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Wu Y, Guo W, Wang T, Liu Y, Mullor MDMR, Rodrìguez RA, Zhao S, Wei R. The comprehensive landscape of prognosis, immunity, and function of the GLI family by pan-cancer and single-cell analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:5123-5148. [PMID: 38498906 PMCID: PMC11006459 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205630] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers. However, the roles of the downstream GLI family (GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) in tumorigenesis remain elusive. This study aimed to unravel the genetic alterations of GLI1/2/3 in cancer and their association with the immune microenvironment and related signaling pathways. Firstly, we evaluated the expression profiles of GLI1/2/3 in different cancer types, analyzed their prognostic and predictive values, and assessed their correlation with tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Secondly, we explored the relationships between GLI1/2/3 and genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications, and clinically relevant drugs. Finally, we performed enrichment analysis to decipher the underlying mechanisms of GLI1/2/3 in cancer initiation and progression. Our results revealed that the expression levels of GLI1/2/3 were positively correlated in most cancer tissues, suggesting a cooperative role of these factors in tumorigenesis. We also identified tissue-specific expression patterns of GLI1/2/3, which may reflect the distinct functions of these factors in different cell types. Furthermore, GLI1/2/3 expression displayed significant associations with poor prognosis in several cancers, indicating their potential as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Importantly, we found that GLI1/2/3 modulated the immune microenvironment by regulating the recruitment, activation, and polarization of cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Additionally, functional enrichment analyses indicated that GLI1/2/3 are involved in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Together, our findings shed new light on the roles of GLI1/2/3 in tumorigenesis and provide a potential basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting GLI-mediated signaling pathways in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinteng Wu
- Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Wenliang Guo
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Guigang City People’s Hospital, Guigang, Guangxi 537100, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
| | | | | | - Shijian Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Cardiovascular Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650102, China
| | - Ruqiong Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China
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2
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Cheng B, Yu Q, Wang W. Intimate communications within the tumor microenvironment: stromal factors function as an orchestra. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:1. [PMID: 36600243 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00894-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive studies of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the last decade have reformed the view of cancer as a tumor cell-centric disease. The tumor microenvironment, especially termed the "seed and soil" theory, has emerged as the key determinant in cancer development and therapeutic resistance. The TME mainly consists of tumor cells, stromal cells such as fibroblasts, immune cells, and other noncellular components. Within the TME, intimate communications among these components largely determine the fate of the tumor. The pivotal roles of the stroma, especially cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most common component within the TME, have been revealed in tumorigenesis, tumor progression, therapeutic response, and tumor immunity. A better understanding of the function of the TME sheds light on tumor therapy. In this review, we summarize the emerging understanding of stromal factors, especially CAFs, in cancer progression, drug resistance, and tumor immunity with an emphasis on their functions in epigenetic regulation. Moreover, the importance of epigenetic regulation in reshaping the TME and the basic biological principles underpinning the synergy between epigenetic therapy and immunotherapy will be further discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Cheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Cancer Precision Medicine, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Biopolis, Singapore. .,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, DUKE-NUS Graduate Medical School of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Wenyu Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Colorectal and Pelvic Floor Disease, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong Research Institute of Gastroenterology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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3
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Zhou Y, Huang J, Jin B, He S, Dang Y, Zhao T, Jin Z. The Emerging Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Viral Infections. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:870316. [PMID: 35464958 PMCID: PMC9023792 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.870316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is one of the key pathways that is indispensable for many developmental processes and postnatal tissue homeostasis. Dysregulated HH signaling could lead to developmental disorders and tumorigenesis in a variety of tissues via inherited or sporadic mutation, gene overexpression, and crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that HH signaling is targeted by viruses to facilitate viral transcription, immune evasion, and uncontrolled growth, leading to effective viral replication and pathogenesis. In this study, we will summarize recent advances in functional interaction between HH signaling and different types of viruses, particularly focusing on the pathological role of HH signaling in viral infections and related diseases.
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Bousali M, Papatheodoridis G, Paraskevis D, Karamitros T. Hepatitis B Virus DNA Integration, Chronic Infections and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1787. [PMID: 34442866 PMCID: PMC8398950 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is an Old World virus with a high mutation rate, which puts its origins in Africa alongside the origins of Homo sapiens, and is a member of the Hepadnaviridae family that is characterized by a unique viral replication cycle. It targets human hepatocytes and can lead to chronic HBV infection either after acute infection via horizontal transmission usually during infancy or childhood or via maternal-fetal transmission. HBV has been found in ~85% of HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCC), and it can integrate the whole or part of its genome into the host genomic DNA. The molecular mechanisms involved in the HBV DNA integration is not yet clear; thus, multiple models have been described with respect to either the relaxed-circular DNA (rcDNA) or the double-stranded linear DNA (dslDNA) of HBV. Various genes have been found to be affected by HBV DNA integration, including cell-proliferation-related genes, oncogenes and long non-coding RNA genes (lincRNAs). The present review summarizes the advances in the research of HBV DNA integration, focusing on the evolutionary and molecular side of the integration events along with the arising clinical aspects in the light of WHO's commitment to eliminate HBV and viral hepatitis by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bousali
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Laiko” General Hospital of Athens, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece;
| | - Timokratis Karamitros
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
