1
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Foley KG, Adli M, Kim JJ. Single-nuclei sequencing of uterine serous carcinoma reveals racial differences in immune signaling. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2402998121. [PMID: 39133838 PMCID: PMC11348309 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2402998121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Significant racial disparities exist between Black and White patients with uterine serous carcinoma (USC). While the reasons for these disparities are unclear, several studies have demonstrated significantly different rates of driver mutations between racial groups, including TP53. However, limited research has investigated the transcriptional differences of tumors or the composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME) between these groups. Here, we report the single-nuclei RNA-sequencing profiles of primary USC tumors from diverse racial backgrounds. We find that there are significant differences between the tumors of Black and White patients. Tumors from Black patients exhibited higher expression of specific genes associated with aggressiveness, such as PAX8, and axon guidance and synaptic signaling pathways. We also demonstrated that T cell populations are reduced in the tumor tissue compared to matched benign, while anti-inflammatory macrophage populations are retained within the TME. Furthermore, we investigated the connection between PAX8 overexpression and immunosuppression in USC through regulation of several cytokines and chemokines. Notably, we show that PAX8 activity can influence macrophage gene expression and protein secretion. These studies provide a detailed understanding of the USC transcriptome and TME, and identify differences in tumor biology from patients of different racial backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Grace Foley
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
| | - Mazhar Adli
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
| | - J. Julie Kim
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL60611
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2
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Chen T, Li S, Wang L. Semaphorins in tumor microenvironment: Biological mechanisms and therapeutic progress. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:112035. [PMID: 38603857 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Hallmark features of the tumor microenvironment include immune cells, stromal cells, blood vessels, and extracellular matrix (ECM), providing a conducive environment for the growth and survival of tumors. Recent advances in the understanding of cancer biology have highlighted the functional role of semaphorins (SEMAs). SEMAs are a large and diverse family of widely expressed secreted and membrane-binding proteins, which were initially implicated in axon guidance and neural development. However, it is now clear that they are widely expressed beyond the nervous system and participate in regulating immune responses and cancer progression. In fact, accumulating evidence disclosed that different SEMAs can either stimulate or restrict tumor progression, some of which act as important regulators of tumor angiogenesis. Conversely, limited information is known about the functional relevance of SEMA signals in TME. In this setting, we systematically elaborate the role SEMAs and their major receptors played in characterized components of TME. Furthermore, we provide a convergent view of current SEMAs pharmacological progress in clinical treatment and also put forward their potential application value and clinical prospects in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, PR China
| | - Shazhou Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, PR China
| | - Lufang Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1277 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, PR China.
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3
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Li CX, Long D, Meng Q. Promising Therapeutic Targets in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma: PLXNA1 and PLXNB3. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2024; 39:276-290. [PMID: 34851747 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2021.0336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: This study sets out to identify dysregulated plexins and investigate their roles in KIRC through an integrated bioinformatics approach. Methods: RNA-sequencing data and clinicopathological information of KIRC, extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, were used to perform comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Results: Almost all plexin gene family members were dysregulated in KIRC. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that PLXNA1/B3 were independent prognostic factors of overall survival in patients with KIRC. Mechanically, PLXNA1/B3 may promote ccRCC progression through several cancer-related signaling pathways, tumor immunity, and angiogenesis. Drug sensitivity analysis suggested that vemurafenib was the potential drug for PLXNA1/B3. Conclusion: Herein, we found that PLXNA1/B3 were independent prognostic factors, making them attractive new targets for KIRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can-Xuan Li
- Department of Urology and Shenshan Medical Center, Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shanwei, China
| | - Dan Long
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shenshan Medical Center, Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shanwei, China
| | - Quan Meng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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4
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Gautam P, Gupta S, Sachan M. Comprehensive DNA methylation profiling by MeDIP-NGS identifies potential genes and pathways for epithelial ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:83. [PMID: 38627856 PMCID: PMC11022481 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01395-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer, among all gynecologic malignancies, exhibits the highest incidence and mortality rate, primarily because it is often presents with non-specific or no symptoms during its early stages. For the advancement of Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis, it is crucial to identify the potential molecular signatures that could significantly differentiate between healthy and ovarian cancerous tissues and can be used further as a diagnostic biomarker for detecting ovarian cancer. In this study, we investigated the genome-wide methylation patterns in ovarian cancer patients using Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation (MeDIP-Seq) followed by NGS. Identified differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were further validated by targeted bisulfite sequencing for CpG site-specific methylation profiles. Furthermore, expression validation of six genes by Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase-PCR was also performed. Out of total 120 differentially methylated genes (DMGs), 68 genes were hypermethylated, and 52 were hypomethylated in their promoter region. After analysis, we identified the top 6 hub genes, namely POLR3B, PLXND1, GIGYF2, STK4, BMP2 and CRKL. Interestingly we observed Non-CpG site methylation in the case of POLR3B and CRKL which was statistically significant in discriminating ovarian cancer samples from normal controls. The most significant pathways identified were focal adhesion, the MAPK signaling pathway, and the Ras signaling pathway. Expression analysis of hypermethylated genes was correlated with the downregulation of the genes. POLR3B and GIGYF2 turned out to be the novel genes associated with the carcinogenesis of EOC. Our study demonstrated that methylation profiling through MeDIP-sequencing has effectively identified six potential hub genes and pathways that might exacerbate our understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms of ovarian carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Gautam
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211004, India
| | - Sameer Gupta
- Department of Surgical Oncology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Manisha Sachan
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Prayagraj, 211004, India.
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5
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Liu X, Tan W, Wang W, Feng T, Wang C, Wang L, Zhou W. SEMA4A promotes prostate cancer invasion: involvement of tumor microenvironment. J Cancer 2023; 14:2633-2643. [PMID: 37779872 PMCID: PMC10539395 DOI: 10.7150/jca.86739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Semaphorin 4A (SEMA4A) belonged to a family of membrane-bound proteins that were initially recognized as a kind of axon guidance factors in nervous system. It was preferentially expressed on immune cells and has been proven to play a prominent role in immune function and angiogenesis. In this study, we found that SEMA4A was highly expressed in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues and correlated with Gleason scores and distant metastasis. SEMA4A could induce Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PCa cells and consequently promote invasion by establishing a positive loop with IL-10 in stromal cells. In vivo experiments showed more dissemination in mice injected with SEMA4A-overexpressing cells in mouse models and both the number and size of lung metastases were significantly increased in SEMA4A-overexpressing tumors. SEMA4A depletion by genetic means prevents lung metastasis in PCa xenograft models. Our data suggest a crucial role of SEMA4A in PCa and blocking SEMA4A-IL-10 axis represents an attractive approach to improving therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Department of Oncology, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, China
| | - Weiwei Tan
- Department of Pathology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weiqi Wang
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Tingting Feng
- The Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education and Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunni Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Biomedical Sciences College & Shandong Medicinal Biotechnology Centre, NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology Drugs, Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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6
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Bica C, Tirpe A, Nutu A, Ciocan C, Chira S, Gurzau ES, Braicu C, Berindan-Neagoe I. Emerging roles and mechanisms of semaphorins activity in cancer. Life Sci 2023; 318:121499. [PMID: 36775114 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorins are regulatory molecules that are linked to the modulation of several cancer processes, such as angiogenesis, cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis, tumor growth, as well as cancer cell survival. Semaphorin (SEMA) activity depends on the cancer histotypes and their particularities. In broad terms, the effects of SEMAs result from their interaction with specific receptors/co-receptors - Plexins, Neuropilins and Integrins - and the subsequent effects upon the downstream effectors (e.g. PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK). The present article serves as an integrative review work, discussing the broad implications of semaphorins in cancer, focusing on cell proliferation/survival, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, stemness, and chemo-resistance/response whilst highlighting their heterogeneity as a family. Herein, we emphasized that semaphorins are largely implicated in cancer progression, interacting with the tumor microenvironment components. Whilst some SEMAs (e.g. SEMA3A, SEMA3B) function widely as tumor suppressors, others (e.g. SEMA3C) act as pro-tumor semaphorins. The differences observed in terms of the biological structure of SEMAs and the particularities of each cancer histotypes require that each semaphorin be viewed as a unique entity, and its roles must be researched accordingly. A more in-depth and comprehensive view of the molecular mechanisms that promote and sustain the malignant behavior of cancer cells is of utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Bica
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Alexandru Tirpe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania; Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Andreea Nutu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Cristina Ciocan
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Eugen S Gurzau
- Cluj School of Public Health, College of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 7 Pandurilor Street, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Environmental Health Center, 58 Busuiocului Street, 400240 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania.
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7
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Targeting the Semaphorin3E-plexinD1 complex in allergic asthma. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 242:108351. [PMID: 36706796 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Asthma is a heterogenous airway disease characterized by airway inflammation and remodeling. It affects more than 300 million people worldwide and poses a significant burden on society. Semaphorins, discovered initially as neural guidance molecules, are ubiquitously expressed in various organs and regulate multiple signaling pathways. Interestingly, Semaphorin3E is a critical molecule in lung pathophysiology through its role in both lung development and homeostasis. Semaphorin3E binds to plexinD1, mediating regulatory effects on cell migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that the Semaphorin3E-plexinD1 axis is implicated in asthma, impacting inflammatory and structural cells associated with airway inflammation, tissue remodeling, and airway hyperresponsiveness. This review details the Semaphorin3E-plexinD1 axis in various aspects of asthma and highlights future directions in research including its potential role as a therapeutic target in airway allergic diseases.
