1
|
Jacobson JC, Qiao J, Cochran ED, McCreery S, Chung DH. Migration, invasion, and metastasis are mediated by P-Rex1 in neuroblastoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1336031. [PMID: 38884093 PMCID: PMC11176429 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1336031] [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: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma accounts for approximately 15% of pediatric cancer-related deaths despite intensive multimodal therapy. This is due, in part, to high rates of metastatic disease at diagnosis and disease relapse. A better understanding of tumor biology of aggressive, pro-metastatic phenotypes is necessary to develop novel, more effective therapeutics against neuroblastoma. Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) has been found to stimulate migration, invasion, and metastasis in several adult malignancies. However, its role in neuroblastoma is currently unknown. In the present study, we found that P-Rex1 is upregulated in pro-metastatic murine models of neuroblastoma, as well as human neuroblastoma metastases. Correspondingly, silencing of P-Rex1 was associated with decreased migration and invasion in vitro. This was associated with decreased AKT-mTOR and ERK2 activity, dysregulation of Rac, and diminished secretion of matrix metalloproteinases. Furthermore, increased P-Rex1 expression was associated with inferior relapse-free and overall survival via tissue microarray and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of a publicly available clinical database. Together, these findings suggest that P-Rex1 may be a novel therapeutic target and potential prognostic factor in neuroblastoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian C Jacobson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jingbo Qiao
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Elizabeth D Cochran
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Sullivan McCreery
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Dai H Chung
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Health, Dallas, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen XY, Cheng AY, Wang ZY, Jin JM, Lin JY, Wang B, Guan YY, Zhang H, Jiang YX, Luan X, Zhang LJ. Dbl family RhoGEFs in cancer: different roles and targeting strategies. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 223:116141. [PMID: 38499108 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116141] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Small Ras homologous guanosine triphosphatase (Rho GTPase) family proteins are highly associated with tumorigenesis and development. As intrinsic exchange activity regulators of Rho GTPases, Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs) have been demonstrated to be closely involved in tumor development and received increasing attention. They mainly contain two families: the diffuse B-cell lymphoma (Dbl) family and the dedicator of cytokinesis (Dock) family. More and more emphasis has been paid to the Dbl family members for their abnormally high expression in various cancers and their correlation to poor prognosis. In this review, the common and distinctive structures of Dbl family members are discussed, and their roles in cancer are summarized with a focus on Ect2, Tiam1/2, P-Rex1/2, Vav1/2/3, Trio, KALRN, and LARG. Significantly, the strategies targeting Dbl family RhoGEFs are highlighted as novel therapeutic opportunities for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Chen
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ao-Yu Cheng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zi-Ying Wang
- School of Biological Engineering, Tianjin University of Science&Technology, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Jin-Mei Jin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jia-Yi Lin
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Bei Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying-Yun Guan
- Department of Pharmacy, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yi-Xin Jiang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Xin Luan
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Li-Jun Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Aljagthmi AA, Hira A, Zhang J, Cooke M, Kazanietz MG, Kadakia MP. ∆Np63α inhibits Rac1 activation and cancer cell invasion through suppression of PREX1. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:13. [PMID: 38191532 PMCID: PMC10774331 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01789-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ΔNp63α, a member of the p53 family of transcription factors, plays a critical role in maintaining the proliferative potential of stem cells in the stratified epithelium. Although ΔNp63α is considered an oncogene and is frequently overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma, loss of ΔNp63α expression is associated with increased tumor cell invasion and metastasis. We recently identified a ΔNp63α/miR-320a/PKCγ signaling axis that regulates cancer cell invasion by inhibiting phosphorylation of the small GTPase Rac1, a master switch of cell motility that positively regulates cell invasion in multiple human cancers. In this study, we identified a novel mechanism by which ΔNp63α negatively regulates Rac1 activity, by inhibiting the expression of the Rac-specific Guanine Exchange Factor PREX1. ΔNp63α knockdown in multiple squamous cell carcinoma cell lines leads to increased Rac1 activation, which is abrogated by treatment with the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766. Furthermore, ΔNp63α negatively regulates PREX1 transcript and protein levels. Using a Rac-GEF activation assay, we also showed that ΔNp63α reduces the levels of active PREX1. The inhibition of the PREX1-Rac1 signaling axis by ΔNp63α leads to impaired cell invasion, thus establishing the functional relevance of this link. Our results elucidated a novel molecular mechanism by which ΔNp63α negatively affects cancer cell invasion and identifies the ΔNp63α/Rac1 axis as a potential target for metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amjad A Aljagthmi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Akshay Hira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Madhavi P Kadakia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kim S, Nam S. The causal relationship of colorectal cancer on schizophrenia: A Mendelian randomization study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35517. [PMID: 37800808 PMCID: PMC10553116 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Comorbidities associated with psychiatric disorders often occur in patients with cancer. A causal effect of schizophrenia on cancer was observed using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. However, the causal effect of colorectal cancer on schizophrenia has not been studied using MR analysis. Therefore, we performed MR analysis to investigate the causal effects of colorectal cancer on schizophrenia. We performed "two-sample summary-data Mendelian randomization" using publicly available genome-wide association studies data to investigate the causal relationship between colorectal cancer (as exposure) and schizophrenia (as outcome). The inverse variance weighted method was used to calculate causal estimates. In 2 TSMR analyses, we reported that the odds ratios for schizophrenia per log odds increase in colorectal cancer risk were 6.48 (95% confidential interval [CI] of OR 1.75-24.03; P = .005) and 9.62 × 106 (95% CI of OR 1.13-8.22 × 1013; P = .048). Pleiotropic tests and sensitivity analysis demonstrated minimal horizontal pleiotropy and robustness of the causal relationship. We provide evidence for a causal relationship between the incidence of colorectal cancer and the development of schizophrenia through TSMR analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sungyeon Kim
- Department of Genome Medicine and Science, AI Convergence Center for Medical Science, Gachon Institute of Genome Medicine and Science, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Seungyoon Nam
