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Desaulniers AT, White BR. Role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone 2 and its receptor in human reproductive cancers. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1341162. [PMID: 38260130 PMCID: PMC10800933 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1341162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH1) and its receptor (GnRHR1) drive reproduction by regulating gonadotropins. Another form, GnRH2, and its receptor (GnRHR2), also exist in mammals. In humans, GnRH2 and GnRHR2 genes are present, but coding errors in the GnRHR2 gene are predicted to hinder full-length protein production. Nonetheless, mounting evidence supports the presence of a functional GnRHR2 in humans. GnRH2 and its receptor have been identified throughout the body, including peripheral reproductive tissues like the ovary, uterus, breast, and prostate. In addition, GnRH2 and its receptor have been detected in a wide number of reproductive cancer cells in humans. Notably, GnRH2 analogues have potent anti-proliferative, pro-apoptotic, and/or anti-metastatic effects on various reproductive cancers, including endometrial, breast, placental, ovarian, and prostate. Thus, GnRH2 is an emerging target to treat human reproductive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy T. Desaulniers
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Brett R. White
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, United States
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Wu HM, Chen LH, Huang HY, Wang HS, Tsai CL. EGF-Enhanced GnRH-II Regulation in Decidual Stromal Cell Motility through Twist and N-Cadherin Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15271. [PMID: 37894950 PMCID: PMC10607070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Crucial roles in embryo implantation and placentation in humans include the invasion of the maternal decidua by extravillous trophoblasts and the motile behavior of decidual endometrial stromal cells. The effects of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) and GnRH-II in the endometrium take part in early pregnancy. In the present study, we demonstrated the coaction of EGF- and GnRH-II-promoted motility of human decidual endometrial stromal cells, indicating the possible roles of EGF and GnRH-II in embryo implantation and early pregnancy. After obtaining informed consent, we obtained human decidual endometrial stromal cells from decidual tissues from normal pregnancies at 6 to 12 weeks of gestation in healthy women undergoing suction dilation and curettage. Cell motility was evaluated with invasion and migration assays. The mechanisms of EGF and GnRH-II were performed using real-time PCR and immunoblot analysis. The results showed that human decidual tissue and stromal cells expressed the EGF and GnRH-I receptors. GnRH-II-mediated cell motility was enhanced by EGF and was suppressed by the knockdown of the endogenous GnRH-I receptor and EGF receptor with siRNA, revealing that GnRH-II promoted the cell motility of human decidual endometrial stromal cells through the GnRH-I receptor and the activation of Twist and N-cadherin signaling. This new concept regarding the coaction of EGF- and GnRH-promoted cell motility suggests that EGF and GnRH-II potentially affect embryo implantation and the decidual programming of human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Ming Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (L.-H.C.); (H.-Y.H.); (H.-S.W.); (C.-L.T.)
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Tripathi PH, Akhtar J, Arora J, Saran RK, Mishra N, Polisetty RV, Sirdeshmukh R, Gautam P. Quantitative proteomic analysis of GnRH agonist treated GBM cell line LN229 revealed regulatory proteins inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:133. [PMID: 35109816 PMCID: PMC8812247 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09218-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor, a rhodopsin-like G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family member involved in GnRH signaling, is reported to be expressed in several tumors including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), one of the most malignant and aggressive forms of primary brain tumors. However, the molecular targets associated with GnRH receptor are not well studied in GBM or in other cancers. The present study aims at investigating the effect of GnRH agonist (Gosarelin acetate) on cell proliferation and associated signaling pathways in GBM cell line, LN229. METHODS LN229 cells were treated with different concentrations of GnRH agonist (10-10 M to 10-5 M) and the effect on cell proliferation was analyzed by cell count method. Further, total protein was extracted from control and GnRH agonist treated cells (with maximum reduction in cell proliferation) followed by trypsin digestion, labeling with iTRAQ reagents and LC-MS/MS analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins. Bioinformatic analysis was performed for annotation of proteins for the associated molecular function, altered pathways and network analysis using STRING database. RESULTS The treatment with different concentrations of GnRH