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Omar FA, Brown TC, Gillanders WE, Fleming TP, Smith MA, Bremner RM, Sankpal NV. Cytosolic EpCAM cooperates with H-Ras to regulate epithelial to mesenchymal transition through ZEB1. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285707. [PMID: 37192201 PMCID: PMC10187930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Next generation sequencing of human cancer mutations has identified novel therapeutic targets. Activating Ras oncogene mutations play a central role in oncogenesis, and Ras-driven tumorigenesis upregulates an array of genes and signaling cascades that can transform normal cells into tumor cells. In this study, we investigated the role of altered localization of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in Ras-expressing cells. Analysis of microarray data demonstrated that Ras expression induced EpCAM expression in normal breast epithelial cells. Fluorescent and confocal microscopy showed that H-Ras mediated transformation also promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) together with EpCAM. To consistently localize EpCAM in the cytosol, we generated a cancer-associated EpCAM mutant (EpCAM-L240A) that is retained in the cytosol compartment. Normal MCF-10A cells were transduced with H-Ras together with EpCAM wild-type (WT) or EpCAM-L240A. WT-EpCAM marginally effected invasion, proliferation, and soft agar growth. EpCAM-L240A, however, markedly altered cells and transformed to mesenchymal phenotype. Ras-EpCAM-L240A expression also promoted expression of EMT factors FRA1, ZEB1 with inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and IL1. This altered morphology was reversed using MEK-specific inhibitors and to some extent JNK inhibition. Furthermore, these transformed cells were sensitized to apoptosis using paclitaxel and quercetin, but not other therapies. For the first time, we have demonstrated that EpCAM mutations can cooperate with H-Ras and promote EMT. Collectively, our results highlight future therapeutic opportunities in EpCAM and Ras mutated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma A. Omar
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Taylor C. Brown
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - William E. Gillanders
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Timothy P. Fleming
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Michael A. Smith
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Ross M. Bremner
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Narendra V. Sankpal
- Norton Thoracic Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
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Saeki T, Yoshimatsu S, Ishikawa M, Hon CC, Koya I, Shibata S, Hosoya M, Saegusa C, Ogawa K, Shin JW, Fujioka M, Okano H. Critical roles of FGF, RA, and WNT signalling in the development of the human otic placode and subsequent lineages in a dish. Regen Ther 2022; 20:165-186. [PMID: 35620640 PMCID: PMC9114627 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Efficient induction of the otic placode, the developmental origin of the inner ear from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), provides a robust platform for otic development and sensorineural hearing loss modelling. Nevertheless, there remains a limited capacity of otic lineage specification from hPSCs by stepwise differentiation methods, since the critical factors for successful otic cell differentiation have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we developed a novel differentiation system involving the use of a three-dimensional (3D) floating culture with signalling factors for generating otic cell lineages via stepwise differentiation of hPSCs. Methods We differentiated hPSCs into preplacodal cells under a two-dimensional (2D) monolayer culture. Then, we transferred the induced preplacodal cells into a 3D floating culture under the control of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), retinoic acid (RA) and WNT signalling pathways. We evaluated the characteristics of the induced cells using immunocytochemistry, quantitative PCR (qPCR), population averaging, and single-cell RNA-seq (RNA-seq) analysis. We further investigated the methods for differentiating otic progenitors towards hair cells by overexpression of defined transcription factors. Results We demonstrated that hPSC-derived preplacodal cells acquired the potential to differentiate into posterior placodal cells in 3D floating culture with FGF2 and RA. Subsequent activation of WNT signalling induced otic placodal cell formation. By single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) analysis, we identified multiple clusters of otic placode- and otocyst marker-positive cells in the induced spheres. Moreover, the induced otic cells showed the potential to generate hair cell-like cells by overexpression of the transcription factors ATOH1, POU4F3 and GFI1. Conclusions We demonstrated the critical role of FGF2, RA and WNT signalling in a 3D environment for the in vitro differentiation of otic lineage cells from hPSCs. The induced otic cells had the capacity to differentiate into inner ear hair cells with stereociliary bundles and tip link-like structures. The protocol will be useful for in vitro disease modelling of sensorineural hearing loss and human inner ear development and thus contribute to drug screening and stem cell-based regenerative medicine. A 3D floating culture condition is critical for inducing otic placodal cells from hPSCs-derived preplacodal cells. Activation of FGF, RA, WNT signalling pathways is indispensable for differentiating otic lineage under the 3D condition. Overexpression of defined transcription factors facilitated the generation of hair cells from hPSCs-derived otic cells.
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Pan M, Kohlbauer V, Blancke Soares A, Schinke H, Huang Y, Kranz G, Quadt T, Hachmeister M, Gires O. Interactome analysis reveals endocytosis and membrane recycling of EpCAM during differentiation of embryonic stem cells and carcinoma cells. iScience 2021; 24:103179. [PMID: 34693227 PMCID: PMC8517208 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is expressed in epithelia, carcinoma, teratoma, and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). EpCAM displays spatiotemporal patterning during embryogenesis, tissue morphogenesis, cell differentiation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in carcinomas. Potential interactors of EpCAM were identified in murine F9 teratoma cells using a stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture-based proteomic approach (n = 77, enrichment factor >3, p value ≤ 0.05). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene ontology terms revealed interactions with regulators of endosomal trafficking and membrane recycling, which were further validated for Rab5, Rab7, and Rab11. Endocytosis and membrane recycling of EpCAM were confirmed in mF9 cells, E14TG2α ESC, and Kyse30 carcinoma cells. Reduction of EpCAM during mesodermal differentiation and TGFβ-induced EMT correlated with enhanced endocytosis and block or reduction of recycling in ESCs and esophageal carcinoma cells. Hence, endocytosis and membrane recycling are means of regulation of EpCAM protein levels during differentiation of ESC and EMT induction in carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Vera Kohlbauer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Blancke Soares
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuanchi Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Quadt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Hachmeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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Bergamelli M, Martin H, Bénard M, Ausseil J, Mansuy JM, Hurbain I, Mouysset M, Groussolles M, Cartron G, Tanguy le Gac Y, Moinard N, Suberbielle E, Izopet J, Tscherning C, Raposo G, Gonzalez-Dunia D, D'Angelo G, Malnou CE. Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Changes the Pattern of Surface Markers of Small Extracellular Vesicles Isolated From First Trimester Placental Long-Term Histocultures. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:689122. [PMID: 34568315 PMCID: PMC8461063 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.689122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have increasingly been recognized as key players in a wide variety of physiological and pathological contexts, including during pregnancy. Notably, EVs appear both as possible biomarkers and as mediators involved in the communication of the placenta with the maternal and fetal sides. A better understanding of the physiological and pathological roles of EVs strongly depends on the development of adequate and reliable study models, specifically at the beginning of pregnancy where many adverse pregnancy outcomes have their origin. In this study, we describe the isolation of small EVs from a histoculture model of first trimester placental explants in normal conditions as well as upon infection by human cytomegalovirus. Using bead-based multiplex cytometry and electron microscopy combined with biochemical approaches, we characterized these small EVs and defined their associated markers and ultrastructure. We observed that infection led to changes in the expression level of several surface markers, without affecting the secretion and integrity of small EVs. Our findings lay the foundation for studying the functional role of EVs during early pregnancy, along with the identification of new predictive biomarkers for the severity and outcome of this congenital infection, which are still sorely lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Bergamelli
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Hélène Martin
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Mélinda Bénard
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Service de Néonatalogie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital des Enfants, Toulouse, France
| | - Jérôme Ausseil
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire de Biochimie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Michel Mansuy
- Laboratoire de Virologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Ilse Hurbain
- CNRS UMR 144, Structure et Compartiments Membranaires, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 144, Plateforme d'Imagerie Cellulaire et Tissulaire (PICT-IBiSA), Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Paris, France
| | - Maïlys Mouysset
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Marion Groussolles
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Service de Diagnostic Prénatal, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France.,INSERM UMR 1027, UPS, Equipe SPHERE Epidémiologie et Analyses en Santé Publique: Risques, Maladies Chroniques et Handicaps, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Géraldine Cartron
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France
| | - Yann Tanguy le Gac
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France
| | - Nathalie Moinard
- Développement Embryonnaire, Fertilité, Environnement (DEFE), INSERM UMR 1203, Université de Toulouse et Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,CECOS, Groupe d'Activité de Médecine de la Reproduction, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Paule de Viguier, Toulouse, France
| | - Elsa Suberbielle
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire de Virologie, CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Toulouse, France
| | - Charlotte Tscherning
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Graça Raposo
- CNRS UMR 144, Structure et Compartiments Membranaires, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Paris, France.,CNRS UMR 144, Plateforme d'Imagerie Cellulaire et Tissulaire (PICT-IBiSA), Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Paris, France
| | - Daniel Gonzalez-Dunia
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Gisela D'Angelo
- CNRS UMR 144, Structure et Compartiments Membranaires, Institut Curie, Université Paris Sciences et Lettres, Paris, France
| | - Cécile E Malnou
- Institut Toulousain des Maladies Infectieuses et Inflammatoires (Infinity), INSERM, CNRS, UPS, Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
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Functional Implications of the Dynamic Regulation of EpCAM during Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070956. [PMID: 34209658 PMCID: PMC8301972 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in epithelial tissues. EpCAM forms intercellular, homophilic adhesions, modulates epithelial junctional protein complex formation, and promotes epithelial tissue homeostasis. EpCAM is a target of molecular therapies and plays a prominent role in tumor biology. In this review, we focus on the dynamic regulation of EpCAM expression during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the functional implications of EpCAM expression on the regulation of EMT. EpCAM is frequently and highly expressed in epithelial cancers, while silenced in mesenchymal cancers. During EMT, EpCAM expression is downregulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and EMT transcription factors, as well as by regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). The functional impact of EpCAM expression on tumor biology is frequently dependent on the cancer type and predominant oncogenic signaling pathways, suggesting that the role of EpCAM in tumor biology and EMT is multifunctional. Membrane EpCAM is cleaved in cancers and its intracellular domain (EpICD) is transported into the nucleus and binds β-catenin, FHL2, and LEF1. This stimulates gene transcription that promotes growth, cancer stem cell properties, and EMT. EpCAM is also regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and the EpCAM ectoderm (EpEX) is an EGFR ligand that affects EMT. EpCAM is expressed on circulating tumor and cancer stem cells undergoing EMT and modulates metastases and cancer treatment responses. Future research exploring EpCAM’s role in EMT may reveal additional therapeutic opportunities.
