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Nguyen HT, Martin LJ. Classical cadherins in the testis: how are they regulated? Reprod Fertil Dev 2023; 35:641-660. [PMID: 37717581 DOI: 10.1071/rd23084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadherins (CDH) are crucial intercellular adhesion molecules, contributing to morphogenesis and creating tissue barriers by regulating cells' movement, clustering and differentiation. In the testis, classical cadherins such as CDH1, CDH2 and CDH3 are critical to gonadogenesis by promoting the migration and the subsequent clustering of primordial germ cells with somatic cells. While CDH2 is present in both Sertoli and germ cells in rodents, CDH1 is primarily detected in undifferentiated spermatogonia. As for CDH3, its expression is mainly found in germ and pre-Sertoli cells in developing gonads until the establishment of the blood-testis barrier (BTB). This barrier is made of Sertoli cells forming intercellular junctional complexes. The restructuring of the BTB allows the movement of early spermatocytes toward the apical compartment as they differentiate during a process called spermatogenesis. CDH2 is among many junctional proteins participating in this process and is regulated by several pathways. While cytokines promote the disassembly of the BTB by enhancing junctional protein endocytosis for degradation, testosterone facilitates the assembly of the BTB by increasing the recycling of endocytosed junctional proteins. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are also mediators of the BTB kinetics in many chemically induced damages in the testis. In addition to regulating Sertoli cell functions, follicle stimulating hormone can also regulate the expression of CDH2. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge on regulatory mechanisms of cadherin localisation and expression in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha Tuyen Nguyen
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Luc J Martin
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
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2
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Conza D, Mirra P, Fiory F, Insabato L, Nicolò A, Beguinot F, Ulianich L. Metformin: A New Inhibitor of the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2182. [PMID: 37681914 PMCID: PMC10486775 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172182] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The biguanide drug metformin is widely used in type 2 diabetes mellitus therapy, due to its ability to decrease serum glucose levels, mainly by reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis. A considerable number of studies have shown that metformin, besides its antidiabetic action, can improve other disease states, such as polycystic ovary disease, acute kidney injury, neurological disorders, cognitive impairment and renal damage. In addition, metformin is well known to suppress the growth and progression of different types of cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Accordingly, several epidemiological studies suggest that metformin is capable of lowering cancer risk and reducing the rate of cancer deaths among diabetic patients. The antitumoral effects of metformin have been proposed to be mainly mediated by the activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). However, a number of signaling pathways, both dependent and independent of AMPK activation, have been reported to be involved in metformin antitumoral action. Among these, the Wingless and Int signaling pathway have recently been included. Here, we will focus our attention on the main molecular mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Conza
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, National Research Council & Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.C.); (P.M.); (F.F.); (A.N.); (F.B.)
| | - Paola Mirra
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, National Research Council & Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.C.); (P.M.); (F.F.); (A.N.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesca Fiory
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, National Research Council & Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.C.); (P.M.); (F.F.); (A.N.); (F.B.)
| | - Luigi Insabato
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Antonella Nicolò
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, National Research Council & Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.C.); (P.M.); (F.F.); (A.N.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesco Beguinot
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, National Research Council & Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.C.); (P.M.); (F.F.); (A.N.); (F.B.)
| | - Luca Ulianich
- URT Genomics of Diabetes, Institute of Endocrinology and Experimental Oncology, National Research Council & Department of Translational Medicine, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (D.C.); (P.M.); (F.F.); (A.N.); (F.B.)
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3
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Stepwise fate conversion of supporting cells to sensory hair cells in the chick auditory epithelium. iScience 2023; 26:106046. [PMID: 36818302 PMCID: PMC9932131 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to mammals, the avian cochlea, specifically the basilar papilla, can regenerate sensory hair cells, which involves fate conversion of supporting cells to hair cells. To determine the mechanisms for converting supporting cells to hair cells, we used single-cell RNA sequencing during hair cell regeneration in explant cultures of chick basilar papillae. We identified dynamic changes in the gene expression of supporting cells, and the pseudotime trajectory analysis demonstrated the stepwise fate conversion from supporting cells to hair cells. Initially, supporting cell identity was erased and transition to the precursor state occurred. A subsequent gain in hair cell identity progressed together with downregulation of precursor-state genes. Transforming growth factor β receptor 1-mediated signaling was involved in induction of the initial step, and its inhibition resulted in suppression of hair cell regeneration. Our data provide new insights for understanding fate conversion from supporting cells to hair cells in avian basilar papillae.
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Hu H, Zhang T, Wu Y, Deng M, Deng H, Yang X. Cross-regulation between microRNAs and key proteins of signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:753-765. [PMID: 35833844 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2101994] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a subtype of primary liver cancer and a major cause of death. Although miRNA plays an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma, the specific regulatory network remains unclear. Therefore, this paper comprehensively describes the miRNA-related signaling pathways in HCC and the possible interactions among different signaling pathways. The aim is to lay the foundation for the discovery of new molecular targets and multi-target therapy. AREAS COVERED Based on miRNA, HCC, and signaling pathways, the literature was searched on Web of Science and PubMed. Then, common targets between different signaling pathways were found from KEGG database, and possible cross-regulation mechanisms were further studied. In this review, we elaborated from two aspects, respectively, laying a foundation for studying the regulatory mechanism and potential targets of miRNA in HCC. EXPERT OPINION Non-coding RNAs have become notable molecules in cancer research in recent years, and many types of targeted drugs have emerged. From the outset, molecular targets and signal pathways are interlinked, which suggests that signal pathways and regulatory networks should be concerned in basic research, which also provides a strong direction for future mechanism research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihong Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Taolan Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, Pharmacy Department, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yiwen Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Meina Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Huiling Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China.,The Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, China
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Pao SI, Lin LT, Chen YH, Chen CL, Chen JT. MicroRNA-4516 suppresses proliferative vitreoretinopathy development via negatively regulating OTX1. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270526. [PMID: 35771766 PMCID: PMC9246108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) progression is associated with TGF-β2-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells. In cancer cells, miR-4516 downregulates orthodenticle homeobox 1 (OTX1)-mediated cell invasion. Moreover, OTX1 is shown to be involved in invasion and EMT. The purpose of this study was to assess whether microRNA (miR-4516) suppresses EMT in RPE cells. EMT features were assessed using Western blotting, immunocytochemical staining, scratch-wound healing, modified Boyden chamber assay, and collagen gel contraction assay. For in vivo testing, a rabbit model was used, which involved induction of PVR by injection of transfected spontaneously arising RPE (ARPE) cells into the vitreous chamber. The putative target of miR-4516 was identified by luciferase reporter assay. Results showed that TGF-β2-induced transdifferentiation and migration of RPE cells was inhibited by miR-4516 delivery. Overexpression of miR-4516 led to upregulation of zonula occludens-1, downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin, and cell contractility—all EMT features—in the TGF-β2-treated ARPE-19 cells. MiR-4516 regulated OTX1 expression negatively by binding to its 3’-UTR. TGF-β2-induced phosphorylated ERK was inhibited in miR-4516-overexpressing ARPE-19 cells. MiR-4516 suppressed experimental PVR in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the overexpression of miR-4516 suppresses TGF-β2-induced EMT in a PVR model, and its role in PVR depends on OTX1/ERK. Further research is needed to develop a feasible treatment method to prevent and treat PVR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-I Pao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Le-Tien Lin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital Songshan Branch, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hao Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Long Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jiann-Torng Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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6
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Huang Z, Zhang Z, Zhou C, Liu L, Huang C. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition: The history, regulatory mechanism, and cancer therapeutic opportunities. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e144. [PMID: 35601657 PMCID: PMC9115588 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a program wherein epithelial cells lose their junctions and polarity while acquiring mesenchymal properties and invasive ability. Originally defined as an embryogenesis event, EMT has been recognized as a crucial process in tumor progression. During EMT, cell–cell junctions and cell–matrix attachments are disrupted, and the cytoskeleton is remodeled to enhance mobility of cells. This transition of phenotype is largely driven by a group of key transcription factors, typically Snail, Twist, and ZEB, through epigenetic repression of epithelial markers, transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and reorganization of cytoskeleton. Mechanistically, EMT is orchestrated by multiple pathways, especially those involved in embryogenesis such as TGFβ, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo, suggesting EMT as an intrinsic link between embryonic development and cancer progression. In addition, redox signaling has also emerged as critical EMT modulator. EMT confers cancer cells with increased metastatic potential and drug resistant capacity, which accounts for tumor recurrence in most clinic cases. Thus, targeting EMT can be a therapeutic option providing a chance of cure for cancer patients. Here, we introduce a brief history of EMT and summarize recent advances in understanding EMT mechanisms, as well as highlighting the therapeutic opportunities by targeting EMT in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Chengwei Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
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7
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Huge N, Reinkens T, Buurman R, Sandbothe M, Bergmann A, Wallaschek H, Vajen B, Stalke A, Decker M, Eilers M, Schäffer V, Dittrich-Breiholz O, Gürlevik E, Kühnel F, Schlegelberger B, Illig T, Skawran B. MiR-129-5p exerts Wnt signaling-dependent tumor-suppressive functions in hepatocellular carcinoma by directly targeting hepatoma-derived growth factor HDGF. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:192. [PMID: 35578240 PMCID: PMC9109340 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02582-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), histone deacetylases (HDACs) are frequently overexpressed. This results in chromatin compaction and silencing of tumor-relevant genes and microRNAs. Modulation of microRNA expression is a potential treatment option for HCC. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the epigenetically regulated miR-129-5p regarding its functional effects and target genes to understand its relevance for HCC tumorigenesis. METHODS Global miRNA expression of HCC cell lines (HLE, HLF, Huh7, HepG2, Hep3B) and normal liver cell lines (THLE-2, THLE-3) was analyzed after HDAC inhibition by miRNA sequencing. An in vivo xenograft mouse model and in vitro assays were used to investigate tumor-relevant functional effects following miR-129-5p transfection of HCC cells. To validate hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) as a direct target gene of miR-129-5p, luciferase reporter assays were performed. Survival data and HDGF expression were analyzed in public HCC datasets. After siRNA-mediated knockdown of HDGF, its cancer-related functions were examined. RESULTS HDAC inhibition induced the expression of miR-129-5p. Transfection of miR-129-5p increased the apoptosis of HCC cells, decreased proliferation, migration and ERK signaling in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Direct binding of miR-129-5p to the 3'UTR of HDGF via a noncanonical binding site was validated by luciferase reporter assays. HDGF knockdown reduced cell viability and migration and increased apoptosis in Wnt-inactive HCC cells. These in vitro results were in line with the analysis of public HCC datasets showing that HDGF overexpression correlated with a worse survival prognosis, primarily in Wnt-inactive HCCs. CONCLUSIONS This study provides detailed insights into the regulatory network of the tumor-suppressive, epigenetically regulated miR-129-5p in HCC. Our results reveal for the first time that the therapeutic application of mir-129-5p may have significant implications for the personalized treatment of patients with Wnt-inactive, advanced HCC by directly regulating HDGF. Therefore, miR-129-5p is a promising candidate for a microRNA replacement therapy to prevent HCC progression and tumor metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Huge
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thea Reinkens
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reena Buurman
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Maria Sandbothe
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anke Bergmann
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hannah Wallaschek
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Beate Vajen
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amelie Stalke
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Decker
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marlies Eilers
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vera Schäffer
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Engin Gürlevik
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Kühnel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Brigitte Schlegelberger
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Illig
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.,Hannover Unified Biobank (HUB), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Britta Skawran
- Department of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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8
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Liu CF, Ni Y, Thachil V, Morley M, Moravec CS, Tang WHW. Differential expression of members of SOX family of transcription factors in failing human hearts. Transl Res 2022; 242:66-78. [PMID: 34695607 PMCID: PMC8891044 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The Sry-related high-mobility-group box (SOX) gene family, with 20 known transcription factors in humans, plays an essential role during development and disease processes. Several SOX proteins (SOX4, 11, and 9) are required for normal heart morphogenesis. SOX9 was shown to contribute to cardiac fibrosis. However, differential expression of other SOXs and their roles in the failing human myocardium have not been explored. Here, we used the whole-transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), gene co-expression, and meta-analysis to examine whether any SOX factors might play a role in the failing human myocardium. RNA-seq analysis was performed for cardiac tissue samples from heart failure (HF) patients due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and healthy donors (NF). The RNA levels of 20 SOX genes from RNA-seq data were extracted and compared to the 3 groups. Four SOX genes whose RNA levels were significantly upregulated in DCM or HCM compared to NF. However, only SOX4 and SOX8 proteins were markedly increased in the HF groups. A moderate to strong correlation was observed between the RNA level of SOX4/8 and fibrotic genes among each individual. Gene co-expression network analysis identified genes associated and respond similarly to perturbations with SOX4 in cardiac tissues. Using a meta-analysis combining epigenetics and genome-wide association data, we reported several genomic variants associated with HF phenotype linked to SOX4 or SOX8. In summary, our results implicate that SOX4 and SOX8 have a role in cardiomyopathy, leading to HF in humans. The molecular mechanism associated with them in HF warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Feng Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Ying Ni
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Varun Thachil
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Michael Morley
- Penn Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christine S Moravec
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Wai Hong Wilson Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.