agonist showed a reduction in cell proliferation with a maximum reduction of 48.2% observed at 10-6 M. Quantitative proteomic analysis after GnRH agonist treatment (10-6 M) led to the identification of a total of 29 differentially expressed proteins with 1.3-fold change (23 upregulated, such as, kininogen-1 (KNG1), alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and 6 downregulated, such as integrator complex subunit 11 (CPSF3L), protein FRG1 (FRG1). Some of them are known [KNG1, AHSG, AFP] while others such as inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H2 (ITIH2), ITIH4, and LIM domain-containing protein 1 (LIMD1) are novel to GnRH signaling pathway. Protein-protein interaction analysis showed a direct interaction of KNG1, a hub molecule, with GnRH, GnRH receptor, EGFR and other interactors including ITIH2, ITIH4 and AHSG. Overexpression of KNG1 after GnRH agonist treatment was validated using Western blot analysis, while a significant inhibition of EGFR was observed after GnRH agonist treatment. CONCLUSIONS The study suggests a possible link of GnRH signaling with EGFR signaling pathways likely via KNG1. KNG1 inhibitors may be investigated independently or in combination with GnRH agonist for therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka H Tripathi
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, ICMR- National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India.,Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India
| | - Javed Akhtar
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, ICMR- National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India.,Jamia Hamdard- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Jyoti Arora
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, ICMR- National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India
| | - Ravindra Kumar Saran
- Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, 110002, India
| | - Neetu Mishra
- Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, 412115, India
| | - Ravindra Varma Polisetty
- Department of Biochemistry, Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Ravi Sirdeshmukh
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, 560066, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, 576104, India
| | - Poonam Gautam
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, ICMR- National Institute of Pathology, Safdarjung Hospital Campus, New Delhi, 110029, India.
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Hou ZS, Tao YX. Mutations in GPR101 as a potential cause of X-linked acrogigantism and acromegaly. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 161:47-67. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of preoperative serum epidermal growth factor levels in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2018; 47:1236-1242. [PMID: 29843953 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2018.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) promotes tumourigenesis and tissue repair of epithelial and mesenchymal cells and has a role in chemotaxis, mitogenesis, cell motility, and cytoprotection. It also enhances the growth of cancers. EGF may therefore have a role in the initiation or promotion of oral carcinogenesis. The cases of 152 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma whose preoperative serum EGF level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were analyzed retrospectively, along with those of 40 age- and sex-matched controls. Patients with higher levels of EGF were more likely to have neck lymph node metastasis (P=0.026), advanced stage cancer (P=0.04), and a worse survival status (P=0.0019). Multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model indicated that the EGF level was an independent predictor of poor survival (hazard ratio 1.99, P=0.018). Patients with higher preoperative serum EGF levels had significantly poorer cancer-specific survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis (P=0.032). This study indicates that a higher preoperative serum EGF level is associated with neck lymph node metastasis, more advanced stage, and poor survival. EGF should be considered as a potential prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for patients with oral cancer.
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Zhang Q, Madden NE, Wong AST, Chow BKC, Lee LTO. The Role of Endocrine G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Ovarian Cancer Progression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:66. [PMID: 28439256 PMCID: PMC5383648 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the seventh most common cancer in women and the most lethal gynecological cancer, causing over 151,000 deaths worldwide each year. Dysregulated production of endocrine hormones, known to have pluripotent effects on cell function through the activation of receptor signaling pathways, is believed to be a high-risk factor for ovarian cancer. An increasing body of evidence suggests that endocrine G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are involved in the progression and metastasis of ovarian neoplasms. GPCRs are attractive drug targets because their activities are regulated by more than 25% of all drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Therefore, understanding the role of endocrine GPCRs during ovarian cancer progression and metastasis will allow for the development of novel strategies to design effective chemotherapeutic drugs against malignant ovarian tumors. In this review, we address the signaling pathways and functional roles of several key endocrine GPCRs that are related to the cause, progression, and metastasis of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Zhang