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Chen G, Yang Y, Liu W, Huang L, Yang L, Lei Y, Wu H, Lei Z, Guo J. EpCAM is essential for maintenance of the small intestinal epithelium architecture via regulation of the expression and localization of proteins that compose adherens junctions. Int J Mol Med 2020; 47:621-632. [PMID: 33416101 PMCID: PMC7797445 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is highly expressed in mammalian intestines, and is essential for maintaining the homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium. EpCAM protein is localized at tight junctions and the basolateral membrane of the intestinal epithelium, where it interacts with many cell adhesion molecules. To explore the molecular functions of EpCAM in regulating adherens junctions in the intestinal epithelium, EpCAM knockout embryos and newborn pups were analyzed. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess the histology of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon from wild-type and EpCAM−/− mice at E18.5, P0 and P3. The expression and localization of adherens junction-associated genes and genes that encode the proteins that participate in the assembly of adherens junctions were measured at the mRNA and protein levels using qPCR, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. The results showed that although there was no significant damage to the intestines of EpCAM−/− mice at E18.5 and P0, they were significantly damaged at P3 in mutant mice. The expression of adherens junction-associated genes in EpCAM mutant mice was normal at the mRNA level from E18.5 to P3, but their protein levels were gradually reduced and mislocalized from E18.5 to P3. The expression of nectin 1, which can regulate the assembly and adhesion activity of E-cadherin, was also gradually reduced at both the mRNA and protein levels in the intestinal epithelium of EpCAM mutant mice from E18.5 to P3. In summary, the loss of EpCAM may cause the reduction and mislocalization of proteins that compose adherens junctions partly via the downregulation of nectin 1 in the intestines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guibin Chen
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine and Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China and Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University and Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Yanhong Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital (School of Clinical Medicine), Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Wanwan Liu
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine and Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China and Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University and Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Li Huang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine and Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China and Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University and Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Lanxiang Yang
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine and Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China and Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University and Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Yuting Lei
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine and Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China and Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University and Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Huijuan Wu
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine and Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China and Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University and Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Zili Lei
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine and Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China and Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University and Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Guo
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine and Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education of China and Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University and Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
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Muraoka A, Osuka S, Kiyono T, Suzuki M, Yokoi A, Murase T, Nishino K, Niimi K, Nakamura T, Goto M, Kajiyama H, Kondo Y, Kikkawa F. Establishment and characterization of cell lines from human endometrial epithelial and mesenchymal cells from patients with endometriosis. F&S SCIENCE 2020; 1:195-205. [PMID: 35559928 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish and characterize cell lines derived from human endometrial epithelial cells (ECs) and mesenchymal cells (MCs) from patients with and without endometriosis. DESIGN In vitro experimental study. SETTING University and national cancer center research institute. PATIENT(S) Two women with endometriosis and two women without endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) Sampling of endometrial ECs and MCs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Establishing immortalized endometrial ECs and MCs with quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunocytochemical analysis, and RNA sequence profiling performed to characterize the immortalized cells and a cell proliferation assay, three-dimensional culture, and assays for hormone responses performed to characterize the features of ECs. RESULT(S) The qRT-PCR, immunocytochemical analysis, and Western blot analysis revealed that the ECs and MCs maintained their original features. Moreover, the immortalized cells were found to retain responsiveness to sex steroid hormones. The ECs formed a gland-like structure in three-dimensional culture, indicating the maintenance of normal EC phenotypes. The RNA sequence profiling, principal component analysis, and clustering analysis showed that the gene expression patterns of the immortalized cells were different from those of cancer cells. Several signaling pathways that were statistically significantly enriched in ECs and MCs with endometriosis were revealed. CONCLUSION(S) We successfully obtained four paired immortalized endometrial ECs and MCs from patients with and without endometriosis. Using these cells could help identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets for endometriosis. The cell lines established in this study will thus serve as powerful experimental tools in the study of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Muraoka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan; Division of Cancer Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoko Osuka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Tohru Kiyono
- Project for Prevention of HPV-related Cancer, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa City, Japan.
| | - Miho Suzuki
- Division of Cancer Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Yokoi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Murase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kimihiro Nishino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kaoru Niimi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nakamura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Maki Goto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kondo
- Division of Cancer Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Kikkawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
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Fagotto F, Aslemarz A. EpCAM cellular functions in adhesion and migration, and potential impact on invasion: A critical review. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188436. [PMID: 32976980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188436] [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] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
EpCAM has long been known as a cell surface protein highly expressed in carcinomas. It has since become one of the key cancer biomarkers. Despite its high fame, its actual role in cancer development is still controversial. Beyond a flurry of correlative studies, which point either to a positive or a negative link with tumour progression, there has been surprisingly few studies on the actual cellular mechanisms of EpCAM and on their functional consequences. Clearly, EpCAM plays multiple important roles, in cell proliferation as well as in cell adhesion and migration. The two latter functions, directly relevant for metastasis, are the focus of this review. We attempt here to bring together the available experimental data to build a global coherent view of EpCAM functions. We also include in this overview EpCAM2/Trop2, the close relative of EpCAM. At the core of EpCAM (and EpCAM2/Trop2) function stands the ability to repress contractility of the actomyosin cell cortex. This activity appears to involve direct inhibition by EpCAM of members of the novel PKC family and of a specific downstream PKD-Erk cascade. We will discuss how this activity can result in a variety of adhesive and migratory phenotypes, thus potentially explaining at least part of the apparent inconsistencies between different studies. The picture remains fragmented, and we will highlight some of the conflicting evidence and the many unsolved issues, starting with the controversy around its original description as a cell-cell adhesion molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Fagotto
- CRBM, University of Montpellier and CNRS, Montpellier 34293, France.
| | - Azam Aslemarz
- CRBM, University of Montpellier and CNRS, Montpellier 34293, France; Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A1B1, Canada
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Fagotto F. EpCAM as Modulator of Tissue Plasticity. Cells 2020; 9:E2128. [PMID: 32961790 PMCID: PMC7563481 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule or EpCAM is a well-known marker highly expressed in carcinomas and showing a strong correlation with poor cancer prognosis. While its name relates to its proposed function as a cell adhesion molecule, EpCAM has been shown to have various signalling functions. In particular, it has been identified as an important positive regulator of cell adhesion and migration, playing an essential role in embryonic morphogenesis as well as intestinal homeostasis. This activity is not due to its putative adhesive function, but rather to its ability to repress myosin contractility by impinging on a PKC signalling cascade. This mechanism confers EpCAM the unique property of favouring tissue plasticity. I review here the currently available data, comment on possible connections with other properties of EpCAM, and discuss the potential significance in the context of cancer invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Fagotto
- CRBM, University of Montpellier and CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France
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10
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Gires O, Pan M, Schinke H, Canis M, Baeuerle PA. Expression and function of epithelial cell adhesion molecule EpCAM: where are we after 40 years? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:969-987. [PMID: 32507912 PMCID: PMC7497325 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) was discovered four decades ago as a tumor antigen on colorectal carcinomas. Owing to its frequent and high expression on carcinomas and their metastases, EpCAM serves as a prognostic marker, a therapeutic target, and an anchor molecule on circulating and disseminated tumor cells (CTCs/DTCs), which are considered the major source for metastatic cancer cells. Today, EpCAM is reckoned as a multi-functional transmembrane protein involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, stemness, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of carcinoma cells. To fulfill these functions, EpCAM is instrumental in intra- and intercellular signaling as a full-length molecule and following regulated intramembrane proteolysis, generating functionally active extra- and intracellular fragments. Intact EpCAM and its proteolytic fragments interact with claudins, CD44, E-cadherin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and intracellular signaling components of the WNT and Ras/Raf pathways, respectively. This plethora of functions contributes to shaping intratumor heterogeneity and partial EMT, which are major determinants of the clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. EpCAM represents a marker for the epithelial status of primary and systemic tumor cells and emerges as a measure for the metastatic capacity of CTCs. Consequentially, EpCAM has reclaimed potential as a prognostic marker and target on primary and systemic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick A Baeuerle
- Institute for Immunology, LMU Munich, Grosshadernerstr. 9, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
- MPM Capital, Cambridge MA, 450 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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11
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Gaber A, Lenarčič B, Pavšič M. Current View on EpCAM Structural Biology. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061361. [PMID: 32486423 PMCID: PMC7349879 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
EpCAM, a carcinoma cell-surface marker protein and a therapeutic target, has been primarily addressed as a cell adhesion molecule. With regard to recent discoveries of its role in signaling with implications in cell proliferation and differentiation, and findings contradicting a direct role in mediating adhesion contacts, we provide a comprehensive and updated overview on the available structural data on EpCAM and interpret it in the light of recent reports on its function. First, we describe the structure of extracellular part of EpCAM, both as a subunit and part of a cis-dimer which, according to several experimental observations, represents a biologically relevant oligomeric state. Next, we provide a thorough evaluation of reports on EpCAM as a homophilic cell adhesion molecule with a structure-based explanation why direct EpCAM participation in cell–cell contacts is highly unlikely. Finally, we review the signaling aspect of EpCAM with focus on accessibility of signaling-associated cleavage sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aljaž Gaber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.G.); (B.L.)
