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Yuan Z, Li M, Tang Z. BCAT1 promotes cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Dis 2024. [PMID: 39056279 DOI: 10.1111/odi.15084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the expression, biological function of branched chain amino-acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze the expression of BCAT1 protein in OSCC and normal oral tissues. Based on the clinicopathological information of patients, the relationship between the expression of BCAT1 protein and other clinicopathological factors was analyzed. Real-time PCR and western blot assays were used to analyze the expression of BCAT1 gene and protein in normal human oral keratinocytes (HOK) and human OSCC cells, respectively. After BCAT1 overexpression or knockdown, the proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and invasion of human OSCC cells were analyzed by CCK8, flow cytometry, wound healing, and transwell invasion assays, respectively. After adding the BCAT1 inhibitor EGR240 to OSCC cells, the changes in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability in OSCC cells were analyzed. Based on the TCGA database, the involved signal pathway in BCAT1-related and BCAT1-binding genes was obtained for Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, verified by western blot assays. After inhibiting PI3K, the effect of BCAT1 on the expression of the downstream phosphorylated protein of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was analyzed by western blot assays. The relationship between the expression of BCAT1 and EMT-related protein of OSCC cells was also analyzed. RESULTS The expression of BCAT1 gene and protein were upregulated in OSCC tissue, which positively correlated with the pathological grade of patients with OSCC. Compared with normal oral keratinocytes, BCAT1 gene and protein were upregulated in OSCC cells. BCAT1 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. BCAT1 knockdown or inhibition could reduce the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of OSCC cells. The results of bioinformatics analysis and Western bolt showed that BCAT1 could regulate the activation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of OSCC cells. CONCLUSIONS BCAT1 could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells via PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, which is a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ming Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhangui Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Oral Health Research & Xiangya Stomatological Hospital & Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
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2
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Eltahir S, Ahmad A. Flavonoids on the Frontline against Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4139. [PMID: 37627166 PMCID: PMC10452402 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the leading cause of death in cancer patients [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Eltahir
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar;
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar;
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama, 901 19th St. South, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Adeeb M, Therachiyil L, Moton S, Buddenkotte J, Alam MA, Uddin S, Steinhoff M, Ahmad A. Non-coding RNAs in the epigenetic landscape of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 380:149-171. [PMID: 37657857 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a type of cancer that affects skin, and is characterized by abnormal T-cells in the skin. Epigenetic changes have been found to play a significant role in the development and progression of CTCL. Recently, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, have been identified as key players in the regulation of gene expression in CTCL. These ncRNAs can alter the expression of genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, leading to the development and progression of CTCL. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the role of ncRNAs in CTCL, including their involvement in DNA methylation, and other biological processes. We also discuss the types of ncRNAs, their role as oncogenic or tumor suppressive, and their putative use as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, based on the emerging evidence from laboratory-based as well as patients-based studies. Moreover, we also present the potential targets and pathways affected by ncRNAs. A better understanding of the complex epigenetic landscape of CTCL, including the role of ncRNAs, has the potential to lead to the development of novel targeted therapies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monaza Adeeb
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lubna Therachiyil
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Safwan Moton
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Joerg Buddenkotte
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Majid Ali Alam
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Medical School, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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4
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Jia SN, Han YB, Yang R, Yang ZC. Chemokines in colon cancer progression. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:400-407. [PMID: 35183412 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Colon cancer is a major human cancer accounting for about a tenth of all cancer cases thus making it among the top three cancers in terms of incidence as well as mortality. Metastasis to distant organs, particularly to liver, is the primary reason for associated mortality. Chemokines, the chemo-attractants for various immune cells, have increasingly been reported to be involved in cancer initiation and progression, including in colon cancer. Here we discuss the available knowledge on the role of several chemokines, such as, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL8 in colon cancer progression. CCL20 is one chemokine with emerging evidence for its role in influencing colon cancer tumor microenvironment through the documents effects on fibroblasts, macrophages and immune cells. We focus on CCL20 and its receptor CCR6 as promising factors that affect multiple levels of colon cancer progression. They interact with several cytokines and TLR receptors leading to increased aggressiveness, as supported by multitude of evidence from in vitro, in vivo studies as well as human patient samples. CCL20-CCR6 bring about their biological effects through regulation of several signaling pathways, including, ERK and NF-κB pathways, in addition to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Signaling involving CCL20-CCR6 has profound effect on colon cancer hepatic metastasis. Combined with elevated CCL20 levels in colon tumors and metastatic patients, the above information points to a need for further evaluation of chemokines as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Nan Jia
- Department of HepatoPancreatoBiliary Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Ying-Bo Han
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Ze-Cheng Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, China.
