EIF5A2 controls ovarian tumor growth and metastasis by promoting epithelial to mesenchymal transition via the TGFβ pathway

MiR-5189-3p Suppresses cell Proliferation, Invasion and Migration Through Targeting EIF5A2 in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A growing body of evidence suggests that miR-5189-3p plays a critical role in multiple diseases. This study aimed to investigate the function of miR-5189-3p in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and explore its underlying mechanisms. qRT-PCR was designed to determine the expression levels of miR-5189-3p and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2), while CCK-8 assay was performed to measure the effects of miR-5189-3p on cell proliferation. Transwell assay was performed to evaluate cell invasion as well as migration, and wound healing assay was applied to demonstrate cell migratory ability. Target gene prediction and luciferase reporter assay were developed to screen the possible target gene of miR-5189-3p, and Western blot was designed to measure EIF5A2 protein expression. MiR-5189-3p was down-regulated in LSCC tissues and cell lines. Up-regulation of miR-5189-3p notably inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, and migration in HEP2 and FADU cells. EIF5A2 was the potential downstream gene of miR-5189-3p, and overexpression of miR-5189-3p apparently reduced EIF5A2 expression. Moreover, reintroduction of EIF5A2 rescued the tumor suppressive effects of miR-5189-3p. MiR-5189-3p functions as a tumor inhibitor in LSCC progression via directly regulating EIF5A2 and may be a potential therapeutic target for LSCC.

Prognostic value of EIF5A2 in solid tumors: A meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis

Aims

In cancer biology, the aberrant overexpression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2) has been correlative with an ominous prognosis, thereby underscoring its pivotal role in fostering metastatic progression. Consequently, EIF5A2 has garnered significant attention as a compelling prognostic biomarker for various malignancies. Our research endeavors were thus aimed at elucidating the utility and significance of EIF5A2 as a robust indicator of cancer outcome prediction.

Method

An exhaustive search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases found relevant studies. The link between EIF5A2 and survival prognosis was examined using hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Subsequently, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) databases were employed to validate EIF5A2 expression across various cancer types.

Results

Through pooled analysis, we found that increased EIF5A2 expression was significantly associated with decreased overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival/progression-free survival/relapse-free survival (DFS/PFS/RFS). Moreover, TCGA analysis revealed that EIF5A2 was significantly upregulated in 27 types of cancer, with overexpression being linked to shorter OS in three, worse DFS in two, and worse PFS in six types of cancer. GEPIA showed that patients with EIF5A2 overexpression had reduced OS and DFS.

Conclusions

In solid tumors, EIF5A2 emerges as a reliable prognostic marker. Our meta-analysis comprehensively analyzed the prognostic value of EIF5A2 in solid tumors and assessed its efficacy as a predictive marker.

Long non-coding RNA RAD51-AS1 promotes the tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer by elevating EIF5A2 expression

PURPOSE

The present study aims to determine the molecular mechanism mediated by RAD51 antisense RNA 1 (RAD51-AS1) in ovarian cancer (OvCA).

METHODS

The data associated with RAD51-AS1 in OvCA were obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Relative expression of RAD51-AS1 was detected. Determination of cell proliferation, metastasis, and invasion was performed by cell counting, colony formation, would-healing, and transwell invasion assays. Protein levels were detected by western blotting. The molecular mechanism mediated by RAD51-AS1 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by dual-luciferase reporter assays. Subcutaneous tumorigenesis models were used to confirm the function of RAD51-AS1 in vivo.

RESULTS

Data from TCGA and GEO showed that RAD51-AS1 was associated with poor prognosis in OvCA patients and DNA repair, cell cycle, focal adhesion, and apoptosis in SKOV3.ip cells. High levels of RAD51-AS1 were detected in OvCA cells. Overexpressing RAD51-AS1 enhanced the proliferative, invading, and migratory capabilities of OvCA cells in vitro while silencing RAD51-AS1 exhibited the opposite effects. Mechanically, RAD51-AS1 elevated eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 (EIF5A2) expression as a sponge for microRNA (miR)-140-3p. Finally, the role of RAD51-AS1 was verified by subcutaneous tumorigenesis models.

CONCLUSION

RAD51-AS1 promoted OvCA progression by the regulation of the miR-140-3p/EIF5A2 axis, which illustrated the potential therapeutic target for OvCA.

Baicalein improves the chemoresistance of ovarian cancer through regulation of CirSLC7A6

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to investigate whether baicalein improves the sensitivity of resistant ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin.