| | - Brigita Lenarčič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.G.); (B.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Pavšič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.G.); (B.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-479-8550
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12
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Mohtar MA, Syafruddin SE, Nasir SN, Yew LT. Revisiting the Roles of Pro-Metastatic EpCAM in Cancer. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020255. [PMID: 32046162 PMCID: PMC7072682 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a cell surface protein that was discovered as a tumour marker of epithelial origins nearly four decades ago. EpCAM is expressed at basal levels in the basolateral membrane of normal epithelial cells. However, EpCAM expression is upregulated in solid epithelial cancers and stem cells. EpCAM can also be found in disseminated tumour cells and circulating tumour cells. Various OMICs studies have demonstrated that EpCAM plays roles in several key biological processes such as cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, EpCAM can be detected in the bodily fluid of cancer patients suggesting that EpCAM is a pathophysiologically relevant anti-tumour target as well as being utilized as a diagnostic/prognostic agent for a variety of cancers. This review will focus on the structure-features of EpCAM protein and discuss recent evidence on the pathological and physiological roles of EpCAM in modulating cell adhesion and signalling pathways in cancers as well as deliberating the clinical implication of EpCAM as a therapeutic target.
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13
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Gao G, Wang S, Zhang J, Su G, Zheng Z, Bai C, Yang L, Wei Z, Wang X, Liu X, Guo Z, Li G, Su X, Zhang L. Transcriptome-wide analysis of the SCNT bovine abnormal placenta during mid- to late gestation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20035. [PMID: 31882783 PMCID: PMC6934727 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56566-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction of placenta is common in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) cloned cattle and would cause aberrant fetal development and even abortion, which occurred with highest rate at the mid- to late gestation. However, the mechanism of abnormal placentas was unclear. To analyze the transcriptome-wide characteristics of abnormal placentas in SCNT cloned cattle, the mRNA, lncRNA and miRNA of placental cotyledon tissue at day 180 after gestation were sequenced. A total of 19,055 mRNAs, 30,141 lncRNAs and 684 miRNAs were identified. Compared with control group, 362 mRNAs, 1,272 lncRNAs and nine miRNAs (six known and three novel miRNAs) were differentially expressed (fold change ≥ 2 and P-value < 0.05). The differentially expressed genes were functionally enriched in urea and ions transmembrane transport, which indicated that the maternal-fetal interactions were disturbed in impaired placentas. Furthermore, the competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) networks were identified to illustrate their roles in abnormal placental morphology. The present research would be helpful to discover the mechanism of late gestational abnormality of SCNT cattle by provides important genomic information and insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangqi Gao
- The State key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Shenyuan Wang
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Guanghua Su
- The State key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Zhong Zheng
- The State key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Chunling Bai
- The State key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Lei Yang
- The State key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Zhuying Wei
- The State key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China
| | - Xiuying Wang
- Inner Mongolia Radio and TV University, Hohhot, 010010, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Ziru Guo
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China
| | - Guangpeng Li
- The State key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
| | - Xiaohu Su
- The State key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- Key Laboratory of Gene Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Healthy Aging Research and State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, SYSU-BCM JointResearch Center, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- The State key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010070, China.
- College of Life Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China.
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14
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Das B, Okamoto K, Rabalais J, Kozan PA, Marchelletta RR, McGeough MD, Durali N, Go M, Barrett KE, Das S, Sivagnanam M. Enteroids expressing a disease-associated mutant of EpCAM are a model for congenital tufting enteropathy. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 317:G580-G591. [PMID: 31433211 PMCID: PMC6879886 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00098.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by severe intestinal failure in infancy and mutations in the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM) gene. Previous studies of CTE in mice expressing mutant EpCAM show neonatal lethality. Hence, to study the cellular, molecular, and physiological alterations that result from EpCAM mutation, a tamoxifen-inducible mutant EpCAM enteroid model has been generated. The presence of mutant EpCAM in the model was confirmed at both mRNA and protein levels. Immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated the reduced expression of mutant EpCAM. Mutant enteroids had reduced budding potential as well as significantly decreased mRNA expression for epithelial lineage markers (Mucin 2, lysozyme, sucrase-isomaltase), proliferation marker Ki67, and secretory pathway transcription factors (Atoh1, Hnf1b). Significantly decreased numbers of Paneth and goblet cells were confirmed by staining. These findings were correlated with intestinal tissue from CTE patients and the mutant mice model that had significantly fewer Paneth and goblet cells than in healthy counterparts. FITC-dextran studies demonstrated significantly impaired barrier function in monolayers derived from mutant enteroids compared with control monolayers. In conclusion, we have established an ex vivo CTE model. The role of EpCAM in the budding potential, differentiation, and barrier function of enteroids is noted. Our study establishes new facets of EpCAM biology that will aid in understanding the pathophysiology of CTE and role of EpCAM in health and disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we develop a novel ex vivo enteroid model for congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE) based on epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM) gene mutations found in patients. With this model we demonstrate the role of EpCAM in maintaining the functional homeostasis of the intestinal epithelium, including differentiation, proliferation, and barrier integrity. This study further establishes a new direction in EpCAM biology that will help in understanding the detailed pathophysiology of CTE and role of EpCAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barun Das
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Kevin Okamoto
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - John Rabalais
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Philip A. Kozan
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | - Matthew D. McGeough
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Nassim Durali
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Maria Go
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Kim E. Barrett
- 2Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Soumita Das
- 3Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Mamata Sivagnanam
- 1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California,4Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California
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15
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Evans J, Rai A, Nguyen HPT, Poh QH, Elglass K, Simpson RJ, Salamonsen LA, Greening DW. Human Endometrial Extracellular Vesicles Functionally Prepare Human Trophectoderm Model for Implantation: Understanding Bidirectional Maternal-Embryo Communication. Proteomics 2019; 19:e1800423. [PMID: 31531940 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201800423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation into maternal endometrium is critical for initiation and establishment of pregnancy, requiring developmental synchrony between endometrium and blastocyst. However, factors regulating human endometrial-embryo cross talk and facilitate implantation remain largely unknown. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important mediators of this process. Here, a trophectoderm spheroid-based in vitro model mimicking the pre-implantation human embryo is used to recapitulate important functional aspects of blastocyst implantation. Functionally, human endometrial EVs, derived from hormonally treated cells synchronous with implantation, are readily internalized by trophectoderm cells, regulating adhesive and invasive capacity of human trophectoderm spheroids. To gain molecular insights into mechanisms underpinning endometrial EV-mediated enhancement of implantation, quantitative proteomics reveal critical alterations in trophectoderm cellular adhesion networks (cell adhesion molecule binding, cell-cell adhesion mediator activity, and cell adherens junctions) and metabolic and gene expression networks, and the soluble secretome from human trophectodermal spheroids. Importantly, transfer of endometrial EV cargo proteins to trophectoderm to mediate changes in trophectoderm function is demonstrated. This is highlighted by correlation among endometrial EVs, the trophectodermal proteome following EV uptake, and EV-mediated trophectodermal cellular proteome, important for implantation. This work provides an understanding into molecular mechanisms of endometrial EV-mediated regulation of human trophectoderm functions-fundamental in understanding human endometrium-embryo signaling during implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemma Evans
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Alin Rai
- Molecular Proteomics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Hong P T Nguyen
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Qi Hui Poh
- Molecular Proteomics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Kirstin Elglass
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - Richard J Simpson
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Lois A Salamonsen
- Endometrial Remodelling Laboratory, Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia.,Departments of Physiology and Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, 3800, Australia
| | - David W Greening
- Molecular Proteomics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
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16
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Spinal neural tube closure depends on regulation of surface ectoderm identity and biomechanics by Grhl2. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2487. [PMID: 31171776 PMCID: PMC6554357 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10164-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Lack or excess expression of the surface ectoderm-expressed transcription factor Grainyhead-like2 (Grhl2), each prevent spinal neural tube closure. Here we investigate the causative mechanisms and find reciprocal dysregulation of epithelial genes, cell junction components and actomyosin properties in Grhl2 null and over-expressing embryos. Grhl2 null surface ectoderm shows a shift from epithelial to neuroepithelial identity (with ectopic expression of N-cadherin and Sox2), actomyosin disorganisation, cell shape changes and diminished resistance to neural fold recoil upon ablation of the closure point. In contrast, excessive abundance of Grhl2 generates a super-epithelial surface ectoderm, in which up-regulation of cell-cell junction proteins is associated with an actomyosin-dependent increase in local mechanical stress. This is compatible with apposition of the neural folds but not with progression of closure, unless myosin activity is inhibited. Overall, our findings suggest that Grhl2 plays a crucial role in regulating biomechanical properties of the surface ectoderm that are essential for spinal neurulation. Loss or over-expression of Grainyhead-like transcription factors (Grhl) prevents closure of the neural tube but the mechanism underlying this is unclear. Here, the authors show that Grhl2 regulates murine posterior-neuropore closure via changes in the identity and biomechanics of the non-neural, surface ectoderm cells.