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5
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Zhu QC, Sun JH, Liang MJ, Zhang ZY, Xia Y. PHF20L1 mediates PAX2 expression to promote angiogenesis and liver metastasis in colorectal cancer through regulating HIC1. Biol Chem 2022; 403:917-928. [PMID: 35357096 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2022-0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common cancer with poor prognosis. The research was designed to explore the role of PHF20L1 in angiogenesis and liver metastasis in CRC and discuss its molecular mechanism. Expression levels of PHF20L1, HIC1 and PAX2 in CRC tissues collected from CRC patients were detected using qRT-PCR, WB and immunohistochemical staining. CRC cells were transfected with PHF20L1, HIC1 and PAX2 overexpression or knockdown vectors and the proliferation, apoptosis, EMT and angiogenesis of the cells were determined. WB was utilized to assess protein levels of PHF20L1, HIC1, PAX2 and angiogenesis factor (ANGPT2, FGF1, PDGFA and VEGFA). The role of PHF20L1 regulating tumor formation and liver metastasis in vivo was detected as well. PHF20L1 was observed to express at a high level of CRC tissues. PHF20L1 promoted CRC cell growth, EMT and angiogenesis, and inhibited cell apoptosis. Knockdown of PHF20L1 had opposite effects on CRC cells. PHF20L1 negatively regulated HIC1 expression to promote PAX2 expression, thus promoting CRC cell progression. The in vivo results showed that PHF20L1 contributed to tumor formation and liver metastasis. PHF20L1 increases PAX2 expression to promote angiogenesis in CRC by inhibiting HIC1, therefore facilitating CRC cell EMT and liver metastasis. Our finding may provide a novel insight for CRC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Chao Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Jian-Hua Sun
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Ming-Jun Liang
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Zheng-Yun Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
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6
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Sun Y, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Yu P, Su X, Song Y, Wang M, Li Y, Zhao L. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition of glioma cells promotes tissue factor expression via the miR200a/ZEB1 axis. Brain Res 2022; 1778:147782. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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7
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Liu F, Song ZM, Wang XD, Du SY, Peng N, Zhou JR, Zhang MG. Long Non-coding RNA Signature for Liver Metastasis of Colorectal Cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:707115. [PMID: 34307387 PMCID: PMC8297503 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.707115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer ranks within the top three cancers both in terms of incidence as well as deaths. Metastasis is often the major cause of mortality and liver is the primary and most common site to which colorectal cancers metastasize. We tested the prognostic ability of a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) signature in liver metastatic colorectal cancers. We first evaluated expression levels of several lncRNAs in eight excised liver metastases from primary colorectal cancers and found significantly upregulated lncRNAs HOTAIR and MALAT1 along with significantly downregulated LOC285194. We further compared the expression levels of HOTAIR, MALAT1 and LOC285194 in primary colorectal tumors at the time of initial diagnosis and correlated them with disease progression and liver metastasis. HOTAIR and MALAT1 were significantly upregulated and LOC285194 was significantly downregulated in twelve patients who were diagnosed with liver metastasis within 5 years of initial diagnosis, compared to the five patients with no metastasis. A positive signature comprising of high HOTAIR/MALAT1 and low LOC285194 also correlated with progression to higher grade tumors. Thus, the lncRNA signature comprising of high HOTAIR/MALAT1 and low LOC285194 could be a prognostic signature for liver metastasis as well as overall poor survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen-Mei Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Di Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Yu Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Na Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Rui Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shan GU Hospital, Handan, China
| | - Ming-Gang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
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Khan AQ, Akhtar S, Prabhu KS, Zarif L, Khan R, Alam M, Buddenkotte J, Ahmad A, Steinhoff M, Uddin S. Exosomes: Emerging Diagnostic and Therapeutic Targets in Cutaneous Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239264. [PMID: 33291683 PMCID: PMC7730213 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin is the largest human organ and is continuously exposed to various exogenous and endogenous trigger factors affecting body homeostasis. A number of mechanisms, including genetic, inflammatory and autoimmune ones, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cutaneous diseases. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the role that extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, play in human diseases, through their modulation of multiple signaling pathways. Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles secreted by all cell types. They function as cargo carriers shuttling proteins, nucleic acids, lipids etc., thus impacting the cell-cell communications and transfer of vital information/moieties critical for skin homeostasis and disease pathogenesis. This review summarizes the available knowledge on how exosomes affect pathogenesis of cutaneous diseases, and highlights their potential as future targets for the therapy of various skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Q. Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (K.S.P.); (M.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (S.A.); (L.Z.)
