1
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Cocchi S, Greco V, Sidarovich V, Vigna J, Broso F, Corallo D, Zasso J, Re A, Rosatti EF, Longhi S, Defant A, Ladu F, Sanna V, Adami V, D’Agostino VG, Sturlese M, Sechi M, Aveic S, Mancini I, Sighel D, Quattrone A. EGCG Disrupts the LIN28B/Let-7 Interaction and Reduces Neuroblastoma Aggressiveness. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4795. [PMID: 38732012 PMCID: PMC11084668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most commonly diagnosed extracranial solid tumor in children, accounting for 15% of all childhood cancer deaths. Although the 5-year survival rate of patients with a high-risk disease has increased in recent decades, NB remains a challenge in pediatric oncology, and the identification of novel potential therapeutic targets and agents is an urgent clinical need. The RNA-binding protein LIN28B has been identified as an oncogene in NB and is associated with a poor prognosis. Given that LIN28B acts by negatively regulating the biogenesis of the tumor suppressor let-7 miRNAs, we reasoned that selective interference with the LIN28B/let-7 miRNA interaction would increase let-7 miRNA levels, ultimately leading to reduced NB aggressiveness. Here, we selected (-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) out of 4959 molecules screened as the molecule with the best inhibitory activity on LIN28B/let-7 miRNA interaction and showed that treatment with PLC/PLGA-PEG nanoparticles containing EGCG (EGCG-NPs) led to an increase in mature let-7 miRNAs and a consequent inhibition of NB cell growth. In addition, EGCG-NP pretreatment reduced the tumorigenic potential of NB cells in vivo. These experiments suggest that the LIN28B/let-7 miRNA axis is a good therapeutic target in NB and that EGCG, which can interfere with this interaction, deserves further preclinical evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Cocchi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Valentina Greco
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Viktoryia Sidarovich
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Jacopo Vigna
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.D.)
| | - Francesca Broso
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Diana Corallo
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Jacopo Zasso
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Angela Re
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Emanuele Filiberto Rosatti
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Sara Longhi
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Andrea Defant
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.D.)
| | - Federico Ladu
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.L.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Valentina Adami
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Vito G. D’Agostino
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular Modeling Section, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padua, 35127 Padova, Italy;
| | - Mario Sechi
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (F.L.); (M.S.)
| | - Sanja Aveic
- Istituto di Ricerca Pediatrica Fondazione Città della Speranza, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Ines Mancini
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (A.D.)
| | - Denise Sighel
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
| | - Alessandro Quattrone
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy; (S.C.); (V.G.); (V.S.); (V.G.D.)
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2
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Saluja S, Bansal I, Bhardwaj R, Beg MS, Palanichamy JK. Inflammation as a driver of hematological malignancies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1347402. [PMID: 38571491 PMCID: PMC10987768 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1347402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated process that produces all adult blood cells and immune cells from multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). HSCs usually remain quiescent, and in the presence of external stimuli like infection or inflammation, they undergo division and differentiation as a compensatory mechanism. Normal hematopoiesis is impacted by systemic inflammation, which causes HSCs to transition from quiescence to emergency myelopoiesis. At the molecular level, inflammatory cytokine signaling molecules such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interferons, interleukins, and toll-like receptors can all cause HSCs to multiply directly. These cytokines actively encourage HSC activation, proliferation, and differentiation during inflammation, which results in the generation and activation of immune cells required to combat acute injury. The bone marrow niche provides numerous soluble and stromal cell signals, which are essential for maintaining normal homeostasis and output of the bone marrow cells. Inflammatory signals also impact this bone marrow microenvironment called the HSC niche to regulate the inflammatory-induced hematopoiesis. Continuous pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine activation can have detrimental effects on the hematopoietic system, which can lead to cancer development, HSC depletion, and bone marrow failure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which damage DNA and ultimately lead to the transformation of HSCs into cancerous cells, are produced due to chronic inflammation. The biological elements of the HSC niche produce pro-inflammatory cytokines that cause clonal growth and the development of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in hematological malignancies. The processes underlying how inflammation affects hematological malignancies are still not fully understood. In this review, we emphasize the effects of inflammation on normal hematopoiesis, the part it plays in the development and progression of hematological malignancies, and potential therapeutic applications for targeting these pathways for therapy in hematological malignancies.
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3
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Hotton J, Gauchotte G, Mougel R, Migliorini M, Lacomme S, Battaglia-Hsu SF, Agopiantz M. Expressions of HuR, Methyl-HuR and Phospho-HuR in Endometrial Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma Are Associated with Clinical Features. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:954. [PMID: 38256026 PMCID: PMC10815350 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020954] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
HuR regulates cytoplasmic mRNA stability and translatability, with its expression correlating with adverse outcomes in various cancers. This study aimed to assess the prognostic value and pro-oncogenic properties of HuR and its post-translational isoforms methyl-HuR and phospho-HuR in endometrial adenocarcinoma. Examining 89 endometrioid adenocarcinomas, we analyzed the relationship between HuR nuclear or cytoplasmic immunostaining, tumor-cell proliferation, and patient survival. HuR cytoplasmic expression was significantly increased in grade 3 vs. grade 1 adenocarcinomas (p < 0.001), correlating with worse overall survival (OS) (p = 0.02). Methyl-HuR cytoplasmic expression significantly decreased in grade 3 vs. grade 1 adenocarcinomas (p < 0.001) and correlated with better OS (p = 0.002). Phospho-HuR nuclear expression significantly decreased in grade 3 vs. grade 1 adenocarcinomas (p < 0.001) and non-significantly correlated with increased OS (p = 0.06). Cytoplasmic HuR expression strongly correlated with proliferation markers MCM6 (rho = 0.59 and p < 0.001) and Ki67 (rho = 0.49 and p < 0.001). Conversely, these latter inversely correlated with cytoplasmic methyl-HuR and nuclear phospho-HuR. Cytoplasmic HuR expression is a poor prognosis marker in endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma, while cytoplasmic methyl-HuR and nuclear phosphoHuR expressions are markers of better prognosis. This study highlights HuR as a promising potential therapeutic target, especially in treatment-resistant tumors, though further research is needed to understand the mechanisms regulating HuR subcellular localization and post-translational modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judicaël Hotton
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, CHRU de Nancy, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France;
- INSERM U1256 NGERE, Université de Lorraine, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; (G.G.); (R.M.); (M.M.); (S.-F.B.-H.)
| | - Guillaume Gauchotte
- INSERM U1256 NGERE, Université de Lorraine, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; (G.G.); (R.M.); (M.M.); (S.-F.B.-H.)
- Department of Biopathology CHRU of Nancy, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, BBB, CHRU de Nancy, Université de Lorraine, 54511 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques, BB-0033-00035, CHRU de Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France;
| | - Romane Mougel
- INSERM U1256 NGERE, Université de Lorraine, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; (G.G.); (R.M.); (M.M.); (S.-F.B.-H.)
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, CHRU de Nancy, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
| | - Mégane Migliorini
- INSERM U1256 NGERE, Université de Lorraine, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; (G.G.); (R.M.); (M.M.); (S.-F.B.-H.)
| | - Stéphanie Lacomme
- Centre de Ressources Biologiques, BB-0033-00035, CHRU de Nancy, 54000 Nancy, France;
| | - Shyue-Fang Battaglia-Hsu
- INSERM U1256 NGERE, Université de Lorraine, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; (G.G.); (R.M.); (M.M.); (S.-F.B.-H.)
| | - Mikaël Agopiantz
- INSERM U1256 NGERE, Université de Lorraine, 54500 Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France; (G.G.); (R.M.); (M.M.); (S.-F.B.-H.)
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, CHRU de Nancy, Université de Lorraine, 54000 Nancy, France
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Li A, Bouhss A, Clément MJ, Bauvais C, Taylor JP, Bollot G, Pastré D. Using the structural diversity of RNA: protein interfaces to selectively target RNA with small molecules in cells: methods and perspectives. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1298441. [PMID: 38033386 PMCID: PMC10687564 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1298441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, RNA has gained traction both as a therapeutic molecule and as a therapeutic target in several human pathologies. In this review, we consider the approach of targeting RNA using small molecules for both research and therapeutic purposes. Given the primary challenge presented by the low structural diversity of RNA, we discuss the potential for targeting RNA: protein interactions to enhance the structural and sequence specificity of drug candidates. We review available tools and inherent challenges in this approach, ranging from adapted bioinformatics tools to in vitro and cellular high-throughput screening and functional analysis. We further consider two critical steps in targeting RNA/protein interactions: first, the integration of in silico and structural analyses to improve the efficacy of molecules by identifying scaffolds with high affinity, and second, increasing the likelihood of identifying on-target compounds in cells through a combination of high-throughput approaches and functional assays. We anticipate that the development of a new class of molecules targeting RNA: protein interactions to prevent physio-pathological mechanisms could significantly expand the arsenal of effective therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixiao Li
- Synsight, Genopole Entreprises, Evry, France
| | - Ahmed Bouhss
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
| | - Marie-Jeanne Clément
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
| | | | - J. Paul Taylor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | | | - David Pastré
- Université Paris-Saclay, INSERM U1204, Université d’Évry, Structure-Activité des Biomolécules Normales et Pathologiques (SABNP), Evry, France
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5
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Volpe S, Listro R, Ambrosio FA, Garbagnoli M, Linciano P, Rossi D, Costa G, Alcaro S, Vasile F, Hirsch AKH, Collina S. Identification of HuR-RNA Interfering Compounds by Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry and Fluorescence Polarization. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:1509-1516. [PMID: 37970588 PMCID: PMC10641899 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.3c00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA binding protein HuR regulates the post-transcriptional process of different oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and its dysregulation is linked with cancer. Thus, modulating the complex HuR-RNA represents a promising anticancer strategy. To search for novel HuR ligands able to interfere with the HuR-RNA complex, the protein-templated dynamic combinatorial chemistry (pt-DCC) method was utilized. The recombinant RRM1+2 protein construct, which contains essential domains for ligand-HuR binding and exhibits enhanced solubility and stability compared to the native protein, was used for pt-DCC. Seven acylhydrazones with over 80% amplification were identified. The binding of the fragments to HuR extracted from DCC was validated using STD-NMR, and molecular modeling studies revealed the ability of the compounds to bind HuR at the mRNA binding pocket. Notably, three compounds effectively interfered with HuR-RNA binding in fluorescence polarization studies, suggesting their potential as foundational compounds for developing anticancer HuR-RNA interfering agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena
Della Volpe
- Department
of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz
Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Roberta Listro
- Department
of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Alessandra Ambrosio
- Department
of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University
“Magna Græcia” of Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”,
Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Martina Garbagnoli
- Department
of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Pasquale Linciano
- Department
of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department
of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giosuè Costa
- Department
of Health Sciences, University “Magna
Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science
Academic Spin-Off, University “Magna
Græcia” of Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Stefano Alcaro
- Department
of Health Sciences, University “Magna
Græcia” of Catanzaro, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Net4Science
Academic Spin-Off, University “Magna
Græcia” of Catanzaro, Campus “S. Venuta”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesca Vasile
- Department
of Chemistry, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Helmholtz
Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Helmholtz
Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Department
of Pharmacy, Saarland University, Campus E8.1, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Simona Collina
- Department
of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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6
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Joseph BP, Weber V, Knüpfer L, Giorgetti A, Alfonso-Prieto M, Krauß S, Carloni P, Rossetti G. Low Molecular Weight Inhibitors Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13127. [PMID: 37685931 PMCID: PMC10488267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) regulates stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. This protein has been progressively recognized as a relevant therapeutic target for several pathologies, like cancer, neurodegeneration, as well as inflammation. Inhibitors of mRNA binding to HuR might thus be beneficial against a variety of diseases. Here, we present the rational identification of structurally novel HuR inhibitors. In particular, by combining chemoinformatic approaches, high-throughput virtual screening, and RNA-protein pulldown assays, we demonstrate that the 4-(2-(2,4,6-trioxotetrahydropyrimidin-5(2H)-ylidene)hydrazineyl)benzoate ligand exhibits a dose-dependent HuR inhibition effect in binding experiments. Importantly, the chemical scaffold is new with respect to the currently known HuR inhibitors, opening up a new avenue for the design of pharmaceutical agents targeting this important protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Philipp Joseph
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Verena Weber
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Lisa Knüpfer
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Alejandro Giorgetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Mercedes Alfonso-Prieto
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
| | - Sybille Krauß
- Institute of Biology, University of Siegen, 57076 Siegen, Germany;
| | - Paolo Carloni
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, 52062 Aachen, Germany
| | - Giulia Rossetti
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine and Institute for Advanced Simulations (INM-9/IAS-5), Computational Biomedicine, Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany; (B.P.J.); (V.W.); (A.G.); (M.A.-P.); (G.R.)
