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Li Y, Gong D, Zhang L, Li H, Zhang S, Zhang J, Li K, Zheng Q, Zhao G, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Guo Y, Xiang R, Lin P, Wei Y. Zinc finger protein 32 promotes breast cancer stem cell-like properties through directly promoting GPER transcription. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1162. [PMID: 30478301 PMCID: PMC6255875 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1144-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women. Due to the existence of a small fraction of stem cell-like subpopulations, some breast cancer subtypes exhibit very high malignancy and resistance to multiple therapies. The underlying mechanisms of how these subtypes acquire stem cell-like properties and progress more aggressively remain largely unknown. Zinc finger protein 32 (ZNF32), a newly discovered transcription factor, has been reported to be associated with breast cancer progression. However, many questions remain about its target genes and its exact mechanisms in regulating stem cell-like properties and drug resistance. In the present study, we examined the relationship between ZNF32 and GPER, a membrane-associated estrogen receptor, and we addressed their roles in stemness regulation in human breast cancer cell lines. Our results showed that ZNF32 could induce expansion of stem cell-like subpopulations and increase drug resistance by upregulating GPER expression, in which ERK activation was also implicated. We also illustrated that ZNF32 induced GPER expression via a ZNF32 binding sequence located within the GPER promoter region. A correlation between ZNF32/GPER expression and increased tumor incidence and burden was observed in xenograft mouse models. We conclude that ZNF32 can engage GPER/ERK signalling and confer breast cancer stem cell-like properties, which may indicate poor prognosis of breast cancer patients. ZNF32 and GPER targeted therapies might provide new solutions for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Li
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Di Gong
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.,Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Academic Medical Center and Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hongjiang Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- Huaxi Biobank, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Kai Li
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - QianWen Zheng
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yafei Guo
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Xiang
- Department of clinical medicine, School of Medicine, Nankai University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Lin
- Division of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Division of Cancer Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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2
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Loss of ZNF32 augments the regeneration of nervous lateral line system through negative regulation of SOX2 transcription. Oncotarget 2018; 7:70420-70436. [PMID: 27626680 PMCID: PMC5342562 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Human zinc finger protein 32 (ZNF32) is a Cys2-His2 zinc-finger transcription factor that plays an important role in cell fate, yet much of its function remains unknown. Here, we reveal that the zebrafish ZNF32 homologue zfZNF32 is expressed in the nervous system, particularly in the lateral line system. ZfZNF32 knock-out zebrafish (zfZNF−/−) were generated using the CRISPR-associated protein 9 system. We found that the regenerative capacity of the lateral line system was increased in zfZNF−/− upon hair cell damage compared with the wild type. Moreover, SOX2 was essential for the zfZNF32-dependent modulation of lateral line system regeneration. Mechanistic studies showed that ZNF32 suppressed SOX2 transcription by directly binding to a consensus sequence (5′-gcattt-32) in the SOX2 promoter. In addition, ZNF32 localizes to the nucleus, and we have identified that amino acids 1-169 (Aa 1-169) and each of three independent nuclear localization signals (NLSs) in ZNF32 are indispensable for ZNF32 nuclear trafficking. Mutating the NLSs disrupted the inhibitory effect of ZNF32 in SOX2 expression, highlighting the critical role of the NLSs in ZNF32 function. Our findings reveal a pivotal role for ZNF32 function in SOX2 expression and regeneration regulation.