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9
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Understanding Molecular Mechanisms of Phenotype Switching and Crosstalk with TME to Reveal New Vulnerabilities of Melanoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071157. [PMID: 35406721 PMCID: PMC8997563 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma cells are notorious for their high plasticity and ability to switch back and forth between various melanoma cell states, enabling the adaptation to sub-optimal conditions and therapeutics. This phenotypic plasticity, which has gained more attention in cancer research, is proposed as a new paradigm for melanoma progression. In this review, we provide a detailed and deep comprehensive recapitulation of the complex spectrum of phenotype switching in melanoma, the key regulator factors, the various and new melanoma states, and corresponding signatures. We also present an extensive description of the role of epigenetic modifications (chromatin remodeling, methylation, and activities of long non-coding RNAs/miRNAs) and metabolic rewiring in the dynamic switch. Furthermore, we elucidate the main role of the crosstalk between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and oxidative stress in the regulation of the phenotype switching. Finally, we discuss in detail several rational therapeutic approaches, such as exploiting phenotype-specific and metabolic vulnerabilities and targeting components and signals of the TME, to improve the response of melanoma patients to treatments.
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10
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Zhang J, Zhang Z, Holst S, Blöchl C, Madunic K, Wuhrer M, Ten Dijke P, Zhang T. Transforming growth factor-β challenge alters the N-, O-, and glycosphingolipid glycomes in PaTu-S pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101717. [PMID: 35151689 PMCID: PMC8914387 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) plays a key role in PDAC tumor progression, which is often associated with aberrant glycosylation. However, how PDAC cells respond to TGF-β and the role of glycosylation therein is not well known. Here, we investigated the TGF-β-mediated response and glycosylation changes in the PaTu-8955S (PaTu-S) cell line deficient in SMA-related and MAD-related protein 4 (SMAD4), a signal transducer of the TGF-β signaling. PaTu-S cells responded to TGF-β by upregulating SMAD2 phosphorylation and target gene expression. We found that TGF-β induced expression of the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin but did not significantly affect epithelial marker E-cadherin expression. We also examined differences in N-glycans, O-glycans, and glycosphingolipid-linked glycans in PaTu-S cells upon TGF-β stimulation. TGF-β treatment primarily induced N-glycome aberrations involving elevated levels of branching, core fucosylation, and sialylation in PaTu-S cells, in agreement with TGF-β-induced changes in the expression of glycosylation-associated genes. In addition, we observed differences in O glycosylation and glycosphingolipid glycosylation profiles after TGF-β treatment, including lower levels of sialylated Tn antigen and neoexpression of globosides. Furthermore, the expression of transcription factor sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility group box 4 was upregulated upon TGF-β stimulation, and its depletion blocked TGF-β-induced N-glycomic changes. Thus, TGF-β-induced N-glycosylation changes can occur in a sex-determining region Y-related high-mobility group box 4–dependent and SMAD4-independent manner in the pancreatic PaTu-S cancer cell line. Our results open up avenues to study the relevance of glycosylation in TGF-β signaling in SMAD4-inactivated PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Zejian Zhang
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie Holst
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Constantin Blöchl
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Biosciences, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Katarina Madunic
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Oncode Institute and Department of Cell Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Tao Zhang
- Center for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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11
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Weidle UH, Nopora A. MicroRNAs and Corresponding Targets in Esophageal Cancer as Shown In Vitro and In Vivo in Preclinical Models. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2022; 19:113-129. [PMID: 35181582 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus is associated with a dismal prognosis. Therefore, identification of new targets and implementation of new treatment modalities are issues of paramount importance. Based on a survey of the literature, we identified microRNAs conferring antitumoral activity in preclinical in vivo experiments. In the category of miRs targeting secreted factors and transmembrane receptors, four miRs were up-regulated and 10 were down-regulated compared with five out of nine in the category transcription factors, and six miRs were down-regulated in the category enzymes, including metabolic enzymes. The down-regulated miRs have targets which can be inhibited by small molecules or antibody-related entities, or re-expressed by reconstitution therapy. Up-regulated miRs have targets which can be reconstituted with small molecules or inhibited with antagomirs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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Advance of SOX Transcription Factors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Role, Tumor Immune Relevance to Targeted Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051165. [PMID: 35267473 PMCID: PMC8909699 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest human health burdens worldwide. However, the molecular mechanism of HCC development is still not fully understood. Sex determining region Y-related high-mobility group box (SOX) transcription factors not only play pivotal roles in cell fate decisions during development but also participate in the initiation and progression of cancer. Given the significance of SOX factors in cancer and their ‘undruggable’ properties, we summarize the role and molecular mechanism of SOX family members in HCC and the regulatory effect of SOX factors in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of various cancers. For the first time, we analyze the association between the levels of SOX factors and that of immune components in HCC, providing clues to the pivotal role of SOX factors in the TIME of HCC. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges of targeting SOX factors for cancer. Abstract Sex determining region Y (SRY)-related high-mobility group (HMG) box (SOX) factors belong to an evolutionarily conserved family of transcription factors that play essential roles in cell fate decisions involving numerous developmental processes. In recent years, the significance of SOX factors in the initiation and progression of cancers has been gradually revealed, and they act as potential therapeutic targets for cancer. However, the research involving SOX factors is still preliminary, given that their effects in some leading-edge fields such as tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) remain obscure. More importantly, as a class of ‘undruggable’ molecules, targeting SOX factors still face considerable challenges in achieving clinical translation. Here, we mainly focus on the roles and regulatory mechanisms of SOX family members in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the fatal human health burdens worldwide. We then detail the role of SOX members in remodeling TIME and analyze the association between SOX members and immune components in HCC for the first time. In addition, we emphasize several alternative strategies involved in the translational advances of SOX members in cancer. Finally, we discuss the alternative strategies of targeting SOX family for cancer and propose the opportunities and challenges they face based on the current accumulated studies and our understanding.
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Hanieh H, Ibrahim HIM, Mohammed M, Alwassil OI, Abukhalil MH, Farhan M. Activation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor signaling by gallic acid suppresses progression of human breast cancer in vitro and in vivo. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 96:153817. [PMID: 34782204 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains the most common malignancy and the second cause of death in women. Increasingly, preclinical evidence has suggested aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ahr), a ligand activated transcription factor, a promising therapeutic target in breast cancer. PURPOSE This study aims at screening a number of phenolic compounds to identify an Ahr ligand with suppressive effects on human breast cancer. METHODS Potential interactions between Ahr and phenolic compounds were predicted in silico, and physical interaction was examined by ligand competitive binding in vitro. The MDA-MB-231 and T47D breast cancer cell lines were used to examine the expression of Ahr downstream genes and progression of breast cancer cells in vitro. Binding of Ahr/Ahr nuclear transporter (Arnt) complex to the xenobiotic-responsive element (XRE)-box was examined by DNA-protein interaction (DPI)-ELISA, promoter activity was assessed using luciferase reporter system, and RNA interreference was carried out using electroporation. The real-time PCR and/or immunoblotting were used to quantify gene expressions. Tumor growth in vivo was assessed using a murine orthotopic model. RESULTS A combined computational modeling and in vitro approaches identified gallic acid (GA) as an Ahr ligand with agonistic properties. It induced binding of Ahr/Arnt to the XRE-box, enhanced the promoter activity and expression of Ahr downstream genes including cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), and SRY-related HMG-box4 (SOX4)-targeting miR-212/132 cluster and miR-335 in both MDA-MB-231 and T47D cells. GA increased apoptosis while decreased proliferation, migration and invasion capacities of breast cancer cells in an Ahr-dependent fashion. Furthermore, it reduced the levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and SOX4, while selectively increased that of tumor protein 53 (P53), in an Ahr-dependent and -independent fashions. In an in vivo orthotopic model, GA activated Ahr signaling and reduced the growth of breast cancer cells. CONCLUSION We identified GA as an Ahr phenolic ligand, and provided evidence on the role of Ahr in mediating its anti-breast cancer effects, indicating that GA, and possibly other phenolic compounds, have important therapeutic implications in human breast cancer through activation of Ahr signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamza Hanieh
- Department of Medical Analysis, Department of Biological Sciences, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma'an 71111, Jordan; International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan.