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
| | - Nadine Ellen Madden
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
| | - Alice Sze Tsai Wong
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | | | - Leo Tsz On Lee
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau
- *Correspondence: Leo Tsz On Lee,
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Wang YP, Yu GR, Lee MJ, Lee SY, Chu IS, Leem SH, Kim DG. Lipocalin-2 negatively modulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma through the epidermal growth factor (TGF-beta1)/Lcn2/Twist1 pathway. Hepatology 2013; 58:1349-61. [PMID: 23696034 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) is preferentially expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the functional role of Lcn2 in HCC progression is still poorly understood, particularly with respect to its involvement in invasion and metastasis. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Lcn2 is associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in HCC and to elucidate the underlying signaling pathway(s). Lcn2 was preferentially expressed in well-differentiated HCC versus liver cirrhosis tissues, and its expression was positively correlated with the stage of HCC. The characteristics of EMT were reversed by adenoviral transduction of Lcn2 into SH-J1 cells, including the down-regulation of N-cadherin, vimentin, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and fibronectin, and the concomitant up-regulation of CK8, CK18, and desmoplakin I/II. Knockdown of Lcn2 by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in HKK-2 cells expressing high levels of Lcn2 was associated with EMT. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) or transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) treatment resulted in down-regulation of Lcn2, accompanied by an increase in Twist1 expression and EMT in HCC cells. Stable Lcn2 expression in SH-J1 cells reduced Twist1 expression, inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in vitro, and suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in a mouse model. Furthermore, EGF or TGF-β1 treatment barely changed EMT marker expression in SH-J1 cells ectopically expressing Lcn2. Ectopic expression of Twist1 induced EMT marker expression even in cells expressing Lcn2, indicating that Lcn2 functions downstream of growth factors and upstream of Twist1. CONCLUSION Together, our findings indicate that Lcn2 can negatively modulate the EMT in HCC cells through an EGF (or TGF-β1)/Lcn2/Twist1 pathway. Thus, Lcn2 may be a candidate metastasis suppressor and a potential therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Peng Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chonbuk National University Medical School and Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, South Korea
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Cheng JC, Klausen C, Leung PCK. Overexpression of wild-type but not C134W mutant FOXL2 enhances GnRH-induced cell apoptosis by increasing GnRH receptor expression in human granulosa cell tumors. PLoS One 2013; 8:e55099. [PMID: 23372819 PMCID: PMC3553060 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0055099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Accepted: 12/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) is largely unknown. The primary mode of treatment is surgical, however not all women are cured by surgery alone. Thus, it is important to develop improved treatments through a greater understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to this disease. Recently, it has been shown that a FOXL2 402C>G (C134W) mutation is present in 97% of human adult-type GCTs, suggesting an important role for this mutation in the development of GCTs. We have shown previously that gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-I and -II induce apoptosis in cultured normal human granulosa cells. Moreover, it has been reported that FOXL2 can bind to the promoter of the mouse GnRH receptor gene and regulate its transcription. Thus, we hypothesized that C134W mutant FOXL2 could modulate the pro-apoptotic effects of GnRH via aberrant regulation of GnRH receptor levels. Using KGN cells, a human GCT-derived cell line which harbors the FOXL2 402C>G mutation, we show that treatment with GnRH-I and -II induces cell apoptosis, and that small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of GnRH receptor abolishes these effects. Overexpression of wild-type FOXL2 increases both mRNA and protein levels of GnRH receptor and consequently enhances GnRH-induced apoptosis. Importantly, neither the expression levels of GnRH receptor nor GnRH-induced apoptosis were affected by overexpression of the C134W mutant FOXL2. Interestingly, knockdown of endogenous FOXL2 down-regulates GnRHR expression in normal human granulosa cells with wild-type FOXL2, but not in KGN cells. These results suggest that the FOXL2 402C>G mutation may contribute to the development of human adult-type GCTs by reducing the expression of GnRH receptor, thus conferring resistance to GnRH-induced cell apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chien Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christian Klausen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Peter C. K. Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Cho-Clark M, Larco DO, Semsarzadeh NN, Vasta F, Mani SK, Wu TJ. GnRH-(1-5) transactivates EGFR in Ishikawa human endometrial cells via an orphan G protein-coupled receptor. Mol Endocrinol 2013; 28:80-98. [PMID: 24264576 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The decapeptide GnRH is known for its central role in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. In addition, it is also known to have local effects within peripheral tissues. The zinc metalloendopeptidase, EC 3.4.24.15 (EP24.15), can cleave GnRH at the Tyr(5)-Gly(6) bond to form the pentapeptide, GnRH-(1-5). The central and peripheral effect of GnRH-(1-5) is different from its parent peptide, GnRH. In the current study, we examined the effect of GnRH-(1-5) on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation and cellular migration. Using the Ishikawa cell line as a model of endometrial cancer, we demonstrate that GnRH-(1-5) stimulates epidermal growth factor release, increases the phosphorylation of EGFR (P < .05) at three tyrosine sites (992, 1045, 1068), and promotes cellular migration. In addition, we also demonstrate that these actions of GnRH-(1-5) are mediated by the orphan G protein-coupled receptor 101 (GPR101). Down-regulation of GPR101 expression blocked the GnRH-(1-5)-mediated release of epidermal growth factor and the subsequent phosphorylation of EGFR and cellular migration. These results suggest that GPR101 is a critical requirement for GnRH-(1-5) transactivation of EGFR in Ishikawa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelaine Cho-Clark
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (T.J.W., M.C., F.V.) and the Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology (D.O.L., T.J.W.), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814; and Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Neuroscience (S.K.M.), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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Dong Y, He Y, de Boer L, Stack MS, Lumley JW, Clements JA, Hooper JD. The cell surface glycoprotein CUB domain-containing protein 1 (CDCP1) contributes to epidermal growth factor receptor-mediated cell migration. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:9792-9803. [PMID: 22315226 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.335448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) activation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) is an important mediator of cell migration, and aberrant signaling via this system promotes a number of malignancies including ovarian cancer. We have identified the cell surface glycoprotein CDCP1 as a key regulator of EGF/EGFR-induced cell migration. We show that signaling via EGF/EGFR induces migration of ovarian cancer Caov3 and OVCA420 cells with concomitant up-regulation of CDCP1 mRNA and protein. Consistent with a role in cell migration CDCP1 relocates from cell-cell junctions to punctate structures on filopodia after activation of EGFR. Significantly, disruption of CDCP1 either by silencing or the use of a function blocking antibody efficiently reduces EGF/EGFR-induced cell migration of Caov3 and OVCA420 cells. We also show that up-regulation of CDCP1 is inhibited by pharmacological agents blocking ERK but not Src signaling, indicating that the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway is required downstream of EGF/EGFR to induce increased expression of CDCP1. Our immunohistochemical analysis of benign, primary, and metastatic serous epithelial ovarian tumors demonstrates that CDCP1 is expressed during progression of this cancer. These data highlight a novel role for CDCP1 in EGF/EGFR-induced cell migration and indicate that targeting of CDCP1 may be a rational approach to inhibit progression of cancers driven by EGFR signaling including those resistant to anti-EGFR drugs because of activating mutations in the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Dong
- Cancer Research Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Yaowu He
- Mater Medical Research Institute, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia
| | - Leonore de Boer
- Cancer Research Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - M Sharon Stack
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65212, and
| | - John W Lumley
- Wesley Medical Centre, Auchenflower, Queensland 4066, Australia
| | - Judith A Clements
- Cancer Research Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - John D Hooper
- Mater Medical Research Institute, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101, Australia,.