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Yue X, Que Y, Xu L, Deng S, Peng Y, Talbot NJ, Wang Z. ZNF1 Encodes a Putative C2H2 Zinc-Finger Protein Essential for Appressorium Differentiation by the Rice Blast Fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2016; 29:22-35. [PMID: 26441322 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-09-15-0201-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae forms specialized infection structures called appressoria which are essential for gaining entry to plant tissue. Here, we report the identification of a novel nonpathogenic T-DNA-tagged mutant XF696 of M. oryzae with a single insertion in the promoter of ZNF1, which encodes a putative transcription factor (TF). Targeted gene deletion mutants of ZNF1 are nonpathogenic and unable to develop appressoria. However, Δznf1 mutants still respond to exogenous cyclic AMP on hydrophilic surfaces and can sense hydrophobic surfaces, initiating the differentiation of germ tubes. Interestingly, Δznf1 mutants also produce significantly more conidia compared with the isogenic wild-type strain. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis and green fluorescent protein fusion experiments revealed that expression of ZNF1 was highly induced during germination and appressorium development in M. oryzae and potentially regulated by the Pmk1 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. We observed that Δznf1 mutants are affected in mitosis and impaired in mobilization and degradation of lipid droplets and glycogen reserves during appressorium differentiation. Site-directed mutagenesis confirmed that three of the four C2H2 zinc-finger domains are essential for the function of Znf1. Taken together, we conclude that a C2H2 zinc-finger TF encoded by ZNF1 is essential for appressorium development by the rice blast fungus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Yue
- 1 State Key Laboratory for Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yawei Que
- 1 State Key Laboratory for Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Xu
- 1 State Key Laboratory for Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhen Deng
- 1 State Key Laboratory for Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, People's Republic of China
| | - Youliang Peng
- 2 State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology and MOA Key Laboratory of Plant Pathology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Nicholas J Talbot
- 3 School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Geoffrey Pope Building, Exeter EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
| | - Zhengyi Wang
- 1 State Key Laboratory for Rice Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310029, People's Republic of China
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4
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Li K, Gao B, Li J, Chen H, Li Y, Wei Y, Gong D, Gao J, Zhang J, Tan W, Wen T, Zhang L, Huang L, Xiang R, Lin P, Wei Y. ZNF32 protects against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis by modulating C1QBP transcription. Oncotarget 2015; 6:38107-26. [PMID: 26497555 PMCID: PMC4741987 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-driven oxidative stress has been recognized as a critical inducer of cancer cell death in response to therapeutic agents. Our previous studies have demonstrated that zinc finger protein (ZNF)32 is key to cell survival upon oxidant stimulation. However, the mechanisms by which ZNF32 mediates cell death remain unclear. Here, we show that at moderate levels of ROS, Sp1 directly binds to two GC boxes within the ZNF32 promoter to activate ZNF32 transcription. Alternatively, at cytotoxic ROS concentrations, ZNF32 expression is repressed due to decreased binding activity of Sp1. ZNF32 overexpression maintains mitochondrial membrane potential and enhances the antioxidant capacity of cells to detoxify ROS, and these effects promote cell survival upon pro-oxidant agent treatment. Alternatively, ZNF32-deficient cells are more sensitive and vulnerable to oxidative stress-induced cell injury. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that complement 1q-binding protein (C1QBP) is a direct target gene of ZNF32 that inactivates the p38 MAPK pathway, thereby exerting the protective effects of ZNF32 on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Taken together, our findings indicate a novel mechanism by which the Sp1-ZNF32-C1QBP axis protects against oxidative stress and implicate a promising strategy that ZNF32 inhibition combined with pro-oxidant anticancer agents for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antioxidants/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Binding Sites
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Carrier Proteins/genetics
- Carrier Proteins/metabolism
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- HEK293 Cells
- Hep G2 Cells
- Humans
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/genetics
- Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Male
- Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Middle Aged
- Mitochondrial Proteins/genetics
- Mitochondrial Proteins/metabolism
- Oxidants/pharmacology
- Oxidative Stress/drug effects
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- RNA Interference
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Sp1 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- Time Factors
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
- Transcriptional Activation
- Transfection
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Li
- Department of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Gao
- Department of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pathology, College of Clinical Medicine, Dali University, Dali, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Haining Chen
- Department of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Department of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuyan Wei
- Department of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Di Gong
- Department of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Junping Gao
- Department of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Weiwei Tan
- Department Biorepository, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Tianfu Wen
- Department of Liver Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Department of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Lugang Huang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Xiang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Nankai University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Tianjin, China
| | - Ping Lin
- Department of Experimental Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuquan Wei
- Department of Cancer Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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5
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ZNF32 inhibits autophagy through the mTOR pathway and protects MCF-7 cells from stimulus-induced cell death. Sci Rep 2015; 5:9288. [PMID: 25786368 PMCID: PMC4365391 DOI: 10.1038/srep09288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
ZNF32 is a recently identified zinc finger protein and its functions remain largely unknown. Autophagy has been shown to affect cell proliferation and survival. Here, we innovatively show the effect of ZNF32 on cell autophagy and autophagy-associated cell death in breast carcinoma cells and also elucidate its underlying mechanisms. We examined the autophagic activity and LC3 II expression in human carcinoma cell lines with increased or decreased ZNF32 expression. Pharmacological inhibition (rapamycin) or activation (EGF) assays were used to investigate the function of the AKT/mTOR pathway during this process. H2O2- and diamide-induced MCF-7 cell death models were used to elucidate the role of ZNF32-associated autophagy in breast carcinoma cell death. Our results show that increasing ZNF32 expression in MCF-7 cells inhibits autophagy initiation by activating the AKT/mTOR pathway, and further reduced autophagy-associated cell death and maintained MCF-7 cell survival. Conversely, impairing ZNF32 expression by transfecting ZNF32 siRNA strongly promoted autophagy, further augmenting autophagy-associated cell death. Furthermore, correlations between ZNF32 and autophagy were observed in both MCF-7 xenograft tumors and in breast cancer patients. In conclusion, ZNF32 acts as an effective autophagy inhibitor to protect breast cancer cells from excessive stimulus-autophagy-induced cell death.
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