| | - Hairul-Islam M Ibrahim
- Biological Sciences Department, College of Science, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maged Mohammed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44111, Egypt
| | - Osama I Alwassil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad H Abukhalil
- Department of Medical Analysis, Department of Biological Sciences, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma'an 71111, Jordan; International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan
| | - Mahdi Farhan
- International Medical Research Center (iMReC), Aqaba 77110, Jordan; Department of Drug Development, UniTechPharma, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland
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Wang LL, Zhu XL, Han SH, Xu L. Hypoxia Upregulates NOTCH3 Signaling Pathway to Promote Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:1525619. [PMID: 34868328 PMCID: PMC8639273 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1525619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the effect of hypoxia on pulmonary artery endothelial cells and the role of NOTCH3 in endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EnMT) and to provide a research model for pulmonary disease and explain the pathogenesis of the pulmonary disease. METHODS Pulmonary artery endothelial cells were divided into two groups and cultured in normoxic and hypoxic environments, respectively. QPCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence were used to detect endothelial cell-specific marker protein and mRNA expression in each group, and the ability of endothelial cells migration was evaluated by scratch and transwell experiment. RESULTS The pulmonary artery endothelial cells in the normoxic group presented a typical pebble-like arrangement, and the endothelial cells in hypoxic culture showed a long spindle appearance. Hypoxia induced high expression of NOTCH3, Jagged-1, Hes1, c-Src, and CSL. Immunofluorescence showed that endothelial cells in hypoxic culture began to express the α-SMA, and the expression of vWF increased with hypoxia. Cell viability, scratch, and transwell results showed that endothelial cells in the hypoxic group were more capable of viability and migration than those in the normoxic group. The induction of EnMT by hypoxia can be inhibited by using notch3-specific inhibitor DAPT and Jagged-1. This study also found that miR-7-5p can regulate endothelial NOTCH3, indicating that miRNA is also involved in the process of endothelial-mesenchymal transformation. CONCLUSION Hypoxia promotes the transformation of endothelial cells into mesenchymal cells by opening the NOTCH3 pathway, which lays the foundation for disease progression or clinical prognosis, and is of great significance in the treatment of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Le Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiao-Li Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Shu-Hua Han
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
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De Martino V, Rossi M, Battafarano G, Pepe J, Minisola S, Del Fattore A. Extracellular Vesicles in Osteosarcoma: Antagonists or Therapeutic Agents? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12586. [PMID: 34830463 PMCID: PMC8619425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a skeletal tumor affecting mainly children and adolescents. The presence of distance metastasis is frequent and it is localized preferentially to the lung, representing the main reason for death among patients. The therapeutic approaches are based on surgery and chemotherapeutics. However, the drug resistance and the side effects associated with the chemotherapy require the identification of new therapeutic approaches. The understanding of the complex biological scenario of the osteosarcoma will open the way for the identification of new targets for its treatment. Recently, a great interest of scientific community is for extracellular vesicles (EVs), that are released in the tumor microenvironment and are important regulators of tumor proliferation and the metastatic process. At the same time, circulating extracellular vesicles can be exploited as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and they can be loaded with drugs as a new therapeutic approach for osteosarcoma patients. Thus, the characterization of OS-related EVs could represent a way to convert these vesicles from antagonists for human health into therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana De Martino
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anaesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.D.M.); (J.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Michela Rossi
- Bone Physiopathology Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (G.B.)
| | - Giulia Battafarano
- Bone Physiopathology Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (G.B.)
| | - Jessica Pepe
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anaesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.D.M.); (J.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Salvatore Minisola
- Department of Clinical, Internal, Anaesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy; (V.D.M.); (J.P.); (S.M.)
| | - Andrea Del Fattore
- Bone Physiopathology Research Unit, Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.R.); (G.B.)
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16
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Roukens MG, Frederiks CL, Seinstra D, Braccioli L, Khalil AA, Pals C, De Neck S, Bornes L, Beerling E, Mokry M, de Bruin A, Westendorp B, van Rheenen J, Coffer PJ. Regulation of a progenitor gene program by SOX4 is essential for mammary tumor proliferation. Oncogene 2021; 40:6343-6353. [PMID: 34584219 PMCID: PMC8585668 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02004-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In breast cancer the transcription factor SOX4 has been shown to be associated with poor survival, increased tumor size and metastasis formation. This has mostly been attributed to the ability of SOX4 to regulate Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal-Transition (EMT). However, SOX4 regulates target gene transcription in a context-dependent manner that is determined by the cellular and epigenetic state. In this study we have investigated the loss of SOX4 in mammary tumor development utilizing organoids derived from a PyMT genetic mouse model of breast cancer. Using CRISPR/Cas9 to abrogate SOX4 expression, we found that SOX4 is required for inhibiting differentiation by regulating a subset of genes that are highly activated in fetal mammary stem cells (fMaSC). In this way, SOX4 re-activates an oncogenic transcriptional program that is regulated in many progenitor cell-types during embryonic development. SOX4-knockout organoids are characterized by the presence of more differentiated cells that exhibit luminal or basal gene expression patterns, but lower expression of cell cycle genes. In agreement, primary tumor growth and metastatic outgrowth in the lungs are impaired in SOX4KO tumors. Finally, SOX4KO tumors show a severe loss in competitive capacity to grow out compared to SOX4-proficient cells in primary tumors. Our study identifies a novel role for SOX4 in maintaining mammary tumors in an undifferentiated and proliferative state. Therapeutic manipulation of SOX4 function could provide a novel strategy for cancer differentiation therapy, which would promote differentiation and inhibit cycling of tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Guy Roukens
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Cynthia L Frederiks
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle Seinstra
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Luca Braccioli
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Antoine A Khalil
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelieke Pals
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Simon De Neck
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Bornes
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evelyne Beerling
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michal Mokry
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Alain de Bruin
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Westendorp
- Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jacco van Rheenen
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Coffer
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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17
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Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and its transcription factors. Biosci Rep 2021; 42:230017. [PMID: 34708244 PMCID: PMC8703024 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition or EMT is an extremely dynamic process involved in conversion of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells, stimulated by an ensemble of signaling pathways, leading to change in cellular morphology, suppression of epithelial characters and acquisition of properties such as enhanced cell motility and invasiveness, reduced cell death by apoptosis, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs etc. Significantly, EMT has been found to play a crucial role during embryonic development, tissue fibrosis and would healing, as well as during cancer metastasis. Over the years, work from various laboratories have identified a rather large number of transcription factors (TFs) including the master regulators of EMT, with the ability to regulate the EMT process directly. In this review, we put together these EMT TFs and discussed their role in the process. We have also tried to focus on their mechanism of action, their interdependency, and the large regulatory network they form. Subsequently, it has become clear that the composition and structure of the transcriptional regulatory network behind EMT probably varies based upon various physiological and pathological contexts, or even in a cell/tissue type-dependent manner.
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18
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Yang Y, Ye WL, Zhang RN, He XS, Wang JR, Liu YX, Wang Y, Yang XM, Zhang YJ, Gan WJ. The Role of TGF- β Signaling Pathways in Cancer and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2021; 2021:6675208. [PMID: 34335834 PMCID: PMC8321733 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6675208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway mediates various biological functions, and its dysregulation is closely related to the occurrence of malignant tumors. However, the role of TGF-β signaling in tumorigenesis and development is complex and contradictory. On the one hand, TGF-β signaling can exert antitumor effects by inhibiting proliferation or inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. On the other hand, TGF-β signaling may mediate oncogene effects by promoting metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune escape. This review summarizes the recent findings on molecular mechanisms of TGF-β signaling. Specifically, this review evaluates TGF-β's therapeutic potential as a target by the following perspectives: ligands, receptors, and downstream signaling. We hope this review can trigger new ideas to improve the current clinical strategies to treat tumors related to the TGF-β signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wen-Long Ye
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Ruo-Nan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiao-Shun He
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Jing-Ru Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Liu
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Xue-Mei Yang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yu-Juan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Wen-Juan Gan
- Department of Pathology, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou 215124, China
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Kvokačková B, Remšík J, Jolly MK, Souček K. Phenotypic Heterogeneity of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Mediated by Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2188. [PMID: 34063254 PMCID: PMC8125677 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast carcinoma known for its unusually aggressive behavior and poor clinical outcome. Besides the lack of molecular targets for therapy and profound intratumoral heterogeneity, the relatively quick overt metastatic spread remains a major obstacle in effective clinical management. The metastatic colonization of distant sites by primary tumor cells is affected by the microenvironment, epigenetic state of particular subclones, and numerous other factors. One of the most prominent processes contributing to the intratumoral heterogeneity is an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an evolutionarily conserved developmental program frequently hijacked by tumor cells, strengthening their motile and invasive features. In response to various intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, malignant cells can revert the EMT state through the mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), a process that is believed to be critical for the establishment of macrometastasis at secondary sites. Notably, cancer cells rarely undergo complete EMT and rather exist in a continuum of E/M intermediate states, preserving high levels of plasticity, as demonstrated in primary tumors and, ultimately, in circulating tumor cells, representing a simplified element of the metastatic cascade. In this review, we focus on cellular drivers underlying EMT/MET phenotypic plasticity and its detrimental consequences in the context of TNBC cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Kvokačková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic;
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ján Remšík
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India;
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic;
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Senger K, Yuan W, Sagolla M, Doerr J, Bolon B, Ziai J, Sun K, Warming S, Roose‐Girma M, Zhang N, Tam L, Newman RJ, Chaudhuri S, Antony A, Goldstein LD, Durinck S, Jaiswal BS, Lafkas D, Modrusan Z, Seshagiri S. Embryonic lethality and defective mammary gland development of activator-function impaired conditional knock-in Erbb3 V943R mice. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2021; 2:e10036. [PMID: 36618440 PMCID: PMC9744554 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.10036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
ERBB3 is a pseudokinase domain-containing member of the ERBB family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). Following ligand binding, ERBB receptors homo- or hetero-dimerize, leading to a head-to-tail arrangement of the intracellular kinase domains, where the "receiver" kinase domain of one ERBB is activated by the "activator" domain of the other ERBB in the dimer. In ERBB3, a conserved valine at codon 943 (V943) in the kinase C-terminal domain has been shown to be important for its function as an "activator" kinase in vitro. Here we report a knock-in mouse model where we have modified the endogenous Erbb3 allele to allow for tissue-specific conditional expression of Erbb3 V943R (Erbb3 CKI-V943R ). Additionally, we generated an Erbb3 D850N (Erbb3 CKI-D850N ) conditional knock-in mouse model where the conserved aspartate in the DFG motif of the pseudokinase domain was mutated to abolish any potential residual kinase activity. While Erbb3 D850N/D850N animals developed normally, homozygous Erbb3 V943R/V943R expression during development resulted in embryonic lethality. Further, tissue specific expression of Erbb3 V943R/V943R in the mammary gland epithelium following its activation using MMTV-Cre resulted in delayed elongation of the ductal network during puberty. Single-cell RNA-seq analysis of Erbb3 V943R/V943R mammary glands showed a reduction in a specific subset of fibrinogen-producing luminal epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Senger