- Jülich Supercomputing Centre (JSC), Forschungszentrum Jülich, 52425 Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, 44517 Aachen, Germany
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7
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Ribolla LM, Sala K, Tonoli D, Ramella M, Bracaglia L, Bonomo I, Gonnelli L, Lamarca A, Brindisi M, Pierattelli R, Provenzani A, de Curtis I. Interfering with the ERC1-LL5β interaction disrupts plasma membrane-Associated platforms and affects tumor cell motility. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287670. [PMID: 37437062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell migration requires a complex array of molecular events to promote protrusion at the front of motile cells. The scaffold protein LL5β interacts with the scaffold ERC1, and recruits it at plasma membrane-associated platforms that form at the front of migrating tumor cells. LL5 and ERC1 proteins support protrusion during migration as shown by the finding that depletion of either endogenous protein impairs tumor cell motility and invasion. In this study we have tested the hypothesis that interfering with the interaction between LL5β and ERC1 may be used to interfere with the function of the endogenous proteins to inhibit tumor cell migration. For this, we identified ERC1(270-370) and LL5β(381-510) as minimal fragments required for the direct interaction between the two proteins. The biochemical characterization demonstrated that the specific regions of the two proteins, including predicted intrinsically disordered regions, are implicated in a reversible, high affinity direct heterotypic interaction. NMR spectroscopy further confirmed the disordered nature of the two fragments and also support the occurrence of interaction between them. We tested if the LL5β protein fragment interferes with the formation of the complex between the two full-length proteins. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments showed that LL5β(381-510) hampers the formation of the complex in cells. Moreover, expression of either fragment is able to specifically delocalize endogenous ERC1 from the edge of migrating MDA-MB-231 tumor cells. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments show that the ERC1-binding fragment of LL5β interacts with endogenous ERC1 and interferes with the binding of endogenous ERC1 to full length LL5β. Expression of LL5β(381-510) affects tumor cell motility with a reduction in the density of invadopodia and inhibits transwell invasion. These results provide a proof of principle that interfering with heterotypic intermolecular interactions between components of plasma membrane-associated platforms forming at the front of tumor cells may represent a new approach to inhibit cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Maria Ribolla
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Kristyna Sala
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Diletta Tonoli
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Martina Ramella
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bracaglia
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and Magnetic Resonance Center, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Leonardo Gonnelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and Magnetic Resonance Center, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy
| | - Andrea Lamarca
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Matteo Brindisi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberta Pierattelli
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" and Magnetic Resonance Center, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Ivan de Curtis
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University and San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
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8
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Identification and Characterization of an RRM-Containing, RNA Binding Protein in Acinetobacter baumannii. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070922. [PMID: 35883478 PMCID: PMC9313427 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative pathogen, known to acquire resistance to antibiotics used in the clinic. The RNA-binding proteome of this bacterium is poorly characterized, in particular for what concerns the proteins containing RNA Recognition Motif (RRM). Here, we browsed the A. baumannii proteome for homologous proteins to the human HuR(ELAVL1), an RNA binding protein containing three RRMs. We identified a unique locus that we called AB-Elavl, coding for a protein with a single RRM with an average of 34% identity to the first HuR RRM. We also widen the research to the genomes of all the bacteria, finding 227 entries in 12 bacterial phyla. Notably we observed a partial evolutionary divergence between the RNP1 and RNP2 conserved regions present in the prokaryotes in comparison to the metazoan consensus sequence. We checked the expression at the transcript and protein level, cloned the gene and expressed the recombinant protein. The X-ray and NMR structural characterization of the recombinant AB-Elavl revealed that the protein maintained the typical β1α1β2β3α2β4 and three-dimensional organization of eukaryotic RRMs. The biochemical analyses showed that, although the RNP1 and RNP2 show differences, it can bind to AU-rich regions like the human HuR, but with less specificity and lower affinity. Therefore, we identified an RRM-containing RNA-binding protein actually expressed in A. baumannii.
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9
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Zhao J, Li Z, Puri R, Liu K, Nunez I, Chen L, Zheng S. Molecular profiling of individual FDA-approved clinical drugs identifies modulators of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:304-318. [PMID: 35024243 PMCID: PMC8718828 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) degrades transcripts with premature stop codons. Given the prevalence of nonsense single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the general population, it is urgent to catalog the effects of clinically approved drugs on NMD activity: any interference could alter the expression of nonsense SNPs, inadvertently inducing adverse effects. This risk is higher for patients with disease-causing nonsense mutations or an illness linked to dysregulated nonsense transcripts. On the other hand, hundreds of disorders are affected by cellular NMD efficiency and may benefit from NMD-modulatory drugs. Here, we profiled individual FDA-approved drugs for their impact on cellular NMD efficiency using a sensitive method that directly probes multiple endogenous NMD targets for a robust readout of NMD modulation. We found most FDA-approved drugs cause unremarkable effects on NMD, while many elicit clear transcriptional responses. Besides several potential mild NMD modulators, the anticancer drug homoharringtonine (HHT or omacetaxine mepesuccinate) consistently upregulates various endogenous NMD substrates in a dose-dependent manner in multiple cell types. We further showed translation inhibition mediates HHT's NMD effect. In summary, many FDA drugs induce transcriptional changes, and a few impact global NMD, and direct measurement of endogenous NMD substrate expression is robust to monitor cellular NMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrong Zhao
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 91709, USA
| | - Zhelin Li
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 91709, USA
| | - Ruchira Puri
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 91709, USA
| | - Kelvin Liu
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 91709, USA
| | - Israel Nunez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 91709, USA
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Sika Zheng
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 91709, USA
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10
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Zhang W, Liu L, Zhao S, Chen L, Wei Y, Chen W, Ge F. Research progress on RNA‑binding proteins in breast cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 23:121. [PMID: 35261635 PMCID: PMC8867207 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women, and the abnormal regulation of gene expression serves an important role in its occurrence and development. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying gene expression are highly complex and heterogeneous, and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are among the key regulatory factors. RBPs bind targets in an environment-dependent or environment-independent manner to influence mRNA stability and the translation of genes involved in the formation, progression, metastasis and treatment of breast cancer. Due to the growing interest in these regulators, the present review summarizes the most influential studies concerning RBPs associated with breast cancer to elucidate the role of RBPs in breast cancer and to assess how they interact with other key pathways to provide new molecular targets for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhu Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Linlin Liu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Shengdi Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
| | - Yuxian Wei
- Department of Endocrine Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Wenlin Chen
- Third Department of Breast Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650118, P.R. China
| | - Fei Ge
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650032, P.R. China
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11
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Assoni G, La Pietra V, Digilio R, Ciani C, Licata NV, Micaelli M, Facen E, Tomaszewska W, Cerofolini L, Pérez-Ràfols A, Varela Rey M, Fragai M, Woodhoo A, Marinelli L, Arosio D, Bonomo I, Provenzani A, Seneci P. HuR-targeted agents: An insight into medicinal chemistry, biophysical, computational studies and pharmacological effects on cancer models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114088. [PMID: 34942276 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Human antigen R (HuR) protein is an RNA-binding protein, ubiquitously expressed in human tissues, that orchestrates target RNA maturation and processing both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. A survey of known modulators of the RNA-HuR interactions is followed by a description of its structure and molecular mechanism of action - RRM domains, interactions with RNA, dimerization, binding modes with naturally occurring and synthetic HuR inhibitors. Then, the review focuses on HuR as a validated molecular target in oncology and briefly describes its role in inflammation. Namely, we show ample evidence for the involvement of HuR in the hallmarks and enabling characteristics of cancer, reporting findings from in vitro and in vivo studies; and we provide abundant experimental proofs of a beneficial role for the inhibition of HuR-mRNA interactions through silencing (CRISPR, siRNA) or pharmacological inhibition (small molecule HuR inhibitors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Assoni
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy; Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Valeria La Pietra
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Rosangela Digilio
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Caterina Ciani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Nausicaa Valentina Licata
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Micaelli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Elisa Facen
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Weronika Tomaszewska
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Anna Pérez-Ràfols
- Giotto Biotech S.R.L., Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Marta Varela Rey
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM), University of Florence and Interuniversity Consortium for Magnetic Resonance of Metalloproteins (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (FI), Italy
| | - Ashwin Woodhoo
- Gene Regulatory Control in Disease Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Department of Functional Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Galician Agency of Innovation (GAIN), Xunta de Galicia, Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, Building 801A, 48160 Derio, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48013, Spain
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Daniela Arosio
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche "G. Natta" (SCITEC), National Research Council (CNR), Via C. Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy.
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Chemistry Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, I-20133 Milan, Italy.