- Department of Genome Medicine and Science, AI Convergence Center for Medical Science, Gachon Institute of Genome Medicine and Science, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (GAIHST), Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The pseudokinase NRBP1 activates Rac1/Cdc42 via P-Rex1 to drive oncogenic signalling in triple-negative breast cancer. Oncogene 2023; 42:833-847. [PMID: 36693952 PMCID: PMC10005955 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02594-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We have determined that expression of the pseudokinase NRBP1 positively associates with poor prognosis in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and is required for efficient migration, invasion and proliferation of TNBC cells in culture as well as growth of TNBC orthotopic xenografts and experimental metastasis. Application of BioID/MS profiling identified P-Rex1, a known guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rac1, as a NRBP1 binding partner. Importantly, NRBP1 overexpression enhanced levels of GTP-bound Rac1 and Cdc42 in a P-Rex1-dependent manner, while NRBP1 knockdown reduced their activation. In addition, NRBP1 associated with P-Rex1, Rac1 and Cdc42, suggesting a scaffolding function for this pseudokinase. NRBP1-mediated promotion of cell migration and invasion was P-Rex1-dependent, while constitutively-active Rac1 rescued the effect of NRBP1 knockdown on cell proliferation and invasion. Generation of reactive oxygen species via a NRBP1/P-Rex1 pathway was implicated in these oncogenic roles of NRBP1. Overall, these findings define a new function for NRBP1 and a novel oncogenic signalling pathway in TNBC that may be amenable to therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
|
6
|
Floerchinger A, Murphy KJ, Latham SL, Warren SC, McCulloch AT, Lee YK, Stoehr J, Mélénec P, Guaman CS, Metcalf XL, Lee V, Zaratzian A, Da Silva A, Tayao M, Rolo S, Phimmachanh M, Sultani G, McDonald L, Mason SM, Ferrari N, Ooms LM, Johnsson AKE, Spence HJ, Olson MF, Machesky LM, Sansom OJ, Morton JP, Mitchell CA, Samuel MS, Croucher DR, Welch HCE, Blyth K, Caldon CE, Herrmann D, Anderson KI, Timpson P, Nobis M. Optimizing metastatic-cascade-dependent Rac1 targeting in breast cancer: Guidance using optical window intravital FRET imaging. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109689. [PMID: 34525350 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Assessing drug response within live native tissue provides increased fidelity with regards to optimizing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. Here, using longitudinal intravital imaging of a Rac1-Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensor mouse coupled with in vivo photoswitching to track intratumoral movement, we help guide treatment scheduling in a live breast cancer setting to impair metastatic progression. We uncover altered Rac1 activity at the center versus invasive border of tumors and demonstrate enhanced Rac1 activity of cells in close proximity to live tumor vasculature using optical window imaging. We further reveal that Rac1 inhibition can enhance tumor cell vulnerability to fluid-flow-induced shear stress and therefore improves overall anti-metastatic response to therapy during transit to secondary sites such as the lung. Collectively, this study demonstrates the utility of single-cell intravital imaging in vivo to demonstrate that Rac1 inhibition can reduce tumor progression and metastases in an autochthonous setting to improve overall survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Floerchinger
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Kendelle J Murphy
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Sharissa L Latham
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Sean C Warren
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Andrew T McCulloch
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Young-Kyung Lee
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Janett Stoehr
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Pauline Mélénec
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Cris S Guaman
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Xanthe L Metcalf
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Victoria Lee
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Anaiis Zaratzian
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Andrew Da Silva
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Michael Tayao
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Sonia Rolo
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G611BD, UK
| | - Monica Phimmachanh
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Ghazal Sultani
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Laura McDonald
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G611BD, UK
| | - Susan M Mason
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G611BD, UK
| | - Nicola Ferrari
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G611BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Glasgow G111QH, UK
| | - Lisa M Ooms
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | | | - Heather J Spence
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Michael F Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Laura M Machesky
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G611BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Glasgow G111QH, UK
| | - Jennifer P Morton
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G611BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Glasgow G111QH, UK
| | - Christina A Mitchell
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Michael S Samuel
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia; and the School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - David R Croucher
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Heidi C E Welch
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB223AT, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G611BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Switchback Road, Glasgow G111QH, UK
| | - C Elizabeth Caldon
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - David Herrmann
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Kurt I Anderson
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G611BD, UK; Francis Crick Institute, London NW11AT, UK
| | - Paul Timpson
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
| | - Max Nobis
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Park J, Kim J, Kim E, Kim WJ, Won S. Prenatal lead exposure and cord blood DNA methylation in the Korean Exposome Study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110767. [PMID: 33515580 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal lead exposure has been reported to affect infant growth and nervous system development, as well as to influence DNA methylation. We conducted an epigenome-wide association study to identify associations between prenatal lead exposure and cord blood DNA methylation in Korean infants. METHODS Cord blood samples were assayed with the Illumina HumanMethylationEPIC BeadChip kits, and maternal blood lead levels during early and late pregnancy, as well as cord blood lead level, were measured. The association between CpG methylation and lead level was analyzed using the limma package, with adjusting for infant sex, maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, and estimated leukocyte composition. RESULTS Among 364 blood samples (182 males and 182 females), those for which maternal and cord blood lead concentrations during early and later pregnancy was known were used for analysis. Maternal lead concentration in blood during early pregnancy was significantly associated with the methylation status of specific positions. After data stratification by infant sex, we found that, in males, the level of maternal blood lead was associated with 18 CpG sites during early pregnancy, and with one CpG site near the NBAS gene, during late pregnancy. In female samples, there was no significant association between DNA methylation and lead concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal lead exposure was associated with altered, gender-specific patterns of DNA methylation in Korean infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jaehyun Park
- Interdisciplinary Program of Bioinformatics, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeeyoung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Esther Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Woo Jin Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine and Environmental Health Center, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea.