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Wenlin Yuan
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Meredith Sagolla
- Department of PathologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jonas Doerr
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - James Ziai
- Department of PathologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kai‐Hui Sun
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Soren Warming
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Merone Roose‐Girma
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Lucinda Tam
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Robert J. Newman
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Subhra Chaudhuri
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | | | - Leonard D. Goldstein
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Steffen Durinck
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Bijay S. Jaiswal
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Daniel Lafkas
- Department of Immunology DiscoveryGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Zora Modrusan
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Somasekar Seshagiri
- Department of Molecular BiologyGenentechSouth San FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
- SciGenom Research FoundationBangaloreKarnatakaIndia
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21
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Liu Y, Guo W. SOX factors as cell-state regulators in the mammary gland and breast cancer. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 114:126-133. [PMID: 33583737 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence has shown that several SOX family transcription factors are key regulators of stem/progenitor cell fates in the mammary gland. These cell-fate regulators are often upregulated in breast cancer and contribute to tumor initiation and progression. They induce lineage plasticity and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which promotes tumor invasion, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. SOX factors act through modulating multiple oncogenic signaling pathways in breast cancer. In addition to the cell-autonomous functions, new evidence suggests they can shape the tumor immune microenvironment. Here, we will review the molecular and functional evidence linking SOX factors with mammary gland development and discuss how these cell-fate regulators are co-opted in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Wenjun Guo
- Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Albert Einstein Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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22
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Bagati A, Kumar S, Jiang P, Pyrdol J, Zou AE, Godicelj A, Mathewson ND, Cartwright ANR, Cejas P, Brown M, Giobbie-Hurder A, Dillon D, Agudo J, Mittendorf EA, Liu XS, Wucherpfennig KW. Integrin αvβ6-TGFβ-SOX4 Pathway Drives Immune Evasion in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:54-67.e9. [PMID: 33385331 PMCID: PMC7855651 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy shows limited efficacy against many solid tumors that originate from epithelial tissues, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We identify the SOX4 transcription factor as an important resistance mechanism to T cell-mediated cytotoxicity for TNBC cells. Mechanistic studies demonstrate that inactivation of SOX4 in tumor cells increases the expression of genes in a number of innate and adaptive immune pathways important for protective tumor immunity. Expression of SOX4 is regulated by the integrin αvβ6 receptor on the surface of tumor cells, which activates TGFβ from a latent precursor. An integrin αvβ6/8-blocking monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibits SOX4 expression and sensitizes TNBC cells to cytotoxic T cells. This integrin mAb induces a substantial survival benefit in highly metastatic murine TNBC models poorly responsive to PD-1 blockade. Targeting of the integrin αvβ6-TGFβ-SOX4 pathway therefore provides therapeutic opportunities for TNBC and other highly aggressive human cancers of epithelial origin.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antigens, Neoplasm/genetics
- Antigens, Neoplasm/metabolism
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Integrins/antagonists & inhibitors
- Integrins/genetics
- Integrins/metabolism
- Mice
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- SOXC Transcription Factors/genetics
- SOXC Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Sequence Analysis, RNA
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/metabolism
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/immunology
- Tumor Escape/drug effects
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Archis Bagati
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Smith Building, Room 736, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Smith Building, Room 736, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jason Pyrdol
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Smith Building, Room 736, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Angela E Zou
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Smith Building, Room 736, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Anze Godicelj
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Smith Building, Room 736, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Nathan D Mathewson
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Smith Building, Room 736, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Adam N R Cartwright
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Smith Building, Room 736, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Paloma Cejas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Myles Brown
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Anita Giobbie-Hurder
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Deborah Dillon
- Department of Pathology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Judith Agudo
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Smith Building, Room 736, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Mittendorf
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - X Shirley Liu
- Department of Data Sciences, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kai W Wucherpfennig
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Smith Building, Room 736, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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23
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Oliemuller E, Newman R, Tsang SM, Foo S, Muirhead G, Noor F, Haider S, Aurrekoetxea-Rodríguez I, Vivanco MDM, Howard BA. SOX11 promotes epithelial/mesenchymal hybrid state and alters tropism of invasive breast cancer cells. eLife 2020; 9:58374. [PMID: 32909943 PMCID: PMC7518891 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX11 is an embryonic mammary epithelial marker that is normally silenced prior to birth. High SOX11 levels in breast tumours are significantly associated with distant metastasis and poor outcome in breast cancer patients. Here, we show that SOX11 confers distinct features to ER-negative DCIS.com breast cancer cells, leading to populations enriched with highly plastic hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal cells, which display invasive features and alterations in metastatic tropism when xenografted into mice. We found that SOX11+DCIS tumour cells metastasize to brain and bone at greater frequency and to lungs at lower frequency compared to cells with lower SOX11 levels. High levels of SOX11 leads to the expression of markers associated with mesenchymal state and embryonic cellular phenotypes. Our results suggest that SOX11 may be a potential biomarker for breast tumours with elevated risk of developing metastases and may require more aggressive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Oliemuller
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Newman
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Siu Man Tsang
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shane Foo
- Translational Immunotherapy Team, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Muirhead
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Farzana Noor
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Syed Haider
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Maria dM Vivanco
- CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Beatrice A Howard
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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24
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Lourenço AR, Roukens MG, Seinstra D, Frederiks CL, Pals CE, Vervoort SJ, Margarido AS, van Rheenen J, Coffer PJ. C/EBPɑ is crucial determinant of epithelial maintenance by preventing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Nat Commun 2020; 11:785. [PMID: 32034145 PMCID: PMC7005738 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14556-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular signals such as TGF-β can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancers of epithelial origin, promoting molecular and phenotypical changes resulting in pro-metastatic characteristics. We identified C/EBPα as one of the most TGF-β-mediated downregulated transcription factors in human mammary epithelial cells. C/EBPα expression prevents TGF-β-driven EMT by inhibiting expression of known EMT factors. Depletion of C/EBPα is sufficient to induce mesenchymal-like morphology and molecular features, while cells that had undergone TGF-β-induced EMT reverted to an epithelial-like state upon C/EBPα re-expression. In vivo, mice injected with C/EBPα-expressing breast tumor organoids display a dramatic reduction of metastatic lesions. Collectively, our results show that C/EBPα is required for maintaining epithelial homeostasis by repressing the expression of key mesenchymal markers, thereby preventing EMT-mediated tumorigenesis. These data suggest that C/EBPα is a master epithelial "gatekeeper" whose expression is required to prevent unwarranted mesenchymal transition, supporting an important role for EMT in mediating breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Lourenço
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Guy Roukens
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Danielle Seinstra
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cynthia L Frederiks
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelieke E Pals
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephin J Vervoort
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Andreia S Margarido
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacco van Rheenen
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Coffer
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Regenerative Medicine Center, Uppsalalaan 8, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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25
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Luo C, Quan Z, Zhong B, Zhang M, Zhou B, Wang S, Luo X, Tang C. lncRNA XIST promotes glioma proliferation and metastasis through miR-133a/SOX4. Exp Ther Med 2020; 19:1641-1648. [PMID: 32104215 PMCID: PMC7027044 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common malignant brain tumour in adults, and the aetiology and mechanism of this tumour remain largely unknown. Previous studies have demonstrated that the long non-coding RNA X-inactive specific transcript (XIST) is upregulated in many cancers, and a high expression level of XIST is associated with poor clinical outcome. In the present study, the expression and function of XIST were investigated in the glioma cell line U251. XIST and microRNA (miR)-133a levels in glioma cell lines were detected by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Small hairpin RNA XIST (sh-XIST) and mimics/inhibitor of miR-133a were transfected in glioma cell lines and cell proliferation, invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were examined. Luciferase assays were used to verify the associations among XIST, miR-133a and SRY-box (SOX)4. When XIST was knocked down, the proliferation, metastasis and EMT of glioma cells decreased. Notably, downstream genes of SOX4 were also upregulated or downregulated upon sh-XIST treatment. Overexpression of miR-133a inhibited glioma proliferation, metastasis and EMT via reducing the expression of SOX4; in contrast, knockdown of miR-133a exhibited the opposite effect, which revealed that miR-133a negatively regulates glioma progression. Furthermore, using luciferase assays, it was demonstrated that XIST and SOX4 could bind miR-133a in the predicted binding site; XIST competed with SOX4 for miR-133a binding. In conclusion, a XIST/miR-133a/SOX4 axis and a mechanism of XIST glioma in promoting cell proliferation and metastasis were revealed. These findings revealed that XIST has an oncogenic role in the tumourigenesis of glioma and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chixing Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei 448000, P.R. China
| | - Zhongping Quan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei 448000, P.R. China
| | - Bao Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei 448000, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei 448000, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei 448000, P.R. China
| | - Shaobo Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei 448000, P.R. China
| | - Xinkai Luo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei 448000, P.R. China
| | - Changjiu Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jingmen No. 2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, Hubei 448000, P.R. China
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26
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Milk-derived miRNA profiles elucidate molecular pathways that underlie breast dysfunction in women with common genetic variants in SLC30A2. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12686. [PMID: 31481661 PMCID: PMC6722070 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48987-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in humans and pre-clinical animal models show milk-derived miRNAs reflect mammary gland function during lactation. The zinc transporter SLC30A2/ZnT2 plays a critical role in mammary gland function; ZnT2-null mice have profound defects in mammary epithelial cell (MEC) polarity and secretion, resulting in sub-optimal lactation. Non-synonymous genetic variation in SLC30A2 is common in humans, and several common ZnT2 variants are associated with changes in milk components that suggest breast dysfunction in women. To identify novel mechanisms through which dysfunction might occur, milk-derived miRNA profiles were characterized in women harboring three common genetic variants in SLC30A2 (D103E, T288S, and Exon 7). Expression of ten miRNAs differed between genotypes, and contributed to distinct spatial separation. Studies in breast milk and cultured MECs confirmed expression of ZnT2 variants alters abundance of protein levels of several predicted mRNA targets critical for breast function (PRLR, VAMP7, and SOX4). Moreover, bioinformatic analysis identified two novel gene networks that may underlie normal MEC function. Thus, we propose that genetic variation in genes critical for normal breast function such as SLC30A2 has important implications for lactation performance in women, and that milk-derived miRNAs can be used to identify novel mechanisms and for diagnostic potential.
