGG, which should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lingyi Che
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xianzheng Gao
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruihua Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Juan Duan
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhuoyu Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qian Ma, ; Zhuoyu Gu,
| | - Qian Ma
- Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qian Ma, ; Zhuoyu Gu,
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Yang Y, Gu X, Li Z, Zheng C, Wang Z, Zhou M, Chen Z, Li M, Li D, Xiang J. Whole-exome sequencing of rectal cancer identifies locally recurrent mutations in the Wnt pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:23262-23283. [PMID: 34642262 PMCID: PMC8544332 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203618] [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: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) leads to a poor prognosis and appears as a clinically predominant pattern of failure. In this research, whole-exome sequencing (WES) was performed on 21 samples from 8 patients to search for the molecular mechanisms of LRRC. The data was analyzed by bioinformatics. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Human Protein Atlas (HPA) were performed to validate the candidate genes. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of LEF1 and CyclinD1 in LRRC, primary rectal cancer (PRC), and non-recurrent rectal cancer (NRRC) specimens. The results showed that LRRC, PRC, and NRRC had 668, 794, and 190 specific genes, respectively. FGFR1 and MYC have copy number variants (CNVs) in PRC and LRRC, respectively. LRRC specific genes were mainly enriched in positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter, plasma membrane, and ATP binding. The specific signaling pathways of LRRC were Wnt signaling pathway, gap junction, and glucagon signaling pathway, etc. The transcriptional and translational expression levels of genes including NFATC1, PRICKLE1, SOX17, and WNT6 related to Wnt signaling pathway were higher in rectal cancer (READ) tissues than normal rectal tissues. The PRICKLE1 mutation (c.C875T) and WNT6 mutation (c.G629A) were predicted as “D (deleterious)”. Expression levels of LEF1 and cytokinin D1 proteins: LRRC > PRC > NRRC > normal rectal tissue. Gene variants in the Wnt signaling pathway may be critical for the development of LRRC. The present study may provide a basis for the prediction of LRRC and the development of new therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Xiaodong Gu
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zhenyang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Chuang Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zihao Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Minwei Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Zongyou Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- MyGene Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Dongbing Li
- MyGene Diagnostics Co., Ltd, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jianbin Xiang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
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Yang T, Huo J, Xu R, Su Q, Tang W, Zhang D, Zhu M, Zhan Y, Dai B, Zhang Y. Selenium sulfide disrupts the PLAGL2/C-MET/STAT3-induced resistance against mitochondrial apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e536. [PMID: 34586726 PMCID: PMC8441139 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Overexpression of pleomorphic adenoma gene like-2 (PLAGL2) is associated with tumorigenesis. However, its function in HCC is unclear, and there are currently no anti-HCC drugs that target PLAGL2. Drug repositioning may facilitate the development of PLAGL2-targeted drug candidates. METHODS The expression of PLAGL2 in HCC clinical tissue samples and HCC cell lines was analyzed by western blotting. The constructed HCC cell models were used to confirm the underlying function of PLAGL2 as a therapeutic target. Multiple in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to determine the anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects of selenium sulfide (SeS2 ), which is clinically used for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis and tinea versicolor. RESULTS PLAGL2 expression was higher in HCC tumor tissues than in normal adjacent tissues. Its overexpression promoted the resistance of HCC cells of mitochondrial apoptosis through the regulation of the downstream C-MET/STAT3 signaling axis. SeS2 exerted significant anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing effects on HCC cells in a PLAGL2-dependent manner. Mechanistically, SeS2 suppressed C-MET/STAT3, AKT/mTOR, and MAPK signaling and triggered Bcl-2/Cyto C/Caspase-mediated intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveal an important role of PLAGL2 in apoptosis resistance in HCC and highlight the potential of using SeS2 as a PLAGL2 inhibitor in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianfeng Yang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Jian Huo
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Rui Xu
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Qi Su
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Wenjuan Tang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Man Zhu
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Yingzhuan Zhan
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Bingling Dai
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
| | - Yanmin Zhang
- School of PharmacyHealth Science CenterXi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anP. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of Shaanxi for Natural Medicines Research and EngineeringXi'anP. R. China
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Ai L, Luo X, Yan X, Jiang S. MicroRNA-506-3p inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation through targeting enhancer of zeste homologue 2. Bioengineered 2021; 12:4044-4053. [PMID: 34288823 PMCID: PMC8806550 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1951930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of studies have shown that microRNA (miRNA) has an important relationship with the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC), but its specific molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. This study is to explore the influence of miR-506-3p on the malignant behavior of CRC and its underlying molecular mechanism. Our results show that miR-506-3p was lowly expressed and enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) was highly expressed in CRC. Overexpressing miR-506-3p or silencing EZH2 inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion and promoted apoptosis. Inhibiting miR-506-3p promoted CRC cell proliferation, migration and invasion but inhibited apoptosis. These impacts were reversed after co-transfecting si-EZH2. Further mechanism studies have shown that miR-506-3p can reduce EZH2 expression in CRC cells by binding to the 3ʹUTR end of EZH2. In summary, the results of this study show that miR-506-3p inhibited CRC progression through targeting EZH2 expression. This provides a new molecular target for the clinical treatment of CRC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ai
- Department of Oncology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chongqing City, China
| | - Xiaojun Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor Center, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing City, China