| | - Sungho Won
- Interdisciplinary Program of Bioinformatics, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Public Health Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zeng RJ, Zheng CW, Chen WX, Xu LY, Li EM. Rho GTPases in cancer radiotherapy and metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:1245-1262. [PMID: 32772212 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09923-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite treatment advances, radioresistance and metastasis markedly impair the benefits of radiotherapy to patients with malignancies. Functioning as molecular switches, Rho guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) have well-recognized roles in regulating various downstream signaling pathways in a wide range of cancers. In recent years, accumulating evidence indicates the involvement of Rho GTPases in cancer radiotherapeutic efficacy and metastasis, as well as radiation-induced metastasis. The functions of Rho GTPases in radiotherapeutic efficacy are divergent and context-dependent; thereby, a comprehensive integration of their roles and correlated mechanisms is urgently needed. This review integrates current evidence supporting the roles of Rho GTPases in mediating radiotherapeutic efficacy and the underlying mechanisms. In addition, their correlations with metastasis and radiation-induced metastasis are discussed. Under the prudent application of Rho GTPase inhibitors based on critical evaluations of biological contexts, targeting Rho GTPases can be a promising strategy in overcoming radioresistance and simultaneously reducing the metastatic potential of tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Jie Zeng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Chun-Wen Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Wan-Xian Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Li-Yan Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
- Institute of Oncologic Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
| | - En-Min Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Srijakotre N, Liu HJ, Nobis M, Man J, Yip HYK, Papa A, Abud HE, Anderson KI, Welch HCE, Tiganis T, Timpson P, McLean CA, Ooms LM, Mitchell CA. PtdIns(3,4,5)P 3-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) promotes mammary tumor initiation and metastasis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:28056-28067. [PMID: 33097662 PMCID: PMC7668035 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2006445117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rac-GEF, P-Rex1, activates Rac1 signaling downstream of G protein-coupled receptors and PI3K. Increased P-Rex1 expression promotes melanoma progression; however, its role in breast cancer is complex, with differing reports of the effect of its expression on disease outcome. To address this we analyzed human databases, undertook gene array expression analysis, and generated unique murine models of P-Rex1 gain or loss of function. Analysis of PREX1 mRNA expression in breast cancer cDNA arrays and a METABRIC cohort revealed that higher PREX1 mRNA in ER+ve/luminal tumors was associated with poor outcome in luminal B cancers. Prex1 deletion in MMTV-neu or MMTV-PyMT mice reduced Rac1 activation in vivo and improved survival. High level MMTV-driven transgenic PREX1 expression resulted in apicobasal polarity defects and increased mammary epithelial cell proliferation associated with hyperplasia and development of de novo mammary tumors. MMTV-PREX1 expression in MMTV-neu mice increased tumor initiation and enhanced metastasis in vivo, but had no effect on primary tumor growth. Pharmacological inhibition of Rac1 or MEK1/2 reduced P-Rex1-driven tumoroid formation and cell invasion. Therefore, P-Rex1 can act as an oncogene and cooperate with HER2/neu to enhance breast cancer initiation and metastasis, despite having no effect on primary tumor growth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nuthasuda Srijakotre
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Heng-Jia Liu
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Max Nobis
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Joey Man
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Hon Yan Kelvin Yip
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Antonella Papa
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Helen E Abud
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Kurt I Anderson
- Tumour Cell Migration, Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, G611BD Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Crick Advanced Light Microscopy, Francis Crick Institute, NW11AT London, United Kingdom
| | - Heidi C E Welch
- Signalling Programme, Babraham Institute, CB22 3AT Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Tony Tiganis
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Paul Timpson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent's Clinical School, University of New South Wales (UNSW) Sydney, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Catriona A McLean
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, VIC 3181, Australia
| | - Lisa M Ooms
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Christina A Mitchell
- Cancer Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Overexpression of PREX1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma indicates poor prognosis. J Mol Histol 2020; 51:531-540. [PMID: 32785873 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-020-09901-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Rac exchanger (P-Rex) proteins control many fundamental cellular functions including cell migration, actin cytoskeletal rearrangement and adhesion in many cancers. However, P-Rex1 expression and its prognostic effect and possible clinical value are not clearly elucidated in human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Here, OSCC tissue microarrays were used to verify the expression levels of P-Rex1, coinhibitory immune checkpoints and tumor associated macrophage (TAM) markers, and to analyze the relationship between PREX1 expression levels and clinicopathological characteristics in OSCC. The study found that P-Rex1 expression was elevated in OSCC compared to dysplasia and normal mucosa (P < 0.0001). In addition, patients who expressed high PREX1 had a poorer prognosis than those who expressed low PREX1 (P = 0.0070). Furthermore, positive correlations were found between P-Rex1 expression and the immune checkpoints PD-L1, Galectin-9 and B7-H4, and the TAM markers CD68, CD206 and CD163. In short, these findings implicated that overexpression of P-Rex1 may predict a poor prognosis in human OSCC.
Collapse
|
11
|
P-REX1-Independent, Calcium-Dependent RAC1 Hyperactivation in Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020480. [PMID: 32092966 PMCID: PMC7072377 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The GTPase Rac1 is a well-established master regulator of cell motility and invasiveness contributing to cancer metastasis. Dysregulation of the Rac1 signaling pathway, resulting in elevated motile and invasive potential, has been reported in multiple cancers. However, there are limited studies on the regulation of Rac1 in prostate cancer. Here, we demonstrate that aggressive androgen-independent prostate cancer cells display marked hyperactivation of Rac1. This hyperactivation is independent of P-Rex1 activity or its direct activators, the PI3K product PIP3 and Gβγ subunits. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the motility and invasiveness of PC3 prostate cancer cells is independent of P-Rex1, supporting the analysis of publicly available datasets indicating no correlation between high P-Rex1 expression and cancer progression in patients. Rac1 hyperactivation was not related to the presence of activating Rac1 mutations and was insensitive to overexpression of a Rac-GAP or the silencing of specific Rac-GEFs expressed in prostate cancer cells. Interestingly, active Rac1 levels in these cells were markedly reduced by elevations in intracellular calcium or by serum stimulation, suggesting the presence of an alternative means of Rac1 regulation in prostate cancer that does not involve previously established paradigms.