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Yan J, Hu B, Shi W, Wang X, Shen J, Chen Y, Huang H, Jin L. Gli2-regulated activation of hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis by TGF-β signaling. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 320:G720-G728. [PMID: 33728992 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00310.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is correlated with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and liver fibrosis. Gli2 is a key transcription effector of Hh signaling. However, the role of Gli2 in HSC-mediated liver fibrosis progression is largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Gli2 on liver fibrogenesis and its possible mechanism using conditional knockout (cKO) Gli2 mice and HSC models. Wild-type (WT) and GFAP-CreERT;Gli2flox/flox male mice were exposed to CCl4 for 1 mo to induce liver fibrosis. Primary HSCs were isolated from mice and the transition of HSCs into a myofibroblastic phenotype was evaluated. Livers from mice underwent histological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence analyses. The expression levels of proteins and genes were evaluated by Western blot (WB) analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), respectively. RNA-seq was used to screen differentially expressed genes. Results showed that CCl4 treatment induced liver fibrosis, promoted HSCs activation and proliferation, and upregulated Hh signaling activity. The cKO of Gli2 in GFAP-CreERT;Gli2flox/flox mice decreased liver fibrosis as well as HSC activation and proliferation. In vitro studies showed that KO of Gli2 in HSCs blocked cell proliferation and activation by decrease of cyclin D1/D2 expression. The RNA-seq results revealed that the expression levels TGF-β1 ligands were downregulated in Gli2 KO HSCs. Furthermore, overexpression of Gli2 rescued proliferation and activation of HSCs by upregulation of TGF-β signaling activity. Our data demonstrated that Gli2 regulated HSC activation and liver fibrosis by TGF-β signaling, thus providing support for future Gli2-based investigations of liver fibrosis therapy.NEW & NOTEWORTHYGli2 is a key transcription effector of Hh signaling. We found that Hh/Gli2 signaling activity was upregulated in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Conditional deletion of the Gli2 gene in HSCs ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and HSCs activation. Moreover, Gli2 promoted activation of HSCs through upregulation of cyclin expression and TGF-β signaling activity. Thus, our data provide strong support for future investigations on Gli2 inhibition to slow liver fibrosis progression in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyan Yan
- School of Life Science, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Baowei Hu
- School of Life Science, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Wenjie Shi
- School of Life Science, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- School of Life Science, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jiayuan Shen
- School of Life Science, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China.,Department of Pathology, Affliliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Yaping Chen
- School of Life Science, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Huarong Huang
- College of Life and Environmental Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lifang Jin
- School of Life Science, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
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6
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Iriana S, Asha K, Repak M, Sharma-Walia N. Hedgehog Signaling: Implications in Cancers and Viral Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1042. [PMID: 33494284 PMCID: PMC7864517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is primarily involved in embryonic gut development, smooth muscle differentiation, cell proliferation, adult tissue homeostasis, tissue repair following injury, and tissue polarity during the development of vertebrate and invertebrate organisms. GLIoma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) family of zinc-finger transcription factors and smoothened (SMO) are the signal transducers of the SHH pathway. Both SHH ligand-dependent and independent mechanisms activate GLI proteins. Various transcriptional mechanisms, posttranslational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitination, proteolytic processing, SUMOylation, and acetylation), and nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling control the activity of SHH signaling pathway proteins. The dysregulated SHH pathway is associated with bone and soft tissue sarcomas, GLIomas, medulloblastomas, leukemias, and tumors of breast, lung, skin, prostate, brain, gastric, and pancreas. While extensively studied in development and sarcomas, GLI family proteins play an essential role in many host-pathogen interactions, including bacterial and viral infections and their associated cancers. Viruses hijack host GLI family transcription factors and their downstream signaling cascades to enhance the viral gene transcription required for replication and pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss a distinct role(s) of GLI proteins in the process of tumorigenesis and host-pathogen interactions in the context of viral infection-associated malignancies and cancers due to other causes. Here, we emphasize the potential of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway targeting as a potential anti-cancer therapeutic approach, which in the future could also be tested in infection-associated fatalities.
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7
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Grund-Gröschke S, Ortner D, Szenes-Nagy AB, Zaborsky N, Weiss R, Neureiter D, Wipplinger M, Risch A, Hammerl P, Greil R, Sibilia M, Gratz IK, Stoitzner P, Aberger F. Epidermal activation of Hedgehog signaling establishes an immunosuppressive microenvironment in basal cell carcinoma by modulating skin immunity. Mol Oncol 2020; 14:1930-1946. [PMID: 32615027 PMCID: PMC7463314 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic activation of hedgehog/glioma‐associated oncogene homolog (HH/GLI) signaling causes basal cell carcinoma (BCC), a very frequent nonmelanoma skin cancer. Small molecule targeting of the essential HH effector Smoothened (SMO) has proven an effective therapy of BCC, though the frequent development of drug resistance poses major challenges to anti‐HH treatments. In light of recent breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy, we analyzed the possible immunosuppressive mechanisms in HH/GLI‐induced BCC in detail. Using a genetic mouse model of BCC, we identified profound differences in the infiltration of BCC lesions with cells of the adaptive and innate immune system. Epidermal activation of Hh/Gli signaling led to an accumulation of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells, and to an increased expression of immune checkpoint molecules including programmed death (PD)‐1/PD‐ligand 1. Anti‐PD‐1 monotherapy, however, did not reduce tumor growth, presumably due to the lack of immunogenic mutations in common BCC mouse models, as shown by whole‐exome sequencing. BCC lesions also displayed a marked infiltration with neutrophils, the depletion of which unexpectedly promoted BCC growth. The study provides a comprehensive survey of and novel insights into the immune status of murine BCC and serves as a basis for the design of efficacious rational combination treatments. This study also underlines the need for predictive immunogenic mouse models of BCC to evaluate the efficacy of immunotherapeutic strategies in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Grund-Gröschke
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniela Ortner
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Allergology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Antal B Szenes-Nagy
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nadja Zaborsky
- IIIrd Medical Department, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Weiss
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Daniel Neureiter
- Institute of Pathology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Austria
| | - Martin Wipplinger
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Angela Risch
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Peter Hammerl
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Greil
- IIIrd Medical Department, Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Austria
| | - Maria Sibilia
- Institute of Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Iris K Gratz
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, Austria
| | - Patrizia Stoitzner
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology & Allergology, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, Austria
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8
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Han W, Allam SA, Elsawa SF. GLI2-Mediated Inflammation in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1263:55-65. [PMID: 32588323 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-44518-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the development and progression of cancer and has been shown to contribute to resistance to therapy. Inflammation is one of the hallmarks of cancer implicated in disease phenotype. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that regulate inflammation in cancer and consequently how inflammatory mediators promote cancer progression is important for our understanding of cancer cell biology. The transcription factor GLI2 was initially identified as a member of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway. During the last decade, studies have shown a novel mechanism of GLI2 regulation independent of HH signaling, where GLI2 consequently modulated several cytokine genes in the TME. These studies highlight a novel role for GLI2 as an inflammatory mediatory independent of HH stimulation. This chapter will discuss canonical and noncanonical pathways of GLI2 regulation and some of the downstream cytokine target genes regulated by GLI2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Han
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Shereen A Allam
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA
| | - Sherine F Elsawa
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA.