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17
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Starks RR, Biswas A, Jain A, Tuteja G. Combined analysis of dissimilar promoter accessibility and gene expression profiles identifies tissue-specific genes and actively repressed networks. Epigenetics Chromatin 2019; 12:16. [PMID: 30795793 PMCID: PMC6385419 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-019-0260-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assay for transposase-accessible chromatin (ATAC-seq) is a powerful method to examine chromatin accessibility. While many studies have reported a positive correlation between gene expression and promoter accessibility, few have investigated the genes that deviate from this trend. In this study, we aimed to understand the relationship between gene expression and promoter accessibility in multiple cell types while also identifying gene regulatory networks in the placenta, an understudied organ that is critical for a successful pregnancy. RESULTS We started by assaying the open chromatin landscape in the mid-gestation placenta, when the fetal vasculature has started developing. After incorporating transcriptomic data generated in the placenta at the same time point, we grouped genes based on their expression levels and ATAC-seq promoter coverage. We found that the genes with the strongest correlation (high expression and high coverage) are likely involved in housekeeping functions, whereas tissue-specific genes were highly expressed and had only medium-low coverage. We also predicted that genes with medium-low expression and high promoter coverage were actively repressed. Within this group, we extracted a protein-protein interaction network enriched for neuronal functions, likely preventing the cells from adopting a neuronal fate. We further confirmed that a repressive histone mark is bound to the promoters of genes in this network. Finally, we ran our pipeline using ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data generated in ten additional cell types. We again found that genes with the strongest correlation are enriched for housekeeping functions and that genes with medium-low promoter coverage and high expression are more likely to be tissue-specific. These results demonstrate that only two data types, both of which require relatively low starting material to generate and are becoming more commonly available, can be integrated to understand multiple aspects of gene regulation. CONCLUSIONS Within the placenta, we identified an active placenta-specific gene network as well as a repressed neuronal network. Beyond the placenta, we demonstrate that ATAC-seq data and RNA-seq data can be integrated to identify tissue-specific genes and actively repressed gene networks in multiple cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah R. Starks
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
| | - Anilisa Biswas
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
| | - Ashish Jain
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
| | - Geetu Tuteja
- Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
- Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011 USA
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18
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Pathak SJ, Mueller JL, Okamoto K, Das B, Hertecant J, Greenhalgh L, Cole T, Pinsk V, Yerushalmi B, Gurkan OE, Yourshaw M, Hernandez E, Oesterreicher S, Naik S, Sanderson IR, Axelsson I, Agardh D, Boland CR, Martin MG, Putnam CD, Sivagnanam M. EPCAM mutation update: Variants associated with congenital tufting enteropathy and Lynch syndrome. Hum Mutat 2018; 40:142-161. [PMID: 30461124 PMCID: PMC6328345 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule gene (EPCAM, previously known as TACSTD1 or TROP1) encodes a membrane‐bound protein that is localized to the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells and is overexpressed in some tumors. Biallelic mutations in EPCAM cause congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE), which is a rare chronic diarrheal disorder presenting in infancy. Monoallelic deletions of the 3′ end of EPCAM that silence the downstream gene, MSH2, cause a form of Lynch syndrome, which is a cancer predisposition syndrome associated with loss of DNA mismatch repair. Here, we report 13 novel EPCAM mutations from 17 CTE patients from two separate centers, review EPCAM mutations associated with CTE and Lynch syndrome, and structurally model pathogenic missense mutations. Statistical analyses indicate that the c.499dupC (previously reported as c.498insC) frameshift mutation was associated with more severe treatment regimens and greater mortality in CTE, whereas the c.556‐14A>G and c.491+1G>A splice site mutations were not correlated with treatments or outcomes significantly different than random simulation. These findings suggest that genotype–phenotype correlations may be useful in contributing to management decisions of CTE patients. Depending on the type and nature of EPCAM mutation, one of two unrelated diseases may occur, CTE or Lynch syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar J Pathak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
| | - James L Mueller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Kevin Okamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Barun Das
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jozef Hertecant
- Genetics/Metabolics Service, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Trevor Cole
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vered Pinsk
- Division of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Baruch Yerushalmi
- Division of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Odul E Gurkan
- Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Michael Yourshaw
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Erick Hernandez
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Miami Children's Health System, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Sandhia Naik
- Paediatric Gastroenterology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ian R Sanderson
- Paediatric Gastroenterology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Irene Axelsson
- Department of Pediatrics, Skane University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Daniel Agardh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden
| | - C Richard Boland
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Martin G Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christopher D Putnam
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,San Diego Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, California
| | - Mamata Sivagnanam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
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19
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Huang L, Yang Y, Yang F, Liu S, Zhu Z, Lei Z, Guo J. Functions of EpCAM in physiological processes and diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:1771-1785. [PMID: 30015855 PMCID: PMC6108866 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein, which was originally identified as a tumor-associated antigen due to its high expression level in rapidly growing epithelial tumors. Germ line mutations of the human EpCAM gene have been indicated as the cause of congenital tufting enteropathy. Previous studies based on cell models have revealed that EpCAM contributes to various biological processes including cell adhesion, signaling, migration and proliferation. Due to the previous lack of genetic animal models, the in vivo functions of EpCAM remain largely unknown. However, EpCAM genetic animal models have recently been generated, and are useful for understanding the functions of EpCAM. The authors here briefly review the functions and mechanisms of EpCAM in physiological processes and different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Huang
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Yanhong Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Fei Yang
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Shaomin Liu
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Ziqin Zhu
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Zili Lei
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Guo
- Guangdong Metabolic Disease Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
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Spatiotemporal patterning of EpCAM is important for murine embryonic endo- and mesodermal differentiation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1801. [PMID: 29379062 PMCID: PMC5789065 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20131-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule EpCAM is expressed in pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESC) in vitro, but is repressed in differentiated cells, except epithelia and carcinomas. Molecular functions of EpCAM, possibly imposing such repression, were primarily studied in malignant cells and might not apply to non-pathologic differentiation. Here, we comprehensively describe timing and rationale for EpCAM regulation in early murine gastrulation and ESC differentiation using single cell RNA-sequencing datasets, in vivo and in vitro models including CRISPR-Cas9-engineered ESC-mutants. We demonstrate expression of EpCAM in inner cell mass, epiblast, primitive/visceral endoderm, and strict repression in the most primitive, nascent Flk1+ mesoderm progenitors at E7.0. Selective expression of EpCAM was confirmed at mid-gestation and perinatal stages. The rationale for strict patterning was studied in ESC differentiation. Gain/loss-of-function demonstrated supportive functions of EpCAM in achieving full pluripotency and guided endodermal differentiation, but repressive functions in mesodermal differentiation as exemplified with cardiomyocyte formation. We further identified embryonic Ras (ERas) as novel EpCAM interactor of EpCAM and an EpCAM/ERas/AKT axis that is instrumental in differentiation regulation. Hence, spatiotemporal patterning of EpCAM at the onset of gastrulation, resulting in early segregation of interdependent EpCAM+ endodermal and EpCAM-/vimentin+ mesodermal clusters represents a novel regulatory feature during ESC differentiation.