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8
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Wang C, Song D, Huang Q, Liu Q. Advances in SEMA3F regulation of clinically high-incidence cancers. Cancer Biomark 2023; 38:131-142. [PMID: 37599522 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-230085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in recent years. Its high prevalence has had a severe impact on society. Researchers have achieved fruitful results in the causative factors, pathogenesis, treatment strategies, and cancer prevention. Semaphorin 3F (SEMA3F), a member of the signaling family, was initially reported in the literature to inhibit the growth, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells in lung cancer. Later studies showed it has cancer-inhibiting effects in malignant tumors such as breast, colorectal, ovarian, oral squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and head and neck squamous carcinoma. In contrast, recent studies have reported that SEMA3F is expressed more in hepatocellular carcinoma than in normal tissue and promotes metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. We chose lung, breast, colorectal, and hepatocellular carcinomas with high clinical prevalence to review the roles and molecular mechanisms of SEMA3F in these four carcinomas. We concluded with an outlook on clinical interventions for patients targeting SEMA3F.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofeng Wang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Orthopaedic Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dezhi Song
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Orthopaedic Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Orthopaedic Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Orthopaedic Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Collaborative Innovation Centre of Regenerative Medicine and Medical BioResource Development and Application Co-constructed by the Province and Ministry, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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9
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Hagihara K, Haraguchi N, Nishimura J, Yasueda A, Fujino S, Ogino T, Takahashi H, Miyoshi N, Uemura M, Matsuda C, Mizushima T, Yamamoto H, Mori M, Doki Y, Eguchi H. PLXND1/SEMA3E Promotes Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Partly via the PI3K/AKT-Signaling Pathway and Induces Heterogenity in Colorectal Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2022; 29:7435-7445. [PMID: 35917012 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-11945-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths. Metastasis is enhanced through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process primarily induced by the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-mediated canonical Smad pathway. This study focused on plexin D1 (PLXND1), a chemoreceptor for the ligand SEMA3E to mechanosensory, showing that PLXND1 induces EMT via activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway in CRC cells. The findings showed that PLXND1-knockdown decreases cell migration and invasion significantly, and that the binding of p61-SEMA3E to the PLXND1 enhances the invasiveness and migration through EMT. Furin inhibitor suppresses EMT, decreasing cell migration and invasion. Furin cleaves full-length SEMA3E and converts it to p61-SEMA3E, suggesting that furin inhibitors block PLXND1 and p61-SEMA3E binding. Furin is a potential therapeutic target for the purpose of suppressing EMT by inhibiting the binding of p61-SEMA3E to PLXND1. In vivo experiments have shown that PLXND1-knockdown suppresses EMT. Mesenchymal cells labeled with ZEB1 showed heterogeneity depending on PLXND1 expression status. The high-expression group of PLXND1 in 182 CRC samples was significantly associated with poor overall survival compared with the low-expression group (P = 0.0352, median follow-up period of 60.7 months) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Further research is needed to determine whether cell fractions with a different expression of PLXND1 have different functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyotaka Hagihara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naotsugu Haraguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Junichi Nishimura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Asuka Yasueda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shiki Fujino
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ogino
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norikatsu Miyoshi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mamoru Uemura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chu Matsuda
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsunekazu Mizushima
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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10
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Lai YJ, Tsai FC, Chang GJ, Chang SH, Huang CC, Chen WJ, Yeh YH. miR-181b targets semaphorin 3A to mediate TGF-β-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition related to atrial fibrillation. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:142548. [PMID: 35775491 PMCID: PMC9246393 DOI: 10.1172/jci142548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrosis is an essential contributor to atrial fibrillation (AF). It remains unclear whether atrial endocardial endothelial cells (AEECs) that undergo endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) are among the sources of atrial fibroblasts. We studied human atria, TGF-β-treated human AEECs, cardiac-specific TGF-β-transgenic mice, and heart failure rabbits to identify the underlying mechanism of EndMT in atrial fibrosis. Using isolated AEECs, we found that miR-181b was induced in TGF-β-treated AEECs, which decreased semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) and increased EndMT markers, and these effects could be reversed by a miR-181b antagomir. Experiments in which Sema3A was increased by a peptide or decreased by a siRNA in AEECs revealed a mechanistic link between Sema3A and LIM-kinase 1/phosphorylated cofilin (LIMK/p-cofilin) signaling and suggested that Sema3A is upstream of LIMK in regulating actin remodeling through p-cofilin. Administration of the miR-181b antagomir or recombinant Sema3A to TGF-β-transgenic mice evoked increased Sema3A, reduced EndMT markers, and significantly decreased atrial fibrosis and AF vulnerability. Our study provides a mechanistic link between the induction of EndMT by TGF-β via miR-181b/Sema3A/LIMK/p-cofilin signaling to atrial fibrosis. Blocking miR-181b and increasing Sema3A are potential strategies for AF therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ju Lai
- Cardiovascular Department, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao Yuan, Taiwan.,Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao Yuan, Taiwan.,Department of Respiratory Care, Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Chia Yi, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Chun Tsai
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao Yuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine and
| | - Gwo-Jyh Chang
- Cardiovascular Department, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao Yuan, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Shang-Hung Chang
- Cardiovascular Department, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao Yuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine and
| | - Chung-Chi Huang
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Tao Yuan, Taiwan.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao Yuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Jan Chen
- Cardiovascular Department, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao Yuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine and
| | - Yung-Hsin Yeh
- Cardiovascular Department, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao Yuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine and
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11
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Vivekanandhan S, Madamsetty VS, Angom RS, Dutta SK, Wang E, Caulfield T, Pletnev AA, Upstill-Goddard R, Asmann YW, Chang D, Spaller MR, Mukhopadhyay D. Role of PLEXIND1/TGFβ Signaling Axis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progression Correlates with the Mutational Status of KRAS. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164048. [PMID: 34439202 PMCID: PMC8393884 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is among the most lethal cancers. The expression of PLEXIND1, a receptor, is upregulated in many cancers (including pancreatic cancer). Traditionally, PLEXIND1 is known to be involved in neuron development and mediate semaphorin signaling. However, its role and signaling in cancer is not fully understood. In our study, we present a new mechanism through which PLEXIND1 mediates its roles in cancer. For the first time, we demonstrate that it can function as a transforming growth factor beta coreceptor and modulate SMAD3 signaling. Around 90% of pancreatic cancer patients have mutant KRAS. Our work suggests that PLEXIND1 functions differently in pancreatic cancer cell lines, and the difference correlates with KRAS mutational status. Additionally, we demonstrate a novel peptide based therapeutic approach to target PLEXIND1 in cancer cells. Our work is valuable to both neuroscience and cancer fields, as it demonstrates an association between two previously unrelated signaling pathways. Abstract PLEXIND1 is upregulated in several cancers, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). It is an established mediator of semaphorin signaling, and neuropilins are its known coreceptors. Herein, we report data to support the proposal that PLEXIND1 acts as a transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) coreceptor, modulating cell growth through SMAD3 signaling. Our findings demonstrate that PLEXIND1 plays a pro-tumorigenic role in PDAC cells with oncogenic KRAS (KRASmut). We show in KRASmut PDAC cell lines (PANC-1, AsPC-1,4535) PLEXIND1 downregulation results in decreased cell viability (in vitro) and reduced tumor growth (in vivo). Conversely, PLEXIND1 acts as a tumor suppressor in the PDAC cell line (BxPC-3) with wild-type KRAS (KRASwt), as its reduced expression results in higher cell viability (in-vitro) and tumor growth (in vivo). Additionally, we demonstrate that PLEXIND1-mediated interactions can be selectively disrupted using a peptide based on its C-terminal sequence (a PDZ domain-binding motif), an outcome that may possess significant therapeutic implications. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing that (1) PLEXIND1 acts as a TGFβ coreceptor and mediates SMAD3 signaling, and (2) differential roles of PLEXIND1 in PDAC cell lines correlate with KRASmut and KRASwt status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Vivekanandhan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (S.V.); (V.S.M.); (R.S.A.); (S.K.D.); (E.W.); (T.C.)
| | - Vijay S. Madamsetty
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (S.V.); (V.S.M.); (R.S.A.); (S.K.D.); (E.W.); (T.C.)
| | - Ramcharan Singh Angom
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (S.V.); (V.S.M.); (R.S.A.); (S.K.D.); (E.W.); (T.C.)
| | - Shamit Kumar Dutta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (S.V.); (V.S.M.); (R.S.A.); (S.K.D.); (E.W.); (T.C.)
| | - Enfeng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (S.V.); (V.S.M.); (R.S.A.); (S.K.D.); (E.W.); (T.C.)
| | - Thomas Caulfield
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (S.V.); (V.S.M.); (R.S.A.); (S.K.D.); (E.W.); (T.C.)
| | - Alexandre A. Pletnev
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (A.A.P.); (M.R.S.)
| | - Rosanna Upstill-Goddard
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate Switchback Road, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (R.U.-G.); (D.C.)
| | - Yan W. Asmann
- Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
| | - David Chang
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate Switchback Road, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK; (R.U.-G.); (D.C.)
| | - Mark R. Spaller
- Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA; (A.A.P.); (M.R.S.)