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9
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Grund-Gröschke S, Stockmaier G, Aberger F. Hedgehog/GLI signaling in tumor immunity - new therapeutic opportunities and clinical implications. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:172. [PMID: 31878932 PMCID: PMC6933925 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncontrolled activation of the Hedgehog/Glioma-associated oncogene (HH/GLI) pathway is a potent oncogenic driver signal promoting numerous cancer hallmarks such as proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, metastasis and metabolic rewiring. Several HH pathway inhibitors have already been approved for medical therapy of advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinoma and acute myeloid leukemia with partially impressive therapeutic activity. However, de novo and acquired resistance as well as severe side effects and unexplained lack of therapeutic efficacy are major challenges that urgently call for improved treatment options with more durable responses. The recent breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy have changed our current understanding of targeted therapy and opened up promising therapeutic opportunities including combinations of selective cancer pathway and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although HH/GLI signaling has been intensely studied with respect to the classical hallmarks of cancer, its role in the modulation of the anti-tumoral immune response has only become evident in recent studies. These have uncovered HH/GLI regulated immunosuppressive mechanisms such as enhanced regulatory T-cell formation and production of immunosuppressive cytokines. In light of these exciting novel data on oncogenic HH/GLI signaling in immune cross-talk and modulation, we summarize and connect in this review the existing knowledge from different HH-related cancers and chronic inflammatory diseases. This is to provide a basis for the investigation and evaluation of novel treatments combining immunotherapeutic strategies with approved as well as next-generation HH/GLI inhibitors. Further, we also critically discuss recent studies demonstrating a possible negative impact of current HH/GLI pathway inhibitors on the anti-tumoral immune response, which may explain some of the disappointing results of several oncological trials with anti-HH drugs. Video abstract. (9500 kb)
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Grund-Gröschke
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse, 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Georg Stockmaier
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse, 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Biosciences, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse, 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
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10
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Chompre G, Martinez-Orengo N, Cruz M, Porter JT, Noel RJ. TGFβRI antagonist inhibits HIV-1 Nef-induced CC chemokine family ligand 2 (CCL2) in the brain and prevents spatial learning impairment. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:262. [PMID: 31829243 PMCID: PMC6905066 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1664-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) progression is related to continued inflammation despite undetectable viral loads and may be caused by early viral proteins expressed by latently infected cells. Astrocytes represent an HIV reservoir in the brain where the early viral neurotoxin negative factor (Nef) is produced. We previously demonstrated that astrocytic expression of Nef in the hippocampus of rats causes inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and memory impairment. Since these processes are affected by TGFβ signaling pathways, and TGFβ-1 is found at higher levels in the central nervous system of HIV-1+ individuals and is released by astrocytes, we hypothesized a role for TGFβ-1 in our model of Nef neurotoxicity. METHODS To test this hypothesis, we compared cytokine gene expression by cultured astrocytes expressing Nef or green fluorescent protein. To determine the role of Nef and a TGFβRI inhibitor on memory and learning, we infused astrocytes expressing Nef into the hippocampus of rats and then treated them daily with an oral dose of SD208 (10 mg/kg) or placebo for 7 days. During this time, locomotor activity was recorded in an open field and spatial learning tested in the novel location recognition paradigm. Postmortem tissue analyses of inflammatory and signaling molecules were conducted using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. RESULTS TGFβ-1 was induced in cultures expressing Nef at 24 h followed by CCL2 induction which was prevented by blocking TGFβRI with SD208 (competitive inhibitor). Interestingly, Nef seems to change the TGFβRI localization as suggested by the distribution of the immunoreactivity. Nef caused a deficit in spatial learning that was recovered upon co-administration of SD208. Brain tissue from Nef-treated rats given SD208 showed reduced CCL2, phospho-SMAD2, cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163), and GFAP immunoreactivity compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with our previous findings, rats treated with Nef showed deficits in spatial learning and memory in the novel location recognition task. In contrast, rats treated with Nef + SD208 showed better spatial learning suggesting that Nef disrupts memory formation in a TGFβ-1-dependent manner. The TGFβRI inhibitor further reduced the induction of inflammation by Nef which was concomitant with decreased TGFβ signaling. Our findings suggest that TGFβ-1 signaling is an intriguing target to reduce neuroHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gladys Chompre
- Biology Department, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Neysha Martinez-Orengo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Medical School, Ponce Research Institute, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR, 00731, USA
| | - Myrella Cruz
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Medical School, Ponce Research Institute, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR, 00731, USA
| | - James T Porter
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Medical School, Ponce Research Institute, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR, 00731, USA
| | - Richard J Noel
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University-Ponce Medical School, Ponce Research Institute, P.O. Box 7004, Ponce, PR, 00731, USA.