| | - Kirti S. Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (K.S.P.); (M.A.); (J.B.)
| | - Lubna Zarif
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; (S.A.); (L.Z.)
| | - Rehan Khan
- Department of Nano-Therapeutics, Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Habitat Centre, Phase 10, Sector 64, Mohali, Punjab 160062, India;
| | - Majid Alam
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (K.S.P.); (M.A.); (J.B.)
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Joerg Buddenkotte
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (K.S.P.); (M.A.); (J.B.)
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Aamir Ahmad
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (M.S.); (S.U.); Tel.: +974-40253220 (S.U.)
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (K.S.P.); (M.A.); (J.B.)
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Qatar Foundation-Education City, Doha 24144, Qatar
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA
- College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (M.S.); (S.U.); Tel.: +974-40253220 (S.U.)
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; (A.Q.K.); (K.S.P.); (M.A.); (J.B.)
- Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
- Correspondence: (A.A.); (M.S.); (S.U.); Tel.: +974-40253220 (S.U.)
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Kim GL, Jang EH, Lee DE, Bang C, Kang H, Kim S, Yoon SY, Lee DH, Na JH, Lee S, Kim JH. Amentoflavone, active compound of Selaginella tamariscina, inhibits in vitro and in vivo TGF-β-induced metastasis of human cancer cells. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 687:108384. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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10
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Mao W, Yin H, Chen W, Zhao T, Wu S, Jin H, Du B, Tan Y, Zhang R, He Y. Network Pharmacology and Experimental Evidence Reveal Dioscin Suppresses Proliferation, Invasion, and EMT via AKT/GSK3b/mTOR Signaling in Lung Adenocarcinoma. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2020; 14:2135-2147. [PMID: 32546976 PMCID: PMC7266311 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s249651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Dioscin, a natural glycoside derived from many plants, has been proved to exert anti-cancer activity. Several studies have found that it reverses TGF-β1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Whether dioscin can reverse EMT by pathways other than TGF-β is still unknown. Methods We used network-based pharmacological methods to systematically explore the potential mechanisms by which dioscin acts on lung cancer. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, scratch healing, Transwell assay, Matrigel invasion assay, immunofluorescence assay, and Western blotting were employed to confirm the prediction of key targets and the effects of dioscin on EMT. Results Here, using network-based pharmacological methods, we found 42 possible lung cancer-related targets of dioscin, which were assigned to 98 KEGG pathways. Among the 20 with the lowest p-values, the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway is involved and significantly related to EMT. AKT1 and mTOR, with high degrees (reflecting higher connectivity) in the compound-target analysis, participate in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Molecular docking indicated the occurrence of dioscin-AKT1 and dioscin-mTOR binding. Functional experiments demonstrated that dioscin suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of human lung adenocarcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner, without TGF-β stimulation. Furthermore, we determined that dioscin downregulated p-AKT, p-mTOR and p-GSK3β in human lung adenocarcinoma cells without affecting their total protein levels. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 augmented these changes. Conclusion Dioscin suppressed proliferation, invasion and EMT of lung adenocarcinoma cells via the inactivation of AKT/mTOR/GSK3β signaling, probably by binding to AKT and mTOR, and inhibiting their phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Mao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Yin
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenya Chen
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingxiu Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaofeng Wu
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - He Jin
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Biaoyan Du
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhui Tan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren Zhang
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China.,Research Center for Integrative Medicine of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli He
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China.,Research Center for Integrative Medicine of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
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Cortesi M, Liverani C, Mercatali L, Ibrahim T, Giordano E. Computational models to explore the complexity of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in cancer. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2020; 12:e1488. [PMID: 32208556 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological process that plays a key role in cancer progression and metastasis formation. Its activation results in epithelial cells losing adhesion and polarity and becoming capable of migrating from their site of origin. At this step the disease is generally considered incurable. As EMT execution involves several individual molecular components, connected by nontrivial relations, in vitro techniques are often inadequate to capture its complexity. Computational models can be used to complement experiments and provide additional knowledge difficult to build up in a wetlab. Indeed in silico analysis gives the user total control on the system, allowing to identify the contribution of each independent element. In the following, two kinds of approaches to the computational study of EMT will be presented. The first relies on signal transduction networks description and details how changes in gene expression could influence this process, both focusing on specific aspects of the EMT and providing a general frame for this phenomenon easily comparable with experimental data. The second integrates single cell and population level descriptions in a multiscale model that can be considered a more accurate representation of the EMT. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach will be highlighted, together with the importance of coupling computational and experimental results. Finally, the main challenges that need to be addressed to improve our knowledge of the role of EMT in the neoplastic disease and the scientific and translational value of computational models in this respect will be presented. This article is categorized under: Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Cortesi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering "S. Cavalcanti", Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi" (DEI), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Chiara Liverani
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Laura Mercatali
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Toni Ibrahim
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Emanuele Giordano
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering "S. Cavalcanti", Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi" (DEI), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy.,BioEngLab, Health Science and Technology, Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-CIRI), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Advanced Research Center on Electronic Systems (ARCES), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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12
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Girardi D, Barrichello A, Fernandes G, Pereira A. Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020153. [PMID: 30759860 PMCID: PMC6406365 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog pathway (HhP) plays an important role in normal embryonic development and its abnormal function has been linked to a variety of neoplasms. Recently, the complex mechanisms involved in this pathway have been deciphered and the cross talks with other important pathways involved in carcinogenesis have been characterized. This knowledge has led to the development of targeted therapies against key components of HhP, which culminated in the approval of vismodegib for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma in 2012. Since then, other compounds have been developed and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies with interesting results. Today, several medications against components of the HhP have demonstrated clinical activity as monotherapies and in combination with cytotoxic treatment or other targeted therapies against mitogenic pathways that are linked to the HhP. This review aims to clarify the mechanism of the HhP and the complex crosstalk with others pathways involved in carcinogenesis and to discuss both the evidence associated with the growing number of medications and combined therapies addressing this pathway and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Girardi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Adriana Barrichello
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo Fernandes
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Allan Pereira
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
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Ponicidin inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of colorectal cancer cells via suppressing the AKT/GSK-3β/Snail pathway. Inflammopharmacology 2018; 27:627-638. [PMID: 30244296 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-018-0534-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ponicidin (PON), a natural diterpenoid compound, has been shown to exhibit potent anticancer activities in a wide variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms underlying the anti-metastasis effect of PON have not yet been completely defined. The present study was designed to uncover the inhibitory effect of PON on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion of HCT116 cells induced by pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in vitro, and liver metastasis in vivo. Briefly, cell proliferation was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, followed by wound healing and transwell assays to evaluate cell migration and invasion. The EMT-related molecular markers were determined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), immunofluorescence (IF), western blot (WB), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Additionally, WB was used to assess the expression of AKT, phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), GSK-3β, and phosphorylated GSK-3β (p-GSK-3β). As a result, PON could effectively suppress EMT, migration, and invasion in HCT116 cells in vitro, and liver metastasis of HCT116 cells in vivo. Additionally, PON administration also dramatically altered the expression of EMT-associated markers such as E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin, and suppressed the expression of p-AKT, p-GSK-3β and transcription factor, Snail in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the incidence of liver metastasis in the control group was 100% and although the incidence of liver metastasis did not decrease, the number of metastatic nodules in the livers of each PON dose group decreased by (34 ± 4.2)%, (64 ± 3.6)%, and (76 ± 5.3)%, respectively, compared to the control group. Collectively, these findings indicated that targeting the AKT/GSK-3β/Snail pathway by PON might be a promising treatment for TNF-α-induced EMT and metastasis of CRC.