Collapse
|
12
|
Harrell Stewart DR, Clark GJ. Pumping the brakes on RAS - negative regulators and death effectors of RAS. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/3/jcs238865. [PMID: 32041893 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.238865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations that activate the RAS oncoproteins are common in cancer. However, aberrant upregulation of RAS activity often occurs in the absence of activating mutations in the RAS genes due to defects in RAS regulators. It is now clear that loss of function of Ras GTPase-activating proteins (RasGAPs) is common in tumors, and germline mutations in certain RasGAP genes are responsible for some clinical syndromes. Although regulation of RAS is central to their activity, RasGAPs exhibit great diversity in their binding partners and therefore affect signaling by multiple mechanisms that are independent of RAS. The RASSF family of tumor suppressors are essential to RAS-induced apoptosis and senescence, and constitute a barrier to RAS-mediated transformation. Suppression of RASSF protein expression can also promote the development of excessive RAS signaling by uncoupling RAS from growth inhibitory pathways. Here, we will examine how these effectors of RAS contribute to tumor suppression, through both RAS-dependent and RAS-independent mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desmond R Harrell Stewart
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40222, USA
| | - Geoffrey J Clark
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40222, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor P-Rex1 as a potential drug target for cancer metastasis and inflammatory diseases. Pharmacol Res 2020; 153:104676. [PMID: 32006571 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3)-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rac small GTPases and the Rac-related GTPase RhoG. P-Rex1 plays an important role in cell migration and relays intracellular signals generated through activation of G protein-coupled receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases. Studies of mouse models have found that P-Rex1 expression and activation is associated with tumor cell migration, brain development and pathological changes such as lung edema. Since its initial discovery, P-Rex1 has been known for its large size and multiple activation mechanisms that involve not only PIP3 but also the βγ subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins and a regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent kinase, PKA RIα. At the core of the GEF activity is the tandem Dbl homology domain and the pleckstrin homology domain (DH/PH domains) that are masked until activation signals unwind the P-Rex1 structure. Understanding the activation mechanisms will help designing therapeutics that target P-Rex1 for cancer and other diseases.
Collapse
|
14
|
Korkmaz G, Manber Z, Lopes R, Prekovic S, Schuurman K, Kim Y, Teunissen H, Flach K, Wit ED, Galli GG, Zwart W, Elkon R, Agami R. A CRISPR-Cas9 screen identifies essential CTCF anchor sites for estrogen receptor-driven breast cancer cell proliferation. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:9557-9572. [PMID: 31372638 PMCID: PMC6765117 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is an enhancer activating transcription factor, a key driver of breast cancer and a main target for cancer therapy. ERα-mediated gene regulation requires proper chromatin-conformation to facilitate interactions between ERα-bound enhancers and their target promoters. A major determinant of chromatin structure is the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), that dimerizes and together with cohesin stabilizes chromatin loops and forms the boundaries of topologically associated domains. However, whether CTCF-binding elements (CBEs) are essential for ERα-driven cell proliferation is unknown. To address this question in a global manner, we implemented a CRISPR-based functional genetic screen targeting CBEs located in the vicinity of ERα-bound enhancers. We identified four functional CBEs and demonstrated the role of one of them in inducing chromatin conformation changes in favor of activation of PREX1, a key ERα target gene in breast cancer. Indeed, high PREX1 expression is a bona-fide marker of ERα-dependency in cell lines, and is associated with good outcome after anti-hormonal treatment. Altogether, our data show that distinct CTCF-mediated chromatin structures are required for ERα- driven breast cancer cell proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Korkmaz
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zohar Manber
- Department of Human Genetics, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Rui Lopes
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Prekovic
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karianne Schuurman
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yongsoo Kim
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Teunissen
- Division of Gene Regulation, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Koen Flach
- Division of Gene Regulation, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elzo de Wit
- Division of Gene Regulation, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giorgio G Galli
- Disease area Oncology, Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, CH-4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wilbert Zwart
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ran Elkon
- Department of Human Genetics, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Reuven Agami
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Erasmus MC, Rotterdam University, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhong Y, Zhang J, Zhou Y, Mao F, Lin Y, Xu Y, Guan J, Shen S, Pan B, Wang C, Peng L, Huang X, Li Y, Cao X, Sun Q. Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-Trisphosphate Dependent Rac Exchange Factor 1 (PREX1) is a Novel Predictor of Prognosis for Breast Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Case Series. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:6554-6562. [PMID: 31473760 PMCID: PMC6738004 DOI: 10.12659/msm.915845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In previous studies, higher expression of PREX1 (PtdIns (3,4,5)P3-dependent Rac exchanger 1) has been detected in some subsets of breast cancer, and activation of PREX1 has been associated with tumor progression in vivo. However, an association between PREX1 and breast cancer prognosis has not been examined. Material/Methods In this study, we investigated the expression and correlation of PREX1 with important clinical factors and prognosis of patients with breast cancer. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for 121 tumor tissue specimens obtained from primary breast cancer lesions. Results We found that 55 tissues exhibited positive staining for PREX1. Moreover, tumors positive for PREX1 were found to have significant association with recurrence rate (P=0.000) and metastasis rate (P=0.001). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses also identified PREX1 expression as an independent variable of disease-free survival. Our analyses indicate that high levels of PREX1 expression were related to longer disease-free survival in patients with breast cancer (P=0.013). Conclusions PREX1 is a favorable variable of prognosis for breast cancer patients, these study results need to be confirmed in larger research studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhong
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Yidong Zhou
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Feng Mao
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Yali Xu
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Jinghong Guan
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Songjie Shen
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Bo Pan
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Changjun Wang
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Li Peng
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Xi Cao
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Breast Disease, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China (mainland)
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Cooke M, Casado-Medrano V, Ann J, Lee J, Blumberg PM, Abba MC, Kazanietz MG. Differential Regulation of Gene Expression in Lung Cancer Cells by Diacyglycerol-Lactones and a Phorbol Ester Via Selective Activation of Protein Kinase C Isozymes. Sci Rep 2019; 9:6041. [PMID: 30988374 PMCID: PMC6465381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42581-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite our extensive knowledge on the biology of protein kinase C (PKC) and its involvement in disease, limited success has been attained in the generation of PKC isozyme-specific modulators acting via the C1 domain, the binding site for the lipid second messenger diacylglycerol (DAG) and the phorbol ester tumor promoters. Synthetic efforts had recently led to the identification of AJH-836, a DAG-lactone with preferential affinity for novel isozymes (nPKCs) relative to classical PKCs (cPKCs). Here, we compared the ability of AJH-836 and a prototypical phorbol ester (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, PMA) to induce changes in gene expression in a lung cancer model. Gene profiling analysis using RNA-Seq revealed that PMA caused major changes in gene expression, whereas AJH-836 only induced a small subset of genes, thus providing a strong indication for a major involvement of cPKCs in their control of gene expression. MMP1, MMP9, and MMP10 were among the genes most prominently induced by PMA, an effect impaired by RNAi silencing of PKCα, but not PKCδ or PKCε. Comprehensive gene signature analysis and bioinformatics efforts, including functional enrichment and transcription factor binding site analyses of dysregulated genes, identified major differences in pathway activation and transcriptional networks between PMA and DAG-lactones. In addition to providing solid evidence for the differential involvement of individual PKC isozymes in the control of gene expression, our studies emphasize the importance of generating targeted C1 domain ligands capable of differentially regulating PKC isozyme-specific function in cellular models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Victoria Casado-Medrano
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jihyae Ann
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeewoo Lee
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Peter M Blumberg
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Martin C Abba
- Centro de Investigaciones Inmunológicas Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CP1900, La Plata, Argentina.
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
The role of Rac in tumor susceptibility and disease progression: from biochemistry to the clinic. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:1003-1012. [PMID: 30065108 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The family of Rho GTPases are involved in the dynamic control of cytoskeleton reorganization and other fundamental cellular functions, including growth, motility, and survival. Rac1, one of the best characterized Rho GTPases, is an established effector of receptors and an important node in signaling networks crucial for tumorigenesis and metastasis. Rac1 hyperactivation is common in human cancer and could be the consequence of overexpression, abnormal upstream inputs, deregulated degradation, and/or anomalous intracellular localization. More recently, cancer-associated gain-of-function mutations in Rac1 have been identified which contribute to tumor phenotypes and confer resistance to targeted therapies. Deregulated expression/activity of Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factors responsible for Rac activation has been largely associated with a metastatic phenotype and drug resistance. Translating our extensive knowledge in Rac pathway biochemistry into a clinical setting still remains a major challenge; nonetheless, remarkable opportunities for cancer therapeutics arise from promising lead compounds targeting Rac and its effectors.
Collapse
|
18
|
P-Rex1 is dispensable for Erk activation and mitogenesis in breast cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 9:28612-28624. [PMID: 29983884 PMCID: PMC6033363 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-Trisphosphate Dependent Rac Exchange Factor 1 (P-Rex1) is a key mediator of growth factor-induced activation of Rac1, a small GTP-binding protein widely implicated in actin cytoskeleton reorganization. This Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factor (GEF) is overexpressed in human luminal breast cancer, and its expression associates with disease progression, metastatic dissemination and poor outcome. Despite the established contribution of P-Rex1 to Rac activation and cell locomotion, whether this Rac-GEF has any relevant role in mitogenesis has been a subject of controversy. To tackle the discrepancies among various reports, we carried out an exhaustive analysis of the potential involvement of P-Rex1 on the activation of the mitogenic Erk pathway. Using a range of luminal breast cancer cellular models, we unequivocally showed that silencing P-Rex1 (transiently, stably, using multiple siRNA sequences) had no effect on the phospho-Erk response upon stimulation with growth factors (EGF, heregulin, IGF-I) or a GPCR ligand (SDF-1). The lack of involvement of P-Rex1 in Erk activation was confirmed at the single cell level using a fluorescent biosensor of Erk kinase activity. Depletion of P-Rex1 from breast cancer cells failed to affect cell cycle progression, cyclin D1 induction, Akt activation and apoptotic responses. In addition, mammary-specific P-Rex1 transgenic mice (MMTV-P-Rex1) did not show any obvious hyperproliferative phenotype. Therefore, despite its crucial role in Rac1 activation and cell motility, P-Rex1 is dispensable for mitogenic or survival responses in breast cancer cells.