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
- Division of Natural and Applied Sciences, Duke Kunshan University, Kunshan 215316, China
| | - Debabrata Mukhopadhyay
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA; (S.V.); (V.S.M.); (R.S.A.); (S.K.D.); (E.W.); (T.C.)
- Correspondence:
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12
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Treps L, Faure S, Clere N. Vasculogenic mimicry, a complex and devious process favoring tumorigenesis – Interest in making it a therapeutic target. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 223:107805. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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13
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Romano E, Rosa I, Fioretto BS, Matucci-Cerinic M, Manetti M. New Insights into Profibrotic Myofibroblast Formation in Systemic Sclerosis: When the Vascular Wall Becomes the Enemy. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:610. [PMID: 34202703 PMCID: PMC8307837 DOI: 10.3390/life11070610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In systemic sclerosis (SSc), abnormalities in microvessel morphology occur early and evolve into a distinctive vasculopathy that relentlessly advances in parallel with the development of tissue fibrosis orchestrated by myofibroblasts in nearly all affected organs. Our knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying such a unique relationship between SSc-related vasculopathy and fibrosis has profoundly changed over the last few years. Indeed, increasing evidence has suggested that endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), a process in which profibrotic myofibroblasts originate from endothelial cells, may take center stage in SSc pathogenesis. While in arterioles and small arteries EndoMT may lead to the accumulation of myofibroblasts within the vessel wall and development of fibroproliferative vascular lesions, in capillary vessels it may instead result in vascular destruction and formation of myofibroblasts that migrate into the perivascular space with consequent tissue fibrosis and microvessel rarefaction, which are hallmarks of SSc. Besides endothelial cells, other vascular wall-resident cells, such as pericytes and vascular smooth muscle cells, may acquire a myofibroblast-like synthetic phenotype contributing to both SSc-related vascular dysfunction and fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the differentiation of myofibroblasts inside the vessel wall provides the rationale for novel targeted therapeutic strategies for the treatment of SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloisa Romano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Irene Rosa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Bianca Saveria Fioretto
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy; (E.R.); (B.S.F.); (M.M.-C.)
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
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14
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Mastrantonio R, You H, Tamagnone L. Semaphorins as emerging clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancer. Theranostics 2021; 11:3262-3277. [PMID: 33537086 PMCID: PMC7847692 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins are a large family of developmental regulatory signals, characterized by aberrant expression in human cancers. These molecules crucially control cell-cell communication, cell migration, invasion and metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, inflammatory and anti-cancer immune responses. Semaphorins comprise secreted and cell surface-exposed molecules and their receptors are mainly found in the Plexin and Neuropilin families, which are further implicated in a signaling network controlling the tumor microenvironment. Accumulating evidence indicates that semaphorins may be considered as novel clinical biomarkers for cancer, especially for the prediction of patient survival and responsiveness to therapy. Moreover, preclinical experimental studies have demonstrated that targeting semaphorin signaling can interfere with tumor growth and/or metastatic dissemination, suggesting their relevance as novel therapeutic targets in cancer; this has also prompted the development of semaphorin-interfering molecules for application in the clinic. Here we will survey, in diverse human cancers, the current knowledge about the relevance of semaphorin family members, and conceptualize potential lines of future research development in this field.
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15
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Li J, Hu K, He D, Zhou L, Wang Z, Tao Y. Prognostic Value of PLXND1 and TGF-β1 Coexpression and Its Correlation With Immune Infiltrates in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 10:604131. [PMID: 33489909 PMCID: PMC7820679 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.604131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy with no curative treatments. Plexin D1 (PLXND1) is a cellular receptor whose functions have been explored in several human cancers; however, the critical roles of PLXND1 in HCC have rarely been probed. Therefore, the present study attempted to elucidate the expression pattern, prognostic significance, and potential roles of PLXND1 in HCC. We found that PLXND1 expression in HCC tissues was significantly higher compared with normal liver tissue from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Integrative Molecular Database of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCCDB) databases. This result was further validated by immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) using tissue microarrays, which contained 216 HCC cases collected from our hospital. Additionally, PLXND1 expression showed a significant correlation with several clinical characteristics, including tumor grade and tumor hemorrhage (TH). Moreover, TISIDB and GEPIA databases were used to investigate the roles of PLXND1 in tumor-immune system interactions in HCC. As an immunoinhibitor, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) displayed the greatest correlations with PLXND1 in HCC. Finally, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox analysis were conducted to further examine the potential clinical value of PLXND1 in HCC. We described a subclassification of HCC based on PLXND1 and TGF-β1 expression, which could be used to predict clinical outcomes and patient prognosis. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that PLXND1 might be a promising prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanni Li
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kuan Hu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dongren He
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yiming Tao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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16
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Ibrahim-Hashim A, Luddy K, Abrahams D, Enriquez-Navas P, Damgaci S, Yao J, Chen T, Bui MM, Gillies RJ, O'Farrelly C, Richards CL, Brown JS, Gatenby RA. Artificial selection for host resistance to tumour growth and subsequent cancer cell adaptations: an evolutionary arms race. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:455-465. [PMID: 33024265 PMCID: PMC7852689 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01110-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer progression is governed by evolutionary dynamics in both the tumour population and its host. Since cancers die with the host, each new population of cancer cells must reinvent strategies to overcome the host's heritable defences. In contrast, host species evolve defence strategies over generations if tumour development limits procreation. METHODS We investigate this "evolutionary arms race" through intentional breeding of immunodeficient SCID and immunocompetent Black/6 mice to evolve increased tumour suppression. Over 10 generations, we injected Lewis lung mouse carcinoma cells [LL/2-Luc-M38] and selectively bred the two individuals with the slowest tumour growth at day 11. Their male progeny were hosts in the subsequent round. RESULTS The evolved SCID mice suppressed tumour growth through biomechanical restriction from increased mesenchymal proliferation, and the evolved Black/6 mice suppressed tumour growth by increasing immune-mediated killing of cancer cells. However, transcriptomic changes of multicellular tissue organisation and function genes allowed LL/2-Luc-M38 cells to adapt through increased matrix remodelling in SCID mice, and reduced angiogenesis, increased energy utilisation and accelerated proliferation in Black/6 mice. CONCLUSION Host species can rapidly evolve both immunologic and non-immunologic tumour defences. However, cancer cell plasticity allows effective phenotypic and population-based counter strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arig Ibrahim-Hashim
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kimberly Luddy
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Dominique Abrahams
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Pedro Enriquez-Navas
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sultan Damgaci
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jiqiang Yao
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Tingan Chen
- Analytic Microscopy Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Marilyn M Bui
- Analytic Microscopy Core, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Robert J Gillies
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Cancer Physiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Radiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Cliona O'Farrelly
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Joel S Brown
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Illinois, at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Robert A Gatenby
- Cancer Biology and Evolution Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
- Department of Radiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.
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Nrp1 is Activated by Konjac Ceramide Binding-Induced Structural Rigidification of the a1a2 Domain. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020517. [PMID: 32102436 PMCID: PMC7072815 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020517] [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: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Konjac ceramide (kCer) is a plant-type ceramide composed of various long-chain bases and α-hydroxyl fatty acids. The presence of d4t,8t-sphingadienine is essential for semaphorin 3A (Sema3A)-like activity. Herein, we examined the three neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) domains (a1a2, b1b2, or c), and found that a1a2 binds to d4t,8t-kCer and possesses Sema3A-like activity. kCer binds to Nrp1 with a weak affinity of μM dissociation constant (Kd). We wondered whether bovine serum albumin could influence the ligand–receptor interaction that a1a2 has with a single high affinity binding site for kCer (Kd in nM range). In the present study we demonstrated the influence of bovine serum albumin. Thermal denaturation indicates that the a1a2 domain may include intrinsically disordered region (IDR)-like flexibility. A potential interaction site on the a1 module was explored by molecular docking, which revealed a possible Nrp1 activation mechanism, in which kCer binds to Site A close to the Sema3A-binding region of the a1a2 domain. The a1 module then accesses a2 as the IDR-like flexibility becomes ordered via kCer-induced protein rigidity of a1a2. This induces intramolecular interaction between a1 and a2 through a slight change in protein secondary structure.