| | - Xiong Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing City, China
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing City, China
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Wang L, Sun L, Liu R, Mo H, Niu Y, Chen T, Wang Y, Han S, Tu K, Liu Q. Long non-coding RNA MAPKAPK5-AS1/PLAGL2/HIF-1α signaling loop promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:72. [PMID: 33596983 PMCID: PMC7891009 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01868-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are widely involved in human cancers’ progression by regulating tumor cells’ various malignant behaviors. MAPKAPK5-AS1 has been recognized as an oncogene in colorectal cancer. However, the biological role of MAPKAPK5-AS1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been explored. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect the level of MAPKAPK5-AS1 in HCC tissues and cell lines. The effects of MAPKAPK5-AS1 on tumor growth and metastasis were assessed via in vitro experiments, including MTT, colony formation, EdU, flow cytometry, transwell assays, and nude mice models. The western blotting analysis was carried out to determine epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and AKT signaling. The interaction between MAPKAPK5-AS1, miR-154-5p, and PLAGL2 were explored by luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation. The regulatory effect of HIF-1α on MAPKAPK5-AS1 was evaluated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Results MAPKAPK5-AS1 expression was significantly elevated in HCC, and its overexpression associated with malignant clinical features and reduced survival. Functionally, MAPKAPK5-AS1 knockdown repressed the proliferation, mobility, and EMT of HCC cells and induced apoptosis. Ectopic expression of MAPKAPK5-AS1 contributed to HCC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, MAPKAPK5-AS1 silencing suppressed, while MAPKAPK5-AS1 overexpression enhanced HCC growth and lung metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, MAPKAPK5-AS1 upregulated PLAG1 like zinc finger 2 (PLAGL2) expression by acting as an endogenous competing RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR-154-5p, thereby activating EGFR/AKT signaling. Importantly, rescue experiments demonstrated that the miR-154-5p/PLAGL2 axis mediated the function of MAPKAPK5-AS1 in HCC cells. Interestingly, we found that hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), a transcript factor, could directly bind to the promoter to activate MAPKAPK5-AS1 transcription. MAPKAPK5-AS1 regulated HIF-1α expression through PLAGL2 to form a hypoxia-mediated MAPKAPK5-AS1/PLAGL2/HIF-1α signaling loop in HCC. Conclusions Our results reveal a MAPKAPK5-AS1/PLAGL2/HIF-1α signaling loop in HCC progression and suggest that MAPKAPK5-AS1 could be a potential novel therapeutic target of HCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01868-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Liankang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Runkun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Huanye Mo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yongshen Niu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Tianxiang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shaoshan Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Kangsheng Tu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Qingguang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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Liu R, Shi P, Wang Z, Yuan C, Cui H. Molecular Mechanisms of MYCN Dysregulation in Cancers. Front Oncol 2021; 10:625332. [PMID: 33614505 PMCID: PMC7886978 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.625332] [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: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
MYCN, a member of MYC proto-oncogene family, encodes a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor N-MYC. Abnormal expression of N-MYC is correlated with high-risk cancers and poor prognosis. Initially identified as an amplified oncogene in neuroblastoma in 1983, the oncogenic effect of N-MYC is expanded to multiple neuronal and nonneuronal tumors. Direct targeting N-MYC remains challenge due to its "undruggable" features. Therefore, alternative therapeutic approaches for targeting MYCN-driven tumors have been focused on the disruption of transcription, translation, protein stability as well as synthetic lethality of MYCN. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of MYCN dysregulation in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruochen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, China
| | - Pengfei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhongze Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaoyu Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongjuan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology, College of Sericulture, Textile and Biomass Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Cancer Center, Reproductive Medicine Center, Medical Research Institute, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health (Chongqing Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Reproductive Health, Chongqing Population and Family Planning Science and Technology Research Institute), Chongqing, China
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Chen L, Wang X, Ji C, Hu J, Fang L. MiR-506-3p suppresses papillary thyroid cancer cells tumorigenesis by targeting YAP1. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:153231. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.153231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Aravindan N, Herman T, Aravindan S. Emerging therapeutic targets for neuroblastoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:899-914. [PMID: 33021426 PMCID: PMC7554151 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1790528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neuroblastoma (NB) is the prime cancer of infancy, and accounts for 9% of pediatric cancer deaths. While children diagnosed with clinically stable NB experience a complete cure, those with high-risk disease (HR-NB) do not recover, despite intensive therapeutic strategies. Development of novel and effective targeted therapies is needed to counter disease progression, and to benefit long-term survival of children with HR-NB. AREAS COVERED Recent studies (2017-2020) pertinent to NB evolution are selectively reviewed to recognize novel and effective therapeutic targets. The prospective and promising therapeutic targets/strategies for HR-NB are categorized into (a) targeting oncogene-like and/or reinforcing tumor suppressor (TS)-like lncRNAs; (b) targeting oncogene-like microRNAs (miRs) and/or mimicking TS-miRs; (c) targets for immunotherapy; (d) targeting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells; (e) novel and beneficial combination approaches; and (f) repurposing drugs and other strategies in development. EXPERT OPINION It is highly unlikely that agents targeting a single candidate or signaling will be beneficial for an HR-NB cure. We must develop efficient drug deliverables for functional targets, which could be integrated and advance clinical therapy. Fittingly, the looming evidence indicated an aggressive evolution of promising novel and integrative targets, development of efficient drugs, and improvised strategies for HR-NB treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Terence Herman
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, USA
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