METHODS

Transcriptomic sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were used to screen differentially expressed CirSLC7A6 in A2780 and A2780/CDDP cells. RT-qPCR was performed to examine the expression levels of CirSLC7A6, miR-2682-5p, and SLC7A6. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were examined using a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, and cell migration and invasion were analyzed using wound healing and Transwell assays. Cell suspensions were inoculated into the subcutaneous tissues of the bilateral interscapular region of nude mice. Saline, cisplatin, baicalein and cisplatin plus baicalein were intraperitoneally injected to observe the effects on tumor growth. Toxicity analyses in the liver and kidney were performed using H&E staining. RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the expression of CirSLC7A6, miR-2682-5p, and SLC7A6 in tumor tissues, and western blot analysis was carried out to measure protein expression levels.

RESULTS

CirSLC7A6 was markedly upregulated in A2780/CDDP cells compared with the A2780 cells. CirSLC7A6 knockdown notably increased the expression of miR-2682-5p and decreased SLC7A6 expression. The rates of inhibition and apoptosis in the group treated with a combination of cisplatin and baicalein were significantly higher than those of the cisplatin and baicalein groups of A2780/CDDP shCirSLC7A6 cells. In A2780/CDDP shCirSLC7A6 cells, migration and invasion were significantly higher in the cisplatin and baicalein groups, compared with the combined treatment group. In the A2780/CDDP shCirSLC7A6 cell xenograft, the tumor weight of the combined treatment group was significantly lower than that of the cisplatin and baicalein groups. In addition, the combination of cisplatin and baicalein did not induce higher levels of toxicity in the liver or kidney. Baicalein alone and in combination with cisplatin notably reduced the expression of CirSLC7A6 and SLC7A6, and increased the expression of miR-2682-5p in the A2780/CDDP shCirSLC7A6 cell xenograft. In A2780/CDDP shCirSLC7A6 cells, the expression levels of P-Akt, P-mTOR, P-Erk, Bcl-2 and MMP2 were lower in the combined treatment group than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with baicalein improved the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin and inhibited cell proliferation, metastasis and tumor growth.

Cardiac copper content and its relationship with heart physiology: Insights based on quantitative genetic and functional analyses using BXD family mice

Background

Copper (Cu) is essential for the functioning of various enzymes involved in important cellular and physiological processes. Although critical for normal cardiac function, excessive accumulation, or deficiency of Cu in the myocardium is detrimental to the heart. Fluctuations in cardiac Cu content have been shown to cause cardiac pathologies and imbalance in systemic Cu metabolism. However, the genetic basis underlying cardiac Cu levels and their effects on heart traits remain to be understood. Representing the largest murine genetic reference population, BXD strains have been widely used to explore genotype-phenotype associations and identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes.

Methods

Cardiac Cu concentration and heart function in BXD strains were measured, followed by QTL mapping. The candidate genes modulating Cu homeostasis in mice hearts were identified using a multi-criteria scoring/filtering approach.

Results

Significant correlations were identified between cardiac Cu concentration and left ventricular (LV) internal diameter and volumes at end-diastole and end-systole, demonstrating that the BXDs with higher cardiac Cu levels have larger LV chamber. Conversely, cardiac Cu levels negatively correlated with LV posterior wall thickness, suggesting that lower Cu concentration in the heart is associated with LV hypertrophy. Genetic mapping identified six QTLs containing a total of 217 genes, which were further narrowed down to 21 genes that showed a significant association with cardiac Cu content in mice. Among those, Prex1 and Irx3 are the strongest candidates involved in cardiac Cu modulation.

Conclusion

Cardiac Cu level is significantly correlated with heart chamber size and hypertrophy phenotypes in BXD mice, while being regulated by multiple genes in several QTLs. Prex1 and Irx3 may be involved in modulating Cu metabolism and its downstream effects and warrant further experimental and functional validations.

The pleiotropic roles of eIF5A in cellular life and its therapeutic potential in cancer

Protein synthesis is dysregulated in the majority of cancers and this process therefore provides a good therapeutic target. Many novel anti-cancer agents are directed to target the initiation stage of translation, however, translation elongation also holds great potential as a therapeutic target. The elongation factor eIF5A that assists the formation of peptidyl bonds during the elongation process is of considerable interest in this regard. Overexpression of eIF5A has been linked with the development of a variety of cancers and inhibitors of the molecule have been proposed for anti-cancer clinical applications. eIF5A is the only protein in the cell that contains the post-translational modification hypusine. Hypusination is a two-step enzymatic process catalysed by the Deoxyhypusine Synthase (DHPS) and Deoxyhypusine Hydroxylase (DOHH). In addition, eIF5A can be acetylated by p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) which leads to translocation of the protein to the nucleus and its deactivation. In addition to the nucleus, eIF5A has been found in the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) with eIF5A localisation related to function from regulation of mitochondrial activity and apoptosis to maintenance of ER integrity and control of the unfolded protein response (UPR). Given the pleiotropic functions of eIF5A and by extension the hypusination enzymes, this system is being considered as a target for a range of cancers including multiple myeloma, B-Cell lymphoma, and neuroblastoma. In this review, we explore the role of eIF5A and discuss the therapeutic strategies that are currently developing both in the pre- and the clinical stage.