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12
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Goutas D, Pergaris A, Giaginis C, Theocharis S. HuR as Therapeutic Target in Cancer: What the Future Holds. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:56-65. [PMID: 34182901 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210628143430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
ELAV-like protein 1, or HuR (human antigen R), is an RNA-binding protein encoded by the ELAVL1 gene in humans. One of its best functions is to stabilize mRNAs in order to regulate gene expression. HuR protein overexpression has undoubtedly been linked to an increased risk of tumor growth, progression, and metastasis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target candidate in cancer. Novel agents interfering with HuR expression have been tested, both in vitro and in vivo, with promising results. The aim of this paper is to review the existing literature regarding the potential agents that could actively act on and inhibit HuR expression. HuR molecule controls the expression of various proto-oncogenes, cytokines and growth factors, representing a major player in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis and constituting an emerging target for cancer therapy. PubMed database was thoroughly searched, and all published articles providing scientific data on molecules that can exhibit antitumorigenic effects via HuR inhibition were included. According to these data, HuR inhibition should be a promising target in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Goutas
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Pergaris
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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13
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Baker JD, Uhrich RL, Strovas TJ, Saxton AD, Kraemer BC. AlphaScreen Identifies MSUT2 Inhibitors for Tauopathy-Targeting Therapeutic Discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY : ADVANCING LIFE SCIENCES R & D 2021; 26:400-409. [PMID: 32981422 PMCID: PMC8592089 DOI: 10.1177/2472555220958387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tauopathies are neurological disorders characterized by intracellular tau deposits forming neurofibrillary tangles, neuropil threads, or other disease-specific aggregates composed of the protein tau. Tauopathy disorders include frontotemporal lobar degeneration, corticobasal degeneration, Pick's disease, and the largest cause of dementia, Alzheimer's disease. The lack of disease-modifying therapeutic strategies to address tauopathies remains a critical unmet need in dementia care. Thus, novel broad-spectrum tau-targeted therapeutics could have a profound impact in multiple tauopathy disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Here we have designed a drug discovery paradigm to identify inhibitors of the pathological tau-enabling protein, MSUT2. We previously showed that activity of the RNA-binding protein MSUT2 drives tauopathy, including tau-mediated neurodegeneration and cognitive dysfunction, in mouse models. Thus, we hypothesized that MSUT2 inhibitors could be therapeutic for tauopathy disorders. Our pipeline for MSUT2 inhibitory compound identification included a primary AlphaScreen, followed by dose-response validation, a secondary fluorescence polarization orthogonal assay, a tertiary specificity screen, and a preliminary toxicity screen. Our work here serves as a proof-of-principle methodology for finding specific inhibitors of the poly(A) RNA-binding protein MSUT2 interaction. Here we identify 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-sulfonic acid (DIDS) as a potential tool compound for future work probing the mechanism of MSUT2-induced tau pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D. Baker
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rikki L. Uhrich
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Timothy J. Strovas
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aleen D. Saxton
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian C. Kraemer
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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14
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Khazaee M, Christie E, Cheng W, Michalsen M, Field J, Ng C. Perfluoroalkyl Acid Binding with Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors α, γ, and δ, and Fatty Acid Binding Proteins by Equilibrium Dialysis with a Comparison of Methods. TOXICS 2021; 9:45. [PMID: 33652875 PMCID: PMC7996760 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9030045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The biological impacts of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are linked to their protein interactions. Existing research has largely focused on serum albumin and liver fatty acid binding protein, and binding affinities determined with a variety of methods show high variability. Moreover, few data exist for short-chain PFAS, though their prevalence in the environment is increasing. We used molecular dynamics (MD) to screen PFAS binding to liver and intestinal fatty acid binding proteins (L- and I-FABPs) and peroxisome proliferator activated nuclear receptors (PPAR-α, -δ and -γ) with six perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and three perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs). Equilibrium dissociation constants, KDs, were experimentally determined via equilibrium dialysis (EqD) with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for protein-PFAS pairs. A comparison was made between KDs derived from EqD, both here and in literature, and other in vitro approaches (e.g., fluorescence) from literature. EqD indicated strong binding between PPAR-δ and perfluorobutanoate (0.044 ± 0.013 µM) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (0.035 ± 0.0020 µM), and between PPAR-α and perfluorohexanoate (0.097 ± 0.070 µM). Unlike binding affinities for L-FABP, which increase with chain length, KDs for PPARs showed little chain length dependence by either MD simulation or EqD. Compared with other in vitro approaches, EqD-based KDs consistently indicated higher affinity across different proteins. This is the first study to report PPARs binding with short-chain PFAS with KDs in the sub-micromolar range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoochehr Khazaee
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (M.K.); (W.C.)
| | - Emerson Christie
- Department of Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA; (E.C.); (J.F.)
| | - Weixiao Cheng
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (M.K.); (W.C.)
| | - Mandy Michalsen
- U.S. Army Engineer Research Development Center—Environmental Lab, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA;
| | - Jennifer Field
- Department of Molecular and Environmental Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97330, USA; (E.C.); (J.F.)
| | - Carla Ng
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; (M.K.); (W.C.)
- Secondary Appointment, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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15
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Weiße J, Rosemann J, Krauspe V, Kappler M, Eckert AW, Haemmerle M, Gutschner T. RNA-Binding Proteins as Regulators of Migration, Invasion and Metastasis in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6835. [PMID: 32957697 PMCID: PMC7555251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly 7.5% of all human protein-coding genes have been assigned to the class of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), and over the past decade, RBPs have been increasingly recognized as important regulators of molecular and cellular homeostasis. RBPs regulate the post-transcriptional processing of their target RNAs, i.e., alternative splicing, polyadenylation, stability and turnover, localization, or translation as well as editing and chemical modification, thereby tuning gene expression programs of diverse cellular processes such as cell survival and malignant spread. Importantly, metastases are the major cause of cancer-associated deaths in general, and particularly in oral cancers, which account for 2% of the global cancer mortality. However, the roles and architecture of RBPs and RBP-controlled expression networks during the diverse steps of the metastatic cascade are only incompletely understood. In this review, we will offer a brief overview about RBPs and their general contribution to post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Subsequently, we will highlight selected examples of RBPs that have been shown to play a role in oral cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Last but not least, we will present targeting strategies that have been developed to interfere with the function of some of these RBPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Weiße
- Junior Research Group ‘RNA Biology and Pathogenesis’, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (J.W.); (J.R.); (V.K.)
| | - Julia Rosemann
- Junior Research Group ‘RNA Biology and Pathogenesis’, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (J.W.); (J.R.); (V.K.)
| | - Vanessa Krauspe
- Junior Research Group ‘RNA Biology and Pathogenesis’, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (J.W.); (J.R.); (V.K.)
| | - Matthias Kappler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Medical Faculty, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany;
| | - Alexander W. Eckert
- Department of Cranio Maxillofacial Surgery, Paracelsus Medical University, 90471 Nuremberg, Germany;
| | - Monika Haemmerle
- Institute of Pathology, Section for Experimental Pathology, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany;
| | - Tony Gutschner
- Junior Research Group ‘RNA Biology and Pathogenesis’, Medical Faculty, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle/Saale, Germany; (J.W.); (J.R.); (V.K.)
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16
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Wu M, Tong CWS, Yan W, To KKW, Cho WCS. The RNA Binding Protein HuR: A Promising Drug Target for Anticancer Therapy. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 19:382-399. [PMID: 30381077 DOI: 10.2174/1568009618666181031145953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The stability of mRNA is one of the key factors governing the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression and function. Human antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates the stability, translation, and nucleus-to-cytoplasm shuttling of its target mRNAs. While HuR is normally localized within the nucleus, it has been shown that HuR binds mRNAs in the nucleus and then escorts the mRNAs to the cytoplasm where HuR protects them from degradation. It contains several RNA recognition motifs, which specifically bind to adenylate and uridylate-rich regions within the 3'-untranslated region of the target mRNA to mediate its effect. Many of the HuR target mRNAs encode proteins important for cell growth, tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, tumor inflammation, invasion and metastasis. HuR overexpression is known to correlate well with high-grade malignancy and poor prognosis in many tumor types. Thus, HuR has emerged as an attractive drug target for cancer therapy. Novel small molecule HuR inhibitors have been identified by high throughput screening and new formulations for targeted delivery of HuR siRNA to tumor cells have been developed with promising anticancer activity. This review summarizes the significant role of HuR in cancer development, progression, and poor treatment response. We will discuss the potential and challenges of targeting HuR therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Christy W S Tong
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wei Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - William C S Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
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17
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Heterogeneity in mRNA Translation. Trends Cell Biol 2020; 30:606-618. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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18
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Discovery of the anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag in breast cancer through targeting of HuR protein. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:1414-1425. [PMID: 32963940 PMCID: PMC7488360 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
HuR (human antigen R), an mRNA-binding protein responsible for poor prognosis in nearly all kinds of malignancies, is a potential anti-tumor target for drug development. While screening HuR inhibitors with a fluorescence polarization (FP) based high-throughput screening (HTS) system, the clinically used drug eltrombopag was identified. Activity of eltrombopag on molecular level was verified with FP, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), simulation docking and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Further, we showed that eltrombopag inhibited in vitro cell proliferation of multiple cancer cell lines and macrophages, and the in vivo anti-tumor activity was also demonstrated in a 4T1 tumor-bearing mouse model. The in vivo data showed that eltrombopag was efficient in reducing microvessels in tumor tissues. We then confirmed the HuR-dependent anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag in 4T1 cells and RAW264.7 macrophages with qRT-PCR, HuR-overexpression and HuR-silencing assays, RNA stability assays, RNA immunoprecipitation and luciferase assays. Finally, we analyzed the in vitro anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) mediated by macrophages with cell scratch assay and in vitro Matrigel angiogenesis assay. With these data, we revealed the HuR-dependent anti-angiogenesis effect of eltrombopag in breast tumor, suggesting that the existing drug eltrombopag may be used as an anti-cancer drug.
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Key Words
- ARE, AU-rich element
- Angiogenesis
- Anti-tumor
- ELB, eltrombopag
- ELISA, enzyme linked immune sorbent assay
- EMSA, electrophoretic mobility shift assay
- Eltrombopag
- FP, fluorescence polarization
- HTS, high-throughput screening
- HUVEC, human umbilical vein endothelial cell
- HuR
- HuR, human antigen R
- IHC, immunohistochemistry
- RIP, RNA immunoprecipitation
- SPR, surface plasmon resonance
- mRNAs stability
- qRT-PCR, quantitative real-time PCR
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19
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Targeting the interaction between RNA-binding protein HuR and FOXQ1 suppresses breast cancer invasion and metastasis. Commun Biol 2020; 3:193. [PMID: 32332873 PMCID: PMC7181695 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0933-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer have a dismal 5-year survival rate of only 24%. The RNA-binding protein Hu antigen R (HuR) is upregulated in breast cancer, and elevated cytoplasmic HuR correlates with high-grade tumors and poor clinical outcome of breast cancer. HuR promotes tumorigenesis by regulating numerous proto-oncogenes, growth factors, and cytokines that support major tumor hallmarks including invasion and metastasis. Here, we report a HuR inhibitor KH-3, which potently suppresses breast cancer cell growth and invasion. Furthermore, KH-3 inhibits breast cancer experimental lung metastasis, improves mouse survival, and reduces orthotopic tumor growth. Mechanistically, we identify FOXQ1 as a direct target of HuR. KH-3 disrupts HuR–FOXQ1 mRNA interaction, leading to inhibition of breast cancer invasion. Our study suggests that inhibiting HuR is a promising therapeutic strategy for lethal metastatic breast cancer. Wu et al. identify an inhibitor to the RNA-binding protein HuR, KH-3, that disrupts the interaction between HuR and target RNAs and inhibits human cancer growth and metastasis in mouse xenograft assays. This study suggests the therapeutic potential of targeting HuR in breast cancer with HuR overexpression.