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MicroRNA-4472 Promotes Tumor Proliferation and Aggressiveness in Breast Cancer by Targeting RGMA and Inducing EMT. Clin Breast Cancer 2019; 20:e113-e126. [PMID: 31899158 DOI: 10.1016/j.clbc.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. MicroRNA (miRNA) ectopic expression has been reported to be involved in the regulation of gene expression in breast cancer. We screened several differentially expressed miRNAs associated with breast cancer chemoresistance, growth, and metastasis using a miRNA microarray. Increased expression of miR-4472 has been associated with larger breast tumors and chemoresistance. However, the biologic function of miR-4472 and its molecular mechanisms in cancer progression have not yet been reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of miR-4472 in breast cancer tissue and cell lines. The biologic functions of miR-4472 and its target gene were explored using Transwell, cell proliferation, and flow cytometry assays. Bioinformatics tools, dual-luciferase reporter assays, and Western blot were used to identify the target genes of miR-4472. Western blot was used to explain the participation of miR-4472 and target gene in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. RESULTS miR-4472 was significantly upregulated in highly metastatic breast cancer tissues, and its expression was positively associated with larger tumor size and advanced pTNM stage. miR-4472 promoted breast cancer cell metastasis and growth. Repulsive guidance molecule A (RGMA) was a direct target gene of miR-4472. RGMA was identified as a suppressor in cancer metastasis. miR-4472 downregulated expression of RGMA and promoted epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by suppressing E-cadherin and initiating vimentin, β-catenin, and Slug. CONCLUSIONS miR-4472 contributes to the progression of breast cancer by regulating RGMA expression and inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, indicating that miR-4472/RGMA might serve as a therapeutic target for breast cancer.
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Vivekanadhan S, Mukhopadhyay D. Divergent roles of Plexin D1 in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1872:103-110. [PMID: 31152824 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Plexin D1 belongs to a family of transmembrane proteins called plexins. It was characterized as a receptor for semaphorins and is known to be essential for axonal guidance and vascular patterning. Mutations in Plexin D1 have been implicated in pathologic conditions such as truncus arteriosus and Möbius syndrome. Emerging data show that expression of Plexin D1 is deregulated in several cancers; it can support tumor development by aiding in tumor metastasis and EMT; and conversely, it can act as a dependence receptor and stimulate cell death in the absence of its canonical ligand, semaphorin 3E. The role of Plexin D1 in tumor development and progression is thereby garnering research interest for its potential as a biomarker and as a therapeutic target. In this review, we describe its discovery, structure, mutations, role(s) in cancer, and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sneha Vivekanadhan
- Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Jacksonville, FL, USA
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20
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Gurrapu S, Tamagnone L. Semaphorins as Regulators of Phenotypic Plasticity and Functional Reprogramming of Cancer Cells. Trends Mol Med 2019; 25:303-314. [PMID: 30824197 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2019.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorins, initially found as neuronal guidance cues in embryo development, are now appreciated as major regulators of tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis, as well as of cancer progression. In fact, semaphorin signals have a profound impact on cell morphology, which has been commonly associated with the ability to regulate monomeric GTPases, cell-substrate adhesion, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Recently, however, several reports have indicated a novel and additional function of diverse semaphorins in the regulation of gene expression and cell phenotype plasticity. In this review article, we discuss these novel findings, focusing on the role of semaphorin signals in the regulation of bi-directional epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, stem cell properties, and drug resistance, which greatly contribute to the pathogenesis of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeharsha Gurrapu
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy. .,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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21
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Semaphorin Signaling in Cancer-Associated Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020377. [PMID: 30658382 PMCID: PMC6358995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory and immune response elicited by the growth of cancer cells is a major element conditioning the tumor microenvironment, impinging on disease progression and patients’ prognosis. Semaphorin receptors are widely expressed in inflammatory cells, and their ligands are provided by tumor cells, featuring an intense signaling cross-talk at local and systemic levels. Moreover, diverse semaphorins control both cells of the innate and the antigen-specific immunity. Notably, semaphorin signals acting as inhibitors of anti-cancer immune response are often dysregulated in human tumors, and may represent potential therapeutic targets. In this mini-review, we provide a survey of the best known semaphorin regulators of inflammatory and immune cells, and discuss their functional impact in the tumor microenvironment.
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22
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Saxena S, Purohit A, Varney ML, Hayashi Y, Singh RK. Semaphorin-5A maintains epithelial phenotype of malignant pancreatic cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:1283. [PMID: 30577767 PMCID: PMC6303891 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-5204-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly aggressive disease, and the lethality of this disease stems from early metastatic dissemination where surgical removal cannot provide a cure. Improvement of the therapeutic outcome and overall survival of PC patients requires to understand the fundamental processes that lead to metastasis such as the gain of cellular migration ability. One such family of proteins, which are essential players of cellular migration, is Semaphorin. Previously, we have identified one of the Semaphorin family member, Semaphorin-5A (SEMA5A) to be involved in organ-specific homing during PC metastasis. We have also demonstrated that SEMA5A has a constitutive expression in PC cell lines derived from metastatic sites in comparison with low endogenous expression in the primary tumor-derived cell line. In this study, we examined whether constitutive SEMA5A expression in metastatic PC cells regulates tumor growth and metastatic potential. METHODS We generated SEMA5A knockdown in T3M-4 and CD18/HPAF cells and assessed their phenotypes on in vitro motility, tumor growth, and metastatic progression. RESULTS In contrary to our initial expectations, orthotopic injection of SEMA5A knockdown cells into nude mice resulted in a significant increase in both tumor burden and liver metastases in comparison with the Control cells. Similarly, we observed higher in vitro migratory potential with pronounced morphological changes associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a decrease in the expression of epithelial marker E-cadherin (E-Cad), increase in the expression of mesenchymal markers N-cadherin (N-Cad) and Snail and the activation of the Wnt-signaling pathway in SEMA5A knockdown cells. Furthermore, re-establishing SEMA5A expression with a knockdown resistant mouse Sema5A in SEMA5A knockdown cells resulted in a reversion to the epithelial state (mesenchymal-epithelial transition; MET), as indicated by the rescue of E-Cad expression and a decrease in N-Cad and Snail expression. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data suggest that SEMA5A expression maintains epithelial phenotype in the metastatic microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugandha Saxena
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5845 USA
| | - Abhilasha Purohit
- The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Michelle L. Varney
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5845 USA
| | - Yuri Hayashi
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5845 USA
| | - Rakesh K. Singh
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5845 USA
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23
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Lee CCW, Munuganti RSN, Peacock JW, Dalal K, Jiao IZF, Shepherd A, Liu L, Tam KJ, Sedgwick CG, Bhasin S, Lee KCK, Gooding L, Vanderkruk B, Tombe T, Gong Y, Gleave ME, Cherkasov A, Ong CJ. Targeting Semaphorin 3C in Prostate Cancer With Small Molecules. J Endocr Soc 2018; 2:1381-1394. [PMID: 30534631 PMCID: PMC6280316 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the amenability of early-stage prostate cancer to surgery and radiation therapy, locally advanced and metastatic prostate cancer is clinically problematic. Chemical castration is often used as a first-line therapy for advanced disease, but progression to the castration-resistant prostate cancer phase occurs with dependable frequency, largely through mutations to the androgen receptor (AR), aberrant AR signaling, and AR-independent mechanisms, among other causes. Semaphorin 3C (SEMA3C) is a secreted signaling protein that is essential for cardiac and neuronal development and has been shown to be regulated by the AR, to drive epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stem features in prostate cells, to activate receptor tyrosine kinases, and to promote cancer progression. Given that SEMA3C is linked to several key aspects of prostate cancer progression, we set out to explore SEMA3C inhibition by small molecules as a prospective cancer therapy. A homology-based SEMA3C protein structure was created, and its interaction with the neuropilin (NRP)-1 receptor was modeled to guide the development of the corresponding disrupting compounds. Experimental screening of 146 in silico‒identified molecules from the National Cancer Institute library led to the discovery of four promising candidates that effectively bind to SEMA3C, inhibit its association with NRP1, and attenuate prostate cancer growth. These findings provide proof of concept for the feasibility of inhibiting SEMA3C with small molecules as a therapeutic approach for prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung C W Lee
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - James W Peacock
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kush Dalal
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ivy Z F Jiao
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ashley Shepherd
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Liangliang Liu
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin J Tam
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Colin G Sedgwick
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Satyam Bhasin
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kevin C K Lee
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Luke Gooding
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Benjamin Vanderkruk
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tabitha Tombe
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yifan Gong
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Martin E Gleave
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Artem Cherkasov
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher J Ong
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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24
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Beamish IV, Hinck L, Kennedy TE. Making Connections: Guidance Cues and Receptors at Nonneural Cell-Cell Junctions. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2018; 10:a029165. [PMID: 28847900 PMCID: PMC6211390 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a029165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The field of axon guidance was revolutionized over the past three decades by the identification of highly conserved families of guidance cues and receptors. These proteins are essential for normal neural development and function, directing cell and axon migration, neuron-glial interactions, and synapse formation and plasticity. Many of these genes are also expressed outside the nervous system in which they influence cell migration, adhesion and proliferation. Because the nervous system develops from neural epithelium, it is perhaps not surprising that these guidance cues have significant nonneural roles in governing the specialized junctional connections between cells in polarized epithelia. The following review addresses roles for ephrins, semaphorins, netrins, slits and their receptors in regulating adherens, tight, and gap junctions in nonneural epithelia and endothelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian V Beamish
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Lindsay Hinck
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95064
| | - Timothy E Kennedy
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montréal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
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25
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Nuclear immunoreactivity of BLM-s, a proapoptotic BCL-2 family member, is specifically detected in salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2018; 84:81-91. [PMID: 30261190 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 09/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells frequently evade apoptosis triggered by cellular stress via aberrant regulation of the BCL-2 family members, which are key players in regulating cell death under physiological and pathological situations. Previously, we have identified a novel BH3-only protein of the BCL-2 family, BLM-s (BCL-2-like molecule, short form), that modulates apoptosis of postmitotic immature neurons during corticohistogenesis. Whether BLM-s expression correlates with any subtype of human tumors has not been investigated. Here, via BLM-s immunohistochemistry performed in various kinds of human tumors, we demonstrate that BLM-s is specifically expressed in tumors derived from salivary gland (specificity, 0.76 [95% confidence interval, or CI], 0.65-0.85]; sensitivity, 1 [95% CI, 0.99-1]). Stratification of BLM-s immunointensity and its subcellular localization in correlation with salivary gland tumor subtype shows a statistically significant increase in proportion and in intensity of nuclear staining for adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC; specificity, 0.92 [95% CI, 0.88-0.95]; sensitivity, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.66-0.92]), a locally aggressive head and neck malignancy. Comparison among salivary ACC in correlation with MYB/MYBL fluorescence in situ hybridization, c-KIT immunohistochemistry, and BLM-s immunohistochemistry shows that BLM-s' nuclear immunoreactivity has lower false-negative detection rate (18.5% compared with 26.3% [MYB/MYBL fluorescence in situ hybridization] and 34.2% [c-KIT], respectively). Intriguingly, ACC derived from other cell origins such as breast shows negative BLM-s immunoreactivity. We thus propose that nuclear localization of BLM-s detected by immunohistochemistry could be potentially used as an ancillary diagnostic marker for ACC originating from the salivary gland, especially when the biopsy specimen is small with an unknown tumor origin.