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11
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Cho SY, Protzman RA, Kim YO, Vaidya B, Oh MJ, Kwon J, Kim D. Elucidation of mechanism for host response to VHSV infection at varying temperatures in vitro and in vivo through proteomic analysis. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 88:244-253. [PMID: 30802632 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2019.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal temperature has a major influence on the infectivity of pathogens and the host immune system. Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) is one such pathogen that only causes the mortality of fish at low temperatures. This study aims to discover the host defense mechanism and pathway for resistance to VHSV at higher temperatures. We first observed the VHSV infection patterns at low and higher temperatures in fathead minnow (FHM) cells (20 °C and 28 °C) and zebrafish (15 °C and 25 °C). In comparison to the 20 °C infection, FHM cells infected at 28 °C showed decreased apoptosis, increased cell viability, and reduced VHSV N gene expression. In zebrafish, infection at 25 °C caused no mortality and significantly reduced the N gene copy number in comparison to infection at 15 °C. To explore the antiviral infection mechanisms induced by high temperature in vitro and in vivo, the changes in the proteomic profile were measured through UPLC-MSE analysis. ACADL, PTPN6, TLR1, F7, A2M, and GLI2 were selected as high temperature-specific biomarkers in the FHM cell proteome; and MYH9, HPX, ANTXR1, APOA1, HBZ, and MYH7 were selected in zebrafish. Increased immune response, anticoagulation effects, and the formation of lymphocytes from hematopoietic stem cells were analyzed as functions that were commonly induced by high temperature in vitro and in vivo. Among these biomarkers, GLI2 was predicted as an upstream regulator. When treated with GANT58, a GLI-specific inhibitor, cell viability was further reduced due to GLI2 inhibition during VHSV infection at varying temperatures in FHM cells, and the mortality in zebrafish was induced earlier at the low temperature. Overall, this study discovered a new mechanism for VHSV infection in vitro and in vivo that is regulated by GLI2 protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se-Young Cho
- Biological Disaster Analysis Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, 34133, Republic of Korea
| | - Rachael A Protzman
- Biological Disaster Analysis Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, 34133, Republic of Korea; Department of Food Science and Technology and Foodborne Virus Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong O Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology and Foodborne Virus Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Bipin Vaidya
- Department of Food Science and Technology and Foodborne Virus Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Joo Oh
- Department of Aqualife Medicine, College of Fisheries and Ocean Science, Chonnam National University, Yeosu, 59626, Republic of Korea
| | - Joseph Kwon
- Biological Disaster Analysis Group, Korea Basic Science Institute, Daejeon, 34133, Republic of Korea.
| | - Duwoon Kim
- Department of Food Science and Technology and Foodborne Virus Research Center, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Furler RL, Nixon DF, Brantner CA, Popratiloff A, Uittenbogaart CH. TGF-β Sustains Tumor Progression through Biochemical and Mechanical Signal Transduction. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:E199. [PMID: 29903994 PMCID: PMC6025279 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10060199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling transduces immunosuppressive biochemical and mechanical signals in the tumor microenvironment. In addition to canonical SMAD transcription factor signaling, TGF-β can promote tumor growth and survival by inhibiting proinflammatory signaling and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. In this article, we review how TGF-β activated kinase 1 (TAK1) activation lies at the intersection of proinflammatory signaling by immune receptors and anti-inflammatory signaling by TGF-β receptors. Additionally, we discuss the role of TGF-β in the mechanobiology of cancer. Understanding how TGF-β dampens proinflammatory responses and induces pro-survival mechanical signals throughout cancer development is critical for designing therapeutics that inhibit tumor progression while bolstering the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Furler
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, 413 E 69th St., Belfer Research Building, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Douglas F Nixon
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, 413 E 69th St., Belfer Research Building, New York, NY 10021, USA.
| | - Christine A Brantner
- GW Nanofabrication and Imaging Center, Office of the Vice President for Research, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
| | - Anastas Popratiloff
- GW Nanofabrication and Imaging Center, Office of the Vice President for Research, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA.