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21
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Huang CE, Ma GC, Jou HJ, Lin WH, Lee DJ, Lin YS, Ginsberg NA, Chen HF, Chang FMC, Chen M. Noninvasive prenatal diagnosis of fetal aneuploidy by circulating fetal nucleated red blood cells and extravillous trophoblasts using silicon-based nanostructured microfluidics. Mol Cytogenet 2017; 10:44. [PMID: 29213331 PMCID: PMC5712079 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-017-0343-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) based on cell-free DNA in maternal circulation has been accepted worldwide by the clinical community since 2011 but limitations, such as maternal malignancy and fetoplacental mosaicism, preclude its full replacement of invasive prenatal diagnosis. We present a novel silicon-based nanostructured microfluidics platform named as "Cell Reveal™" to demonstrate the feasibility of capturing circulating fetal nucleated red blood cells (fnRBC) and extravillous cytotrophoblasts (EVT) for cell-based noninvasive prenatal diagnosis (cbNIPD). METHODS The "Cell Reveal™" system is a silicon-based, nanostructured microfluidics using immunoaffinity to capture the trophoblasts and the nucleated RBC (nRBC) with specific antibodies. The automated computer analysis software was used to identify the targeted cells through additional immunostaining of the corresponding antigens. The identified cells were retrieved for whole genome amplification for subsequent investigations by micromanipulation in one microchip, and left in situ for subsequent fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in another microchip. When validation, bloods from pregnant women (n = 24) at gestational age 11-13+6 weeks were enrolled. When verification, bloods from pregnant women (n = 5) receiving chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis at gestation age 11+4-21 weeks with an aneuploid or euploid fetus were enrolled, followed by genetic analyses using FISH, short tandem repeat (STR) analyses, array comparative genomic hybridization, and next generation sequencing, in which the laboratory is blind to the fetal genetic complement. RESULTS The numbers of captured targeted cells were 1-44 nRBC/2 ml and 1-32 EVT/2 ml in the validation group. The genetic investigations performed in the verification group confirmed the captured cells to be fetal origin. In every 8 ml of the maternal blood being blindly tested, both fnRBC and EVT were always captured. The numbers of captured fetal cells were 14-22 fnRBC/4 ml and 1-44 EVT/4 ml of maternal blood. CONCLUSIONS This report is one of the first few to verify the capture of fnRBC in addition to EVT. The scalability of our automated system made us one step closer toward the goal of in vitro diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Er Huang
- International College of Semiconductor Technology, National Chiao-Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Cytoaurora Biotechnologies, Inc. Hsinchu Science Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Gwo-Chin Ma
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Center for Medical Genetics, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Genomic Science and Technology, Changhua Christian Hospital Healthcare System, Changhua, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung-Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hei-Jen Jou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taiwan Adventist Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hsiang Lin
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Center for Medical Genetics, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Genomic Science and Technology, Changhua Christian Hospital Healthcare System, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Dong-Jay Lee
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Center for Medical Genetics, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Genomic Science and Technology, Changhua Christian Hospital Healthcare System, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shing Lin
- Welgene Biotechnology Company, Nangang Business Park, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Norman A. Ginsberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical Center, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Hsin-Fu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Frank Mau-Chung Chang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
- National Chiao-Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Ming Chen
- Department of Genomic Medicine and Center for Medical Genetics, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Genomic Science and Technology, Changhua Christian Hospital Healthcare System, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Chiao-Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
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22
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Ouchi T, Nakato G, Udey MC. EpCAM Expressed by Murine Epidermal Langerhans Cells Modulates Immunization to an Epicutaneously Applied Protein Antigen. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 136:1627-1635. [PMID: 27106675 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Revised: 02/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Langerhans cells (LCs) induce type 2 antibodies reactive with protein antigens that are applied to murine skin in the absence of adjuvant after extending their dendrites through tight junctions to acquire antigens and migrating to regional lymph nodes. In response to contact sensitizers, epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) on LCs promotes LC dendrite mobility and LC migration. In epithelial cells, EpCAM regulates expression and distribution of selected tight junctions-associated claudins. To determine if EpCAM regulates claudins in LC and immune responses to externally applied proteins, we studied conditional knockout mice with EpCAM-deficient LCs. Although LC claudin-1 levels were dramatically reduced in the absence of EpCAM, conditional knockout mice with EpCAM-deficient LCs and control LC dendrites docked with epidermal tight junctions with equal efficiencies and ingested surface proteins. Topical immunization of conditional knockout mice with EpCAM-deficient LCs with ovalbumin led to increased induction of type 2 Ova-specific antibodies and enhanced proliferation of ovalbumin-reactive T cells associated with increased accumulation of LCs in lymph nodes. These results suggest that, in the absence of strong adjuvants, EpCAM-deficient LCs exhibit increased migration to regional lymph nodes. EpCAM appears to differentially regulate LC mobility/migration in the setting of limited inflammation as compared with the intense inflammation triggered by contact sensitizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Ouchi
- Dermatology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gaku Nakato
- Dermatology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mark C Udey
- Dermatology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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23
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Putative oncogene Brachyury (T) is essential to specify cell fate but dispensable for notochord progenitor proliferation and EMT. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:3820-5. [PMID: 27006501 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1601252113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor Brachyury (T) gene is expressed throughout primary mesoderm (primitive streak and notochord) during early embryonic development and has been strongly implicated in the genesis of chordoma, a sarcoma of notochord cell origin. Additionally, T expression has been found in and proposed to play a role in promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in various other types of human tumors. However, the role of T in normal mammalian notochord development and function is still not well-understood. We have generated an inducible knockdown model to efficiently and selectively deplete T from notochord in mouse embryos. In combination with genetic lineage tracing, we show that T function is essential for maintaining notochord cell fate and function. Progenitors adopt predominantly a neural fate in the absence of T, consistent with an origin from a common chordoneural progenitor. However, T function is dispensable for progenitor cell survival, proliferation, and EMT, which has implications for the therapeutic targeting of T in chordoma and other cancers.
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Tsaktanis T, Kremling H, Pavšič M, von Stackelberg R, Mack B, Fukumori A, Steiner H, Vielmuth F, Spindler V, Huang Z, Jakubowski J, Stoecklein NH, Luxenburger E, Lauber K, Lenarčič B, Gires O. Cleavage and cell adhesion properties of human epithelial cell adhesion molecule (HEPCAM). J Biol Chem 2015; 290:24574-91. [PMID: 26292218 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.662700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epithelial cell adhesion molecule (HEPCAM) is a tumor-associated antigen frequently expressed in carcinomas, which promotes proliferation after regulated intramembrane proteolysis. Here, we describe extracellular shedding of HEPCAM at two α-sites through a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) and at one β-site through BACE1. Transmembrane cleavage by γ-secretase occurs at three γ-sites to generate extracellular Aβ-like fragments and at two ϵ-sites to release human EPCAM intracellular domain HEPICD, which is efficiently degraded by the proteasome. Mapping of cleavage sites onto three-dimensional structures of HEPEX cis-dimer predicted conditional availability of α- and β-sites. Endocytosis of HEPCAM warrants acidification in cytoplasmic vesicles to dissociate protein cis-dimers required for cleavage by BACE1 at low pH values. Intramembrane cleavage sites are accessible and not part of the structurally important transmembrane helix dimer crossing region. Surprisingly, neither chemical inhibition of cleavage nor cellular knock-out of HEPCAM using CRISPR-Cas9 technology impacted the adhesion of carcinoma cell lines. Hence, a direct function of HEPCAM as an adhesion molecule in carcinoma cells is not supported and appears to be questionable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanos Tsaktanis
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Heidi Kremling
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Miha Pavšič
- the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ricarda von Stackelberg
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Brigitte Mack
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Akio Fukumori
- the DZNE-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Harald Steiner
- the DZNE-German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 17, 81377 Munich, Germany, Biomedical Center, Biochemistry
| | | | | | - Zhe Huang
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Jasmine Jakubowski
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, the Munich Center for Neurosciences, LMU Biocenter, AMGEN Scholars Programme, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, Grosshaderner Strasse 2, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany, and
| | - Nikolas H Stoecklein
- the Department for General, Visceral, and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, Moorenstrasse 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Elke Luxenburger
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center
| | - Kirsten Lauber
- Clinic for Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, and the Clinical Cooperation Group Personalized Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Tumors, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Brigita Lenarčič
- the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Olivier Gires
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center,
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25
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Hasegawa Y, Taylor D, Ovchinnikov DA, Wolvetang EJ, de Torrenté L, Mar JC. Variability of Gene Expression Identifies Transcriptional Regulators of Early Human Embryonic Development. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005428. [PMID: 26288249 PMCID: PMC4546122 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An analysis of gene expression variability can provide an insightful window into how regulatory control is distributed across the transcriptome. In a single cell analysis, the inter-cellular variability of gene expression measures the consistency of transcript copy numbers observed between cells in the same population. Application of these ideas to the study of early human embryonic development may reveal important insights into the transcriptional programs controlling this process, based on which components are most tightly regulated. Using a published single cell RNA-seq data set of human embryos collected at four-cell, eight-cell, morula and blastocyst stages, we identified genes with the most stable, invariant expression across all four developmental stages. Stably-expressed genes were found to be enriched for those sharing indispensable features, including essentiality, haploinsufficiency, and ubiquitous expression. The stable genes were less likely to be associated with loss-of-function variant genes or human recessive disease genes affected by a DNA copy number variant deletion, suggesting that stable genes have a functional impact on the regulation of some of the basic cellular processes. Genes with low expression variability at early stages of development are involved in regulation of DNA methylation, responses to hypoxia and telomerase activity, whereas by the blastocyst stage, low-variability genes are enriched for metabolic processes as well as telomerase signaling. Based on changes in expression variability, we identified a putative set of gene expression markers of morulae and blastocyst stages. Experimental validation of a blastocyst-expressed variability marker demonstrated that HDDC2 plays a role in the maintenance of pluripotency in human ES and iPS cells. Collectively our analyses identified new regulators involved in human embryonic development that would have otherwise been missed using methods that focus on assessment of the average expression levels; in doing so, we highlight the value of studying expression variability for single cell RNA-seq data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hasegawa
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America; Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Deanne Taylor
- RMANJ Reproductive Medicine Associates of New Jersey, Morristown, New Jersey, United States of America; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Science, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Dmitry A Ovchinnikov
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ernst J Wolvetang
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Laurence de Torrenté
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Jessica C Mar
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
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26