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20
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RNA-Targeted Therapies and High-Throughput Screening Methods. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082996. [PMID: 32340368 PMCID: PMC7216119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are involved in regulating all aspects of RNA metabolism, including processing, transport, translation, and degradation. Dysregulation of RNA metabolism is linked to a plethora of diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and neuromuscular disorders. Recent years have seen a dramatic shift in the knowledge base, with RNA increasingly being recognised as an attractive target for precision medicine therapies. In this article, we are going to review current RNA-targeted therapies. Furthermore, we will scrutinise a range of drug discoveries targeting protein-RNA interactions. In particular, we will focus on the interplay between Lin28 and let-7, splicing regulatory proteins and survival motor neuron (SMN) pre-mRNA, as well as HuR, Musashi, proteins and their RNA targets. We will highlight the mechanisms RBPs utilise to modulate RNA metabolism and discuss current high-throughput screening strategies. This review provides evidence that we are entering a new era of RNA-targeted medicine.
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21
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Schultz CW, Preet R, Dhir T, Dixon DA, Brody JR. Understanding and targeting the disease-related RNA binding protein human antigen R (HuR). WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2020; 11:e1581. [PMID: 31970930 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Altered gene expression is a characteristic feature of many disease states such as tumorigenesis, and in most cancers, it facilitates cancer cell survival and adaptation. Alterations in global gene expression are strongly impacted by post-transcriptional gene regulation. The RNA binding protein (RBP) HuR (ELAVL1) is an established regulator of post-transcriptional gene regulation and is overexpressed in most human cancers. In many cancerous settings, HuR is not only overexpressed, but it is "overactive" as denoted by increased subcellular localization within the cytoplasm. This dysregulation of HuR expression and cytoplasmic localization allows HuR to stabilize and increase the translation of various prosurvival messenger RNA (mRNAs) involved in the pathogenesis of numerous cancers and various diseases. Based on almost 20 years of work, HuR is now recognized as a therapeutic target. Herein, we will review the role HuR plays in the pathophysiology of different diseases and ongoing therapeutic strategies to target HuR. We will focus on three ongoing-targeted strategies: (1) inhibiting HuR's translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm; (2) inhibiting the ability of HuR to bind target RNA; and (3) silencing HuR expression levels. In an oncologic setting, HuR has been demonstrated to be critical for a cancer cell's ability to survive a variety of cancer relevant stressors (including drugs and elements of the tumor microenvironment) and targeting this protein has been shown to sensitize cancer cells further to insult. We strongly believe that targeting HuR could be a powerful therapeutic target to treat different diseases, particularly cancer, in the near future. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease NRA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability Translation > Translation Regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Schultz
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ranjan Preet
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Teena Dhir
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Dan A Dixon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Jonathan R Brody
- Department of Surgery, Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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22
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Pisapia L, Hamilton RS, Farina F, D’Agostino V, Barba P, Strazzullo M, Provenzani A, Gianfrani C, Del Pozzo G. Tristetraprolin/ZFP36 Regulates the Turnover of Autoimmune-Associated HLA-DQ mRNAs. Cells 2019; 8:cells8121570. [PMID: 31817224 PMCID: PMC6953012 DOI: 10.3390/cells8121570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
HLA class II genes encode highly polymorphic heterodimeric proteins functioning to present antigens to T cells and stimulate a specific immune response. Many HLA genes are strongly associated with autoimmune diseases as they stimulate self-antigen specific CD4+ T cells driving pathogenic responses against host tissues or organs. High expression of HLA class II risk genes is associated with autoimmune diseases, influencing the strength of the CD4+ T-mediated autoimmune response. The expression of HLA class II genes is regulated at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Protein components of the RNP complex binding the 3'UTR and affecting mRNA processing have previously been identified. Following on from this, the regulation of HLA-DQ2.5 risk genes, the main susceptibility genetic factor for celiac disease (CD), was investigated. The DQ2.5 molecule, encoded by HLA-DQA1*05 and HLA-DQB1*02 alleles, presents the antigenic gluten peptides to CD4+ T lymphocytes, activating the autoimmune response. The zinc-finger protein Tristetraprolin (TTP) or ZFP36 was identified to be a component of the RNP complex and has been described as a factor modulating mRNA stability. The 3'UTR of CD-associated HLA-DQA1*05 and HLA-DQB1*02 mRNAs do not contain canonical TTP binding consensus sequences, therefore an in silico approach focusing on mRNA secondary structure accessibility and stability was undertaken. Key structural differences specific to the CD-associated mRNAs were uncovered, allowing them to strongly interact with TTP through their 3'UTR, conferring a rapid turnover, in contrast to lower affinity binding to HLA non-CD associated mRNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pisapia
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso” CNR, Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.F.); (P.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Russell S. Hamilton
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK;
| | - Federica Farina
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso” CNR, Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.F.); (P.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Vito D’Agostino
- Centre for Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; (V.D.); (A.P.)
| | - Pasquale Barba
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso” CNR, Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.F.); (P.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Maria Strazzullo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso” CNR, Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.F.); (P.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Centre for Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology-CIBIO, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123 Trento, Italy; (V.D.); (A.P.)
| | - Carmen Gianfrani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology-CNR, Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Del Pozzo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics “Adriano Buzzati Traverso” CNR, Via Pietro Castellino, 111, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.P.); (F.F.); (P.B.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence:
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23
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Allegri L, Baldan F, Roy S, Aubé J, Russo D, Filetti S, Damante G. The HuR CMLD-2 inhibitor exhibits antitumor effects via MAD2 downregulation in thyroid cancer cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:7374. [PMID: 31089242 PMCID: PMC6517587 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-43894-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hu antigen R (HuR) is indeed one of the most studied RNA-binding protein (RBP) since its fundamental role both in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. For this reason, downregulation in HuR protein levels or inhibition of HuR biological function are, nowadays, attractive goals in cancer research. Here, we examined the antitumor effects of CMLD-2 in four thyroid cancer cell lines (SW1736, 8505 C, BCPAP and K1). Indeed, CMLD-2 competitively binds HuR protein disrupting its interaction with RNA-targets. 35 μM CLMD-2 produced a significant downregulation in thyroid cancer cell viability, coupled to an increase in apoptosis. Moreover, CMLD-2 treatment hindered both migration and colony formation ability. MAD2 is a microtubules-associated protein known to be greatly overexpressed in cancer and correlating with tumor aggressiveness. Furthermore, MAD2 is known to be a HuR target. CMLD-2 treatment induced a strong MAD2 downregulation and rescue experiments depicted it as a key effector in HuR-mediated in cancer. Altogether, these data contributed to foster HuR inhibition as valid antineoplastic treatment in thyroid cancer, highlighting MAD2 as a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Allegri
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
| | - Federica Baldan
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, University of Roma 'Sapienza', 06100, Roma, Italy.
| | - Sudeshna Roy
- Department of BioMelecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, 413 Faser Hall, Mississippi, 38677-1848, USA
| | - Jeffrey Aubé
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medical Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599-7363, USA
| | - Diego Russo
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Catanzaro "Magna Graecia", 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Filetti
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, University of Roma 'Sapienza', 06100, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medical Area, University of Udine, 33100, Udine, Italy
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24
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Notarangelo M, Zucal C, Modelska A, Pesce I, Scarduelli G, Potrich C, Lunelli L, Pederzolli C, Pavan P, la Marca G, Pasini L, Ulivi P, Beltran H, Demichelis F, Provenzani A, Quattrone A, D'Agostino VG. Ultrasensitive detection of cancer biomarkers by nickel-based isolation of polydisperse extracellular vesicles from blood. EBioMedicine 2019; 43:114-126. [PMID: 31047861 PMCID: PMC6558028 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted membranous particles intensively studied for their potential cargo of diagnostic markers. Efficient and cost-effective isolation methods need to be established for the reproducible and high-throughput study of EVs in the clinical practice. Methods We designed the nickel-based isolation (NBI) to rapidly isolate EVs and combined it with newly-designed amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay or digital PCR to detect biomarkers of clinical utility. Findings From plasma of 46 healthy donors, we systematically recovered small EV (~250 nm of mean diameter; ~3 × 1010/ml) and large EV (~560 nm of mean diameter; ~5 × 108/ml) lineages ranging from 50 to 700 nm, which displayed hematopoietic/endothelial cell markers that were also used in spike-in experiments using EVs from tumor cell lines. In retrospective studies, we detected picomolar concentrations of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in fractions of EVs isolated from the plasma of prostate cancer patients, discriminating them from control subjects. Directly from oil-encapsulated EVs for digital PCR, we identified somatic BRAF and KRAS mutations circulating in the plasma of metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) patients, matching 100% of concordance with tissue diagnostics. Importantly, with higher sensitivity and specificity compared with immuno-isolated EVs, we revealed additional somatic alterations in 7% of wild-type CRC cases that were subsequently validated by further inspections in the matched tissue biopsies. Interpretation We propose NBI-combined approaches as simple, fast, and robust strategies to probe the tumor heterogeneity and contribute to the development of EV-based liquid biopsy studies. Fund Associazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (AIRC), Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio Trento e Rovereto (CARITRO), and the Italian Ministero Istruzione, Università e Ricerca (Miur).
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Notarangelo
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucal
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Angelika Modelska
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Isabella Pesce
- Cell Analysis and Separation Core Facility (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Giorgina Scarduelli
- Advanced Imaging Core Facility (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Cristina Potrich
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), Laboratory of Biomolecular Sequence and Structure Analysis for Health, Trento, Via Sommarive 14, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lunelli
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), Laboratory of Biomolecular Sequence and Structure Analysis for Health, Trento, Via Sommarive 14, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Cecilia Pederzolli
- Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), Laboratory of Biomolecular Sequence and Structure Analysis for Health, Trento, Via Sommarive 14, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Paola Pavan
- Immunohematology and Cell Factory Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Viale Pieraccini 24, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giancarlo la Marca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Centro di Eccellenza Denothe, Aou Meyer University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139, Italy
| | - Luigi Pasini
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, Meldola 47014, Italy
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Via Piero Maroncelli 40, Meldola 47014, Italy
| | - Himisha Beltran
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Francesca Demichelis
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Alessandro Quattrone
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Vito G D'Agostino
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Trento 38123, Italy.