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27
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Mehta GA, Khanna P, Gatza ML. Emerging Role of SOX Proteins in Breast Cancer Development and Maintenance. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2019; 24:213-230. [PMID: 31069617 PMCID: PMC6790170 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-019-09430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The SOX genes encode a family of more than 20 transcription factors that are critical regulators of embryogenesis and developmental processes and, when aberrantly expressed, have been shown to contribute to tumor development and progression in both an oncogenic and tumor suppressive role. Increasing evidence demonstrates that the SOX proteins play essential roles in multiple cellular processes that mediate or contribute to oncogenic transformation and tumor progression. In the context of breast cancer, SOX proteins function both as oncogenes and tumor suppressors and have been shown to be associated with tumor stage and grade and poor prognosis. Experimental evidence demonstrates that a subset of SOX proteins regulate critical aspects of breast cancer biology including cancer stemness and multiple signaling pathways leading to altered cell proliferation, survival, and tumor development; EMT, cell migration and metastasis; as well as other tumor associated characteristics. This review will summarize the role of SOX family members as important mediators of tumorigenesis in breast cancer, with an emphasis on the triple negative or basal-like subtype of breast cancer, as well as examine the therapeutic potential of these genes and their downstream targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav A Mehta
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, CINJ 4558, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Pooja Khanna
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, CINJ 4558, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Michael L Gatza
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street, CINJ 4558, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903, USA.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
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28
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Enhanced morphological and functional differences of pancreatic cancer with epithelial or mesenchymal characteristics in 3D culture. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10871. [PMID: 31350453 PMCID: PMC6659675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47416-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, composed of heterogeneous cancer cells, alters epithelial to mesenchymal features during growth and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to characterize pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells showing epithelial or mesenchymal features in 3D culture. In 3D culture, PK-1 cells had high E-cadherin and low vimentin expression and exhibited a round-like appearance encircled by flat cells. PANC-1 cells had high vimentin and low E-cadherin expression and formed grape-like spheres. PK-1 cells had secretary granules and many microvilli, desmosomes, and adherens junctions, while PANC-1 cells had few microvilli, adherens junction, and no desmosomes. Cytokeratin 7, trypsin, CA19-9, and E-cadherin were highly expressed in PK-1 cells but not in PANC-1 cells. Ki-67 was diffusely expressed in PANC-1 spheres but was restricted to the peripheral flat cells of PK-1 spheres. PANC-1 and PK-1 cells were positive for transforming growth factor (TGF) β receptor II and phosphorylated smad2/3, but PK-1 cells were smad4 negative. Taken together, 3D culture enhanced morphofunctional differences of PDAC cells showing epithelial or mesenchymal characteristics, and epithelial phenotype maintenance may be due to the ineffectiveness of the TGF- β pathway. Clarification of heterogeneity using 3D culture may be useful for development of individualized diagnostic and therapeutic methods in patients with PDAC.
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29
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SOX4: Epigenetic regulation and role in tumorigenesis. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 67:91-104. [PMID: 31271889 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sex-determining region Y-related (SRY) high-mobility group box 4 (SOX4) is a member of the group C subfamily of SOX transcription factors and promotes tumorigenesis by endowing cancer cells with survival, migratory, and invasive capacities. Emerging evidence has highlighted an unequivocal role for this transcription factor in mediating various signaling pathways involved in tumorigenesis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and tumor progression. During the last decade, numerous studies have highlighted the epigenetic interplay between SOX4-targeting microRNAs (miRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and SOX4 and the subsequent modulation of tumorigenesis, invasion and metastasis. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge about the role of SOX4 in cancer development and progression, the epigenetic regulation of SOX4, and the potential utilization of SOX4 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and its depletion as a therapeutic target.
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30
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CUL4B promotes prostate cancer progression by forming positive feedback loop with SOX4. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:23. [PMID: 30872583 PMCID: PMC6418142 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0131-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
How to distinguish indolent from aggressive disease remains a great challenge in prostate cancer (PCa) management. Cullin 4B (CUL4B) is a scaffold protein and exhibits oncogenic activity in a variety of human malignancies. In this study, we utilized PCa tissue specimens, cell lines and xenograft models to determine whether CUL4B contributes to PCa progression and metastasis. Here, we show that CUL4B expression highly correlates with the aggressiveness of PCa. CUL4B expression promotes proliferation, epithelial−mesenchymal transition, and metastatic potential of PCa cells, whereas CUL4B knockdown inhibits. Mechanically, CUL4B positively regulates SOX4, a key regulator in PCa, through epigenetic silencing of miR-204. In turn, SOX4 upregulates CUL4B expression through transcriptional activation, thereby fulfilling a positive feedback loop. Clinically, CUL4B+/SOX4+ defines a subset of PCa patients with poor prognosis. Bioinformatics analysis further reveals that Wnt/ß-catenin activation signature is enriched in CUL4B+/SOX4+ patient subgroup. Intriguingly, Wnt inhibitors significantly attenuates oncogenic capacities of CUL4B in vitro and in vivo. Together, our study identifies CUL4B as a key modulator of aggressive PCa by a positive feedback loop that interacts with SOX4. This regulatory circuit may have a crucial role in PCa progression.
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31
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Li X, Liu H, Sun L, Zhou X, Yuan X, Chen Y, Liu F, Liu Y, Xiao L. MicroRNA-302c modulates peritoneal dialysis-associated fibrosis by targeting connective tissue growth factor. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:2372-2383. [PMID: 30693641 PMCID: PMC6433681 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long‐term peritoneal dialysis (PD) can lead to the induction of mesothelial/epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (MMT/EMT) and fibrosis; these effects eventually result in ultrafiltration failure and the discontinuation of PD. MicroRNA‐302c (miR‐302c) is believed to be involved in regulating tumour cell growth and metastasis by suppressing MMT, but the effect of miR‐302c on MMT in the context of PD is unknown. MiR‐302c levels were measured in mesothelial cells isolated from the PD effluents of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients. After miR‐302c overexpression using lentivirus, human peritoneal mesothelial cell line (HMrSV5) and PD mouse peritoneum were treated with TGF‐β1 or high glucose peritoneal dialysate respectively. MiR‐302c expression level and MMT‐related factors alteration were observed. In addition, fibrosis of PD mouse peritoneum was alleviated by miR‐302c overexpression. Furthermore, the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was negatively related by miR‐302c, and LV‐miR‐302c reversed the up‐regulation of CTGF induced by TGF‐β1. These data suggest that there is a novel TGF‐β1/miR‐302c/CTGF pathway that plays a significant role in the process of MMT and fibrosis during PD. MiR‐302c might be a potential biomarker for peritoneal fibrosis and a novel therapeutic target for protection against peritoneal fibrosis in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiejia Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xun Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xinke Yuan
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yusa Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fuyou Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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32
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Almanza G, Rodvold JJ, Tsui B, Jepsen K, Carter H, Zanetti M. Extracellular vesicles produced in B cells deliver tumor suppressor miR-335 to breast cancer cells disrupting oncogenic programming in vitro and in vivo. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17581. [PMID: 30514916 PMCID: PMC6279829 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35968-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The successful implementation of miRNA (miR) therapies in humans will ultimately rely on the use of vehicles with improved cellular delivery capability. Here we tested a new system that leverages extracellular vesicles (EVs) laden with a tumor suppressor miRNA (miR-335) produced in B cells by plasmid DNA induction (iEVs). We demonstrate that iEVs-335 efficiently and durably restored the endogenous miR-335 pool in human triple negative breast cancer cells, downregulated the expression of the miR-335 target gene SOX4 transcription factor, and markedly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Remarkably, iEVs-335 mediated transcriptional effects that persisted in tumors after 60 days post orthotopic implantation. Genome-wide RNASeq analysis of cancer cells treated in vitro with iEVs-335 showed the regulation of a discrete number of genes only, without broad transcriptome perturbations. This new technology may be ideally suited for therapies aimed to restore tumor suppressor miRNAs in cancer cells, disrupting the oncogenic program established after escape from miRNA control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo Almanza
- The Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0815, USA
| | - Jeffrey J Rodvold
- The Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0815, USA
| | - Brian Tsui
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Kristen Jepsen
- IGM Genomics Center, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hannah Carter
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Maurizio Zanetti
- The Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Medicine and Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0815, USA.