| | - Christel H Uittenbogaart
- Departments of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Medicine, Pediatrics, UCLA AIDS Institute and the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, 615 Charles E. Young Drive South, BSRB2, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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13
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Naggie S, Swiderska-Syn M, Choi S, Lusk S, Lan A, Ferrari G, Syn WK, Guy CD, Diehl AM. Markers of Tissue Repair and Cellular Aging Are Increased in the Liver Tissue of Patients With HIV Infection Regardless of Presence of HCV Coinfection. Open Forum Infect Dis 2018; 5:ofy138. [PMID: 29992177 PMCID: PMC6030967 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofy138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver disease is a leading cause of HIV-related mortality. Hepatitis C virus (HCV)–related fibrogenesis is accelerated in the setting of HIV coinfection, yet the mechanisms underlying this aggressive pathogenesis are unclear. We identified formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded liver tissue for HIV-infected patients, HCV-infected patients, HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, and controls at Duke University Medical Center. De-identified sections were stained for markers against the wound repair Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, resident T-lymphocytes, and immune activation and cellular aging. HIV infection was independently associated with Hh activation and markers of immune dysregulation in the liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Naggie
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.,Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Steve Choi
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina.,Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Sam Lusk
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Audrey Lan
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Guido Ferrari
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Wing-Kin Syn
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.,Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Cynthia D Guy
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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14
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Li Q, Alsaidan OA, Rai S, Wu M, Shen H, Beharry Z, Almada LL, Fernandez-Zapico ME, Wang L, Cai H. Stromal Gli signaling regulates the activity and differentiation of prostate stem and progenitor cells. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:10547-10560. [PMID: 29773652 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.003255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions between cells in the stroma and epithelium facilitate prostate stem cell activity and tissue regeneration capacity. Numerous molecular signal transduction pathways, including the induction of sonic hedgehog (Shh) to activate the Gli transcription factors, are known to mediate the cross-talk of these two cellular compartments. However, the details of how these signaling pathways regulate prostate stem and progenitor cell activity remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that, although cell-autonomous epithelial Shh-Gli signaling is essential to determine the expression levels of basal cell markers and the renewal potential of epithelial stem and progenitor cells, stromal Gli signaling regulates prostate stem and progenitor cell activity by increasing the number and size of prostate spheroids in vitro Blockade of stromal Gli signaling also inhibited prostate tissue regeneration in vivo The inhibition of stromal Gli signaling suppressed the differentiation of basal and progenitor cells to luminal cells and limited prostate tubule secretory capability. Additionally, stromal cells were able to compensate for the deficiency of epithelial Shh signaling in prostate tissue regeneration. Mechanistically, suppression of Gli signaling increased the signaling factor transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) in stromal cells. Elevation of exogenous TGFβ1 levels inhibited prostate spheroid formation, suggesting that a stromal Gli-TGFβ signaling axis regulates the activity of epithelial progenitor cells. Our study illustrates that Gli signaling regulates epithelial stem cell activity and renewal potential in both epithelial and stromal compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianjin Li
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Omar A Alsaidan
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Sumit Rai
- the Carbohydrate Research Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Meng Wu
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Huifeng Shen
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Zanna Beharry
- the Department of Chemistry and Physics, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, Florida 33965, and
| | - Luciana L Almada
- the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Martin E Fernandez-Zapico
- the Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Division of Oncology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905
| | - Lianchun Wang
- the Carbohydrate Research Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602
| | - Houjian Cai
- From the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602,
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15
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Langie SAS, Moisse M, Szarc Vel Szic K, Van Der Plas E, Koppen G, De Prins S, Louwies T, Nelen V, Van Camp G, Lambrechts D, Schoeters G, Vanden Berghe W, De Boever P. GLI2 promoter hypermethylation in saliva of children with a respiratory allergy. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:50. [PMID: 29682088 PMCID: PMC5896137 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of respiratory allergy in children is increasing. Epigenetic DNA methylation changes are plausible underlying molecular mechanisms. Results Saliva samples collected in substudies of two longitudinal birth cohorts in Belgium (FLEHS1 & FLEHS2) were used to discover and confirm DNA methylation signatures that can differentiate individuals with respiratory allergy from healthy subjects. Genome-wide analysis with Illumina Methylation 450K BeadChips revealed 23 differentially methylated gene regions (DMRs) in saliva from 11y old allergic children (N=26) vs. controls (N=20) in FLEHS1. A subset of 7 DMRs was selected for confirmation by iPLEX MassArray analysis. First, iPLEX analysis was performed in the same 46 FLEHS1 samples for analytical confirmation of the findings obtained during the discovery phase. iPLEX results correlated significantly with the 450K array data (P <0.0001) and confirmed 4 out of the 7 DMRs. Aiming for additional biological confirmation, the 7 DMRs were analyzed using iPLEX in a substudy of an independent birth cohort (FLEHS2; N=19 cases vs. 20 controls, aged 5 years). One DMR in the GLI2 promoter region showed a consistent statistically significant hypermethylation in individuals with respiratory allergy across the two birth cohorts and technologies. In addition to its involvement in TGF-β signaling and T-helper differentiation, GLI2 has a regulating role in lung development. Conclusion GLI2 is considered an interesting candidate DNA methylation marker for respiratory allergy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-018-0484-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine A S Langie
- 1VITO- Sustainable Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.,2Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Matthieu Moisse
- 3Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB and KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katarzyna Szarc Vel Szic
- 1VITO- Sustainable Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.,4Proteinchemistry, Proteomics & Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ellen Van Der Plas
- 1VITO- Sustainable Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.,7Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Gudrun Koppen
- 1VITO- Sustainable Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Sofie De Prins
- 1VITO- Sustainable Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Tijs Louwies
- 1VITO- Sustainable Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Vera Nelen
- Environment and Health unit, Provincial Institute of Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Guy Van Camp
- 6Center for Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- 3Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Center for Cancer Biology, VIB and KU Leuven, Campus Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Greet Schoeters
- 1VITO- Sustainable Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.,7Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium.,8Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- 4Proteinchemistry, Proteomics & Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Patrick De Boever
- 1VITO- Sustainable Health, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.,2Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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16
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Combination epidermal growth factor receptor variant III peptide-pulsed dendritic cell vaccine with miR-326 results in enhanced killing on EGFRvIII-positive cells. Oncotarget 2018; 8:26256-26268. [PMID: 28412740 PMCID: PMC5432254 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The mutant Type III variant of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRvIII) is present in approximately one-third of glioblastoma (GBM) patients. It is never found in normal tissues; therefore, it represents a candidate target for GBM immunotherapy. PEPvIII, a peptide sequence from EGFRvIII, was designed to represent a target of glioma and is presented by MHC I/II complexes. Dendritic cells (DCs) have great potential to sensitize CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells to precisely target and eradicate GBM. Here, we show that PEPvIII could be loaded by DCs and presented to T lymphocytes, especially PEPvIII-specific CTLs, to precisely kill U87-EGFRvIII cells. In addition to inhibiting proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of U87-EGFRvIII cells, miR-326 also reduced the expression of TGF-β1 in the tumour environment, resulting in improved efficacy of T cell activation and killing via suppressing the SMO/Gli2 axis, which at least partially reversed the immunosuppressive environment. Furthermore, combining the EGFRvIII-DC vaccine with miR-326 was more effective in killing U87-EGFRvIII cells compared with the administration of either one alone. This finding suggested that a DC-based vaccine combined with miR-326 may induce more powerful anti-tumour immunity against GBM cells that express a relevant antigen, which provides a promising approach for GBM immunotherapy.