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25
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Legrand N, Dixon DA, Sobolewski C. AU-rich element-binding proteins in colorectal cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2019; 11:71-90. [PMID: 30788036 PMCID: PMC6379757 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v11.i2.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Trans-acting factors controlling mRNA fate are critical for the post-transcriptional regulation of inflammation-related genes, as well as for oncogene and tumor suppressor expression in human cancers. Among them, a group of RNA-binding proteins called “Adenylate-Uridylate-rich elements binding proteins” (AUBPs) control mRNA stability or translation through their binding to AU-rich elements enriched in the 3’UTRs of inflammation- and cancer-associated mRNA transcripts. AUBPs play a central role in the recruitment of target mRNAs into small cytoplasmic foci called Processing-bodies and stress granules (also known as P-body/SG). Alterations in the expression and activities of AUBPs and P-body/SG assembly have been observed to occur with colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, indicating the significant role AUBP-dependent post-transcriptional regulation plays in controlling gene expression during CRC tumorigenesis. Accordingly, these alterations contribute to the pathological expression of many early-response genes involved in prostaglandin biosynthesis and inflammation, along with key oncogenic pathways. In this review, we summarize the current role of these proteins in CRC development. CRC remains a major cause of cancer mortality worldwide and, therefore, targeting these AUBPs to restore efficient post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression may represent an appealing therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémie Legrand
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva CH-1211, Switzerland
| | - Dan A Dixon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, and University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS 66045, United States
| | - Cyril Sobolewski
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva CH-1211, Switzerland
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26
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D'Agostino VG, Sighel D, Zucal C, Bonomo I, Micaelli M, Lolli G, Provenzani A, Quattrone A, Adami V. Screening Approaches for Targeting Ribonucleoprotein Complexes: A New Dimension for Drug Discovery. SLAS DISCOVERY 2019; 24:314-331. [PMID: 30616427 DOI: 10.1177/2472555218818065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) are pleiotropic factors that control the processing and functional compartmentalization of transcripts by binding primarily to mRNA untranslated regions (UTRs). The competitive and/or cooperative interplay between RBPs and an array of coding and noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) determines the posttranscriptional control of gene expression, influencing protein production. Recently, a variety of well-recognized and noncanonical RBP domains have been revealed by modern system-wide analyses, underlying an evolving classification of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) and their importance in governing physiological RNA metabolism. The possibility of targeting selected RNA-protein interactions with small molecules is now expanding the concept of protein "druggability," with new implications for medicinal chemistry and for a deeper characterization of the mechanism of action of bioactive compounds. Here, taking SF3B1, HuR, LIN28, and Musashi proteins as paradigmatic case studies, we review the strategies applied for targeting RBPs, with emphasis on the technological advancements to study protein-RNA interactions and on the requirements of appropriate validation strategies to parallel high-throughput screening (HTS) efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Giuseppe D'Agostino
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Denise Sighel
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucal
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Micaelli
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Graziano Lolli
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Quattrone
- 1 University of Trento, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Adami
- 2 University of Trento, HTS Core Facility, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), Trento, Italy
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27
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Tebaldi T, Zuccotti P, Peroni D, Köhn M, Gasperini L, Potrich V, Bonazza V, Dudnakova T, Rossi A, Sanguinetti G, Conti L, Macchi P, D'Agostino V, Viero G, Tollervey D, Hüttelmaier S, Quattrone A. HuD Is a Neural Translation Enhancer Acting on mTORC1-Responsive Genes and Counteracted by the Y3 Small Non-coding RNA. Mol Cell 2018; 71:256-270.e10. [PMID: 30029004 PMCID: PMC6060611 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein HuD promotes neurogenesis and favors recovery from peripheral axon injury. HuD interacts with many mRNAs, altering both stability and translation efficiency. We generated a nucleotide resolution map of the HuD RNA interactome in motor neuron-like cells, identifying HuD target sites in 1,304 mRNAs, almost exclusively in the 3' UTR. HuD binds many mRNAs encoding mTORC1-responsive ribosomal proteins and translation factors. Altered HuD expression correlates with the translation efficiency of these mRNAs and overall protein synthesis, in a mTORC1-independent fashion. The predominant HuD target is the abundant, small non-coding RNA Y3, amounting to 70% of the HuD interaction signal. Y3 functions as a molecular sponge for HuD, dynamically limiting its recruitment to polysomes and its activity as a translation and neuron differentiation enhancer. These findings uncover an alternative route to the mTORC1 pathway for translational control in motor neurons that is tunable by a small non-coding RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toma Tebaldi
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Paola Zuccotti
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Daniele Peroni
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Marcel Köhn
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle 06120, Germany; Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle 06097, Germany
| | - Lisa Gasperini
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Valentina Potrich
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Veronica Bonazza
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Tatiana Dudnakova
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Annalisa Rossi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Guido Sanguinetti
- School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AB, UK
| | - Luciano Conti
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Paolo Macchi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Vito D'Agostino
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - Gabriella Viero
- Institute of Biophysics, CNR Unit at Trento, Trento 38123, Italy
| | - David Tollervey
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle 06120, Germany
| | - Alessandro Quattrone
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento 38123, Italy.
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28
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Brody JR, Dixon DA. Complex HuR function in pancreatic cancer cells. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2018; 9:e1469. [PMID: 29452455 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers with dismal patient outcomes. The underlying core genetic drivers of disease have been identified in human tumor specimens and described in genetically engineered mouse models. These genetic drivers of PDAC include KRAS signaling, TP53 mutations, and genetic loss of the SMAD4 tumor suppressor protein. Beyond the known mutational landscape of PDAC genomes, alternative disrupted targets that extend beyond conventional genetic mutations have been elusive and understudied in the context of PDAC cell therapeutic resistance and survival. This last point is important because PDAC tumors have a unique and complex tumor microenvironment that includes hypoxic and nutrient-deprived niches that could select for cell populations that garner therapeutic resistance, explaining tumor heterogeneity in regards to response to different therapies. We and others have embarked in a line of investigation focused on the key molecular mechanism of posttranscriptional gene regulation that is altered in PDAC cells and supports this pro-survival phenotype intrinsic to PDAC cells. Specifically, the key regulator of this mechanism is a RNA-binding protein, HuR (ELAVL1), first described in cancer nearly two decades ago. Herein, we will provide a brief overview of the work demonstrating the importance of this RNA-binding protein in PDAC biology and then provide insight into ongoing work developing therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting this molecule in PDAC cells. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Brody
- Division of Surgical Research, Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.,Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary and Related Cancer Center, Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Dan A Dixon
- Department of Cancer Biology and University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
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29
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Manzoni L, Zucal C, Maio DD, D’Agostino VG, Thongon N, Bonomo I, Lal P, Miceli M, Baj V, Brambilla M, Cerofolini L, Elezgarai S, Biasini E, Luchinat C, Novellino E, Fragai M, Marinelli L, Provenzani A, Seneci P. Interfering with HuR–RNA Interaction: Design, Synthesis and Biological Characterization of Tanshinone Mimics as Novel, Effective HuR Inhibitors. J Med Chem 2018; 61:1483-1498. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Manzoni
- Institute of Molecular Science and Technology (ISTM), CNR, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucal
- Centre
for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive
9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Danilo Di Maio
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza
dei Cavalieri 7, I-56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Vito G. D’Agostino
- Centre
for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive
9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Natthakan Thongon
- Centre
for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive
9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- Centre
for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive
9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Preet Lal
- Centre
for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive
9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Marco Miceli
- Chemistry
Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Vanessa Baj
- Chemistry
Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Brambilla
- Chemistry
Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- CERM and
Chemistry Department, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Saioa Elezgarai
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, 20156, Italy
| | - Emiliano Biasini
- Centre
for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive
9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan, 20156, Italy
| | - Claudio Luchinat
- CERM and
Chemistry Department, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Pharmacy
Department, University of Naples, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Fragai
- Consorzio Interuniversitario di Risonanze Magnetiche di Metallo Proteine (CIRMMP), Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
- CERM and
Chemistry Department, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Pharmacy
Department, University of Naples, Via Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Centre
for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive
9, 38123 Povo, Trento, Italy
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Chemistry
Department, University of Milan, Via Golgi 19, 20133 Milan, Italy
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30
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Thongon N, Castiglioni I, Zucal C, Latorre E, D'Agostino V, Bauer I, Pancher M, Ballestrero A, Feldmann G, Nencioni A, Provenzani A. The GSK3β inhibitor BIS I reverts YAP-dependent EMT signature in PDAC cell lines by decreasing SMADs expression level. Oncotarget 2018; 7:26551-66. [PMID: 27034169 PMCID: PMC5041998 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Yes-associated protein, YAP, is a transcriptional co-activator, mediating the Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition program in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). With the aim to identify compounds that can specifically modulate YAP functionality in PDAC cell lines, we performed a small scale, drug-based screening experiment using YAP cell localization as the read-out. We identified erlotinib as an inducer of YAP cytoplasmic localization, an inhibitor of the TEA luciferase reporter system and the expression of the bona fide YAP target gene, Connective Tissue Growth Factor CTGF. On the other hand, BIS I, an inhibitor of PKCδ and GSK3β, caused YAP accumulation into the nucleus. Activation of β-catenin reporter and interfering experiments show that inhibition of the PKCδ/GSK3β pathway triggers YAP nuclear accumulation inducing YAP/TEAD transcriptional response. Inhibition of GSK3β by BIS I reduced the expression levels of SMADs protein and reduced YAP contribution to EMT. Notably, BIS I reduced proliferation, migration and clonogenicity of PDAC cells in vitro, phenocopying YAP genetic down-regulation. As shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments and YAP over-expressing rescue experiments, BIS I reverted YAP-dependent EMT program by modulating the expression of the YAP target genes E-cadherin, vimentin, CTGF and of the newly identified target, CD133. In conclusion, we identified two different molecules, erlotinib and BIS I, modulating YAP functionality although via different mechanisms of action, with the second one specifically inhibiting the YAP-dependent EMT program in PDAC cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natthakan Thongon
- Laboratory of Genomic Screening, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Ilaria Castiglioni
- Laboratory of Gene Expression and Muscular Dystrophy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Zucal
- Laboratory of Genomic Screening, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Elisa Latorre
- Laboratory of Genomic Screening, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Vito D'Agostino