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Dollé L, Theise ND, Schmelzer E, Boulter L, Gires O, van Grunsven LA. EpCAM and the biology of hepatic stem/progenitor cells. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2015; 308:G233-50. [PMID: 25477371 PMCID: PMC4329473 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00069.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein, which is frequently and highly expressed on carcinomas, tumor-initiating cells, selected tissue progenitors, and embryonic and adult stem cells. During liver development, EpCAM demonstrates a dynamic expression, since it can be detected in fetal liver, including cells of the parenchyma, whereas mature hepatocytes are devoid of EpCAM. Liver regeneration is associated with a population of EpCAM-positive cells within ductular reactions, which gradually lose the expression of EpCAM along with maturation into hepatocytes. EpCAM can be switched on and off through a wide panel of strategies to fine-tune EpCAM-dependent functional and differentiative traits. EpCAM-associated functions relate to cell-cell adhesion, proliferation, maintenance of a pluripotent state, regulation of differentiation, migration, and invasion. These functions can be conferred by the full-length protein and/or EpCAM-derived fragments, which are generated upon regulated intramembrane proteolysis. Control by EpCAM therefore not only depends on the presence of full-length EpCAM at cellular membranes but also on varying rates of the formation of EpCAM-derived fragments that have their own regulatory properties and on changes in the association of EpCAM with interaction partners. Thus spatiotemporal localization of EpCAM in immature liver progenitors, transit-amplifying cells, and mature liver cells will decisively impact the regulation of EpCAM functions and might be one of the triggers that contributes to the adaptive processes in stem/progenitor cell lineages. This review will summarize EpCAM-related molecular events and how they relate to hepatobiliary differentiation and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Dollé
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Neil D. Theise
- 2Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York;
| | - Eva Schmelzer
- 3McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania;
| | - Luke Boulter
- 4Medical Research Council Human Genetics Unit, Institute for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Edinburgh, Scotland; and
| | - Olivier Gires
- 5Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Leo A. van Grunsven
- 1Department of Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium;
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McDougall ARA, Tolcos M, Hooper SB, Cole TJ, Wallace MJ. Trop2: from development to disease. Dev Dyn 2015; 244:99-109. [PMID: 25523132 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trop2 was first discovered as a biomarker of invasive trophoblast cells. Since then most research has focused on its role in tumourigenesis because it is highly expressed in the vast majority of human tumours and animal models of cancer. It is also highly expressed in stem cells and in many organs during development. RESULTS We review the multifaceted role of Trop2 during development and tumourigenesis, including its role in regulating cell proliferation and migration, self-renewal, and maintenance of basement membrane integrity. We discuss the evolution of Trop2 and its related protein Epcam (Trop1), including their distinct roles. Mutation of Trop2 leads to gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy, whereas over-expression of Trop2 in human tumours promotes tumour aggressiveness and increases mortality. Although Trop2 expression is sufficient to promote tumour growth, the surprising discovery that Trop2-null mice have an increased risk of tumour development has highlighted the complexity of Trop2 signaling. Recently, studies have begun to identify the mechanisms underlying TROP2’s functions, including regulated intramembrane proteolysis or specific interactions with integrin b1 and claudin proteins. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the mechanisms underlying TROP2 signaling will clarify its role during development, aid in the development of better cancer treatments and unlock a promising new direction in regenerative medicine.
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28
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Kozan PA, McGeough MD, Peña CA, Mueller JL, Barrett KE, Marchelletta RR, Sivagnanam M. Mutation of EpCAM leads to intestinal barrier and ion transport dysfunction. J Mol Med (Berl) 2014; 93:535-45. [PMID: 25482158 PMCID: PMC4408367 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-014-1239-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE) is a devastating diarrheal disease seen in infancy that is typically associated with villous changes and the appearance of epithelial tufts. We previously found mutations in epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) to be causative in CTE. We developed a knock-down cell model of CTE through transfection of an EpCAM shRNA construct into T84 colonic epithelial cells to elucidate the in vitro role of EpCAM in barrier function and ion transport. Cells with EpCAM deficiency exhibited decreased electrical resistance, increased permeability, and decreased ion transport. Based on mutations in CTE patients, an in vivo mouse model was developed, with tamoxifen-inducible deletion of exon 4 in Epcam resulting in mutant protein with decreased expression. Tamoxifen treatment of Epcam (Δ4/Δ4) mice resulted in pathological features of villous atrophy and epithelial tufts, similar to those in human CTE patients, within 4 days post induction. Epcam (Δ4/Δ4) mice also showed decreased expression of tight junctional proteins, increased permeability, and decreased ion transport in the intestines. Taken together, these findings reveal mechanisms that may underlie disease in CTE. KEY MESSAGES Knock-down EpCAM cell model of congenital tufting enteropathy was developed. In vivo inducible mouse model was developed resulting in mutant EpCAM protein. Cells with EpCAM deficiency demonstrated barrier and ion transport dysfunction. Tamoxifen-treated Epcam (Δ4/Δ4) mice demonstrated pathological features. Epcam (Δ4/Δ4) mice showed improper barrier function and ion transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip A Kozan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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Graf A, Krebs S, Heininen-Brown M, Zakhartchenko V, Blum H, Wolf E. Genome activation in bovine embryos: Review of the literature and new insights from RNA sequencing experiments. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 149:46-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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30
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Herr F, Horndasch M, Howe D, Baal N, Goyal P, Fischer S, Zygmunt M, Preissner KT. Human placenta-derived Wnt-5a induces the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in CD133(+)CD34(+)-hematopoietic progenitor cells. Reprod Biol 2014; 14:262-75. [PMID: 25454492 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2014.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis and vascular development are essential for fetal development and growth, whereby early pregnancy loss and other pregnancy-related pathologies have been linked to aberrant vascular development. As Wnt signalling has been suggested to play a role in the vascularization of chorionic villi, we investigated the expression of Wnt family members in trophoblasts and stromal cells isolated from chorionic villi of early placenta and the influence of Wnt signalling on CD133(+)CD34(+)-hematopoietic progenitor (CD133(+)CD34(+)) cells. Wnt-5a was expressed in human placental stromal cells and to a lesser extent in human trophoblast cells. rWnt-5a impeded migration and induced adhesion of CD133(+)CD34(+) cells, in accordance with the expression of adhesion proteins, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1). rWnt-5a-related regulation of the ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression were dependent on the release of Ca2+ and the activation of transcription factor - nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NF-AT). We propose that Wnt-5a is required during early placenta development to mediate adhesion and homing of CD133(+)CD34(+) cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Herr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University, D-17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Manuela Horndasch
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35385 Giessen, Germany
| | - Désirée Howe
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35385 Giessen, Germany; Department of Anesthesiology, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35385 Giessen, Germany
| | - Nelli Baal
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35385 Giessen, Germany; Institute for Clinical Immunology & Transfusion Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35385 Giessen, Germany
| | - Pankaj Goyal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University, D-17475 Greifswald, Germany; Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan NH-8, Bandar Sindri, Distt. Ajmer, Rajasthan 305801, India
| | - Silvia Fischer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical School, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Marek Zygmunt
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University, D-17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Klaus T Preissner
- Institute of Biochemistry, Medical School, Justus-Liebig-University, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
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Ahtiainen L, Lefebvre S, Lindfors PH, Renvoisé E, Shirokova V, Vartiainen MK, Thesleff I, Mikkola ML. Directional cell migration, but not proliferation, drives hair placode morphogenesis. Dev Cell 2014; 28:588-602. [PMID: 24636260 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial reorganization involves coordinated changes in cell shapes and movements. This restructuring occurs during formation of placodes, ectodermal thickenings that initiate the morphogenesis of epithelial organs including hair, mammary gland, and tooth. Signaling pathways in ectodermal placode formation are well known, but the cellular mechanisms have remained ill defined. We established imaging methodology for live visualization of embryonic skin explants during the first wave of hair placode formation. We found that the vast majority of placodal cells were nonproliferative throughout morphogenesis. We show that cell compaction and centripetal migration are the main cellular mechanisms associated with hair placode morphogenesis and that inhibition of actin remodeling suppresses placode formation. Stimulation of both ectodysplasin/NF-κB and Wnt/β-catenin signaling increased cell motility and the number of cells committed to placodal fate. Thus, cell fate choices and morphogenetic events are controlled by the same molecular pathways, providing the framework for coordination of these two processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ahtiainen
- Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biotechnology, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Sylvie Lefebvre
- Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biotechnology, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi H Lindfors
- Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biotechnology, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elodie Renvoisé
- Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biotechnology, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vera Shirokova
- Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biotechnology, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Maria K Vartiainen
- Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Institute of Biotechnology, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Irma Thesleff
- Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biotechnology, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marja L Mikkola
- Developmental Biology Program, Institute of Biotechnology, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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Mueller JL, McGeough MD, Peña CA, Sivagnanam M. Functional consequences of EpCam mutation in mice and men. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2014; 306:G278-88. [PMID: 24337010 PMCID: PMC3920125 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00286.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE) is a severe diarrheal disease of infancy characterized by villous changes and epithelial tufts. We previously identified mutations in epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) as the cause of CTE. We developed an in vivo mouse model of CTE based on EpCAM mutations found in patients with the aim to further elucidate the in vivo role of EpCAM and allow for a direct comparison to human CTE. Using Cre-LoxP recombination technology, we generated a construct lacking exon 4 in Epcam. Epcam(Δ4/Δ4) mice and CTE patient intestinal tissue integrity was analyzed by histology using both light immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Epcam(Δ4/Δ4) mice demonstrate neonatal lethality and growth retardation with pathological features, including epithelial tufts, enterocyte crowding, altered desmosomes, and intercellular gaps, similar to human CTE patients. Mutant EpCAM protein is present at low levels and is mislocalized in the intestine of Epcam(Δ4/Δ4) mice and CTE patients. Deletion of exon 4 was found to decrease expression of both EpCAM and claudin-7 causing a loss of colocalization, functionally disrupting the EpCAM/claudin-7 complex, a finding for the first time confirmed in CTE patients. Furthermore, compared with unaffected mice, mutation of Epcam leads to enhanced permeability and intestinal cell migration, uncovering underlying disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- James L. Mueller
- 1Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California; ,2Ludwig Institute of Cancer Research, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California; and
| | - Matthew D. McGeough
- 1Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California;
| | - Carla A. Peña
- 1Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California;
| | - Mamata Sivagnanam
- 3Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla; Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
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Rai A, Cross JC. Development of the hemochorial maternal vascular spaces in the placenta through endothelial and vasculogenic mimicry. Dev Biol 2014; 387:131-41. [PMID: 24485853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The maternal vasculature within the placenta in primates and rodents is unique because it is lined by fetal cells of the trophoblast lineage and not by maternal endothelial cells. In addition to trophoblast cells that invade the uterine spiral arteries that bring blood into the placenta, other trophoblast subtypes sit at different levels of the vascular space. In mice, at least five distinct subtypes of trophoblast cells have been identified which engage maternal endothelial cells on the arterial and venous frontiers of the placenta, but which also form the channel-like spaces within it through a process analogous to formation of blood vessels (vasculogenic mimicry). These cells are all large, post-mitotic trophoblast giant cells. In addition to assuming endothelial cell-like characteristics (endothelial mimicry), they produce dozens of different hormones that are thought to regulate local and systemic maternal adaptations to pregnancy. Recent work has identified distinct molecular pathways in mice that regulate the morphogenesis of trophoblast cells on the arterial and venous sides of the vascular circuit that may be analogous to specification of arterial and venous endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshita Rai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, HSC Room 2279, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alta., Canada; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, HSC Room 2279, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alta., Canada T2N 4N1
| | - James C Cross
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, HSC Room 2279, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alta., Canada; Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Medical Genetics, University of Calgary, HSC Room 2279, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alta., Canada T2N 4N1.