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Hiss D. Optimizing molecular-targeted therapies in ovarian cancer: the renewed surge of interest in ovarian cancer biomarkers and cell signaling pathways. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:737981. [PMID: 22481932 PMCID: PMC3306947 DOI: 10.1155/2012/737981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The hallmarks of ovarian cancer encompass the development of resistance, disease recurrence and poor prognosis. Ovarian cancer cells express gene signatures which pose significant challenges for cancer drug development, therapeutics, prevention and management. Despite enhancements in contemporary tumor debulking surgery, tentative combination regimens and abdominal radiation which can achieve beneficial response rates, the majority of ovarian cancer patients not only experience adverse effects, but also eventually relapse. Therefore, additional therapeutic possibilities need to be explored to minimize adverse events and prolong progression-free and overall response rates in ovarian cancer patients. Currently, a revival in cancer drug discovery is devoted to identifying diagnostic and prognostic ovarian cancer biomarkers. However, the sensitivity and reliability of such biomarkers may be complicated by mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, diverse genetic risk factors, unidentified initiation and progression elements, molecular tumor heterogeneity and disease staging. There is thus a dire need to expand existing ovarian cancer therapies with broad-spectrum and individualized molecular targeted approaches. The aim of this review is to profile recent developments in our understanding of the interrelationships among selected ovarian tumor biomarkers, heterogeneous expression signatures and related molecular signal transduction pathways, and their translation into more efficacious targeted treatment rationales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donavon Hiss
- Molecular Oncology Research Laboratory, Department of Medical BioSciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville 7535, South Africa
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Ling Poon S, Lau MT, Hammond GL, Leung PCK. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone-II increases membrane type I metalloproteinase production via beta-catenin signaling in ovarian cancer cells. Endocrinology 2011; 152:764-72. [PMID: 21239435 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
GnRH-II is produced by ovarian cancer cells and enhances their invasiveness in vitro. In our studies of OVCAR-3 and CaOV-3 ovarian cancer cell lines, GnRH-II treatment induced phosphorylation of Akt and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β, as well as β-catenin accumulation in the nucleus, and the latter was reduced by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of the GnRH receptor. The phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is involved in β-catenin-dependent signaling, and pretreatment of these human ovarian cancer cells with a PI3K/Akt inhibitor, LY294002, attenuated GnRH-II-stimulated phosphorylation of GSK3β and inhibited GnRH-II-induced invasion. It also attenuated GnRH-II induced trans-activation of a β-catenin-dependent reporter gene, most likely because GSK3β phosphorylation promotes translocation of β-catenin to the nucleus. Membrane type I matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) contributes to tumor progression directly, or by processing the latent MMP-2 zymogen, and is a known target of β-catenin signaling. When OVCAR-3 and CaOV-3 cells were treated with GnRH-II, MT1-MMP levels increased approximately 3-fold, whereas siRNA-mediated depletion of GnRH receptor or pretreatment with LY294002 abrogated this. In addition, lithium chloride, which increases GSK3β phosphorylation and the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, increased MT1-MMP levels in these ovarian cancer cells. By contrast, depletion of β-catenin by siRNA treatment abolished GnRH-II-induced MT1-MMP synthesis and reduced their invasive potential. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated reduction of MT1-MMP levels reduced GnRH-II-induced invasion in ovarian cancer cells. We therefore conclude that GnRH-II stimulates the PI3K/Akt pathway, and the phosphorylation of GSK3β, thereby enhancing the β-catenin-dependent up-regulation of MT1-MMP production, which contributes to ovarian cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ling Poon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Room 2H-30, 4490 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6H 3V5
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Poon SL, Klausen C, Hammond GL, Leung PCK. 37-kDa laminin receptor precursor mediates GnRH-II-induced MMP-2 expression and invasiveness in ovarian cancer cells. Mol Endocrinol 2010; 25:327-38. [PMID: 21193558 DOI: 10.1210/me.2010-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
GnRH-II enhances ovarian cancer cell invasion in an autocrine manner. We have now found that GnRH-II increases 37-kDa laminin receptor precursor (LRP) production in GnRH receptor (GnRHR)-positive OVCAR-3 and CaOV-3 ovarian cancer cells, while small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of GnRH-II or GnRHR mRNA abrogates this. The invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells is also reduced >85% by siRNA-mediated knockdown of LRP levels and >50% by pretreatment of Matrigel with a synthetic peptide that blocks interactions between laminin and the 67-kDa nonintegrin laminin receptor which comprises two LRP subunits. Conversely, overexpressing LRP in CaOV-3 cells increases their invasiveness 5-fold, while overexpressing LRP with a nonfunctional laminin-binding site does not. Depletion of LRP by siRNA treatment reduces CaOV-3 cell attachment to laminin-coated plates by ∼80% but only reduces their binding to Matrigel by ∼20%. Thus, while LRP influences CaOV-3 cell adhesion to laminin, LRP must act in other ways to enhance invasion. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are key mediators of invasion, and LRP siRNA treatment of OVCAR-3 and CaOV-3 cells inhibits MMP-2 but not MMP-9 mRNA levels. Overexpressing LRP in these cells increases MMP-2 production specifically, while a laminin-binding deficient LRP does not. Importantly, LRP siRNA treatment abolishes GnRH-II-induced MMP-2 production, and invasion in OVCAR-3 and CaOV-3 cells, which was also seen after MMP-2 siRNA treatment. These results suggest that GnRH-II-induced LRP expression increases the amount of the 67-kDa nonintegrin laminin receptor, which appears to interact with laminin in the extracellular matrix to promote MMP-2 expression and enhance ovarian cancer cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ling Poon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Tong Z, Chakraborty S, Sung B, Koolwal P, Kaur S, Aggarwal BB, Mani SA, Bresalier RS, Batra SK, Guha S. Epidermal growth factor down-regulates the expression of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) through E-cadherin in pancreatic cancer cells. Cancer 2010; 117:2408-18. [PMID: 24048788 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2010] [Revised: 10/05/2010] [Accepted: 10/25/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The authors previously reported that neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) overexpression significantly blocked invasion and angiogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). They also demonstrated a loss of NGAL expression in the advanced stages of PDAC. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms of NGAL regulation in PDAC. Because the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-EGF receptor (EGFR) axis is up-regulated significantly in PDAC, they examined EGF-mediated NGAL regulation in these cells. METHODS The NGAL-positive cell lines AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 were used as a model system. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blot analysis, and immunofluorescence studies were used to investigate EGF-mediated effects on NGAL expression. E-cadherin expression was manipulated using lentiviral overexpression or small hairpin RNA constructs. NGAL promoter activity was assessed by luciferase-reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. RESULTS NGAL expression was positively associated with tumor differentiation and was down-regulated significantly after EGF treatment along with a concomitant reduction of E-cadherin expression in PDAC cells. E-cadherin down-regulation was partly through the EGFR-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) (MEK-ERK) signaling pathway. In addition, E-cadherin down-regulation reduced NGAL expression in PDAC cells, whereas overexpression of E-cadherin led to increased NGAL expression and partly rescued the inhibition of NGAL expression by EGF. Furthermore, EGF, in part through E-cadherin, reduced NGAL promoter activity by blocking nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) activation. CONCLUSIONS The current study demonstrated for the first time that EGF potently blocked NGAL expression in PDAC cells. This effect was mediated in part through activation of the EGFR-MEK-ERK signaling pathway, which, in turn, down-regulated E-cadherin with a subsequent reduction in NF-κB activation. These findings illustrate a novel mechanism by which EGF regulates NGAL expression in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Tong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Cheng JC, Klausen C, Leung PCK. Hydrogen peroxide mediates EGF-induced down-regulation of E-cadherin expression via p38 MAPK and snail in human ovarian cancer cells. Mol Endocrinol 2010; 24:1569-80. [PMID: 20610539 DOI: 10.1210/me.2010-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In ovarian cancer, it has been shown that E-cadherin is down-regulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) activation, and that cells with low E-cadherin expression are particularly invasive. Although it is generally believed that reactive oxygen species play important roles in intracellular signal transduction, the role of reactive oxygen species in EGF-mediated reductions in E-cadherin remains to be elucidated. In this study, we show that EGF treatment down-regulated E-cadherin by up-regulating its transcriptional repressors, Snail and Slug, in human ovarian cancer cells. Using 5-(and-6)-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate acetyl ester staining, we found that intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) production was increased in EGF-treated cells and could be inhibited by treatment with an EGFR inhibitor, AG1478, or an H(2)O(2) scavenger, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-catalase. In addition, PEG-catalase diminished EGF-induced p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2 or c-Jun N-terminal kinase, phosphorylation. PEG-catalase and the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 abolished EGF-induced Snail, but not Slug, expression and E-cadherin down-regulation. Furthermore, the involvement of p38 MAPK in the down-regulation of E-cadherin was confirmed using specific p38alpha MAPK small interfering RNA. Finally, we also show that EGF-induced cell invasion was abolished by treatment with PEG-catalase and SB203580, as well as p38alpha MAPK small interfering RNA, and that forced expression of E-cadherin diminished intrinsic invasiveness as well as EGF-induced cell invasion. This study demonstrates a novel mechanism in which EGF down-regulates E-cadherin expression through production of H(2)O(2), activation of p38 MAPK, and up-regulation of Snail in human ovarian cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chien Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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