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33
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Vervoort SJ, de Jong OG, Roukens MG, Frederiks CL, Vermeulen JF, Lourenço AR, Bella L, Vidakovic AT, Sandoval JL, Moelans C, van Amersfoort M, Dallman MJ, Bruna A, Caldas C, Nieuwenhuis E, van der Wall E, Derksen P, van Diest P, Verhaar MC, Lam EWF, Mokry M, Coffer PJ. Global transcriptional analysis identifies a novel role for SOX4 in tumor-induced angiogenesis. eLife 2018; 7:e27706. [PMID: 30507376 PMCID: PMC6277201 DOI: 10.7554/elife.27706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of the transcription factor SOX4 is increased in many human cancers, however, the pro-oncogenic capacity of SOX4 can vary greatly depending on the type of tumor. Both the contextual nature and the mechanisms underlying the pro-oncogenic SOX4 response remain unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that in mammary tumorigenesis, the SOX4 transcriptional network is dictated by the epigenome and is enriched for pro-angiogenic processes. We show that SOX4 directly regulates endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression and can thereby promote tumor-induced angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, in breast tumors, SOX4 expression correlates with blood vessel density and size, and predicts poor-prognosis in patients with breast cancer. Our data provide novel mechanistic insights into context-dependent SOX4 target gene selection, and uncover a novel pro-oncogenic role for this transcription factor in promoting tumor-induced angiogenesis. These findings establish a key role for SOX4 in promoting metastasis through exploiting diverse pro-tumorigenic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephin J Vervoort
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular MedicineUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Olivier G de Jong
- Department of Nephrology and HypertensionUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - M Guy Roukens
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular MedicineUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Cynthia L Frederiks
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular MedicineUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Jeroen F Vermeulen
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Ana Rita Lourenço
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular MedicineUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Laura Bella
- Department of Surgery and CancerImperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUnited Kingdom
| | | | - José L Sandoval
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing CentreCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Cathy Moelans
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Margaret J Dallman
- Department of Life Sciences, Division of Cell and Molecular BiologyImperial College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Alejandra Bruna
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing CentreCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Carlos Caldas
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Li Ka Shing CentreCambridgeUnited Kingdom
| | - Edward Nieuwenhuis
- Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children’s HospitalUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | | | - Patrick Derksen
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Paul van Diest
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Marianne C Verhaar
- Department of Nephrology and HypertensionUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Eric W-F Lam
- Department of Surgery and CancerImperial Centre for Translational and Experimental Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michal Mokry
- Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children’s HospitalUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Paul J Coffer
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular MedicineUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children’s HospitalUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
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34
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Vervoort SJ, Lourenço A, Tufegdzic Vidakovic A, Mocholi E, Sandoval J, Rueda OM, Frederiks C, Pals C, Peeters JGC, Caldas C, Bruna A, Coffer PJ. SOX4 can redirect TGF-β-mediated SMAD3-transcriptional output in a context-dependent manner to promote tumorigenesis. Nucleic Acids Res 2018; 46:9578-9590. [PMID: 30137431 PMCID: PMC6182182 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the transcription factor SOX4 is often elevated in human cancers, where it generally correlates with tumor-progression and poor-disease outcome. Reduction of SOX4 expression results in both diminished tumor-incidence and metastasis. In breast cancer, TGF-β-mediated induction of SOX4 has been shown to contribute to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which controls pro-metastatic events. Here, we identify SMAD3 as a novel, functionally relevant SOX4 interaction partner. Genome-wide analysis showed that SOX4 and SMAD3 co-occupy a large number of genomic loci in a cell-type specific manner. Moreover, SOX4 expression was required for TGF-β-mediated induction of a subset of SMAD3/SOX4-co-bound genes regulating migration and extracellular matrix-associated processes, and correlating with poor-prognosis. These findings identify SOX4 as an important SMAD3 co-factor controlling transcription of pro-metastatic genes and context-dependent shaping of the cellular response to TGF-β. Targeted disruption of the interaction between these factors may have the potential to disrupt pro-oncogenic TGF-β signaling, thereby impairing tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephin J Vervoort
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht Uppsalalaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ana Rita Lourenço
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht Uppsalalaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Enric Mocholi
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht Uppsalalaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - José L Sandoval
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, and Department of Oncology, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Oscar M Rueda
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, and Department of Oncology, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Cynthia Frederiks
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht Uppsalalaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelieke Pals
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht Uppsalalaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke G C Peeters
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3484 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carlos Caldas
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, and Department of Oncology, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK
| | - Alejandra Bruna
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, and Department of Oncology, Li Ka Shing Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Paul J Coffer
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht Uppsalalaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Division of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3484 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands
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35
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Liu Z, Kuang W, Zhou Q, Zhang Y. TGF-β1 secreted by M2 phenotype macrophages enhances the stemness and migration of glioma cells via the SMAD2/3 signalling pathway. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:3395-3403. [PMID: 30320350 PMCID: PMC6202079 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The positive correlation between the number of M2 phenotype TAMs (M2-TAMs) and tumour development suggests a supportive role of M2-TAMs in glioma progression. In the present study, the molecular link between glioma cells and M2-TAMs was investigated and it was demonstrated that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) secreted by M2-TAMs is key in facilitating the stemness and migration of glioma cells. Cluster of differentiation (CD)133 and CD44, markers for the M2 phenotype, were assessed by western blotting. A sphere formation assay and trans-well assay were applied to test the stemness and migration abilities of glioma cells following co-cultured with M2-TAMs. Stemness markers CD133 and CD44, epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated markers and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD)2/3 and sex determining region Y-box 4/2 (SOX4/2) levels were also evaluated by western blotting. A xenograft tumor mouse model was used to demonstrate the tumor forming ability of glioma cells. The results showed that the U251 glioma cells co-cultured with M2-TAMs exhibited high level of sphere formation, stemness and migration ability. Recombinant TGF-β1 protein treatment was able to achieve the same effects on U251 cells, whereas a TGF-β pathway inhibitor reversed the stemness and migration abilities of the glioma cells induced by M2-TAMs. It was also demonstrated that TGF-β1 secreted by M2-TAMs upregulated the phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and the expression of SOX4/2 in glioma cells. In a mouse xenograft model, solid tumours formed by U251 cells co-cultured with M2-TAMs or pre-treated with TGF-β1 were larger in size and had a higher growth rate. Taken together, results of the present study demonstrated that M2-TAMs promoted the stemness and migration abilities of glioma cells by secreting TGF-β1, which activated the SMAD2/3 pathway and induced the expression of SOX4 and SOX2. These results highlight the mechanism by which M2-TAMs and glioma interact and demonstrate potential therapeutic strategies for glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengzheng Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Weilu Kuang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Yingying Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
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36
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Braccioli L, Vervoort SJ, Puma G, Nijboer CH, Coffer PJ. SOX4 inhibits oligodendrocyte differentiation of embryonic neural stem cells in vitro by inducing Hes5 expression. Stem Cell Res 2018; 33:110-119. [PMID: 30343100 DOI: 10.1016/j.scr.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX4 has been shown to promote neuronal differentiation both in the adult and embryonic neural progenitors. Ectopic SOX4 expression has also been shown to inhibit oligodendrocyte differentiation in mice, however the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that SOX4 regulates transcriptional targets associated with neural development in neural stem cells (NSCs), reducing the expression of genes promoting oligodendrocyte differentiation. Interestingly, we observe that SOX4 levels decreased during oligodendrocyte differentiation in vitro. Moreover, we show that SOX4 knockdown induces increased oligodendrocyte differentiation, as the percentage of Olig2-positive/2',3'-Cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase)-positive maturing oligodendrocytes increases, while the number of Olig2-positive oligodendrocyte precursors is unaffected. Conversely, conditional SOX4 overexpression utilizing a doxycycline inducible system decreases the percentage of maturing oligodendrocytes, suggesting that SOX4 inhibits maturation from precursor to mature oligodendrocyte. We identify the transcription factor Hes5 as a direct SOX4 target gene and we show that conditional overexpression of Hes5 rescues the increased oligodendrocyte differentiation mediated by SOX4 depletion in NSCs. Taken together, these observations support a novel role for SOX4 in NSC by controlling oligodendrocyte differentiation through induction of Hes5 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Braccioli
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508, AB, the Netherlands; Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584, CT, the Netherlands
| | - Stephin J Vervoort
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584, CT, the Netherlands
| | - Gianmarco Puma
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584, CT, the Netherlands
| | - Cora H Nijboer
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508, AB, the Netherlands
| | - Paul J Coffer
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3584, CT, the Netherlands; Division of Pediatrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508, AB, the Netherlands.
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37
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Gu S, Feng XH. TGF-β signaling in cancer. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:941-949. [PMID: 30165534 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmy092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Signals from the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily mediate a broad spectrum of cellular processes and are deregulated in many diseases, including cancer. TGF-β signaling has dual roles in tumorigenesis. In the early phase of tumorigenesis, TGF-β has tumor suppressive functions, primarily through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. However, in the late stage of cancer, TGF-β acts as a driver of tumor progression and metastasis by increasing tumor cell invasiveness and migration and promoting chemo-resistance. Here, we briefly review the mechanisms and functions of TGF-β signaling during tumor progression and discuss the therapeutic potentials of targeting the TGF-β pathway in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchen Gu
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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38
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He Y, Fan Q, Cai T, Huang W, Xie X, Wen Y, Shi Z. Molecular mechanisms of the action of Arctigenin in cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:403-407. [PMID: 30236849 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.08.158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since antediluvian times, the scientific community has realized that natural compounds exhibit enormous potential for the treatment of terrible diseases, such as cancer. Despite a variety of effective bioactive molecules, effective therapies still need to be developed to treat cancer. Hence, it is necessary to study the interactions of natural molecules with their cellular targets. Arctigenin (ATG), a natural lignan compound extracted from Arctium lappa, inhibits the growth of various cancer cells, such as those of the stomach, lungs, liver, and colon, as well as leukocytes, and regulates numerous intracellular activities, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. The intention of this paper is to summarize and generally analyse the molecular pathways that are involved in the anticancer effects of ATG. In addition, the interactions of ATG with other drugs are also highlighted in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghua He
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang International Exchange Center of Clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Qiaomei Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang International Exchange Center of Clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Tiantian Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang International Exchange Center of Clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang International Exchange Center of Clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Xianze Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang International Exchange Center of Clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Yayun Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang International Exchange Center of Clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China
| | - Zheng Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang International Exchange Center of Clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China; Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiasha District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, China.