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17
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Han W, Jackson DA, Matissek SJ, Misurelli JA, Neil MS, Sklavanitis B, Amarsaikhan N, Elsawa SF. Novel Molecular Mechanism of Regulation of CD40 Ligand by the Transcription Factor GLI2. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2017; 198:4481-4489. [PMID: 28461568 PMCID: PMC5473292 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1601490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The interaction between tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment is essential for the growth and persistence of cancer cells. This interaction is mediated, in part, by cytokines. Although the role of cytokines in normal and malignant cell biology is well established, many of the molecular mechanisms regulating their expression remain elusive. In this article, we provide evidence of a novel pathway controlling the transcriptional activation of CD40L in bone marrow-derived stromal cells. Using a PCR-based screening of cytokines known to play a role in the biology of bone marrow malignancies, we identified CD40L as a novel GLI2 target gene in stromal cells. CD40L plays an important role in malignant B cell biology, and we found increased Erk phosphorylation and cell growth in malignant B cells cocultured with CD40L-expressing stromal cells. Further analysis indicated that GLI2 overexpression induced increased CD40L expression, and, conversely, GLI2 knockdown reduced CD40L expression. Using luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we demonstrate that GLI2 directly binds and regulates the activity of the CD40L promoter. We found that the CCR3-PI3K-AKT signaling modulates the GLI2-CD40L axis, and GLI2 is required for CCR3-PI3K-AKT-mediated regulation of the CD40L promoter. Finally, coculture of malignant B cells with cells stably expressing human CD40L results in increased Erk phosphorylation and increased malignant B cell growth, indicating that CD40L in the tumor microenvironment promotes malignant B cell activation. Therefore, our studies identify a novel molecular mechanism of regulation of CD40L by the transcription factor GLI2 in the tumor microenvironment downstream of CCR3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiguo Han
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115
| | - David A Jackson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115
| | - Stephan J Matissek
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115
| | - Jason A Misurelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115
| | - Matthew S Neil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115
| | - Brandon Sklavanitis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115
| | | | - Sherine F Elsawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115
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18
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Lu H, Chen B, Hong W, Liang Y, Bai Y. Transforming growth factor-β1 stimulates hedgehog signaling to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition after kidney injury. FEBS J 2016; 283:3771-3790. [PMID: 27579669 DOI: 10.1111/febs.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; China
| | - Bicheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; China
| | - Weilong Hong
- Key Laboratory of Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; China
| | - Yong Liang
- Key Laboratory of Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; China
| | - Yongheng Bai
- Key Laboratory of Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University; China
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19
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Chen F, Mo J, Zhang L. Long noncoding RNA BCAR4 promotes osteosarcoma progression through activating GLI2-dependent gene transcription. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:13403-13412. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5256-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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20
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Murk W, DeWan AT. Genome-wide search identifies a gene-gene interaction between 20p13 and 2q14 in asthma. BMC Genet 2016; 17:102. [PMID: 27387956 PMCID: PMC4936310 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-016-0376-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies have attempted to identify gene-gene interactions affecting asthma susceptibility. However, these studies have typically used candidate gene approaches in limiting the genetic search space, and there have been few searches for gene-gene interactions on a genome-wide scale. We aimed to conduct a genome-wide gene-gene interaction study for asthma, using data from the GABRIEL Consortium. Results A two-stage study design was used, including a screening analysis (N = 1625 subjects) and a follow-up analysis (N = 5264 subjects). In the screening analysis, all pairwise interactions among 301,547 SNPs were evaluated, encompassing a total of 4.55 × 1010 interactions. Those with a screening interaction p-value < 10−5 were evaluated in the follow-up analysis. No interaction selected from the screening analysis met strict statistical significance in the follow-up (p-value < 1.45 × 10−7). However, the top-ranked interaction (rs910652 [20p13] × rs11684871 [2q14]) in the follow-up (p-value = 1.58 × 10−6) was significant in one component of a replication analysis. This interaction was notable in that rs910652 is located within 78 kilobases of ADAM33, which is one of the most well studied asthma susceptibility genes. In addition, rs11684871 is located in or near GLI2, which may have biologically relevant roles in asthma. Conclusions Using a genome-wide approach, we identified and found suggestive evidence of replication for a gene-gene interaction in asthma involving loci that are potentially highly relevant in asthma pathogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-016-0376-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Murk
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Andrew T DeWan
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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21
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Jackson DA, Smith TD, Amarsaikhan N, Han W, Neil MS, Boi SK, Vrabel AM, Tolosa EJ, Almada LL, Fernandez-Zapico ME, Elsawa SF. Modulation of the IL-6 Receptor α Underlies GLI2-Mediated Regulation of Ig Secretion in Waldenström Macroglobulinemia Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 195:2908-16. [PMID: 26238488 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ig secretion by terminally differentiated B cells is an important component of the immune response to foreign pathogens. Its overproduction is a defining characteristic of several B cell malignancies, including Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM), where elevated IgM is associated with significant morbidity and poor prognosis. Therefore, the identification and characterization of the mechanisms controlling Ig secretion are of great importance for the development of future therapeutic approaches for this disease. In this study, we define a novel pathway involving the oncogenic transcription factor GLI2 modulating IgM secretion by WM malignant cells. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of GLI2 in WM malignant cells resulted in a reduction in IgM secretion. Screening for a mechanism identified the IL-6Rα (gp80) subunit as a downstream target of GLI2 mediating the regulation of IgM secretion. Using a combination of expression, luciferase, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays we demonstrate that GLI2 binds to the IL-6Rα promoter and regulates its activity as well as the expression of this receptor. Additionally, we were able to rescue the reduction in IgM secretion in the GLI2 knockdown group by overexpressing IL-6Rα, thus defining the functional significance of this receptor in GLI2-mediated regulation of IgM secretion. Interestingly, this occurred independent of Hedgehog signaling, a known regulator of GLI2, as manipulation of Hedgehog had no effect on IgM secretion. Given the poor prognosis associated with elevated IgM in WM patients, components of this new signaling axis could be important therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Jackson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115; and
| | - Timothy D Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115; and
| | - Nansalmaa Amarsaikhan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115; and
| | - Weiguo Han
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115; and