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Maghzal N, Kayali HA, Rohani N, Kajava AV, Fagotto F. EpCAM controls actomyosin contractility and cell adhesion by direct inhibition of PKC. Dev Cell 2013; 27:263-77. [PMID: 24183651 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a cell-surface protein highly expressed in embryonic tissues and in malignant carcinomas. We report that EpCAM acts as a potent inhibitor of novel protein kinase C (nPKC) in both embryos and cancer cells. We observed dramatic effects of loss of EpCAM on amphibian embryonic tissues, which include sequentially strong overstimulation of PKC activity and of the Erk pathway, leading to exacerbated myosin contractility, loss of cadherin-mediated adhesion, tissue dissociation, and, ultimately, cell death. We show that PKC inhibition is caused by a short segment of the EpCAM cytoplasmic tail. This motif resembles the pseudosubstrate inhibitory domains of PKCs and binds nPKCs with high affinity. A bioinformatics search reveals the existence of similar motifs in other plasma membrane proteins, most of which are cell-cell adhesion molecules. Thus, direct inhibition of PKC by EpCAM represents a general mode of regulation of signal transduction by cell-surface proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadim Maghzal
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, H3A1B1 Quebec, Canada
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35
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Martowicz A, Rainer J, Lelong J, Spizzo G, Gastl G, Untergasser G. EpCAM overexpression prolongs proliferative capacity of primary human breast epithelial cells and supports hyperplastic growth. Mol Cancer 2013; 12:56. [PMID: 23758908 PMCID: PMC3702434 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-12-56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) has been shown to be strongly expressed in human breast cancer and cancer stem cells and its overexpression has been supposed to support tumor progression and metastasis. However, effects of EpCAM overexpression on normal breast epithelial cells have never been studied before. Therefore, we analyzed effects of transient adenoviral overexpression of EpCAM on proliferation, migration and differentiation of primary human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). Methods HMECs were transfected by an adenoviral system for transient overexpression of EpCAM. Thereafter, changes in cell proliferation and migration were studied using a real time measurement system. Target gene expression was evaluated by transcriptome analysis in proliferating and polarized HMEC cultures. A Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane (CAM) xenograft model was used to study effects on in vivo growth of HMECs. Results EpCAM overexpression in HMECs did not significantly alter gene expression profile of proliferating or growth arrested cells. Proliferating HMECs displayed predominantly glycosylated EpCAM isoforms and were inhibited in cell proliferation and migration by upregulation of p27KIP1 and p53. HMECs with overexpression of EpCAM showed a down regulation of E-cadherin. Moreover, cells were more resistant to TGF-β1 induced growth arrest and maintained longer capacities to proliferate in vitro. EpCAM overexpressing HMECs xenografts in chicken embryos showed hyperplastic growth, lack of lumen formation and increased infiltrates of the chicken leukocytes. Conclusions EpCAM revealed oncogenic features in normal human breast cells by inducing resistance to TGF-β1-mediated growth arrest and supporting a cell phenotype with longer proliferative capacities in vitro. EpCAM overexpression resulted in hyperplastic growth in vivo. Thus, we suggest that EpCAM acts as a prosurvival factor counteracting terminal differentiation processes in normal mammary glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Martowicz
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
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36
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Schnell U, Cirulli V, Giepmans BNG. EpCAM: structure and function in health and disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2013; 1828:1989-2001. [PMID: 23618806 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2013.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 04/12/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Injection of tumor cells in mice more than 30 years ago resulted in the discovery of an epithelial antigen, later defined as a cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM). Although EpCAM has since evoked significant interest as a target in cancer therapy, mechanistic insights on the functions of this glycoprotein have been emerging only very recently. This may have been caused by the multitude of functions attributed to the glycoprotein, its localization at different subcellular sites and complex posttranslational modifications. Here, we review how EpCAM modifies cell-cell contact adhesion strength and tissue plasticity, and how it regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. Major knowledge derived from human diseases will be highlighted: Mutant EpCAM that is absent from the cell surface leads to fatal intestinal abnormalities (congenital tufting enteropathy). EpCAM-mediated cell proliferation in cancer may result from signaling (i) via regulated intramembrane proteolysis and/or (ii) the localization and association with binding partners in specialized membrane microdomains. New insight in EpCAM signaling will help to develop optimized cancer therapies and open new avenues in the field of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Schnell
- Dept. of Cell Biology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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37
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Guerra E, Lattanzio R, La Sorda R, Dini F, Tiboni GM, Piantelli M, Alberti S. mTrop1/Epcam knockout mice develop congenital tufting enteropathy through dysregulation of intestinal E-cadherin/β-catenin. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49302. [PMID: 23209569 PMCID: PMC3509129 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE) is a life-threatening hereditary disease that is characterized by enteric mucosa tufting degeneration and early onset, severe diarrhea. Loss-of-function mutations of the human EPCAM gene (TROP1, TACSTD1) have been indicated as the cause of CTE. However, loss of mTrop1/Epcam in mice appeared to lead to death in utero, due to placental malformation. This and indications of residual Trop-1/EpCAM expression in cases of CTE cast doubt on the role of mTrop1/Epcam in this disease. The aim of this study was to determine the role of TROP1/EPCAM in CTE and to generate an animal model of this disease for molecular investigation and therapy development. Using a rigorous gene-trapping approach, we obtained mTrop1/Epcam -null (knockout) mice. These were born alive, but failed to thrive, and died soon after birth because of hemorrhagic diarrhea. The intestine from the mTrop1/Epcam knockout mice showed intestinal tufts, villous atrophy and colon crypt hyperplasia, as in human CTE. No structural defects were detected in other organs. These results are consistent with TROP1/EPCAM loss being the cause of CTE, thus providing a viable animal model for this disease, and a benchmark for its pathogenetic course. In the affected enteric mucosa, E-cadherin and β-catenin were shown to be dysregulated, leading to disorganized transition from crypts to villi, with progressive loss of membrane localization and increasing intracellular accumulation, thus unraveling an essential role for Trop-1/EpCAM in the maintenance of intestinal architecture and functionality. Supporting information is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Guerra
- Unit of Cancer Pathology, CeSI, University G. d'Annunzio Foundation, Chieti, Italy.