Genistein Restricts the Epithelial Mesenchymal Transformation (EMT) and Stemness of Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Upregulating miR-1275 to Inhibit the EIF5A2/PI3K/Akt Pathway

Simple Summary

Genistein is a natural phytoestrogen with various antitumor effects. Our study focused on exploring the mechanisms of microRNAs and genistein to inhibit the epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found that miR-1275 was more highly expressed in HCC cells treated with genistein compared with the control. Then, we performed series functional experiments to explore the relationship between genistein and miR-1275 in HCC. The inhibition of genistein on HCC cells was enhanced by the increase in treatment time and dose, and miR-1275 can be raised by genistein. The overall survival and recurrence-free survival of HCC patients with low expressed miR-1275 were lower than those of those with high expression levels. The experimental results exhibited that genistein and miR-1275 can both significantly suppress the proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, EMT and stemness of HCC. Moreover, the inhibition can be further enhanced with the co-existence of miR-1275 mimic and genistein. Finally, we demonstrated that miR-1275 can inhibit the EMT and stemness of HCC via inhibiting the EIF5A2/PI3K/Akt pathway. Our findings proved that genistein can inhibit the EIF5A2/PI3K/Akt pathway by upregulating miR-1275 so as to attenuate the EMT and stemness of HCC cells to restrict their progression and metastasis.

Abstract

Purpose: Genistein is a natural phytoestrogen with various antitumor effects. In recent years, some microRNAs (miRNA) in cancer cells have been reported to be regulated by genistein. Our study focused on exploring the mechanisms of miRNA upregulation to inhibit the epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and stemness of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods: MiR-1275 was discovered by the transcriptome sequencing of miRNA expression profiles in HepG2 cells treated with genistein or DMSO as a control. Then, we performed series functional experiments in vitro and vivo to explore the relationship between genistein and miR-1275 in HCC. The target gene (Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2, EIF5A2) of miR-1275 was predicted by databases and finally determined by a dual luciferase reporter assay. The downstream signaling pathway of EIF5A2 was assessed by bioinformatics analysis and Western blot. Results: the inhibition of genistein on the viability of HCC cells was enhanced by the increase in treatment time and dose, but it had no obvious inhibitory effect on normal hepatocytes (QSG-7701). Through qRT-PCR and transcriptome sequencing, we discovered that miR-1275 was lowly expressed in HCC, and it can be raised by genistein. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of HCC patients with lowly expressed miR-1275 were lower than those of those with high expression levels. In vitro and vivo experiments exhibited that genistein and the overexpression of miR-1275 can both significantly suppress the proliferation, migration, invasion, metastasis, EMT and stemness of HCC. Moreover, the inhibition can be further enhanced when miR-1275 mimic and genistein exist together. Finally, we demonstrated that miR-1275 can inhibit the epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and stemness of HCC via inhibiting the EIF5A2/PI3K/Akt pathway. Conclusion: Our findings proved that genistein can inhibit the EIF5A2/PI3K/Akt pathway by upregulating miR-1275 so as to attenuate the EMT and stemness of HCC cells to restrict their progression and metastasis.

Eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 mediates hypoxia-induced autophagy and cisplatin resistance

Hypoxia-induced cisplatin resistance is a major challenge during non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. Based on previous studies, we further explored the effect of eukaryotic initiation factor 5A2 (eIF5A2) in hypoxia-induced cisplatin resistance. In this study, we found that autophagy and cisplatin resistance were increased under hypoxic conditions in three different NSCLC cell lines. Compared with that under normoxic conditions, dramatic upregulation of eIF5A2 and hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) levels were detected under hypoxia exposure. Small interfering RNA silencing of HIF-1α resulted in decreased expression of eIF5A2, indicating that eIF5A2 acts downstream of HIF-1α. In addition, the expression of eIF5A2 was significantly higher in NSCLC tumors compared with that in normal tissues. RNA silencing-mediated downregulation of eIF5A2 decreased hypoxia-induced autophagy, thereby reducing hypoxia-induced cisplatin resistance in NSCLC cells. The roles of eIF5A2 in cisplatin resistance were further validated in vivo. Combined treatment using eIF5A2-targeted downregulation together with cisplatin significantly inhibited tumor growth compared with cisplatin alone in the subcutaneous mouse model. In conclusions, eIF5A2 overexpression is involved in hypoxia-induced autophagy during cisplatin resistance. We suggest that a combination of eIF5A2 targeted therapy and cisplatin chemotherapy is probably an effective strategy to reverse hypoxia-induced cisplatin resistance and inhibit NSCLC development.