- Laboratory of Genomic Screening, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Inga Bauer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michael Pancher
- High Throughput Screening Facility, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Georg Feldmann
- Laboratory of Pancreatic Cancer Translational Research, Clinic University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alessio Nencioni
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Laboratory of Genomic Screening, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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31
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Lal P, Cerofolini L, D'Agostino VG, Zucal C, Fuccio C, Bonomo I, Dassi E, Giuntini S, Di Maio D, Vishwakarma V, Preet R, Williams SN, Fairlamb MS, Munk R, Lehrmann E, Abdelmohsen K, Elezgarai SR, Luchinat C, Novellino E, Quattrone A, Biasini E, Manzoni L, Gorospe M, Dixon DA, Seneci P, Marinelli L, Fragai M, Provenzani A. Regulation of HuR structure and function by dihydrotanshinone-I. Nucleic Acids Res 2017; 45:9514-9527. [PMID: 28934484 PMCID: PMC5766160 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkx623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Human antigen R protein (HuR) is an RNA-binding protein that recognizes U/AU-rich elements in diverse RNAs through two RNA-recognition motifs, RRM1 and RRM2, and post-transcriptionally regulates the fate of target RNAs. The natural product dihydrotanshinone-I (DHTS) prevents the association of HuR and target RNAs in vitro and in cultured cells by interfering with the binding of HuR to RNA. Here, we report the structural determinants of the interaction between DHTS and HuR and the impact of DHTS on HuR binding to target mRNAs transcriptome-wide. NMR titration and Molecular Dynamics simulation identified the residues within RRM1 and RRM2 responsible for the interaction between DHTS and HuR. RNA Electromobility Shifts and Alpha Screen Assays showed that DHTS interacts with HuR through the same binding regions as target RNAs, stabilizing HuR in a locked conformation that hampers RNA binding competitively. HuR ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation followed by microarray (RIP-chip) analysis showed that DHTS treatment of HeLa cells paradoxically enriched HuR binding to mRNAs with longer 3′UTR and with higher density of U/AU-rich elements, suggesting that DHTS inhibits the association of HuR to weaker target mRNAs. In vivo, DHTS potently inhibited xenograft tumor growth in a HuR-dependent model without systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preet Lal
- Centre for Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Linda Cerofolini
- Centre for Magnetic Resonance, CERM, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Zucal
- Centre for Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Carmelo Fuccio
- Centre for Magnetic Resonance, CERM, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Isabelle Bonomo
- Centre for Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Erik Dassi
- Centre for Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Stefano Giuntini
- Centre for Magnetic Resonance, CERM, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Danilo Di Maio
- Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa 56126, Italy.,Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), Pisa 56127, Italy
| | - Vikalp Vishwakarma
- Department of Cancer Biology and University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ranjan Preet
- Department of Cancer Biology and University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Sha Neisha Williams
- Department of Cancer Biology and University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Max S Fairlamb
- Department of Cancer Biology and University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Rachel Munk
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Elin Lehrmann
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Kotb Abdelmohsen
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | | | - Claudio Luchinat
- Centre for Magnetic Resonance, CERM, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Alessandro Quattrone
- Centre for Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento 38122, Italy
| | - Emiliano Biasini
- Centre for Integrative Biology, CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento 38122, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Milan 20156, Italy
| | - Leonardo Manzoni
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Molecolari (ISTM), CNR, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Myriam Gorospe
- National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Dan A Dixon
- Department of Cancer Biology and University of Kansas Cancer Center, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Pierfausto Seneci
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan 20133, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples 80138, Italy
| | - Marco Fragai
- Centre for Magnetic Resonance, CERM, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino 50019, Italy
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32
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Nasti R, Rossi D, Amadio M, Pascale A, Unver MY, Hirsch AKH, Collina S. Compounds Interfering with Embryonic Lethal Abnormal Vision (ELAV) Protein–RNA Complexes: An Avenue for Discovering New Drugs. J Med Chem 2017; 60:8257-8267. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.6b01871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Nasti
- Department of Drug
Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Rossi
- Department of Drug
Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Marialaura Amadio
- Department of Drug
Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli
14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug
Sciences, Pharmacology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli
14, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - M. Yagiz Unver
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, NL-9747
AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anna K. H. Hirsch
- Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, NL-9747
AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Simona Collina
- Department of Drug
Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry and Technology Section, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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33
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Kaur K, Wu X, Fields JK, Johnson DK, Lan L, Pratt M, Somoza AD, Wang CCC, Karanicolas J, Oakley BR, Xu L, De Guzman RN. The fungal natural product azaphilone-9 binds to HuR and inhibits HuR-RNA interaction in vitro. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0175471. [PMID: 28414767 PMCID: PMC5393604 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The RNA-binding protein Hu antigen R (HuR) binds to AU-rich elements (ARE) in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs. The HuR-ARE interactions stabilize many oncogenic mRNAs that play important roles in tumorigenesis. Thus, small molecules that interfere with the HuR-ARE interaction could potentially inhibit cancer cell growth and progression. Using a fluorescence polarization (FP) competition assay, we identified the compound azaphilone-9 (AZA-9) derived from the fungal natural product asperbenzaldehyde, binds to HuR and inhibits HuR-ARE interaction (IC50 ~1.2 μM). Results from surface plasmon resonance (SPR) verified the direct binding of AZA-9 to HuR. NMR methods mapped the RNA-binding interface of HuR and identified the involvement of critical RNA-binding residues in binding of AZA-9. Computational docking was then used to propose a likely binding site for AZA-9 in the RNA-binding cleft of HuR. Our results show that AZA-9 blocks key RNA-binding residues of HuR and disrupts HuR-RNA interactions in vitro. This knowledge is needed in developing more potent AZA-9 derivatives that could lead to new cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Xiaoqing Wu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - James K Fields
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - David K Johnson
- Molecular Graphics and Modeling Laboratory and the Computational Chemical Biology Core, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Lan Lan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Miranda Pratt
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Amber D Somoza
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Clay C C Wang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, United States of America.,Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California United States of America
| | - John Karanicolas
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America.,Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Berl R Oakley
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Liang Xu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Roberto N De Guzman
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, United States of America
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34
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Tagit O, Hildebrandt N. Fluorescence Sensing of Circulating Diagnostic Biomarkers Using Molecular Probes and Nanoparticles. ACS Sens 2017; 2:31-45. [PMID: 28722447 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.6b00625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The interplay of photonics, nanotechnology, and biochemistry has significantly improved the identification and characterization of multiple types of biomarkers by optical biosensors. Great achievements in fluorescence-based technologies have been realized, for example, by the advancement of multiplexing techniques or the introduction of nanoparticles to biochemical and clinical research. This review presents a concise overview of recent advances in fluorescence sensing techniques for the detection of circulating disease biomarkers. Detection principles of representative approaches, including fluorescence detection using molecular fluorophores, quantum dots, and metallic and silica nanoparticles, are explained and illustrated by pertinent examples from the recent literature. Advanced detection technologies and material development play a major role in modern biosensing and consistently provide significant improvements toward robust, sensitive, and versatile platforms for early detection of circulating diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oya Tagit
- NanoBioPhotonics
(nanofret.com), Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, CEA, 91405 Orsay, France
- Department
of Tumor Immunology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Niko Hildebrandt
- NanoBioPhotonics
(nanofret.com), Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Université Paris-Saclay, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, CEA, 91405 Orsay, France
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35
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Li S, Zhou L, Yao Y, Fan K, Li Z, Zhang L, Wang W, Yang K. A platform for the development of novel biosensors by configuring allosteric transcription factor recognition with amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assays. Chem Commun (Camb) 2017; 53:99-102. [DOI: 10.1039/c6cc07244e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Using isolated allosteric transcription factors as recognition elements, a versatile platform was established in vitro to develop sensitive biosensors for the detection of various chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources
- Institute of Microbiology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- 100101 Beijing
- China
| | - Li Zhou
- Institute of Health Sciences
- Anhui University
- Hefei
- China
| | - Yongpeng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources
- Institute of Microbiology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- 100101 Beijing
- China
| | - Keqiang Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources
- Institute of Microbiology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- 100101 Beijing
- China
| | - Zilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources
- Institute of Microbiology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- 100101 Beijing
- China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources
- Institute of Microbiology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- 100101 Beijing
- China
| | - Weishan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources
- Institute of Microbiology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- 100101 Beijing
- China
| | - Keqian Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources
- Institute of Microbiology
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- 100101 Beijing
- China
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36
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Kotta-Loizou I, Vasilopoulos SN, Coutts RHA, Theocharis S. Current Evidence and Future Perspectives on HuR and Breast Cancer Development, Prognosis, and Treatment. Neoplasia 2016; 18:674-688. [PMID: 27764700 PMCID: PMC5071540 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hu-antigen R (HuR) is an RNA-binding posttranscriptional regulator that belongs to the Hu/ELAV family. HuR expression levels are modulated by a variety of proteins, microRNAs, chemical compounds, or the microenvironment, and in turn, HuR affects mRNA stability and translation of various genes implicated in breast cancer formation, progression, metastasis, and treatment. The aim of the present review is to critically summarize the role of HuR in breast cancer development and its potential as a prognosticator and a therapeutic target. In this aspect, all the existing English literature concerning HuR expression and function in breast cancer cell lines, in vivo animal models, and clinical studies is critically presented and summarized. HuR modulates many genes implicated in biological processes crucial for breast cancer formation, growth, and metastasis, whereas the link between HuR and these processes has been demonstrated directly in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, clinical studies reveal that HuR is associated with more aggressive forms of breast cancer and is a putative prognosticator for patients' survival. All the above indicate HuR as a promising drug target for cancer therapy; nevertheless, additional studies are required to fully understand its potential and determine against which types of breast cancer and at which stage of the disease a therapeutic agent targeting HuR would be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioly Kotta-Loizou
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom; First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece.