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39
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Bellmunt J. Stem-Like Signature Predicting Disease Progression in Early Stage Bladder Cancer. The Role of E2F3 and SOX4. Biomedicines 2018; 6:biomedicines6030085. [PMID: 30072631 PMCID: PMC6164884 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines6030085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of the cancer stem cells (CSC) field, together with powerful genome-wide screening techniques, have provided the basis for the development of future alternative and reliable therapies aimed at targeting tumor-initiating cell populations. Urothelial bladder cancer stem cells (BCSCs) that were identified for the first time in 2009 are heterogenous and originate from multiple cell types; including urothelial stem cells and differentiated cell types—basal, intermediate stratum and umbrella cells Some studies hypothesize that BCSCs do not necessarily arise from normal stem cells but might derive from differentiated progenies following mutational insults and acquisition of tumorigenic properties. Conversely, there is data that normal bladder tissues can generate CSCs through mutations. Prognostic risk stratification by identification of predictive markers is of major importance in the management of urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) patients. Several stem cell markers have been linked to recurrence or progression. The CD44v8-10 to standard CD44-ratio (total ratio of all CD44 alternative splicing isoforms) in urothelial cancer has been shown to be closely associated with tumor progression and aggressiveness. ALDH1, has also been reported to be associated with BCSCs and a worse prognosis in a large number of studies. UCC include low-grade and high-grade non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and high-grade muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Important genetic defects characterize the distinct pathways in each one of the stages and probably grades. As an example, amplification of chromosome 6p22 is one of the most frequent changes seen in MIBC and might act as an early event in tumor progression. Interestingly, among NMIBC there is a much higher rate of amplification in high-grade NMIBC compared to low grade NMIBC. CDKAL1, E2F3 and SOX4 are highly expressed in patients with the chromosomal 6p22 amplification aside from other six well known genes (ID4, MBOAT1, LINC00340, PRL, and HDGFL1). Based on that, SOX4, E2F3 or 6q22.3 amplifications might represent potential targets in this tumor type. Focusing more in SOX4, it seems to exert its critical regulatory functions upstream of the Snail, Zeb, and Twist family of transcriptional inducers of EMT (epithelial–mesenchymal transition), but without directly affecting their expression as seen in several cell lines of the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) project. SOX4 gene expression correlates with advanced cancer stages and poor survival rate in bladder cancer, supporting a potential role as a regulator of the bladder CSC properties. SOX4 might serve as a biomarker of the aggressive phenotype, also underlying progression from NMIBC to MIBC. The amplicon in chromosome 6 contains SOX4 and E2F3 and is frequently found amplified in bladder cancer. These genes/amplicons might be a potential target for therapy. As an existing hypothesis is that chromatin deregulation through enhancers or super-enhancers might be the underlying mechanism responsible of this deregulation, a potential way to target these transcription factors could be through epigenetic modifiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Bellmunt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital del Mar, IMIM (PSMAR-Hospital del Mar Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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40
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Melnik S, Dvornikov D, Müller-Decker K, Depner S, Stannek P, Meister M, Warth A, Thomas M, Muley T, Risch A, Plass C, Klingmüller U, Niehrs C, Glinka A. Cancer cell specific inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by forced intracellular acidification. Cell Discov 2018; 4:37. [PMID: 29977599 PMCID: PMC6028397 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-018-0033-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Use of the diabetes type II drug Metformin is associated with a moderately lowered risk of cancer incidence in numerous tumor entities. Studying the molecular changes associated with the tumor-suppressive action of Metformin we found that the oncogene SOX4, which is upregulated in solid tumors and associated with poor prognosis, was induced by Wnt/β-catenin signaling and blocked by Metformin. Wnt signaling inhibition by Metformin was surprisingly specific for cancer cells. Unraveling the underlying specificity, we identified Metformin and other Mitochondrial Complex I (MCI) inhibitors as inducers of intracellular acidification in cancer cells. We demonstrated that acidification triggers the unfolded protein response to induce the global transcriptional repressor DDIT3, known to block Wnt signaling. Moreover, our results suggest that intracellular acidification universally inhibits Wnt signaling. Based on these findings, we combined MCI inhibitors with H+ ionophores, to escalate cancer cells into intracellular hyper-acidification and ATP depletion. This treatment lowered intracellular pH both in vitro and in a mouse xenograft tumor model, depleted cellular ATP, blocked Wnt signaling, downregulated SOX4, and strongly decreased stemness and viability of cancer cells. Importantly, the inhibition of Wnt signaling occurred downstream of β-catenin, encouraging applications in treatment of cancers caused by APC and β-catenin mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svitlana Melnik
- 1Division of Epigenetics and Cancer Risks Factors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,2DNA vectors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany
| | - Dmytro Dvornikov
- 3Division of Systems Biology and Signal Transduction, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Karin Müller-Decker
- 5Tumor Models Unit, Center for Preclinical Research, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany
| | - Sofia Depner
- 3Division of Systems Biology and Signal Transduction, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany
| | - Peter Stannek
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany
| | - Michael Meister
- 4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,7Translational Research Unit, Thoraxklinik at University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, D-69126 Germany
| | - Arne Warth
- 4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,8Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, 69120 Germany
| | - Michael Thomas
- 4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,7Translational Research Unit, Thoraxklinik at University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, D-69126 Germany
| | - Tomas Muley
- 4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,7Translational Research Unit, Thoraxklinik at University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, D-69126 Germany
| | - Angela Risch
- 1Division of Epigenetics and Cancer Risks Factors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany.,9Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020 Austria.,Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020 Austria
| | - Christoph Plass
- 1Division of Epigenetics and Cancer Risks Factors, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ursula Klingmüller
- 3Division of Systems Biology and Signal Transduction, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,4Translational Lung Research Center Heidelberg (TLRC), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany.,11Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, 55128 Germany
| | - Andrey Glinka
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, D-69120 Germany
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41
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TRPM7 controls mesenchymal features of breast cancer cells by tensional regulation of SOX4. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2409-2419. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Feng X, Yao W, Zhang Z, Yuan F, Liang L, Zhou J, Liu S, Song J. T-box Transcription Factor Tbx3 Contributes to Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Migration and Invasion by Repressing E-Cadherin Expression. Oncol Res 2018; 26:959-966. [PMID: 29295731 PMCID: PMC7844722 DOI: 10.3727/096504017x15145624664031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tbx3, a member of the T-box family of transcription factors, contributes directly to tumor formation, migration, and invasion. However, the role of Tbx3 in the metastasis of HCC remains unclear. In the present study, Tbx3 expression was detected in HCC tissues and cells by Western blot, and Tbx3 expression was regulated by use of siRNAs or lentivirus-mediated vectors. Here we found that Tbx3 protein expression increased in HCC tissues and cell lines. Tbx3 expression was positively associated with multiple tumor nodes, venous infiltration, and advanced TNM tumor stage. Survival analysis demonstrated that Tbx3 expression was an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients. In vitro assays further validated that Tbx3 indeed prompted HCC cell migration and invasion. In addition, Tbx3 expression was negatively related with E-cadherin expression in HCC tissues. Mechanically, Tbx3 inhibited the expression of E-cadherin, and then facilitated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells. Furthermore, the effect of Tbx3 knockdown on HCC cells was attenuated by E-cadherin knockdown. In conclusion, Tbx3 may be a novel prognostic factor, and it contributes to HCC cell migration, invasion, and EMT by repressing E-cadherin expression. Thus, Tbx3 may be recommended as a therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianguang Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Tianqiao District, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Wenhuan Yao
- Institute of Toxicology and Function Inspection, Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Lixia District, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Zengzhen Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Tianqiao District, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Fangshui Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Tianqiao District, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Li Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Tianqiao District, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Jingqiang Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Tianqiao District, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Third Hospital, Tianqiao District, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
| | - Jiqing Song
- Department of Radiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Huaiyin District, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
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43
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Peng X, Liu G, Peng H, Chen A, Zha L, Wang Z. SOX4 contributes to TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stem cell characteristics of gastric cancer cells. Genes Dis 2017; 5:49-61. [PMID: 30258935 PMCID: PMC6147107 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX4 is highly expressed in gastric cancer (GC) and is associated with tumor grade, metastasis and prognosis, however the mechanism is not clear. We report herein that SOX4 was upregulated and overexpression of SOX4 was associated with increased expression of the markers of Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stemness in clinic patient samples. In vitro, overexpression of SOX4 promoted the invasion as showed by Transwell assay and stemness of GC cells as assessed by sphere formation assay, which was suppressed by silencing SOX4 with shRNA. Further studies showed that SOX4 up-regulated the expression of EMT transcription factors Twist1, snail1 and zeb1 and stemness transcription factors SOX2 and OCT4, and promoted the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Moreover, we revealed that TGF-β treatment significantly up-regulated the expression of SOX4 and silencing SOX4 reversed TGF-β induced invasion and sphere formation ability of GC cells. Finally, we showed that SOX4 promoted the lung metastasis and tumor formation ability of gastric cancer cells in nude mice. Our results suggest that SOX4 is a target TGF-β signaling and mediates TGF-β-induced EMT and stem cell characteristics of GC cells, revealing a novel role of TGF-β/SOX4 axis in the regulation of malignant behavior of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Peng
- Gastrointestinal Surgical Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Guangyi Liu
- Gastrointestinal Surgical Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Hongxia Peng
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital, Yibin, Sichuan, 644000 China
| | - Anqi Chen
- Gastrointestinal Surgical Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Lang Zha
- Gastrointestinal Surgical Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Ziwei Wang
- Gastrointestinal Surgical Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400000, China
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Pan B, Xue X, Zhang D, Li M, Fu J. SOX4 arrests lung development in rats with hyperoxia‑induced bronchopulmonary dysplasia by controlling EZH2 expression. Int J Mol Med 2017; 40:1691-1698. [PMID: 29039454 PMCID: PMC5716405 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is currently the most common severe complication in premature infants and is characterized by the arrest of alveolar and vascular growth. Alveolar type II cells play an important role in the pathological foundation of BPD. An association of BPD with epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) in type II cells exposed to hyperoxia was previously identified. SOX4, a transcription factor that is indispensable to embryogenesis, including lung development, participates in regulating EMT and cell survival, affecting tumorigenesis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the involvement of SOX4 in the occurrence of BPD, which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been previously determined. For this purpose, newborn rats were randomly divided into two treatment groups: The model group was exposed to hyperoxia (80-85% O2), while the control group was kept under normoxic conditions (21% O2). Lung tissues were collected on postnatal days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 and morphological changes in the lungs were examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The location of SOX4 in type II cells was detected by double immunofluorescence. The expression of SOX4 and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) in type II cells and lung tissues were detected by immunochemistry, western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. The results demonstrated that, compared with the control group, the radial alveolar count decreased rapidly in the model group, accompanied by increased mean alveolar diameter and alveolar septal thickness. SOX4 and EZH2 were highly expressed in type II cells exposed to hyperoxia. However, in total lung tissues, SOX4 and EZH2 expression was profoundly decreased in the early stages and increased in the late stages following exposure to hyperoxia. The expression of the EZH2 protein was positively correlated with that of the SOX4 protein. In conclusion, at the alveolar stage, which is a critical period after birth for lung development, hyperoxia induced dysregulation of SOX4 and EZH2 in rat lungs, indicating that SOX4 may contribute to the disruption of lung development in BPD by regulating EZH2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingting Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Xindong Xue
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Mengyun Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Fu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, P.R. China
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45
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Lourenço AR, Coffer PJ. SOX4: Joining the Master Regulators of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition? Trends Cancer 2017; 3:571-582. [PMID: 28780934 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2017.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important developmental program exploited by cancer cells to gain mesenchymal features. Transcription factors globally regulating processes during EMT are often referred as 'master regulators' of EMT, and include members of the Snail and ZEB transcription factor families. The SRY-related HMG box (SOX) 4 transcription factor can promote tumorigenesis by endowing cells with migratory and invasive properties, stemness, and resistance to apoptosis, thereby regulating key aspects of the EMT program. We propose here that SOX4 should also be considered as a master regulator of EMT, and we review the molecular mechanisms underlying its function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Lourenço