Collapse
|
19
|
Gont A, Daneshmand M, Woulfe J, Lavictoire SJ, Lorimer IAJ. PREX1 integrates G protein-coupled receptor and phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling to promote glioblastoma invasion. Oncotarget 2018; 8:8559-8573. [PMID: 28051998 PMCID: PMC5352422 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A defining feature of the brain cancer glioblastoma is its highly invasive nature. When glioblastoma cells are isolated from patients using serum free conditions, they accurately recapitulate this invasive behaviour in animal models. The Rac subclass of Rho GTPases has been shown to promote invasive behaviour in glioblastoma cells isolated in this manner. However the guanine nucleotide exchange factors responsible for activating Rac in this context have not been characterized previously. PREX1 is a Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor that is synergistically activated by binding of G protein αγ subunits and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway second messenger phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5 trisphosphate. This makes it of particular interest in glioblastoma, as the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway is aberrantly activated by mutation in almost all cases. We show that PREX1 is expressed in glioblastoma cells isolated under serum-free conditions and in patient biopsies. PREX1 promotes the motility and invasion of glioblastoma cells, promoting Rac-mediated activation of p21-associated kinases and atypical PKC, which have established roles in cell motility. Glioblastoma cell motility was inhibited by either inhibition of phosphoinositide 3-kinase or inhibition of G protein βγ subunits. Motility was also inhibited by the generic dopamine receptor inhibitor haloperidol or a combination of the selective dopamine receptor D2 and D4 inhibitors L-741,626 and L-745,870. This establishes a role for dopamine receptor signaling via G protein βγ subunits in glioblastoma invasion and shows that phosphoinositide 3-kinase mutations in glioblastoma require a context of basal G protein–coupled receptor activity in order to promote this invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Gont
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manijeh Daneshmand
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Woulfe
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sylvie J Lavictoire
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ian A J Lorimer
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Barrio-Real L, Wertheimer E, Garg R, Abba MC, Kazanietz MG. Characterization of a P-Rex1 gene signature in breast cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:51335-51348. [PMID: 27351228 PMCID: PMC5239479 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Rac nucleotide Exchange Factor (Rac-GEF) P-Rex1 is highly expressed in breast cancer, specifically in the luminal subtype, and is an essential mediator of actin cytoskeleton reorganization and cell migratory responses induced by stimulation of ErbB and other tyrosine-kinase receptors. Heregulin (HRG), a growth factor highly expressed in mammary tumors, causes the activation of P-Rex1 and Rac1 in breast cancer cells via ErbB3, leading to a motile response. Since there is limited information about P-Rex1 downstream effectors, we carried out a microarray analysis to identify genes regulated by this Rac-GEF after stimulation of ErbB3 with HRG. In T-47D breast cancer cells, HRG treatment caused major changes in gene expression, including genes associated with motility, adhesion, invasiveness and metastasis. Silencing P-Rex1 expression from T-47D cells using RNAi altered the induction and repression of a subset of HRG-regulated genes, among them genes associated with extracellular matrix organization, migration, and chemotaxis. HRG induction of MMP10 (matrix metalloproteinase 10) was found to be highly sensitive both to P-Rex1 depletion and inhibition of Rac1 function by the GTPase Activating Protein (GAP) β2-chimaerin, suggesting the dependence of the P-Rex1/Rac1 pathway for the induction of genes critical for breast cancer invasiveness. Notably, there is a significant association in the expression of P-Rex1 and MMP10 in human luminal breast cancer, and their co-expression is indicative of poor prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Barrio-Real
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Eva Wertheimer
- Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos (CEFYBO), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rachana Garg
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Martin C Abba
- Centro de Investigaciones Inmunológicas Básicas y Aplicadas (CINIBA), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bisarro dos Reis M, Barros-Filho MC, Marchi FA, Beltrami CM, Kuasne H, Pinto CAL, Ambatipudi S, Herceg Z, Kowalski LP, Rogatto SR. Prognostic Classifier Based on Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Profiling in Well-Differentiated Thyroid Tumors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2017; 102:4089-4099. [PMID: 28938489 PMCID: PMC5673278 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-00881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Context Even though the majority of well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) is indolent, a number of cases display an aggressive behavior. Cumulative evidence suggests that the deregulation of DNA methylation has the potential to point out molecular markers associated with worse prognosis. Objective To identify a prognostic epigenetic signature in thyroid cancer. Design Genome-wide DNA methylation assays (450k platform, Illumina) were performed in a cohort of 50 nonneoplastic thyroid tissues (NTs), 17 benign thyroid lesions (BTLs), and 74 thyroid carcinomas (60 papillary, 8 follicular, 2 Hürthle cell, 1 poorly differentiated, and 3 anaplastic). A prognostic classifier for WDTC was developed via diagonal linear discriminant analysis. The results were compared with The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Results A specific epigenetic profile was detected according to each histological subtype. BTLs and follicular carcinomas showed a greater number of methylated CpG in comparison with NTs, whereas hypomethylation was predominant in papillary and undifferentiated carcinomas. A prognostic classifier based on 21 DNA methylation probes was able to predict poor outcome in patients with WDTC (sensitivity 63%, specificity 92% for internal data; sensitivity 64%, specificity 88% for TCGA data). High-risk score based on the classifier was considered an independent factor of poor outcome (Cox regression, P < 0.001). Conclusions The methylation profile of thyroid lesions exhibited a specific signature according to the histological subtype. A meaningful algorithm composed of 21 probes was capable of predicting the recurrence in WDTC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bisarro dos Reis
- International Research Center, CIPE, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center and National Institute of Science and Technology in Oncogenomics, São Paulo 01509-010, SP, Brazil
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, UNESP, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-970, SP, Brazil
| | - Mateus Camargo Barros-Filho
- International Research Center, CIPE, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center and National Institute of Science and Technology in Oncogenomics, São Paulo 01509-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Fábio Albuquerque Marchi
- International Research Center, CIPE, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center and National Institute of Science and Technology in Oncogenomics, São Paulo 01509-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Caroline Moraes Beltrami
- International Research Center, CIPE, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center and National Institute of Science and Technology in Oncogenomics, São Paulo 01509-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Hellen Kuasne
- International Research Center, CIPE, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center and National Institute of Science and Technology in Oncogenomics, São Paulo 01509-010, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Srikant Ambatipudi
- Epigenetics Group; International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon 69372, France
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TH, United Kingdom
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group; International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Lyon 69372, France
| | - Luiz Paulo Kowalski