| | - Matthew S Neil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115; and
| | - Shannon K Boi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115; and
| | - Anne M Vrabel
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Ezequiel J Tolosa
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | - Luciana L Almada
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905
| | | | - Sherine F Elsawa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115; and
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22
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Furmanski AL, Barbarulo A, Solanki A, Lau CI, Sahni H, Saldana JI, D'Acquisto F, Crompton T. The transcriptional activator Gli2 modulates T-cell receptor signalling through attenuation of AP-1 and NFκB activity. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:2085-95. [PMID: 25908851 PMCID: PMC4450292 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.165803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Different tissues contain diverse and dynamic cellular niches, providing distinct signals to tissue-resident or migratory infiltrating immune cells. Hedgehog (Hh) proteins are secreted inter-cellular signalling molecules, which are essential during development and are important in cancer, post-natal tissue homeostasis and repair. Hh signalling mediated by the Hh-responsive transcription factor Gli2 also has multiple roles in T-lymphocyte development and differentiation. Here, we investigate the function of Gli2 in T-cell signalling and activation. Gene transcription driven by the Gli2 transcriptional activator isoform (Gli2A) attenuated T-cell activation and proliferation following T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation. Expression of Gli2A in T-cells altered gene expression profiles, impaired the TCR-induced Ca2+ flux and nuclear expression of NFAT2, suppressed upregulation of molecules essential for activation, and attenuated signalling pathways upstream of the AP-1 and NFκB complexes, leading to reduced activation of these important transcription factors. Inhibition of physiological Hh-dependent transcription increased NFκB activity upon TCR ligation. These data are important for understanding the molecular mechanisms of immunomodulation, particularly in tissues where Hh proteins or other Gli-activating ligands such as TGFβ are upregulated, including during inflammation, tissue damage and repair, and in tumour microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Furmanski
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Alessandro Barbarulo
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Anisha Solanki
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Ching-In Lau
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Hemant Sahni
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Jose Ignacio Saldana
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Fulvio D'Acquisto
- Centre for Biochemical Pharmacology, William Harvey Research Institute, QMUL, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Tessa Crompton
- Immunobiology Section, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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23
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Xing Z, Lin A, Li C, Liang K, Wang S, Liu Y, Park PK, Qin L, Wei Y, Hawke DH, Hung MC, Lin C, Yang L. lncRNA directs cooperative epigenetic regulation downstream of chemokine signals. Cell 2014; 159:1110-1125. [PMID: 25416949 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2014.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
lncRNAs are known to regulate a number of different developmental and tumorigenic processes. Here, we report a role for lncRNA BCAR4 in breast cancer metastasis that is mediated by chemokine-induced binding of BCAR4 to two transcription factors with extended regulatory consequences. BCAR4 binding of SNIP1 and PNUTS in response to CCL21 releases the SNIP1's inhibition of p300-dependent histone acetylation, which in turn enables the BCAR4-recruited PNUTS to bind H3K18ac and relieve inhibition of RNA Pol II via activation of the PP1 phosphatase. This mechanism activates a noncanonical Hedgehog/GLI2 transcriptional program that promotes cell migration. BCAR4 expression correlates with advanced breast cancers, and therapeutic delivery of locked nucleic acids (LNAs) targeting BCAR4 strongly suppresses breast cancer metastasis in mouse models. The findings reveal a disease-relevant lncRNA mechanism consisting of both direct coordinated protein recruitment and indirect regulation of transcription factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xing
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Aifu Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Chunlai Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ke Liang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shouyu Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peter K Park
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Li Qin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yongkun Wei
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - David H Hawke
- Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Chunru Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Liuqing Yang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Cancer Biology Program, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for RNA Interference and Non-Coding RNAs, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Dhaouadi N, Li JY, Feugier P, Gustin MP, Dab H, Kacem K, Bricca G, Cerutti C. Computational identification of potential transcriptional regulators of TGF-ß1 in human atherosclerotic arteries. Genomics 2014; 103:357-70. [PMID: 24819318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
TGF-ß is protective in atherosclerosis but deleterious in metastatic cancers. Our aim was to determine whether TGF-ß transcriptional regulation is tissue-specific in early atherosclerosis. The computational methods included 5 steps: (i) from microarray data of human atherosclerotic carotid tissue, to identify the 10 best co-expressed genes with TGFB1 (TGFB1 gene cluster), (ii) to choose the 11 proximal promoters, (iii) to predict the TFBS shared by the promoters, (iv) to identify the common TFs co-expressed with the TGFB1 gene cluster, and (v) to compare the common TFs in the early lesions to those identified in advanced atherosclerotic lesions and in various cancers. Our results show that EGR1, SP1 and KLF6 could be responsible for TGFB1 basal expression, KLF6 appearing specific to atherosclerotic lesions. Among the TFs co-expressed with the gene cluster, transcriptional activators (SLC2A4RG, MAZ) and repressors (ZBTB7A, PATZ1, ZNF263) could be involved in the fine-tuning of TGFB1 expression in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nedra Dhaouadi
- EA 4173 Génomique Fonctionnelle de l'Hypertension Artérielle, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Hôpital Nord-Ouest Villefranche-sur-Saône, 8 avenue Rockefeller, F-69373 Lyon, France; Unité de Physiologie Intégrée, Laboratoire de Pathologies Vasculaires, Université de Carthage, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Jacques-Yuan Li
- EA 4173 Génomique Fonctionnelle de l'Hypertension Artérielle, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Hôpital Nord-Ouest Villefranche-sur-Saône, 8 avenue Rockefeller, F-69373 Lyon, France
| | - Patrick Feugier
- EA 4173 Génomique Fonctionnelle de l'Hypertension Artérielle, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Hôpital Nord-Ouest Villefranche-sur-Saône, 8 avenue Rockefeller, F-69373 Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Paule Gustin
- EA 4173 Génomique Fonctionnelle de l'Hypertension Artérielle, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Hôpital Nord-Ouest Villefranche-sur-Saône, 8 avenue Rockefeller, F-69373 Lyon, France
| | - Houcine Dab
- Unité de Physiologie Intégrée, Laboratoire de Pathologies Vasculaires, Université de Carthage, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Kamel Kacem
- Unité de Physiologie Intégrée, Laboratoire de Pathologies Vasculaires, Université de Carthage, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Bizerte, Tunisia
| | - Giampiero Bricca
- EA 4173 Génomique Fonctionnelle de l'Hypertension Artérielle, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Hôpital Nord-Ouest Villefranche-sur-Saône, 8 avenue Rockefeller, F-69373 Lyon, France
| | - Catherine Cerutti
- EA 4173 Génomique Fonctionnelle de l'Hypertension Artérielle, Université de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Hôpital Nord-Ouest Villefranche-sur-Saône, 8 avenue Rockefeller, F-69373 Lyon, France.