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38
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Lei Z, Maeda T, Tamura A, Nakamura T, Yamazaki Y, Shiratori H, Yashiro K, Tsukita S, Hamada H. EpCAM contributes to formation of functional tight junction in the intestinal epithelium by recruiting claudin proteins. Dev Biol 2012; 371:136-45. [PMID: 22819673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 07/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tight junctions (TJs) connect epithelial cells and form a semipermeable barrier that only allows selective passage of ions and solutes across epithelia. Here we show that mice lacking EpCAM, a putative cell adhesion protein frequently overexpressed in human cancers, manifest intestinal barrier defects and die shortly after birth as a result of intestinal erosion. EpCAM was found to be highly expressed in the developing intestinal epithelium of wild-type mice and to localize to cell-cell junctions including TJs. Claudin-7 colocalized with EpCAM at cell-cell junctions, and the two proteins were found to associate with each other. Claudins 2, 3, 7, and 15 were down-regulated in the intestine of EpCAM mutant mice, with claudin-7 being reduced to undetectable levels. TJs in the mutant intestinal epithelium were morphologically abnormal with the network of TJ strands scattered and dispersed. Finally, the barrier function of the intestinal epithelium was impaired in the mutant animals. These results suggest that EpCAM contributes to formation of intestinal barrier by recruiting claudins to cell-cell junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Lei
- Developmental Genetics Group, Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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39
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Nagao K, Kobayashi T, Moro K, Ohyama M, Adachi T, Kitashima DY, Ueha S, Horiuchi K, Tanizaki H, Kabashima K, Kubo A, Cho YH, Clausen BE, Matsushima K, Suematsu M, Furtado GC, Lira SA, Farber JM, Udey MC, Amagai M. Stress-induced production of chemokines by hair follicles regulates the trafficking of dendritic cells in skin. Nat Immunol 2012; 13:744-52. [PMID: 22729248 DOI: 10.1038/ni.2353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Langerhans cells (LCs) are epidermal dendritic cells with incompletely understood origins that associate with hair follicles for unknown reasons. Here we show that in response to external stress, mouse hair follicles recruited Gr-1(hi) monocyte-derived precursors of LCs whose epidermal entry was dependent on the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR6, whereas the chemokine receptor CCR8 inhibited the recruitment of LCs. Distinct hair-follicle regions had differences in their expression of ligands for CCR2 and CCR6. The isthmus expressed the chemokine CCL2; the infundibulum expressed the chemokine CCL20; and keratinocytes in the bulge produced the chemokine CCL8, which is the ligand for CCR8. Thus, distinct hair-follicle keratinocyte subpopulations promoted or inhibited repopulation with LCs via differences in chemokine production, a feature also noted in humans. Pre-LCs failed to enter hairless skin in mice or humans, which establishes hair follicles as portals for LCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Nagao
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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40
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Cancer-associated epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM; CD326) enables epidermal Langerhans cell motility and migration in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:E889-97. [PMID: 22411813 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1117674109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
After activation, Langerhans cells (LC), a distinct subpopulation of epidermis-resident dendritic cells, migrate from skin to lymph nodes where they regulate the magnitude and quality of immune responses initiated by epicutaneously applied antigens. Modulation of LC-keratinocyte adhesion is likely to be central to regulation of LC migration. LC express high levels of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM; CD326), a cell-surface protein that is characteristic of some epithelia and many carcinomas and that has been implicated in intercellular adhesion and metastasis. To gain insight into EpCAM function in a physiologic context in vivo, we generated conditional knockout mice with EpCAM-deficient LC and characterized them. Epidermis from these mice contained increased numbers of LC with normal levels of MHC and costimulatory molecules and T-cell-stimulatory activity in vitro. Migration of EpCAM-deficient LC from skin explants was inhibited, but chemotaxis of dissociated LC was not. Correspondingly, the ability of contact allergen-stimulated, EpCAM-deficient LC to exit epidermis in vivo was delayed, and strikingly fewer hapten-bearing LC subsequently accumulated in lymph nodes. Attenuated migration of EpCAM-deficient LC resulted in enhanced contact hypersensitivity responses as previously described in LC-deficient mice. Intravital microscopy revealed reduced translocation and dendrite motility in EpCAM-deficient LC in vivo in contact allergen-treated mice. These results conclusively link EpCAM expression to LC motility/migration and LC migration to immune regulation. EpCAM appears to promote LC migration from epidermis by decreasing LC-keratinocyte adhesion and may modulate intercellular adhesion and cell movement within in epithelia during development and carcinogenesis in an analogous fashion.
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Gires O. Lessons from common markers of tumor-initiating cells in solid cancers. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:4009-22. [PMID: 21786143 PMCID: PMC11114982 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0772-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2011] [Revised: 07/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) have emerged as the driving force of carcinomas, which appear as hierarchically structured. TICs as opposed to the tumor bulk display tumor forming potential, which is linked to a certain degree of self-renewal and differentiation, both major features of stem cells. Markers such as CD44, CD133, CD24, EpCAM, CD166, Lgr5, CD47, and ALDH have been described, which allow for the prospective enrichment of TICs. It is conspicuous that the same markers allow for an enrichment of TICs in various entities and, on the other hand, that different combinations of these markers were independently reported for the same tumor entity. Potential functions of these markers in the regulation of TIC phenotypes remained somewhat neglected although they might give insights in common molecular themes of TICs. The present review discusses major TIC markers with respect to their function and potential contributions to the tumorigenic phenotype of TICs.
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MESH Headings
- AC133 Antigen
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase/metabolism
- Aldehyde Dehydrogenase/physiology
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, CD/physiology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Antigens, Neoplasm/physiology
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Biomarkers, Tumor/physiology
- CD24 Antigen/metabolism
- CD24 Antigen/physiology
- CD47 Antigen/metabolism
- CD47 Antigen/physiology
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/metabolism
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/physiology
- Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/metabolism
- Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/physiology
- Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule
- Fetal Proteins/metabolism
- Fetal Proteins/physiology
- Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Glycoproteins/physiology
- Humans
- Hyaluronan Receptors/metabolism
- Hyaluronan Receptors/physiology
- Models, Biological
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Neoplasms/pathology
- Peptides/metabolism
- Peptides/physiology
- Phenotype
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/metabolism
- Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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Wang J, Zhang K, Grabowska D, Li A, Dong Y, Day R, Humphrey P, Lewis J, Kladney RD, Arbeit JM, Weber JD, Chung CH, Michel LS. Loss of Trop2 promotes carcinogenesis and features of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Cancer Res 2011; 9:1686-95. [PMID: 21970857 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-11-0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Trop2, an oncogenic cell surface protein under investigation as a therapeutic target, is commonly overexpressed in several epithelial tumor types yet its function in tumor biology remains relatively unexplored. To investigate the role of Trop2 in epithelial carcinogenesis, we generated Trop2(-/-) mice, which are viable and possess a normal lifespan. Contrary to expectations, Trop2 loss fails to suppress keratinocyte transformation. Instead, ras-transformed Trop2(-/-) keratinocytes preferentially pass through an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and form tumors with spindle cell histology. Furthermore, Trop2 loss renders Arf-null mice susceptible to the formation of biphasic sarcomatoid carcinomas containing both squamous and spindle cell components upon carcinogen exposure in an otherwise skin cancer-resistant strain (C57BL/6). Immortalized keratinocytes derived from Trop2(-/-)Arf(-/-) mice exhibit enhanced proliferative and migratory capacity as well as increased activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and Src prior to transformation. The clinical relevance of these findings was supported by studying the molecular epidemiology of Trop2 in primary head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. This analysis revealed that Trop2 mRNA levels are decreased in a subset of tumors with features of EMT, and total loss of Trop2 protein expression is observed in the spindle cell component of sarcomatoid carcinomas. Therefore, while previous studies have emphasized the potential importance of Trop2 gain of function, these results uncover a role for Trop2 loss in tumorigenesis and the mesenchymal transdifferentiation observed in a subset of squamous cell carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbo Wang
- Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Identification of TROP2 (TACSTD2), an EpCAM-like molecule, as a specific marker for TGF-β1-dependent human epidermal Langerhans cells. J Invest Dermatol 2011; 131:2049-57. [PMID: 21677668 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2011.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Langerin (CD207) expression is a hallmark of epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs); however, CD207(+) cells comprise several functional subsets. Murine studies showed that epidermal, but not dermal, CD207(+) cells require transforming growth factor-β 1 (TGF-β1) for development, whereas human data are lacking. Using gene profiling, we found that the surface molecule TROP2 (TACSTD2) is strongly and rapidly induced during TGF-β1-dependent LC commitment of human CD34(+) hematopoietic progenitor cells or monocytes. TROP2 is conserved between mouse and human, and shares substantial amino-acid identity with EpCAM, a marker for murine epidermal LCs. To our knowledge, neither TROP2 nor EpCAM expression has been analyzed in human dendritic cell (DC) subsets. We found that (i) all human epidermal LCs are TROP2(+)EpCAM(+); (ii) human dermis lacks CD207(+)EpCAM(-) or CD207(+)TROP2(-) DCs, i.e., equivalents of murine dermal CD207(+) DCs; and (iii) pulmonary CD207(+) cells are TROP2(-)EpCAM(-). Moreover, although EpCAM was broadly expressed by pulmonary and intestinal epithelial cells, as well as by bone marrow erythroid progenitor cells, these cells lacked TROP2. However, although TROP2 is expressed by human LCs as well as by human and murine keratinocytes, most murine LCs, except of a small subset, lacked TROP2. Therefore, TROP2 is a marker for human TGF-β1-dependent epidermal LCs.
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