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26
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Negulescu A, Mehlen P. Dependence receptors – the dark side awakens. FEBS J 2018; 285:3909-3924. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.14507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana‐Maria Negulescu
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory – Equipe labelisée “La Ligue” LabEx DEVweCAN INSERM U1052 – CNRS UMR5286 Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon Centre Léon Bérard Université Claude Bernard Lyon‐1 Université de Lyon France
| | - Patrick Mehlen
- Apoptosis, Cancer and Development Laboratory – Equipe labelisée “La Ligue” LabEx DEVweCAN INSERM U1052 – CNRS UMR5286 Centre de Cancérologie de Lyon Centre Léon Bérard Université Claude Bernard Lyon‐1 Université de Lyon France
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27
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Yong LK, Lai S, Liang Z, Poteet E, Chen F, van Buren G, Fisher W, Mo Q, Chen C, Yao Q. Overexpression of Semaphorin-3E enhances pancreatic cancer cell growth and associates with poor patient survival. Oncotarget 2018; 7:87431-87448. [PMID: 27911862 PMCID: PMC5349999 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Semaphorin-3E (Sema3E) is a member of an axon guidance gene family, and has recently been reported to contribute to tumor progression and metastasis. However, its role in pancreatic cancer is yet unknown and uncharacterized. In this study, we showed that Sema3E is overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer, and that high Sema3E levels are associated with tumor progression and poor survival. Interestingly, we also observed Sema3E expression in the nucleus, even though Sema3E is reported to be a secreted protein. Overexpression of Sema3E in pancreatic cancer cells promoted cell proliferation and migration in vitro, and increased tumor incidence and growth in vivo. Conversely, knockout of Sema3E suppressed cancer cell proliferation and migration in vitro, and reduced tumor incidence and size in vivo. Moreover, Sema3E induced cell proliferation via acting through the MAPK/ERK pathway. Collectively, these results reveal an undiscovered role of Sema3E in promoting pancreatic cancer pathogenesis, suggesting that Sema3E may be a suitable prognostic marker and therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Kin Yong
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Interdepartmental Program in Translational Biology and Molecular Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Syeling Lai
- Department of Pathology, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhengdong Liang
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ethan Poteet
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fengju Chen
- Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - George van Buren
- Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William Fisher
- Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qianxing Mo
- Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Changyi Chen
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qizhi Yao
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases (CTRID), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
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28
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Taming the Notch Transcriptional Regulator for Cancer Therapy. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23020431. [PMID: 29462871 PMCID: PMC6017063 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23020431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Notch signaling is a highly conserved pathway in all metazoans, which is deeply involved in the regulation of cell fate and differentiation, proliferation and migration during development. Research in the last decades has shown that the various components of the Notch signaling cascade are either upregulated or activated in human cancers. Therefore, its downregulation stands as a promising and powerful strategy for cancer therapy. Here, we discuss the recent advances in the development of small molecule inhibitors, blocking antibodies and oligonucleotides that hinder Notch activity, and their outcome in clinical trials. Although Notch was initially identified as an oncogene, later studies showed that it can also act as a tumor suppressor in certain contexts. Further complexity is added by the existence of numerous Notch family members, which exert different activities and can be differentially targeted by inhibitors, potentially accounting for contradictory data on their therapeutic efficacy. Notably, recent evidence supports the rationale for combinatorial treatments including Notch inhibitors, which appear to be more effective than single agents in fighting cancer.
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29
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Hu ZQ, Zhou SL, Zhou ZJ, Luo CB, Chen EB, Zhan H, Wang PC, Dai Z, Zhou J, Fan J, Huang XW. Overexpression of semaphorin 3A promotes tumor progression and predicts poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection. Oncotarget 2018; 7:51733-51746. [PMID: 27351132 PMCID: PMC5239511 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The semaphorins were originally identified as having roles as guidance cues during neural development. Class 3 semaphorins are involved in cancer progression. However, the roles of class 3 semaphorins in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unknown. We examined the expression levels of class 3 semaphorins in HCC cell lines with different metastatic potential and in carcinoma tissue samples. The results indicated that Semaphorin 3A expression was up-regulated in metastatic cell lines and in samples from patients with tumor recurrence. Cell functional studies revealed that Semaphorin 3A promoted HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Animal studies indicated that Semaphorin 3A overexpression enhanced tumor growth and lung metastasis. Semaphorin 3A also acted as a chemoattractant involved in direct recruitment of macrophages in vitro, and facilitated tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration in vivo. Multivariate analysis revealed that Semaphorin 3A expression alone, or combined with the number of TAMs, can be an independent predictor for overall survival time and time to recurrence. Overall, the results suggested that Semaphorin 3A increased TAM infiltration and promoted HCC progression. Semaphorin 3A expression alone, or combined with the number of TAMs, is a new prognostic factor and potential target for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Qiang Hu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shao-Lai Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zheng-Jun Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Chu-Bin Luo
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Er-Bao Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hao Zhan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhi Dai
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jia Fan
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao-Wu Huang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Fudan University, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China
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30
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Tam KJ, Hui DHF, Lee WW, Dong M, Tombe T, Jiao IZF, Khosravi S, Takeuchi A, Peacock JW, Ivanova L, Moskalev I, Gleave ME, Buttyan R, Cox ME, Ong CJ. Semaphorin 3 C drives epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasiveness, and stem-like characteristics in prostate cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11501. [PMID: 28904399 PMCID: PMC5597577 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11914-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is among the most commonly-occurring cancers worldwide and a leader in cancer-related deaths. Local non-invasive PCa is highly treatable but limited treatment options exist for those with locally-advanced and metastatic forms of the disease underscoring the need to identify mechanisms mediating PCa progression. The semaphorins are a large grouping of membrane-associated or secreted signalling proteins whose normal roles reside in embryogenesis and neuronal development. In this context, semaphorins help establish chemotactic gradients and direct cell movement. Various semaphorin family members have been found to be up- and down-regulated in a number of cancers. One family member, Semaphorin 3 C (SEMA3C), has been implicated in prostate, breast, ovarian, gastric, lung, and pancreatic cancer as well as glioblastoma. Given SEMA3C's roles in development and its augmented expression in PCa, we hypothesized that SEMA3C promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem-like phenotypes in prostate cells. In the present study we show that ectopic expression of SEMA3C in RWPE-1 promotes the upregulation of EMT and stem markers, heightened sphere-formation, and cell plasticity. In addition, we show that SEMA3C promotes migration and invasion in vitro and cell dissemination in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Tam
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Daniel H F Hui
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Wilson W Lee
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Mingshu Dong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Tabitha Tombe
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Ivy Z F Jiao
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Shahram Khosravi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Ario Takeuchi
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - James W Peacock
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Larissa Ivanova
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Igor Moskalev
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
| | - Martin E Gleave
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Ralph Buttyan
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Michael E Cox
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Christopher J Ong
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver General Hospital, 2660 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3Z6, Canada.
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Level 6, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
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31
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Porcine familial adenomatous polyposis model enables systematic analysis of early events in adenoma progression. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6613. [PMID: 28747659 PMCID: PMC5529429 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06741-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We compared gene expression in low and high-grade intraepithelial dysplastic polyps from pigs carrying an APC1311 truncating mutation orthologous to human APC1309, analysing whole samples and microdissected dysplastic epithelium. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed differential expression of gene sets similar to human normal mucosa versus T1 stage polyps. Transcriptome analysis of whole samples revealed many differentially-expressed genes reflecting immune infiltration. Analysis of microdissected dysplastic epithelium was markedly different and showed increased expression in high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia of several genes known to be involved in human CRC; and revealed possible new roles for GBP6 and PLXND1. The pig model thus facilitates analysis of CRC pathogenesis.