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Chung Y, Fu E. Crosstalk between Shh and TGF-β signaling in cyclosporine-enhanced cell proliferation in human gingival fibroblasts. PLoS One 2013; 8:e70128. [PMID: 23922933 PMCID: PMC3724833 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0070128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunosuppressant cyclosporine-A induces gingival hyperplasia, which is characterized by increased fibroblast proliferation and overproduction of extracellular matrix components and regulated by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). The TGF-β and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathways both mediate cell proliferation. Crosstalk between these pathways in cancer has recently been proposed, but the hierarchical pattern of this crosstalk remains unclear. In normal fibroblasts, a TGF-β-stimulating Shh pattern was observed in induced fibrosis. However, Shh pathway involvement in cyclosporine-enhanced gingival proliferation and the existence of crosstalk with the TGF-β pathway remain unclear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Cyclosporine enhanced mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β and Shh in human gingival fibroblasts (RT-PCR and western blotting). A TGF-β pathway inhibitor mitigated cyclosporine-enhanced cell proliferation and an Shh pathway inhibitor attenuated cyclosporine-enhanced proliferation in fibroblasts (MTS assay and/or RT-PCR of PCNA). Exogenous TGF-β increased Shh expression; however, exogenous Shh did not alter TGF-β expression. The TGF-β pathway inhibitor mitigated cyclosporine-upregulated Shh expression, but the Shh pathway inhibitor did not alter cyclosporine-upregulated TGF-β expression. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The TGF-β and Shh pathways mediate cyclosporine-enhanced gingival fibroblast proliferation. Exogenous TGF-β increased Shh expression, and inhibition of TGF-β signaling abrogated the cyclosporine-induced upregulation of Shh expression; however, TGF-β expression appeared unchanged by enhanced or inhibited Shh signaling. This is the first study demonstrating the role of Shh in cyclosporine-enhanced gingival cell proliferation; moreover, it defines a hierarchical crosstalk pattern in which TGF-β regulates Shh in gingival fibroblasts. Understanding the regulation of cyclosporine-related Shh and TGF-β signaling and crosstalk in gingival overgrowth will clarify the mechanism of cyclosporine-induced gingival enlargement and help develop targeted therapeutics for blocking these pathways, which can be applied in pre-clinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chung
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, National Defense Medical Center and Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Earl Fu
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, National Defense Medical Center and Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Landscape of DNA virus associations across human malignant cancers: analysis of 3,775 cases using RNA-Seq. J Virol 2013; 87:8916-26. [PMID: 23740984 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00340-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Elucidation of tumor-DNA virus associations in many cancer types has enhanced our knowledge of fundamental oncogenesis mechanisms and provided a basis for cancer prevention initiatives. RNA-Seq is a novel tool to comprehensively assess such associations. We interrogated RNA-Seq data from 3,775 malignant neoplasms in The Cancer Genome Atlas database for the presence of viral sequences. Viral integration sites were also detected in expressed transcripts using a novel approach. The detection capacity of RNA-Seq was compared to available clinical laboratory data. Human papillomavirus (HPV) transcripts were detected using RNA-Seq analysis in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma, uterine endometrioid carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Detection of HPV by RNA-Seq correlated with detection by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry in squamous cell carcinoma tumors of the head and neck. Hepatitis B virus and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) were detected using RNA-Seq in hepatocellular carcinoma and gastric carcinoma tumors, respectively. Integration sites of viral genes and oncogenes were detected in cancers harboring HPV or hepatitis B virus but not in EBV-positive gastric carcinoma. Integration sites of expressed viral transcripts frequently involved known coding areas of the host genome. No DNA virus transcripts were detected in acute myeloid leukemia, cutaneous melanoma, low- and high-grade gliomas of the brain, and adenocarcinomas of the breast, colon and rectum, lung, prostate, ovary, kidney, and thyroid. In conclusion, this study provides a large-scale overview of the landscape of DNA viruses in human malignant cancers. While further validation is necessary for specific cancer types, our findings highlight the utility of RNA-Seq in detecting tumor-associated DNA viruses and identifying viral integration sites that may unravel novel mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis.
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