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Otorhinolaryngology, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo 01509-010, SP, Brazil
| | - Silvia Regina Rogatto
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, UNESP, São Paulo State University, Botucatu 18618-970, SP, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Vejle Hospital and Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Vejle, 7100, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhu X, Zhang X, Ye Z, Chen Y, Lv L, Zhang X, Hu H. Silencing of semaphorin 3C suppresses cell proliferation and migration in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:5913-5917. [PMID: 29113226 PMCID: PMC5661468 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have suggested that semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C) is involved in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of a number of types of cancer. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of SEMA3C in the proliferation and migration of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Small interfering (si)RNA sequences targeting SEMA3C were constructed and transfected into MCF-7 cells in order to silence the expression of SEMA3C. Cell proliferation and migration were measured using CCK-8 and Transwell assays, respectively. Transfection with SEMA3C siRNA significantly downregulated the expression of SEMA3C in MCF-7 cells, and significantly suppressed cell proliferation and migration. Therefore, SEMA3C-targeted siRNA may be of potential use for the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofang Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Xiangjian Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Zhiqiang Ye
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yizuo Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Lin Lv
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Zhang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Hongye Hu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kazanietz MG, Caloca MJ. The Rac GTPase in Cancer: From Old Concepts to New Paradigms. Cancer Res 2017; 77:5445-5451. [PMID: 28807941 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 06/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Rho family GTPases are critical regulators of cellular functions that play important roles in cancer progression. Aberrant activity of Rho small G-proteins, particularly Rac1 and their regulators, is a hallmark of cancer and contributes to the tumorigenic and metastatic phenotypes of cancer cells. This review examines the multiple mechanisms leading to Rac1 hyperactivation, particularly focusing on emerging paradigms that involve gain-of-function mutations in Rac and guanine nucleotide exchange factors, defects in Rac1 degradation, and mislocalization of Rac signaling components. The unexpected pro-oncogenic functions of Rac GTPase-activating proteins also challenged the dogma that these negative Rac regulators solely act as tumor suppressors. The potential contribution of Rac hyperactivation to resistance to anticancer agents, including targeted therapies, as well as to the suppression of antitumor immune response, highlights the critical need to develop therapeutic strategies to target the Rac pathway in a clinical setting. Cancer Res; 77(20); 5445-51. ©2017 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Maria J Caloca
- Instituto de Biología y Genética Molecular, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mascarenhas DD, Herndon DN, Arany I. Epigenetic memory of oxidative stress: does nephrilin exert its protective effects via Rac1? Biologics 2017; 11:97-106. [PMID: 28761330 PMCID: PMC5522666 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s136188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aim Nephrilin peptide, a designed inhibitor of Rictor complex (mTORC2), exerts pleiotropic protective effects in metabolic, xenobiotic and traumatic stress models. Stress can generate enduring epigenetic changes in gene function. In this work we examine the possibility that nephrilin treatment protects against acute and enduring global changes in oxidative metabolism, with a focus on the Rictor-complex-mediated activation of Rac1, a subunit of NADPH oxidase (Nox) via PKCs, Prex1 and p66shc. Methods Given the wide range of animal models in which nephrilin peptide has previously demonstrated effectiveness in vivo, we chose three different experimental systems for this investigation: dermal fibroblasts, renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (PTECs), and kidney tissue and urine from an animal model of burn trauma in which nephrilin was previously shown to prevent loss of kidney function. Results (1) Nephrilin protects dermal fibroblasts from loss of viability and collagen synthesis after ultraviolet A (UV-A) or H2O2 insult. (2) Nephrilin reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation by H2O2–treated (PTECs) with or without nicotine pretreatment. Using RNA arrays and pathway analysis we demonstrate that nicotine and H2O2-treated PTECs specifically induced Rac1 gene networks in these cells. (3) Using kidney tissue and urine from the burn trauma model we demonstrate significant elevations of [a] 8-aminoprostane in urine; [b] kidney tissue histone modification and DNA methylation; and [c] post-transcriptional phosphorylation events consistent with Rac1 activation in kidney tissue. Conclusion Nephrilin protects against oxidative stress, possibly by modulating the activation of Rac1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Desmond D Mascarenhas
- Mayflower Organization for Research & Education, Sunnyvale, CA.,Transporin, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA
| | - David N Herndon
- Department of Surgery, The University of Texas Medical Branch, and Shriners Hospitals for Children, Galveston, TX
| | - Istvan Arany
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
P-Rex1 and P-Rex2 RacGEFs and cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 45:963-77. [PMID: 28710285 DOI: 10.1042/bst20160269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Rac exchanger (P-Rex) proteins are RacGEFs that are synergistically activated by phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate and Gβγ subunits of G-protein-coupled receptors. P-Rex1 and P-Rex2 share similar amino acid sequence homology, domain structure, and catalytic function. Recent evidence suggests that both P-Rex proteins may play oncogenic roles in human cancers. P-Rex1 and P-Rex2 are altered predominantly via overexpression and mutation, respectively, in various cancer types, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and melanoma. This review compares the similarities and differences between P-Rex1 and P-Rex2 functions in human cancers in terms of cellular effects and signalling mechanisms. Emerging clinical data predict that changes in expression or mutation of P-Rex1 and P-Rex2 may lead to changes in tumour outcome, particularly in breast cancer and melanoma.
Collapse
|
26
|
P-Rex1 Expression in Invasive Breast Cancer in relation to Receptor Status and Distant Metastatic Site. Int J Breast Cancer 2017; 2017:4537532. [PMID: 28698809 PMCID: PMC5494073 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4537532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Rac exchange factor 1 (P-Rex1) has been implicated in cancer growth, metastasis, and response to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor therapy. The aim of this study was to determine whether P-Rex1 expression differs between primary and metastatic human breast tumors and between breast cancer subtypes. DESIGN P-Rex1 expression was measured in 133 specimens by immunohistochemistry: 40 and 42 primary breast tumors from patients who did versus did not develop metastasis, respectively, and 51 breast-derived tumors from metastatic sites (36 of which had matching primary tumors available for analysis). RESULTS Primary breast tumors showed significant differences in P-Rex1 expression based on receptor subtype. ER+ and HER2+ primary tumors showed higher P-Rex1 expression than primary triple-negative tumors. HER2+ metastases from all sites showed significantly higher P-Rex1 expression compared to other metastatic receptor subtypes. Solid organ (i.e., brain, lung, and liver) metastases showed higher P-Rex1 expression compared to bone metastases. CONCLUSIONS P-Rex1 expression is increased in ER+ and HER2+ breast cancers compared to triple-negative tumors. P-Rex1 may be differentially expressed in metastatic tumors based on site and receptor status. The role of P-Rex1 in the development of breast cancer metastases and as a predictive biomarker of therapeutic response warrants further investigation.