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32
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Su H, Zhu G, Rong X, Zhou Y, Jiang P, Chen P. Upregulation of ATG4A promotes osteosarcoma cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through the Notch signaling pathway. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2017; 10:7975-7982. [PMID: 31966649 PMCID: PMC6965260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor in children and adolescents. Previous studies showed that ATG4A is an autophagy-related gene involved in cancers. In this study, we aimed to identify the biological role of ATG4A in osteosarcoma. The expression levels of ATG4A were analyzed in osteosarcoma tissues by using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting. ATG4A was knocked-down or overexpressed in SAOS2 and HOS cell lines by transfection. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and clone formation assay were used to assess the effects of ATG4A on cell proliferation. Wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the effects of ATG4A on cell migration and invasion, respectively. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and Notch signaling pathway targeting molecules were examined by western blotting. The results indicated that ATG4A was up-regulated in osteosarcoma tissues. In SAOS2 cells, knockdown of ATG4A inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion, up-regulated the expression of E-cadherin and down-regulated the expression of vimentin, Notch1 and Hes1. In HOS cells, overexpression of ATG4A promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion, up-regulated the expression of vimentin, Notch1 and Hes1 and down-regulated the expression of E-cadherin. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that ATG4A is up-regulated in osteosarcoma tissues. In osteosarcoma cells, ATG4A promotes the EMT process partly by the Notch signaling pathway. These results suggest that ATG4A might represent a potential therapeutic target for patients with osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Su
- Department of Orthopedic, Wuxi Second Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University Wuxi, China
| | - Guoxing Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic, Wuxi Second Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaoxu Rong
- Department of Orthopedic, Wuxi Second Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University Wuxi, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic, Wuxi Second Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University Wuxi, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic, Wuxi Second Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University Wuxi, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Orthopedic, Wuxi Second Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University Wuxi, China
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Rehman M, Gurrapu S, Cagnoni G, Capparuccia L, Tamagnone L. PlexinD1 Is a Novel Transcriptional Target and Effector of Notch Signaling in Cancer Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164660. [PMID: 27749937 PMCID: PMC5066946 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The secreted semaphorin Sema3E controls cell migration and invasiveness in cancer cells. Sema3E-receptor, PlexinD1, is frequently upregulated in melanoma, breast, colon, ovarian and prostate cancers; however, the mechanisms underlying PlexinD1 upregulation and the downstream events elicited in tumor cells are still unclear. Here we show that the canonical RBPjk-dependent Notch signaling cascade controls PlexinD1 expression in primary endothelial and cancer cells. Transcriptional activation was studied by quantitative PCR and promoter activity reporter assays. We found that Notch ligands and constitutively activated intracellular forms of Notch receptors upregulated PlexinD1 expression; conversely RNAi-based knock-down, or pharmacological inhibition of Notch signaling by gamma-secretase inhibitors, downregulated PlexinD1 levels. Notably, both Notch1 and Notch3 expression positively correlates with PlexinD1 levels in prostate cancer, as well as in other tumor types. In prostate cancer cells, Sema3E-PlexinD1 axis was previously reported to regulate migration; however, implicated mechanisms were not elucidated. Here we show that in these cells PlexinD1 activity induces the expression of the transcription factor Slug, downregulates E-cadherin levels and enhances cell migration. Moreover, our mechanistic data identify PlexinD1 as a pivotal mediator of this signaling axis downstream of Notch in prostate cancer cells. In fact, on one hand, PlexinD1 is required to mediate cell migration and E-cadherin regulation elicited by Notch. On the other hand, PlexinD1 upregulation is sufficient to induce prostate cancer cell migration and metastatic potential in mice, leading to functional rescue in the absence of Notch. In sum, our work identifies PlexinD1 as a novel transcriptional target induced by Notch signaling, and reveals its role promoting prostate cancer cell migration and downregulating E-cadherin levels in Slug-dependent manner. Collectively, these findings suggest that Notch-PlexinD1 signaling axis may be targeted to impair prostate cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Benzazepines/pharmacology
- Cadherins/genetics
- Cadherins/metabolism
- Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/antagonists & inhibitors
- Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/genetics
- Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Diamines/pharmacology
- Down-Regulation/drug effects
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- HEK293 Cells
- Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
- Humans
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Jagged-1 Protein/pharmacology
- Lung Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Membrane Glycoproteins
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred NOD
- Mice, SCID
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- RNA Interference
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Receptors, Notch/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Notch/genetics
- Receptors, Notch/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Snail Family Transcription Factors/genetics
- Snail Family Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Thiazoles/pharmacology
- Transplantation, Heterologous
- Up-Regulation/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rehman
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Sreeharsha Gurrapu
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Gabriella Cagnoni
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Lorena Capparuccia
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO, IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Chen H, Xie GH, Wang WW, Yuan XL, Xing WM, Liu HJ, Chen J, Dou M, Shen LS. Epigenetically downregulated Semaphorin 3E contributes to gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:20449-65. [PMID: 26036259 PMCID: PMC4653017 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon guidance protein Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E) promotes tumor metastasis and suppresses tumor cell death. Here, we demonstrated that Sema3E was decreased in gastric cancer. Its levels were inversely associated with tumor progression. Levels of Sema3E were associated with low p300 and high class I histone deacetylase (class I HDAC). Ectopic expression of Sema3E inhibited proliferation and colony formation of gastric cancer cell lines in vitro and xenografts in vivo. Sema3E overexpression inhibited migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells, which was associated with induction of E-cadherin and reduction of Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. We suggest that silencing of Sema3E contributes to the pathogenesis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Guo-Hua Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wei-Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiang-Liang Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Wen-Ming Xing
- Department of Academy, Shanghai Association for Science & Technology, Shanghai 200020, China
| | - Hong-Jing Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Min Dou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Li-Song Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
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Maejima R, Tamai K, Shiroki T, Yokoyama M, Shibuya R, Nakamura M, Yamaguchi K, Abue M, Oikawa T, Noguchi T, Miura K, Fujiya T, Sato I, Iijima K, Shimosegawa T, Tanaka N, Satoh K. Enhanced expression of semaphorin 3E is involved in the gastric cancer development. Int J Oncol 2016; 49:887-94. [PMID: 27572291 PMCID: PMC4948954 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins and their receptors are abnormally expressed in various cancers, but little is known about the expression and function of semaphorin 3E (SEMA3E) and its receptor, plexin D1 (PLXND1), in gastric cancer development or metastasis. We evaluated SEMA3E and PLXND1 expression by quantitative RT-PCR in gastric tissues from 62 patients who underwent gastrectomy and analyzed the correlation between their expression and clinicopathological variables. To assess the function of SEMA3E, we generated human gastric cancer cell lines with suppressed or increased SEMA3E expression. The expression level of SEMA3E, but not PLXND1, was correlated with lymph node involvement and metastatic progression in gastric cancer. A significant association was observed between a high level of SEMA3E expression and poor differentiation or poor survival in the intestinal type of gastric cancer. SEMA3E knockdown in gastric cancer cells attenuated cell proliferation and metastatic ability in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, SEMA3E caused cell proliferation and anchorage-independent cell growth in the intestinal type of gastric cancer. These results suggested that SEMA3E is likely to be involved in the development of gastric cancer and might also be a therapeutic target for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuhei Maejima
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Keiichi Tamai
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takeharu Shiroki
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Misa Yokoyama
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Rie Shibuya
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mao Nakamura
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kazunori Yamaguchi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Makoto Abue
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Oikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Noguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Koh Miura
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tsuneaki Fujiya
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Ikuro Sato
- Department of Pathology, Miyagi Cancer Center, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Katsunori Iijima
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tooru Shimosegawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Tanaka
- Division of Cancer Biology and Therapeutics, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kennichi Satoh
- Division of Cancer Stem Cell, Miyagi Cancer Center Research Institute, Natori, Miyagi, Japan
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Saito T, Kasamatsu A, Ogawara K, Miyamoto I, Saito K, Iyoda M, Suzuki T, Endo-Sakamoto Y, Shiiba M, Tanzawa H, Uzawa K. Semaphorin7A Promotion of Tumoral Growth and Metastasis in Human Oral Cancer by Regulation of G1 Cell Cycle and Matrix Metalloproteases: Possible Contribution to Tumoral Angiogenesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0137923. [PMID: 26378920 PMCID: PMC4574527 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0137923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Semaphorins (SEMAs) consist of a large family of secreted and membrane-anchored proteins that are important in neuronal pathfinding and axon guidance in selected areas of the developing nervous system. Of them, SEMA7A has been reported to have a chemotactic activity in neurogenesis and to be an immunomodulator; however, little is known about the relevance of SEMA7A in the behaviors of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods We evaluated SEMA7A expression in OSCC-derived cell lines and primary OSCC samples using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and semiquantitative immunohistochemistry (sq-IHC). In addition, SEMA7A knockdown cells (shSEMA7A cells) were used for functional experiments, including cellular proliferation, invasiveness, and migration assays. We also analyzed the clinical correlation between SEMA7A status and clinical behaviors in patients with OSCC. Results SEMA7A mRNA and protein were up-regulated significantly (P<0.05) in OSCC-derived cell lines compared with human normal oral keratinocytes. The shSEMA7A cells showed decreased cellular growth by cell-cycle arrest at the G1 phase, resulting from up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (p21Cip1 and p27Kip1) and down-regulation of cyclins (cyclin D1, cyclin E) and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6); and decreased invasiveness and migration activities by reduced secretion of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) (MMP-2, proMMP-2, pro-MMP-9), and expression of membrane type 1- MMP (MT1-MMP). We also found inactivation of the extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 and AKT pathways, an upstream molecule of cell-cycle arrest at the G1 phase, and reduced secretion of MMPs in shSEMA7A cells. sq-IHC showed that SEMA7A expression in the primary OSCCs was significantly (P = 0.001) greater than that in normal counterparts and was correlated with primary tumoral size (P = 0.0254) and regional lymph node metastasis (P = 0.0002). Conclusion Our data provide evidence for an essential role of SEMA7A in tumoral growth and metastasis in OSCC and indicated that SEMA7A may play a potential diagnostic/therapeutic target for use in patients with OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoaki Saito
- Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260–8670, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kasamatsu
- Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260–8670, Japan
| | - Katsunori Ogawara
- Division of Oral Surgery and Oral Implant Center, Funabashi Central Hospital, 6-13-10 Kaijin, Funabashi, Chiba, 273–8556, Japan
| | - Isao Miyamoto
- Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260–8670, Japan
| | - Kengo Saito
- Department of Molecular Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260–8670, Japan
| | - Manabu Iyoda
- Division of Oral Surgery, Chiba Rosai Hospital, 2–16 Tatsumidaihigashi, Ichihara, Chiba, 290–0003, Japan
| | - Takane Suzuki
- Department of Environmental Health Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260–8670, Japan
| | - Yosuke Endo-Sakamoto
- Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260–8670, Japan
| | - Masashi Shiiba
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260–8670, Japan
| | - Hideki Tanzawa
- Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260–8670, Japan
- Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260–8670, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Uzawa
- Department of Oral Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260–8670, Japan
- Department of Dentistry and Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Chiba University Hospital, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba, 260–8670, Japan
- * E-mail:
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EMT-Inducing Molecular Factors in Gynecological Cancers. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:420891. [PMID: 26356073 PMCID: PMC4556818 DOI: 10.1155/2015/420891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gynecologic cancers are the unregulated growth of neoplastic cells that arise in the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and vulva. Although gynecologic cancers are characterized by different signs and symptoms, studies have shown that they share common risk factors, such as smoking, obesity, age, exposure to certain chemicals, infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and infection with human papilloma virus (HPV). Despite recent advancements in the preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic interventions for gynecologic cancers, many patients still die as a result of metastasis and recurrence. Since mounting evidence indicates that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process plays an essential role in metastatic relapse of cancer, understanding the molecular aberrations responsible for the EMT and its underlying signaling should be given high priority in order to reduce cancer morbidity and mortality.