| | - Spyridon N Vasilopoulos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Robert H A Coutts
- Geography, Environment and Agriculture Division, Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9AB, United Kingdom
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
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37
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Patrucco L, Peano C, Chiesa A, Guida F, Luisi I, Boria I, Mignone F, De Bellis G, Zucchelli S, Gustincich S, Santoro C, Sblattero D, Cotella D. Identification of novel proteins binding the AU-rich element of α-prothymosin mRNA through the selection of open reading frames (RIDome). RNA Biol 2016; 12:1289-300. [PMID: 26512911 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2015.1107702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe here a platform for high-throughput protein expression and interaction analysis aimed at identifying the RNA-interacting domainome. This approach combines the selection of a phage library displaying "filtered" open reading frames with next-generation DNA sequencing. The method was validated using an RNA bait corresponding to the AU-rich element of α-prothymosin, an RNA motif that promotes mRNA stability and translation through its interaction with the RNA-binding protein ELAVL1. With this strategy, we not only confirmed known RNA-binding proteins that specifically interact with the target RNA (such as ELAVL1/HuR and RBM38) but also identified proteins not previously known to be ARE-binding (R3HDM2 and RALY). We propose this technology as a novel approach for studying the RNA-binding proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Patrucco
- a Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD) ; Università del Piemonte Orientale ; Novara , Italy
| | - Clelia Peano
- b Institute of Biomedical Technologies; National Research Council (ITB CNR) ; Milan , Italy
| | - Andrea Chiesa
- a Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD) ; Università del Piemonte Orientale ; Novara , Italy
| | - Filomena Guida
- c Department of Life Sciences ; University of Trieste ; Italy
| | - Imma Luisi
- c Department of Life Sciences ; University of Trieste ; Italy
| | - Ilenia Boria
- d Department of Chemistry ; University of Milan ; Italy
| | - Flavio Mignone
- e Department of Sciences and Innovation ; Università del Piemonte Orientale ; Alessandria , Italy
| | - Gianluca De Bellis
- b Institute of Biomedical Technologies; National Research Council (ITB CNR) ; Milan , Italy
| | - Silvia Zucchelli
- a Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD) ; Università del Piemonte Orientale ; Novara , Italy.,f Area of Neuroscience; SISSA ; Trieste , Italy
| | | | - Claudio Santoro
- a Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD) ; Università del Piemonte Orientale ; Novara , Italy
| | - Daniele Sblattero
- a Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD) ; Università del Piemonte Orientale ; Novara , Italy.,c Department of Life Sciences ; University of Trieste ; Italy
| | - Diego Cotella
- a Department of Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Research Center on Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD) ; Università del Piemonte Orientale ; Novara , Italy
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38
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Slone S, Anthony SR, Wu X, Benoit JB, Aube J, Xu L, Tranter M. Activation of HuR downstream of p38 MAPK promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Cell Signal 2016; 28:1735-41. [PMID: 27521603 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The RNA binding protein Human antigen R (HuR) interacts with specific AU-rich domains in target mRNAs and is highly expressed in many cell types, including cardiomyocytes. However, the role of HuR in cardiac physiology is largely unknown. Our results show that HuR undergoes cytoplasmic translocation, indicative of its activation, in hypertrophic cardiac myocytes. Specifically, HuR cytoplasmic translocation is significantly increased in NRVMs (neonatal rat ventricular myocytes) following treatment with phenylephrine or angiotensin II, agonists of two independent Gαq-coupled GPCRs known to induce hypertrophy. This Gq-mediated HuR activation is dependent on p38 MAP kinase, but not canonical Gq-PKC signaling. Furthermore, we show that HuR activation is necessary for Gq-mediated hypertrophic growth of NRVMs as siRNA-mediated knockdown of HuR inhibits hypertrophy as measured by cell size and expression of ANF (atrial natriuretic factor). Additionally, HuR overexpression is sufficient to induce hypertrophic cell growth. To decipher the downstream mechanisms by which HuR translocation promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, we assessed the role of HuR in the transcriptional activity of NFAT (nuclear factor of activated T cells), the activation of which is a hallmark of cardiac hypertrophy. Using an NFAT-luciferase reporter assay, we show an acute inhibition of NFAT transcriptional activity following pharmacological inhibition of HuR. In conclusion, our results identify HuR as a novel mediator of cardiac hypertrophy downstream of the Gq-p38 MAPK pathway, and suggest modulation of NFAT activity as a potential mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Slone
- Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Sarah R Anthony
- Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Xiaoqing Wu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Joshua B Benoit
- Department of Biological Sciences, McMicken College of Arts and Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jeffrey Aube
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Liang Xu
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Michael Tranter
- Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
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39
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Hodge K, Tunghirun C, Kamkaew M, Limjindaporn T, Yenchitsomanus PT, Chimnaronk S. Identification of a Conserved RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase (RdRp)-RNA Interface Required for Flaviviral Replication. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:17437-49. [PMID: 27334920 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.724013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Dengue virus, an ∼10.7-kb positive-sense RNA virus, is the most common arthropod-communicated pathogen in the world. Despite dengue's clear epidemiological importance, mechanisms for its replication remain elusive. Here, we probed the entire dengue genome for interactions with viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), and we identified the dominant interaction as a loop-forming ACAG motif in the 3' positive-stranded terminus, complicating the prevailing model of replication. A subset of interactions coincides with known flaviviral recombination sites inside the viral protein-coding region. Specific recognition of the RNA element occurs via an arginine patch in the C-terminal thumb domain of RdRp. We also show that the highly conserved nature of the consensus RNA motif may relate to its tolerance to various mutations in the interacting region of RdRp. Disruption of the interaction resulted in loss of viral replication ability in cells. This unique RdRp-RNA interface is found throughout flaviviruses, implying possibilities for broad disease interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Hodge
- From the Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170 and
| | - Chairat Tunghirun
- From the Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170 and
| | - Maliwan Kamkaew
- From the Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170 and
| | | | - Pa-Thai Yenchitsomanus
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Department of Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Sarin Chimnaronk
- From the Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, Nakhon Pathom 73170 and
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40
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Wu T, Shi JX, Geng S, Zhou W, Shi Y, Su X. The MK2/HuR signaling pathway regulates TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression by promoting the stabilization of ICAM-1 mRNA. BMC Pulm Med 2016; 16:84. [PMID: 27215284 PMCID: PMC4877999 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-016-0247-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are characterized by acute lung inflammation. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) play an important role in the development of these diseases. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38/activated protein kinase 2 (MK2) regulates the expression of ICAM-1 and IL-8 in human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) stimulated by tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); however, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that human antigen R (HuR), an RNA binding protein which binds preferentially to AU-rich elements (AREs) and stabilizes mRNAs, regulates TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression in the MK2/HuR signaling pathway. Method MK2 and HuR were silenced respectively in HPMECs and then HPMECs were stimulatied with TNF-α. Nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling of HuR was detected by subcellular fractionation and confocal microscopy in MK2 knockdown HPMECs. In HuR silencing cells, protein and mRNA levels of ICAM-1 and IL-8 were measured by western blot analysis, ELISA and real-time PCR; mRNA stabilization were measured by real-time PCR after actinomycin D (ActD) blocking transcription. Furthermore, we performed neutrophil adhesion assay to assess the adhering capacity after HuR silencing. Results MK2 were subjected to a knockdown by interfering RNA, the mRNA and protein levels of HuR in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs) were not affected. However, after the stimulation of TNF-α, silencing MK2 inhibited HuR accumulation to cytoplasm from nucleus in HPMECs. Consequently, knockdown of HuR by RNA interference in HPMECs, there was reduction in the stability of ICAM-1 mRNA and ICAM-1 protein level. This event was accompanied by a decrease in the adhesion of neutrophils towards HPMECs. Nevertheless, HuR silencing had no effect on the mRNA and protein levels of IL-8. Conclusion These results indicate that MK2 post-transcriptionally regulates TNF-α-induced ICAM-1 expression by altering the cytoplasmic localization of HuR in HPMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Jia-Xin Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210002, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Lianyungang First People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Clinical Medical School of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, 222002, China
| | - Shen Geng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangdong, 510000, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210002, China
| | - Yi Shi
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210002, China.
| | - Xin Su
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210002, China.
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Transcriptional induction of the heat shock protein B8 mediates the clearance of misfolded proteins responsible for motor neuron diseases. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22827. [PMID: 26961006 PMCID: PMC4785366 DOI: 10.1038/srep22827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are often associated with the presence of misfolded protein inclusions. The chaperone HSPB8 is upregulated in mice, the human brain and muscle structures affected during NDs progression. HSPB8 exerts a potent pro-degradative activity on several misfolded proteins responsible for familial NDs forms. Here, we demonstrated that HSPB8 also counteracts accumulation of aberrantly localized misfolded forms of TDP-43 and its 25 KDa fragment involved in most sporadic cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (sALS) and of Fronto Lateral Temporal Dementia (FLTD). HSPB8 acts with BAG3 and the HSP70/HSC70-CHIP complex enhancing the autophagic removal of misfolded proteins. We performed a high-through put screening (HTS) to find small molecules capable of inducing HSPB8 in neurons for therapeutic purposes. We identified two compounds, colchicine and doxorubicin, that robustly up-regulated HSPB8 expression. Both colchicine and doxorubicin increased the expression of the master regulator of autophagy TFEB, the autophagy linker p62/SQSTM1 and the autophagosome component LC3. In line, both drugs counteracted the accumulation of TDP-43 and TDP-25 misfolded species responsible for motoneuronal death in sALS. Thus, analogs of colchicine and doxorubicin able to induce HSPB8 and with better safety and tolerability may result beneficial in NDs models.
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Evadé L, Dausse E, Taouji S, Daguerre E, Chevet E, Toulmé JJ. Aptamer-mediated nanoparticle interactions: from oligonucleotide-protein complexes to SELEX screens. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1297:153-67. [PMID: 25896002 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2562-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are oligonucleotides displaying specific binding properties for a predetermined target. They can be easily immobilized on various surfaces such as nanoparticles. Functionalized particles can then be used to various aims. We took advantage of the AlphaScreen(®) technology for monitoring aptamer-mediated interactions. A particle bearing an aptamer contains a photosensitizer whereas another type of particle contains a chemiluminescer. Irradiation causes the formation of singlet oxygen species in the photosensitizer-containing bead that in turn activates the chemiluminescer. Luminescence emission can be observed if the two types of beads are in close proximity (<200 nm). This is achieved when the cognate ligand of the aptamer is grafted onto the chemiluminescer-containing bead. Using this technology we have screened oligonucleotide libraries and monitored aptamer-protein interactions. This constitutes the basis for aptamer-based analytical assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Evadé
- Novaptech, European Institute of Chemistry and Biology, Pessac, France
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Latorre E, Carelli S, Caremoli F, Giallongo T, Colli M, Canazza A, Provenzani A, Di Giulio AM, Gorio A. Human Antigen R Binding and Regulation of SOX2 mRNA in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Mol Pharmacol 2015; 89:243-52. [PMID: 26677051 DOI: 10.1124/mol.115.100701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 2005, sex determining region y-box 2 (SOX2) has drawn the attention of the scientific community for being one of the key transcription factors responsible for pluripotency induction in somatic stem cells. Our research investigated the turnover regulation of SOX2 mRNA in human adipose-derived stem cells, considered one of the most valuable sources of somatic stem cells in regenerative medicine. Mitoxantrone is a drug that acts on nucleic acids primarily used to treat certain types of cancer and was recently shown to ameliorate the outcome of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis. In addition, mitoxantrone has been shown to inhibit the binding of human antigen R (HuR) RNA-binding protein to tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA. Our results show that HuR binds to the 3'-untranslated region of SOX2 mRNA together with the RNA-induced silencing complex miR145. The HuR binding works by stabilizing the interaction between the 3'-untranslated region and the RNA-induced silencing complex. Cell exposure to mitoxantrone leads to HuR detachment and the subsequent prolongation of the SOX2 mRNA half-life. The prolonged SOX2 half-life allows improvement of the spheroid-forming capability of the adipose-derived stem cells. The silencing of HuR confirmed the above observations and illustrates how the RNA-binding protein HuR may be a required molecule for regulation of SOX2 mRNA decay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Latorre
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.L., S.C., F.C., T.G., M.C., A.M.D.G., A.G.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cerebrovascular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy (A.C.); and Laboratory of Genomic Screening Center for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy (A.P.)