Characterizing genes associated with cancer using the CRISPR/Cas9 system: A systematic review of genes and methodological approaches

The CRISPR/Cas9 system enables a versatile set of genomes editing and genetic-based disease modeling tools due to its high specificity, efficiency, and accessible design and implementation. In cancer, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used to characterize genes and explore different mechanisms implicated in tumorigenesis. Different experimental strategies have been proposed in recent years, showing dependency on various intrinsic factors such as cancer type, gene function, mutation type, and technical approaches such as cell line, Cas9 expression, and transfection options. However, the successful methodological approaches, genes, and other experimental factors have not been analyzed. We, therefore, initially considered more than 1,300 research articles related to CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer to finally examine more than 400 full-text research publications. We summarize findings regarding target genes, RNA guide designs, cloning, Cas9 delivery systems, cell enrichment, and experimental validations. This analysis provides valuable information and guidance for future cancer gene validation experiments.

Initiation and elongation factor co-expression correlates with recurrence and survival in epithelial ovarian cancer

High grade epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to its aggressive features and short recurrence free survival (RFS) after primary treatment. Novel targets to inform our understanding of the EOC carcinogenesis in the translational machinery can provide us with independent prognostic markers and provide drugable targets. We have identified candidate eukaryotic initiation factors (eIF) and eukaryotic elongation factors (eEF) in the translational machinery for differential expression in EOC through in-silico analysis. We present the analysis of 150 ovarian tissue microarray (TMA) samples on the expression of the translational markers eIF2α, eIF2G, eIF5 (eIF5A and eIF5B), eIF6 and eEF1A1. All translational markers were differentially expressed among non-neoplastic ovarian samples and tumour samples (borderline tumours and EOC). In EOC, expression of eIF5A was found to be significantly correlated with recurrence free survival (RFS) and expression of eIF2G and eEF1A1 with overall survival (OS). Expression correlation among factor subunits showed that the correlation of eEF1A1, eIF2G, EIF2α and eIF5A were significantly interconnected. eIF5A was also correlated with eIF5B and eIF6. Our study demonstrates that EOCs have different translational profile compared to benign ovarian tissue and that eIF5A is a central dysregulated factor of the translation machinery.

Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 5A2 Regulates Expression of Antiviral Genes

Translation factors are essential for regulation of protein synthesis. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (eIF5A) family is made up of two paralogues - eIF5A1 and eIF5A2 - which display high sequence homology but distinct tissue tropism. While eIF5A1 directly binds to the ribosome and regulates translation initiation, elongation, and termination, the molecular function of eIF5A2 remains poorly understood. Here, we engineer an eIF5A2 knockout allele in the SW480 colon cancer cell line. Using ribosome profiling and RNA-Sequencing, we reveal that eIF5A2 is functionally distinct from eIF5A1 and does not regulate transcript-specific or global protein synthesis. Instead, eIF5A2 knockout leads to decreased intrinsic antiviral gene expression, including members of the IFITM and APOBEC3 family. Furthermore, cells lacking eIF5A2 display increased permissiveness to virus infection. Our results uncover eIF5A2 as a factor involved regulating the antiviral transcriptome, and reveal an example of how gene duplications of translation factors can result in proteins with distinct functions.