Collapse
|
27
|
Kazanietz MG, Barrio-Real L, Casado-Medrano V, Baker MJ, Lopez-Haber C. The P-Rex1/Rac signaling pathway as a point of convergence for HER/ErbB receptor and GPCR responses. Small GTPases 2016; 9:297-303. [PMID: 27588611 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2016.1221273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs) are responsible for mediating GDP/GTP exchange for specific small G proteins, such as Rac. There has been substantial evidence for the involvement of Rac-GEFs in the control of cancer cell migration and metastatic progression. We have previously established that the Rac-GEF P-Rex1 is a mediator of actin cytoskeleton rearrangements and cell motility in breast cancer cells downstream of HER/ErbB receptors and the G-Protein Coupled Receptor (GPCR) CXCR4. P-Rex1 is highly expressed in luminal A and B breast cancer compared to normal mammary tissue, whereas expression is very low in basal breast cancer, and its expression correlates with the appearance of metastasis in patients. Here, we discuss the involvement of P-Rex1 as an effector of oncogenic/metastatic receptors in breast cancer and underscore its relevance in the convergence of receptor-triggered motile signals. In addition, we provide an overview of our recent findings describing a cross-talk between HER/ErbB receptors and CXCR4, and how this impacts on the activation of P-Rex1/Rac1 signaling, as well as highlight challenges that lie ahead. We propose a model in which P-Rex1 acts as a crucial node for the integration of upstream inputs from HER/ErbB receptors and CXCR4 in luminal breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo G Kazanietz
- a Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics , Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Laura Barrio-Real
- a Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics , Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Victoria Casado-Medrano
- a Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics , Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Martin J Baker
- a Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics , Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| | - Cynthia Lopez-Haber
- a Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics , Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia , PA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ryan MB, Finn AJ, Pedone KH, Thomas NE, Der CJ, Cox AD. ERK/MAPK Signaling Drives Overexpression of the Rac-GEF, PREX1, in BRAF- and NRAS-Mutant Melanoma. Mol Cancer Res 2016; 14:1009-1018. [PMID: 27418645 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we identified that PREX1 overexpression is critical for metastatic but not tumorigenic growth in a mouse model of NRAS-driven melanoma. In addition, a PREX1 gene signature correlated with and was dependent on ERK MAPK activation in human melanoma cell lines. In the current study, the underlying mechanism of PREX1 overexpression in human melanoma was assessed. PREX1 protein levels were increased in melanoma tumor tissues and cell lines compared with benign nevi and normal melanocytes, respectively. Suppression of PREX1 by siRNA impaired invasion but not proliferation in vitro PREX1-dependent invasion was attributable to PREX1-mediated activation of the small GTPase RAC1 but not the related small GTPase CDC42. Pharmacologic inhibition of ERK signaling reduced PREX1 gene transcription and additionally regulated PREX1 protein stability. This ERK-dependent upregulation of PREX1 in melanoma, due to both increased gene transcription and protein stability, contrasts with the mechanisms identified in breast and prostate cancers, in which PREX1 overexpression was driven by gene amplification and HDAC-mediated gene transcription, respectively. Thus, although PREX1 expression is aberrantly upregulated and regulates RAC1 activity and invasion in these three different tumor types, the mechanisms of its upregulation are distinct and context dependent. IMPLICATIONS This study identifies an ERK-dependent mechanism that drives PREX1 upregulation and subsequent RAC1-dependent invasion in BRAF- and NRAS-mutant melanoma. Mol Cancer Res; 14(10); 1009-18. ©2016 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meagan B Ryan
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alexander J Finn
- Department of Dermatology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Katherine H Pedone
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Nancy E Thomas
- Department of Dermatology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Channing J Der
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Adrienne D Cox
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Heregulin/ErbB3 Signaling Enhances CXCR4-Driven Rac1 Activation and Breast Cancer Cell Motility via Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α. Mol Cell Biol 2016; 36:2011-26. [PMID: 27185877 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00180-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The growth factor heregulin (HRG), a ligand of ErbB3 and ErbB4 receptors, contributes to breast cancer development and the promotion of metastatic disease, and its expression in breast tumors has been associated with poor clinical outcome and resistance to therapy. In this study, we found that breast cancer cells exposed to sustained HRG treatment show markedly enhanced Rac1 activation and migratory activity in response to the CXCR4 ligand SDF-1/CXCL12, effects mediated by P-Rex1, a Rac-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) aberrantly expressed in breast cancer. Notably, HRG treatment upregulates surface expression levels of CXCR4, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) implicated in breast cancer metastasis and an indicator of poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. A detailed mechanistic analysis revealed that CXCR4 upregulation and sensitization of the Rac response/motility by HRG are mediated by the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) via ErbB3 and independently of ErbB4. HRG caused prominent induction in the nuclear expression of HIF-1α, which transcriptionally activates the CXCR4 gene via binding to a responsive element located in positions -1376 to -1372 in the CXCR4 promoter, as revealed by mutagenesis analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Our results uncovered a novel function for ErbB3 in enhancing breast cancer cell motility and sensitization of the P-Rex1/Rac1 pathway through HIF-1α-mediated transcriptional induction of CXCR4.
Collapse
|