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Foley K, Rucki AA, Xiao Q, Zhou D, Leubner A, Mo G, Kleponis J, Wu AA, Sharma R, Jiang Q, Anders RA, Iacobuzio-Donahue CA, Hajjar KA, Maitra A, Jaffee EM, Zheng L. Semaphorin 3D autocrine signaling mediates the metastatic role of annexin A2 in pancreatic cancer. Sci Signal 2015; 8:ra77. [PMID: 26243191 PMCID: PMC4811025 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaa5823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) present with metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis or will recur with metastases after surgical treatment. Semaphorin-plexin signaling mediates the migration of neuronal axons during development and of blood vessels during angiogenesis. The expression of the gene encoding semaphorin 3D (Sema3D) is increased in PDA tumors, and the presence of antibodies against the pleiotropic protein annexin A2 (AnxA2) in the sera of some patients after surgical resection of PDA is associated with longer recurrence-free survival. By knocking out AnxA2 in a transgenic mouse model of PDA (KPC) that recapitulates the progression of human PDA from premalignancy to metastatic disease, we found that AnxA2 promoted metastases in vivo. The expression of AnxA2 promoted the secretion of Sema3D from PDA cells, which coimmunoprecipitated with the co-receptor plexin D1 (PlxnD1) on PDA cells. Mouse PDA cells in which SEMA3D was knocked down or ANXA2-null PDA cells exhibited decreased invasive and metastatic potential in culture and in mice. However, restoring Sema3D in AnxA2-null cells did not entirely rescue metastatic behavior in culture and in vivo, suggesting that AnxA2 mediates additional prometastatic mechanisms. Patients with primary PDA tumors that have abundant Sema3D have widely metastatic disease and decreased survival compared to patients with tumors that have relatively low Sema3D abundance. Thus, AnxA2 and Sema3D may be new therapeutic targets and prognostic markers of metastatic PDA.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Annexin A2/genetics
- Annexin A2/metabolism
- Autocrine Communication/genetics
- Blotting, Western
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/genetics
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/pathology
- Female
- Gene Expression Profiling/methods
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
- Membrane Glycoproteins/genetics
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Mice, 129 Strain
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mice, Transgenic
- Microscopy, Fluorescence/classification
- Neoplasm Metastasis
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Protein Binding
- RNA Interference
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Semaphorins/genetics
- Semaphorins/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Survival Analysis
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
- Pancreatic Neoplasms
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Foley
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Agnieszka A Rucki
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Qian Xiao
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Donger Zhou
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ashley Leubner
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Guanglan Mo
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jennifer Kleponis
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Annie A Wu
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Rajni Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Qingguang Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Robert A Anders
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Christine A Iacobuzio-Donahue
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Katherine A Hajjar
- Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Jaffee
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. Skip Viragh Center for Pancreatic Cancer, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Purohit A, Sadanandam A, Myneni P, Singh RK. Semaphorin 5A mediated cellular navigation: connecting nervous system and cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2014; 1846:485-93. [PMID: 25263940 PMCID: PMC4261006 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2014.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 09/19/2014] [Accepted: 09/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The ultraprecise wiring of neurons banks on the instructions provided by guidance cue proteins that steer them to their appropriate target tissue during neuronal development. Semaphorins are one such family of proteins. Semaphorins are known to play major physiological roles during the development of various organs including the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems. Their role in different pathologies including cancer remains an intense area of investigation. This review focuses on a novel member of this family of proteins, semaphorin 5A, which is much less explored in comparison to its other affiliates. Recent reports suggest that semaphorins play important roles in the pathology of cancer by affecting angiogenesis, tumor growth and metastasis. We will firstly give a general overview of the semaphorin family and its receptors. Next, we discuss their roles in cellular movements and how that makes them a connecting link between the nervous system and cancer. Finally, we focus our discussion on semaphorin 5A to summarize the prevailing knowledge for this molecule in developmental biology and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhilasha Purohit
- Department of Pathology Microbiology, 985950, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Anguraj Sadanandam
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Division of Molecular Pathology, London, UK
| | - Pavan Myneni
- Department of Pathology Microbiology, 985950, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA
| | - Rakesh K Singh
- Department of Pathology Microbiology, 985950, Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5900, USA.