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Coffer
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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46
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Chen B, Liu J, Qu J, Song Y, Li Y, Pan S. MicroRNA-25 suppresses proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma by targeting SOX4. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317703841. [PMID: 28705117 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317703841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered expression of the miR-25 has been implicated in many human malignant progression as oncogene or tumor suppressor. However, the precise role of miR-25 in osteosarcoma progression remains largely unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role and underlying mechanism of miR-25 in osteosarcoma. In this study, we demonstrated that miR-25 was significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma cell lines and tissues and that lower miR-25 was associated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis stage and lymph node metastasis. Then, we found that introduction of miR-25 significantly suppressed the proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells in vitro and retarded tumor growth in vivo. Further studies indicated that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related transcription factor, SOX4 (SRY-related high-mobility group box 4), was a direct target gene of miR-25, evidenced by bioinformatics analysis predicted and luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, miR-25 could decrease the expression of SOX4 levels and inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. The levels of miR-25 were inversely correlated with those of SOX4 expression in osteosarcoma tissues. SOX4 overexpression rescued miR-25-induced suppression of proliferation, migration, and invasion of osteosarcoma cells. Taken together, these results suggest that miR-25 functions as a tumor suppressor in the progression of osteosarcoma by repressing SOX4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingpeng Chen
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- 2 Department of Oncology, Jilin Provincial Tumor Hospital, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Ji Qu
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yang Song
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
| | - Yuxiang Li
- 3 Department of Bone, General Hospital of Jilin Oil Field, Songyuan, P.R. China
| | - Su Pan
- 1 Department of Orthopedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, P.R. China
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47
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Pang L, Li B, Zheng B, Niu L, Ge L. miR-138 inhibits gastric cancer growth by suppressing SOX4. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:1295-1302. [PMID: 28656304 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-138 (miR-138) has been reported to be downregulated and function as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of miR-138 in the progression of gastric cancer (GC) remain to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of miR-138 in GC progression. In the present study we found that miR-138 expression was downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines. Statistical analysis demonstrated that low expression levels of miR-138 were associated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and lymph node metastasis. Function assays demonstrated that overexpression of miR-138 impaired GC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion in vitro, as well as suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Through reporter gene, qRT-PCR and western blot assays, SRY-related high mobility group box 4 (SOX4), a master mediator in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-138 in GC cells. Western blot assay revealed that miR-138 overexpression inhibited EMT procession in GC cells by upregulation of epithelial marker E-cadherin and downregulation of mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin and vimentin. Furthermore, the levels of miR-138 were inversely correlated with those of SOX4 expression in GC tissues. Overexpression of SOX4 rescued the inhibition effect in GC cells caused by miR-138. Collectively, these findings indicate that miR-138 may be a potential therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Pang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Bai Li
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Baisong Zheng
- Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Liang Niu
- Operating Room, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - Liang Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
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48
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Feygenzon V, Loewenstein S, Lubezky N, Pasmanic-Chor M, Sher O, Klausner JM, Lahat G. Unique cellular interactions between pancreatic cancer cells and the omentum. PLoS One 2017. [PMID: 28632775 PMCID: PMC5478139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a common cause of cancer-related mortality. Omental spread is frequent and usually represents an ominous event, leading to patient death. Omental metastasis has been studied in ovarian cancer, but data on its role in pancreatic cancer are relatively scarce and the molecular biology of this process has yet to be explored. We prepared tissue explants from human omental fat, and used conditioned medium from the explants for various in vitro and in vivo experiments designed to evaluate pancreatic cancer development, growth, and survival. Mass spectrometry identified the fat secretome, and mRNA array identified specific fat-induced molecular alternations in tumor cells. Omental fat increased pancreatic cancer cellular growth, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance. We identified diverse potential molecules secreted by the omentum, which are associated with various pro-tumorigenic biological processes. Our mRNA array identified specific omental-induced molecular alternations that are associated with cancer progression and metastasis. Omental fat increased the expression of transcription factors, mRNA of extracellular matrix proteins, and adhesion molecules. In support with our in vitro data, in vivo experiments demonstrated an increased pancreatic cancer tumor growth rate of PANC-1 cells co-cultured for 24 hours with human omental fat conditioned medium. Our results provide novel data on the role of omental tissue in omental metastases of pancreatic cancer. They imply that omental fat secreted factors induce cellular reprogramming of pancreatic cancer cells, resulting in increased tumor aggressiveness. Understanding the mechanisms of omental metastases may enable us to discover new potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerya Feygenzon
- Sackler School of Medicine, The Nicholas and Elizabeth Cathedra of Experimental Surgery, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shelly Loewenstein
- Department of Surgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Nir Lubezky
- Sackler School of Medicine, The Nicholas and Elizabeth Cathedra of Experimental Surgery, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Surgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Osnat Sher
- Sackler School of Medicine, The Nicholas and Elizabeth Cathedra of Experimental Surgery, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Pathology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Joseph M. Klausner
- Sackler School of Medicine, The Nicholas and Elizabeth Cathedra of Experimental Surgery, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Surgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Guy Lahat
- Sackler School of Medicine, The Nicholas and Elizabeth Cathedra of Experimental Surgery, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Surgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
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49
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Enderle-Ammour K, Bader M, Ahrens TD, Franke K, Timme S, Csanadi A, Hoeppner J, Kulemann B, Maurer J, Reiss P, Schilling O, Keck T, Brabletz T, Stickeler E, Werner M, Wellner UF, Bronsert P. Form follows function: Morphological and immunohistological insights into epithelial-mesenchymal transition characteristics of tumor buds. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317705501. [PMID: 28475002 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317705501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In cancer biology, the architectural concept "form follows function" is reflected by cell morphology, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition protein pattern. In vivo, features of epithelial-mesenchymal transition have been associated with tumor budding, which correlates significantly with patient outcome. Hereby, the majority of tumor buds are not truly detached but still connected to a major tumor mass. For detailed insights into the different tumor bud types and the process of tumor budding, we quantified tumor cells according to histomorphological and immunohistological epithelial-mesenchymal transition characteristics. Three-dimensional reconstruction from adenocarcinomas (pancreatic, colorectal, lung, and ductal breast cancers) was performed as published. Tumor cell morphology and epithelial-mesenchymal transition characteristics (represented by zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 and E-Cadherin) were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively in a three-dimensional context. Tumor buds were classified into main tumor mass, connected tumor bud, and isolated tumor bud. Cell morphology and epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker expression were assessed for each tumor cell. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition characteristics between isolated tumor bud and connected tumor bud demonstrated no significant differences or trends. Tumor cell count correlated significantly with epithelial-mesenchymal transition and histomorphological characteristics. Regression curve analysis revealed initially a loss of membranous E-Cadherin, followed by expression of cytoplasmic E-Cadherin and subsequent expression of nuclear zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1. Morphologic changes followed later in this sequence. Our data demonstrate that connected and isolated tumor buds are equal concerning immunohistochemical epithelial-mesenchymal transition characteristics and histomorphology. Our data also give an insight in the process of tumor budding. While there is a notion that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1-E-Cadherin cascade is initiated by zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1, our results are contrary and outline other possible pathways influencing the regulation of E-Cadherin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Enderle-Ammour
- 1 Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Moritz Bader
- 2 Department of Reconstructive Surgery, Division of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Theresa Dorothee Ahrens
- 1 Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kai Franke
- 3 Department of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital of Giessen-Marburg, Campus Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sylvia Timme
- 1 Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Agnes Csanadi
- 1 Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jens Hoeppner
- 4 Clinic for General and Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Birte Kulemann
- 4 Clinic for General and Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Maurer
- 4 Clinic for General and Visceral Surgery, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,5 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philip Reiss
- 6 Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Schilling
- 5 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,7 Institute of Molecular Medicine and Cell Research, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,8 BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Keck
- 9 Clinic for Surgery, University Clinic Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- 10 Department of Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Elmar Stickeler
- 11 Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,12 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,13 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Werner
- 1 Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,5 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,11 Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Peter Bronsert
- 1 Institute for Surgical Pathology, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,5 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,11 Comprehensive Cancer Center Freiburg, University Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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50
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Sandbothe M, Buurman R, Reich N, Greiwe L, Vajen B, Gürlevik E, Schäffer V, Eilers M, Kühnel F, Vaquero A, Longerich T, Roessler S, Schirmacher P, Manns MP, Illig T, Schlegelberger B, Skawran B. The microRNA-449 family inhibits TGF-β-mediated liver cancer cell migration by targeting SOX4. J Hepatol 2017; 66:1012-1021. [PMID: 28088579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Modulation of microRNA expression is a potential treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, the epigenetically regulated microRNA-449 family (miR-449a, miR-449b, miR-449c) was characterized with regards to its functional effects and target genes in HCC. METHODS After transfection of miR-449a, miR-449b, and/or miR-449c, tumor-relevant functional effects were analyzed using in vitro assays and a xenograft mouse model. Binding specificities, target genes, and regulated pathways of each miRNA were identified by microarray analyses. Target genes were validated by luciferase reporter assays and expression analyses in vitro. Furthermore, target gene expression was analyzed in 61 primary human HCCs compared to normal liver tissue. RESULTS Tumor suppressive effects, binding specificities, target genes, and regulated pathways of miR-449a and miR-449b differed from those of miR-449c. Transfection of miR-449a, miR-449b, and/or miR-449c inhibited cell proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis, and reduced tumor growth to different extents. Importantly, miR-449a, miR-449b, and, to a lesser degree, miR-449c directly targeted SOX4, which codes for a transcription factor involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and HCC metastasis, and thereby inhibited TGF-β-mediated cell migration. CONCLUSIONS This study provides detailed insights into the regulatory network of the epigenetically regulated miRNA-449 family and, for the first time, describes distinct tumor suppressive effects and target specificities of miR-449a, miR-449b, and miR-449c. Our results indicate that particularly miR-449a and miR-449b may be considered for miRNA replacement therapy to prevent HCC progression and metastasis. LAY SUMMARY In this study, we demonstrated that the microRNA-449 family acts as a tumor suppressor in liver cancer by causing cell death and inhibiting cell migration. These effects are caused by downregulation of the oncogene SOX4, which is frequently overexpressed in liver cancer. We conclude that the microRNA-449 family may be a target for liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sandbothe
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Reena Buurman
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Reich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Luisa Greiwe
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Beate Vajen
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Engin Gürlevik
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Vera Schäffer
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marlies Eilers
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Florian Kühnel
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alejandro Vaquero
- Chromatin Biology Laboratory, Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas Longerich
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Roessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Illig
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Britta Skawran
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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