Hsa_circ_0103232 promotes melanoma cells proliferation and invasion via targeting miR-661/RAB3D

Little is known about the role of hsa_circ_0103232 in melanoma. This study researched the role of hsa_circ_0103232 in melanoma progression. Hsa_circ_0103232 expression in clinical tissues of melanoma patients and melanoma cells was detected by qRT-PCR. Hsa_circ_0103232 localization in melanoma cells was visualized by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Hsa_circ_0103232 effect on melanoma cells viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion was explored by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Edu experiment, wound healing assay, and Transwell experiment. RNA pull-down assay and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were performed to verify the binding of hsa_circ_0103232 with miR-661, and the binding of miR-661 and RAB3D. Xenograft tumor models were constructed. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used for protein expression detection. Hsa_circ_0103232 expression was increased in melanoma patients, indicating lower overall survival. Hsa_circ_0103232 was mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of melanoma cells. Silencing hsa_circ_0103232 suppressed melanoma cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (P < 0.01). Hsa_circ_0103232 functioned as a sponge of miR-661 to increase RAB3D expression. miR-661 overexpression partially reversed hsa_circ_0103232 promoting effect on melanoma cells viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT (P < 0.01). In melanoma patients, hsa_circ_0103232 expression was negatively correlated with miR-661 and positively correlated with RAB3D. Silencing hsa_circ_0103232 suppressed melanoma cell growth in vivo and Ki67 and RAB3D expression in xenograft tumors (P < 0.01). Hsa_circ_0103232 is a tumor promoter in melanoma to enhance malignant phenotype and growth in vivo via sponging miR-661/RAB3D. Hsa_circ_0103232 may be a novel target for melanoma treatment.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Facilitate Ovarian Tumor Growth and Metastasis by Promoting Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition Through Activating the TGF-β Pathway

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) are multipotent mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissues and are capable of differentiating into multiple cell types in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The roles of ADSC in ovarian cancer (OC) metastasis are still not well defined. To understand whether ADSC contributes to ovarian tumor metastasis, we examined epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in OC cells following the treatment of the ADSC-conditioned medium (ADSC-CM). ADSC-CM promotes EMT in OC cells. Functionally, ADSC-CM promotes OC cell proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion. We further demonstrated that ADSC-CM induced EMT via TGF-β growth factor secretion from ADSC and the ensuing activation of the TGF-β pathway. ADSC-CM-induced EMT in OC cells was reversible by the TGF-β inhibitor SB431542 treatment. Using an orthotopic OC mouse model, we also provide the experimental evidence that ADSC contributes to ovarian tumor growth and metastasis by promoting EMT through activating the TGF-β pathway. Taken together, our data indicate that targeting ADSC using the TGF-β inhibitor has the therapeutic potential in blocking the EMT and OC metastasis.

CRISPR/Cas9: A Molecular Tool for Ovarian Cancer Management beyond Gene Editing

Ovarian cancer manifests with early metastases and has an adverse outcome, impacting the health of women globally. Currently, this malignancy is often treated with cytoreductive surgery and platinum-based chemotherapy. This treatment option has a limited success rate due to tumor recurrence and chemoresistance. Consequently, the fundamental objective of ovarian cancer treatment is the development of novel treatment approaches. As a new robust tool, the CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing system has shown immense promise in elucidating the molecular basis of all the facets of ovarian cancer. Due to the precise gene editing capabilities of CRISPR-Cas9, researchers have been able to conduct a more comprehensive investigation of the genesis of ovarian cancer. This gained knowledge can be translated into the development of novel diagnostic approaches and newer therapeutic targets for this dreadful malignancy. There is encouraging preclinical evidence that suggests that CRISPR/Cas9 is a powerful versatile tool for selectively targeting cancer cells and inhibiting tumor growth, establishing new signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis, and verifying biomolecules as druggable targets. In this review, we analyzed the current research and progress made using CRISPR/Cas9-based engineering strategies in the diagnosis and treatment, as well as the challenges in bringing this method to clinics. This comprehensive analysis will lay the basis for subsequent research in the future for the treatment of ovarian cancer.

B7 family member H4 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of colorectal cancer cells

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract, which has the second highest incidence among gastrointestinal tumors. At present, due to the limitations of current CRC treatment strategies, there is an urgent need for developing more effective therapies. B7 family member H4 (B7-H4) is associated with the progression of a wide spectrum of cancers, but its functional role in CRC is unknown. The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of B7-H4 in CRC and the underlying mechanisms in controlling the progression of CRC. Our data showed that B7-H4 expression in CRC tissues and cell lines was significantly upregulated as compared with normal tissues and normal cell lines. High B7-H4 expression was correlated with a poor prognosis of CRC patients. B7-H4 overexpression promoted the proliferation and invasion of CRC cells, which could be suppressed by Wnt signaling inhibitor. In a mouse xenograft model, silencing B7-H4 suppressed tumor growth and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CRC cells. Collectively, our study demonstrated the oncogenic roles of B7-H4 in regulating the proliferation, EMT as well as the migration of CRC cells through Wnt signaling pathway. The heightened expression of B7-H4 could serve as a prognostic marker for CRC patients.