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.L., S.C., F.C., T.G., M.C., A.M.D.G., A.G.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cerebrovascular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy (A.C.); and Laboratory of Genomic Screening Center for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy (A.P.)
| | - Filippo Caremoli
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.L., S.C., F.C., T.G., M.C., A.M.D.G., A.G.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cerebrovascular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy (A.C.); and Laboratory of Genomic Screening Center for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy (A.P.)
| | - Toniella Giallongo
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.L., S.C., F.C., T.G., M.C., A.M.D.G., A.G.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cerebrovascular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy (A.C.); and Laboratory of Genomic Screening Center for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy (A.P.)
| | - Mattia Colli
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.L., S.C., F.C., T.G., M.C., A.M.D.G., A.G.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cerebrovascular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy (A.C.); and Laboratory of Genomic Screening Center for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy (A.P.)
| | - Alessandra Canazza
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.L., S.C., F.C., T.G., M.C., A.M.D.G., A.G.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cerebrovascular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy (A.C.); and Laboratory of Genomic Screening Center for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy (A.P.)
| | - Alessandro Provenzani
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.L., S.C., F.C., T.G., M.C., A.M.D.G., A.G.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cerebrovascular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy (A.C.); and Laboratory of Genomic Screening Center for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy (A.P.)
| | - Anna Maria Di Giulio
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.L., S.C., F.C., T.G., M.C., A.M.D.G., A.G.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cerebrovascular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy (A.C.); and Laboratory of Genomic Screening Center for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy (A.P.)
| | - Alfredo Gorio
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy (E.L., S.C., F.C., T.G., M.C., A.M.D.G., A.G.); Laboratory of Cell Biology, Cerebrovascular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Foundation Carlo Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy (A.C.); and Laboratory of Genomic Screening Center for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy (A.P.)
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D'Agostino VG, Lal P, Mantelli B, Tiedje C, Zucal C, Thongon N, Gaestel M, Latorre E, Marinelli L, Seneci P, Amadio M, Provenzani A. Dihydrotanshinone-I interferes with the RNA-binding activity of HuR affecting its post-transcriptional function. Sci Rep 2015; 5:16478. [PMID: 26553968 PMCID: PMC4639722 DOI: 10.1038/srep16478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-transcriptional regulation is an essential determinant of gene expression programs in physiological and pathological conditions. HuR is a RNA-binding protein that orchestrates the stabilization and translation of mRNAs, critical in inflammation and tumor progression, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). We identified the low molecular weight compound 15,16-dihydrotanshinone-I (DHTS), well known in traditional Chinese medicine practice, through a validated high throughput screening on a set of anti-inflammatory agents for its ability to prevent HuR:RNA complex formation. We found that DHTS interferes with the association step between HuR and the RNA with an equilibrium dissociation constant in the nanomolar range in vitro (Ki = 3.74 ± 1.63 nM). In breast cancer cell lines, short term exposure to DHTS influences mRNA stability and translational efficiency of TNF in a HuR-dependent manner and also other functional readouts of its post-transcriptional control, such as the stability of selected pre-mRNAs. Importantly, we show that migration and sensitivity of breast cancer cells to DHTS are modulated by HuR expression, indicating that HuR is among the preferential intracellular targets of DHTS. Here, we disclose a previously unrecognized molecular mechanism exerted by DHTS, opening new perspectives to therapeutically target the HuR mediated, post-transcriptional control in inflammation and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Preet Lal
- Centre For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, 38123, Italy
| | - Barbara Mantelli
- Centre For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, 38123, Italy
| | - Christopher Tiedje
- Department of Biochemistry, Hannover Medical University, Hannover, D-30625, Germany
| | - Chiara Zucal
- Centre For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, 38123, Italy
| | - Natthakan Thongon
- Centre For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, 38123, Italy
| | - Matthias Gaestel
- Department of Biochemistry, Hannover Medical University, Hannover, D-30625, Germany
| | - Elisa Latorre
- Centre For Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, 38123, Italy
| | - Luciana Marinelli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, 80131, Italy
| | | | - Marialaura Amadio
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, 27100, Italy
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EIF2A-dependent translational arrest protects leukemia cells from the energetic stress induced by NAMPT inhibition. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:855. [PMID: 26542945 PMCID: PMC4636066 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1845-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in NAD+ biosynthesis from nicotinamide, is one of the major factors regulating cancer cells metabolism and is considered a promising target for treating cancer. The prototypical NAMPT inhibitor FK866 effectively lowers NAD+ levels in cancer cells, reducing the activity of NAD+-dependent enzymes, lowering intracellular ATP, and promoting cell death. Results We show that FK866 induces a translational arrest in leukemia cells through inhibition of MTOR/4EBP1 signaling and of the initiation factors EIF4E and EIF2A. Specifically, treatment with FK866 is shown to induce 5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, which, together with EIF2A phosphorylation, is responsible for the inhibition of protein synthesis. Notably, such an effect was also observed in patients’ derived primary leukemia cells including T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Jurkat cells in which AMPK or LKB1 expression was silenced or in which a non-phosphorylatable EIF2A mutant was ectopically expressed showed enhanced sensitivity to the NAMPT inhibitor, confirming a key role for the LKB1-AMPK-EIF2A axis in cell fate determination in response to energetic stress via NAD+ depletion. Conclusions We identified EIF2A phosphorylation as a novel early molecular event occurring in response to NAMPT inhibition and mediating protein synthesis arrest. In addition, our data suggest that tumors exhibiting an impaired LBK1- AMPK- EIF2A response may be especially susceptible to NAMPT inhibitors and thus become an elective indication for this type of agents. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1845-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Wang Z, Bhattacharya A, Ivanov DN. Identification of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of the HuR/RNA Interaction Using a Fluorescence Polarization Screening Assay Followed by NMR Validation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138780. [PMID: 26390015 PMCID: PMC4577092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The human antigen R (HuR) stabilizes many mRNAs of proto-oncogene, transcription factors, cytokines and growth factors by recognizing AU-rich elements (AREs) presented in their 3’ or 5’ untranslated region (UTR). Multiple lines of experimental evidence suggest that this process plays a key role in cancer development. Thus, destabilizing HuR/RNA interaction by small molecules presents an opportunity for cancer treatment/prevention. Here we present an integrated approach to identify inhibitors of HuR/RNA interaction using a combination of fluorescence-based and NMR-based high throughput screening (HTS). The HTS assay with fluorescence polarization readout and Z’-score of 0.8 was used to perform a screen of the NCI diversity set V library in a 384 well plate format. An NMR-based assay with saturation transfer difference (STD) detection was used for hits validation. Protein NMR spectroscopy was used to demonstrate that some hit compounds disrupt formation of HuR oligomer, whereas others block RNA binding. Thus, our integrated high throughput approach provides a new avenue for identification of small molecules targeting HuR/RNA interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Akash Bhattacharya
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, United States of America
| | - Dmitri N. Ivanov
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, United States of America
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Evison BJ, Sleebs BE, Watson KG, Phillips DR, Cutts SM. Mitoxantrone, More than Just Another Topoisomerase II Poison. Med Res Rev 2015; 36:248-99. [PMID: 26286294 DOI: 10.1002/med.21364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mitoxantrone is a synthetic anthracenedione originally developed to improve the therapeutic profile of the anthracyclines and is commonly applied in the treatment of breast and prostate cancers, lymphomas, and leukemias. A comprehensive overview of the drug's molecular, biochemical, and cellular pharmacology is presented here, beginning with the cardiotoxic nature of its predecessor doxorubicin and how these properties shaped the pharmacology of mitoxantrone itself. Although mitoxantrone is firmly established as a DNA topoisomerase II poison within mammalian cells, it is now clear that the drug interacts with a much broader range of biological macromolecules both covalently and noncovalently. Here, we consider each of these interactions in the context of their wider biological relevance to cancer therapy and highlight how they may be exploited to further enhance the therapeutic value of mitoxantrone. In doing so, it is now clear that mitoxantrone is more than just another topoisomerase II poison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benny J Evison
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Brad E Sleebs
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Keith G Watson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3010, Australia
| | - Don R Phillips
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Suzanne M Cutts
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia
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Wu X, Lan L, Wilson DM, Marquez RT, Tsao WC, Gao P, Roy A, Turner BA, McDonald P, Tunge JA, Rogers SA, Dixon DA, Aubé J, Xu L. Identification and validation of novel small molecule disruptors of HuR-mRNA interaction. ACS Chem Biol 2015; 10:1476-84. [PMID: 25750985 DOI: 10.1021/cb500851u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
HuR, an RNA binding protein, binds to adenine- and uridine-rich elements (ARE) in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, regulating their stability and translation. HuR is highly abundant in many types of cancer, and it promotes tumorigenesis by interacting with cancer-associated mRNAs, which encode proteins that are implicated in different tumor processes including cell proliferation, cell survival, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Drugs that disrupt the stabilizing effect of HuR upon mRNA targets could have dramatic effects on inhibiting cancer growth and persistence. In order to identify small molecules that directly disrupt the HuR-ARE interaction, we established a fluorescence polarization (FP) assay optimized for high throughput screening (HTS) using HuR protein and an ARE oligo from Musashi RNA-binding protein 1 (Msi1) mRNA, a HuR target. Following the performance of an HTS of ∼6000 compounds, we discovered a cluster of potential disruptors, which were then validated by AlphaLISA (Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assay), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation (RNP IP) assay, and luciferase reporter functional studies. These compounds disrupted HuR-ARE interactions at the nanomolar level and blocked HuR function by competitive binding to HuR. These results support future studies toward chemical probes for a HuR function study and possibly a novel therapy for HuR-overexpressing cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dan A. Dixon
- Department
of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, United States
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Latorre E, Castiglioni I, Gatto P, Carelli S, Quattrone A, Provenzani A. Loss of protein kinase Cδ/HuR interaction is necessary to doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer cell lines. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014; 349:99-106. [PMID: 24492650 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.211839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) interacts with and phosphorylates HuR, dictating its functionality. We show here that the genotoxic stimulus induced by doxorubicin triggers PKCδ interaction with HuR and leads to HuR phosphorylation on serines 221 and 318 and cytoplasmic translocation. This series of events is crucial to elicit the death pathway triggered by doxorubicin and is necessary to promote HuR function in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, because genetic ablation of PKCδ caused the inability of HuR to bind its target mRNAs, topoisomerase IIα (TOP2A) included. In in vitro select doxorubicin-resistant human breast cancer cell lines upregulating the multidrug resistance marker ABCG2, PKCδ, and HuR proteins were coordinately downregulated together with the doxorubicin target TOP2A protein whose mRNA was HuR-regulated. Therefore, we show here that PKCδ, HuR, and TOP2A constitute a network mediating doxorubicin efficacy in breast cancer cells. The importance of these molecular events in cancer therapy is suggested by their being profoundly suppressed in cells selected for doxorubicin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Latorre
- Laboratory of Genomic Screening (E.L., I.C., A.P.) and Laboratory of Translational Genomics (P.G., A.Q.), Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy; and Pharmacology Laboratory, Health Sciences Department, University of Milan, Italy (E.L., S.C.)
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