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Mishra R, Kumar D, Tomar D, Chakraborty G, Kumar S, Kundu GC. The potential of class 3 semaphorins as both targets and therapeutics in cancer. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 19:427-42. [PMID: 25434284 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.986095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Semaphorins have been originally identified as a family of evolutionary conserved soluble or membrane-associated proteins involved in diverse developmental phenomena. This family of proteins profoundly influences numerous pathophysiological processes, including organogenesis, cardiovascular development and immune response. Apart from steering the neural networking process, these are implicated in a broad range of biological operations including regulation of tumor progression and angiogenesis. AREAS COVERED Members of class 3 semaphorin family are known to modulate various cellular processes involved in malignant transformation. Some of the family members trigger diverse signaling processes involved in tumor progression and angiogenesis by binding with plexin and neuropilin. A better understanding of the various signaling mechanisms by which semaphorins modulate tumor progression and angiogenesis may serve as crucial tool in crafting new semaphorin-based anticancer therapy. These include treatment with recombinant tumor suppressive semaphorins or inhibition of tumor-promoting semaphorins by their specific siRNAs, small-molecule inhibitors or specific receptors using neutralizing antibodies or blocking peptides that might serve as novel strategies for effective management of cancers. EXPERT OPINION This review focuses on all the possible avenues to explore various members of class 3 semaphorin family to serve as therapeutics for combating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalin Mishra
- Loboratory of Tumor Biology, Angiogenesis and Nanomedicine Research, National Center for Cell Science (NCCS) , Pune 411007 , India
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Nasarre P, Gemmill RM, Drabkin HA. The emerging role of class-3 semaphorins and their neuropilin receptors in oncology. Onco Targets Ther 2014; 7:1663-87. [PMID: 25285016 PMCID: PMC4181631 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s37744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The semaphorins, discovered over 20 years ago, are a large family of secreted or transmembrane and glycophosphatidylinositol -anchored proteins initially identified as axon guidance molecules crucial for the development of the nervous system. It has now been established that they also play important roles in organ development and function, especially involving the immune, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems, and in pathological disorders, including cancer. During tumor progression, semaphorins can have both pro- and anti-tumor functions, and this has created complexities in our understanding of these systems. Semaphorins may affect tumor growth and metastases by directly targeting tumor cells, as well as indirectly by interacting with and influencing cells from the micro-environment and vasculature. Mechanistically, semaphorins, through binding to their receptors, neuropilins and plexins, affect pathways involved in cell adhesion, migration, invasion, proliferation, and survival. Importantly, neuropilins also act as co-receptors for several growth factors and enhance their signaling activities, while class 3 semaphorins may interfere with this. In this review, we focus on the secreted class 3 semaphorins and their neuropilin co-receptors in cancer, including aspects of their signaling that may be clinically relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Nasarre
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, The Hollings Cancer Center and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Robert M Gemmill
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, The Hollings Cancer Center and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Harry A Drabkin
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, The Hollings Cancer Center and Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Treps L, Le Guelte A, Gavard J. Emerging roles of Semaphorins in the regulation of epithelial and endothelial junctions. Tissue Barriers 2014; 1:e23272. [PMID: 24665374 PMCID: PMC3879177 DOI: 10.4161/tisb.23272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Revised: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue barriers maintain homeostasis, protect underlying tissues, are remodeled during organogenesis and injury and limit aberrant proliferation and dissemination. In this context, endothelial and epithelial intercellular junctions are the primary targets of various cues. This cellular adaptation requires plasticity and dynamics of adhesion molecules and the associated cytoskeleton, as well as the adhesive-linked signaling platforms. It is therefore not surprising that the guidance molecules from the Semaphorin family arise as novel modifiers of epithelia and endothelia in development and diseases. This review will focus on the actions of Semaphorins, and their cognate receptors, Plexins and Neuropilins, on epithelial and endothelial barrier properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Treps
- CNRS; UMR8104; Paris, France ; Inserm; U1016; Paris, France ; Université Paris Descartes; Sorbonne Paris Cite; Paris, France
| | - Armelle Le Guelte
- CNRS; UMR8104; Paris, France ; Inserm; U1016; Paris, France ; Université Paris Descartes; Sorbonne Paris Cite; Paris, France
| | - Julie Gavard
- CNRS; UMR8104; Paris, France ; Inserm; U1016; Paris, France ; Université Paris Descartes; Sorbonne Paris Cite; Paris, France
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Luchino J, Hocine M, Amoureux MC, Gibert B, Bernet A, Royet A, Treilleux I, Lécine P, Borg JP, Mehlen P, Chauvet S, Mann F. Semaphorin 3E suppresses tumor cell death triggered by the plexin D1 dependence receptor in metastatic breast cancers. Cancer Cell 2013; 24:673-85. [PMID: 24139859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2013.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 07/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The semaphorin guidance molecules and their receptors, the plexins, are often inappropriately expressed in cancers. However, the signaling processes mediated by plexins in tumor cells are still poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the Semaphorin 3E (Sema3E) regulates tumor cell survival by suppressing an apoptotic pathway triggered by the Plexin D1 dependence receptor. In mouse models of breast cancer, a ligand trap that sequesters Sema3E inhibited tumor growth and reduced metastasis through a selective tumor cytocidal effect. We further showed that Plexin D1 triggers apoptosis via interaction with the orphan nuclear receptor NR4A1. These results define a critical role of Sema3E/Plexin D1 interaction in tumor resistance to apoptosis and suggest a therapeutic approach based on activation of a dependence receptor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Luchino
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, IBDM UMR 7288, 13288 Marseille, France
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Abstract
Sema3E, a ligand for PlexinD1, controls angiogenesis and promotes cancer invasion and metastasis. In this issue of Cancer Cell, Luchino and colleagues report that Sema3E also ensures breast cancer cell viability by blocking a previously unknown proapoptotic signaling cascade elicited by unliganded PlexinD1, thus behaving as a "dependence receptor."
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Tamagnone
- Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo (IRCC), Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy.
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Cancer stem cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and drug resistance in high-grade ovarian serous carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2013; 44:2373-84. [PMID: 23850493 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2013.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although epithelial ovarian cancer cells are eliminated by debulking surgery and chemotherapy during initial treatment, it is believed that only a subset of cancer cells, that is, cancer stem cells, may be an important source of tumor recurrence and drug resistance. This review highlights our current understanding of high-grade serous carcinoma, ovarian cancer stem cells, common methods for enrichment of ovarian cancer stem cells, mechanisms involved in drug resistance, and potential strategies for overcoming drug resistance, with associated potential controversies and pitfalls. We also review the potential relationship between epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells and how we can induce cancer cells to differentiate into benign stromal fibroblasts in response to certain chemotherapy drugs.
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Stewart CJR, McCluggage WG. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in carcinomas of the female genital tract. Histopathology 2013; 62:31-43. [PMID: 23240668 DOI: 10.1111/his.12057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Invasion is a defining feature of malignancy, but the mechanisms of invasion in many common cancers, including gynaecological malignancies, remain unclear. However, it has been proposed that malignant cells may usurp a normal embryological process, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as a means of acquiring migratory capacity. The synergistic role of the tumour microenvironment in EMT induction has also been explored and helps to explain the spatially restricted distribution of EMT at the deep tumour margin (invasive front). Furthermore, tumour cells undergoing EMT may acquire cancer stem cell characteristics, and this may be relevant to the entire metastatic process and to tumour recurrence and treatment failure. Nevertheless, doubts persist regarding the role of EMT in malignant progression in vivo, partly because few studies have correlated molecular and histological alterations in clinical pathology specimens. In the current review we summarize the evidence for EMT in the common gynaecological epithelial malignancies, and discuss the morphological and immunohistochemical changes occurring at the invasive tumour front that may represent EMT-like processes. The possibility that carcinosarcomas represent a variant type of EMT with 'fixed' mesenchymal differentiation is also considered. Diagnostic histopathologists are ideally placed to critically evaluate the role of EMT in gynaecological and other types of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J R Stewart
- Departments of Histopathology, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Perth, Australia.
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Rehman M, Tamagnone L. Semaphorins in cancer: biological mechanisms and therapeutic approaches. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2013; 24:179-89. [PMID: 23099250 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2012.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Revised: 10/15/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The hallmarks of cancer include multiple alterations in the physiological processes occurring in normal tissues, such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and restricted cell migration. These aberrant behaviors are due to genetic and epigenetic changes that affect signaling pathways controlling cancer cells, as well as the surrounding "normal" cells in the tumor microenvironment. Semaphorins and their receptors (mainly plexins and neuropilins) are aberrantly expressed in human tumors, and multiple family members are emerging as pivotal signals deregulated in cancer. Notably, different semaphorins can promote or inhibit tumor progression, depending on the implicated receptor complexes and responsive cell type. The important role of semaphorin signals in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis has initiated multiple experimental approaches aimed at targeting these pathways to inhibit cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rehman
- Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo (IRC@C), University of Torino-Dept. of Oncology, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
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SOX4 transcriptionally regulates multiple SEMA3/plexin family members and promotes tumor growth in pancreatic cancer. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48637. [PMID: 23251334 PMCID: PMC3520963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 10/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Semaphorin signaling through Plexin frequently participates in tumorigenesis and malignant progression in various types of cancer. In particular, the role of semaphorin signaling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unexplored, despite a high likelihood of metastasis and mortality. Unlike other epithelial malignancies that often express a small number of specific genes in the Semaphorin/Plexin family, five or more are often expressed in human PDAC. Such concomitant expression of these SEMA3/Plexin family members is not a result of gene amplification, but (at least partially) from increased gene transcription activated by SOX4 de novo expressed in PDAC. Via chromatin-immunoprecipitation, luciferase promoter activity assay and electrophoresis mobility shift assay, SOX4 is demonstrated to bind to the consensus site at the promoter of each SEMA3 and Plexin gene to enhance transcription activity. Conversely, RNAi-knockdown of SOX4 in PDAC cell lines results in decreased expression of SEMA3/Plexin family members and is associated with restricted tumor growth both in vitro and in SCID mice. We further demonstrate that SOX4 levels parallel with the summed expression of SEMA3/Plexin family members (P = 0.033, NPar Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis), which also correlates with poor survival in human PDAC (P = 0.0409, Kaplan-Meier analysis). Intriguingly, miR-129-2 and miR-335, both of which target SOX4 for degradation, are co-repressed in human PDAC cases associated with up-regulated SOX4 in a statistically significant way. In conclusion, we disclose a miR-129-2(miR-335)/SOX4/Semaphorin-Plexin regulatory axis in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic cancer.
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Tamagnone L. Emerging role of semaphorins as major regulatory signals and potential therapeutic targets in cancer. Cancer Cell 2012; 22:145-52. [PMID: 22897846 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2012.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2012] [Revised: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorins are mainly known as guidance signals in development, acting through receptors called Plexins. However, their role in cancer is rapidly emerging in the regulation of tumor angiogenesis, tumor growth, cancer cell invasiveness, and metastatic spreading. Intriguingly, activated plexins can transactivate receptor tyrosine kinases, such as MET, VEGFR2, FGFR2, and ERBB2, and lead to distinctive effects in a cell-context-dependent manner. Moreover, certain semaphorins concomitantly target endothelial and cancer cells, and can achieve remarkable inhibition of angiogenesis and tumor growth, associated with anti-metastatic activity. Altogether, these data validate the identification of semaphorin signals as promising therapeutic targets in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Tamagnone
- IRCC-Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo, Candiolo, Italy.
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