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Huang YX, Song H, Tao Y, Shao XB, Zeng XS, Xu XL, Qi JL, Sun JF. Ovostatin 2 knockdown significantly inhibits the growth, migration, and tumorigenicity of cutaneous malignant melanoma cells. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195610. [PMID: 29684087 PMCID: PMC5912766 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously identified ovostatin 2 (OVOS2) as a new candidate gene for cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) in a Chinese population. In this study, we aimed to investigate the exact role of OVOS2 in cell proliferation, invasion, and tumorigenesis of melanoma A375 cells. METHODS The downregulation of OVOS2 expression was performed using lentiviral vectors with specific shRNA. The effects of OVOS2 expression on cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell migration, cell invasion, and potential of tumorigenesis were further investigated. RESULTS The downregulation of OVOS2 significantly suppressed the proliferation of A375 cells and led to a G2/M phase block. The transwell cell migration assay showed that the reduced expression of OVOS2 also significantly inhibited the transmigration of A375 cells. The western blot results showed downregulated expression of p-FAK, p-AKT, and p-ERK. This was accompanied by the upregulated epithelial phenotypes E-cadherin and β-catenin, and downregulated expression of mesenchymal phenotype N-cadherin after OVOS2 knockdown. The transplantation tumor experiment in BALB/C nude mouse showed that after an observation period of 32 days, the growth speed and weight of the transplanted tumors were significantly suppressed in the BALB/c nude mice subcutaneously injected with OVOS2 knocked-down A375 cells. CONCLUSION The inhibition of OVOS2 had significant suppressive effects on the proliferation, motility, and migration capabilities of A375 cells, suggesting a crucial promotive role of OVOS2 in the pathogenesis and progression of CMM. The involved mechanisms are at least partly associated with the overactivation of FAK/MAPK/ERK and FAK/PI3K/AKT signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Xue Huang
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, P. R. China
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, P. R. China
| | - Hao Song
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Yue Tao
- Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xue-Bao Shao
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xue-Si Zeng
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Xiu-Lian Xu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Liang Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Fang Sun
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Nanjing, P. R. China
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Viotti M, Wilson C, McCleland M, Koeppen H, Haley B, Jhunjhunwala S, Klijn C, Modrusan Z, Arnott D, Classon M, Stephan JP, Mellman I. SUV420H2 is an epigenetic regulator of epithelial/mesenchymal states in pancreatic cancer. J Cell Biol 2017; 217:763-777. [PMID: 29229751 PMCID: PMC5800801 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201705031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is implicated in metastasis. Viotti et al. show that the histone methyltransferase SUV420H2 favors the mesenchymal identity in pancreatic tumor cells by silencing key drivers of the epithelial state. High levels of SUV420H2 also correlate with a loss of epithelial characteristics in invasive cancer. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is implicated in metastasis, where carcinoma cells lose sessile epithelial traits and acquire mesenchymal migratory potential. The mesenchymal state is also associated with cancer stem cells and resistance to chemotherapy. It might therefore be therapeutically beneficial to promote epithelial identity in cancer. Because large-scale cell identity shifts are often orchestrated on an epigenetic level, we screened for candidate epigenetic factors and identified the histone methyltransferase SUV420H2 (KMT5C) as favoring the mesenchymal identity in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Through its repressive mark H4K20me3, SUV420H2 silences several key drivers of the epithelial state. Its knockdown elicited mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition on a molecular and functional level, and cells displayed decreased stemness and increased drug sensitivity. An analysis of human pancreatic cancer biopsies was concordant with these findings, because high levels of SUV420H2 correlated with a loss of epithelial characteristics in progressively invasive cancer. Together, these data indicate that SUV420H2 is an upstream epigenetic regulator of epithelial/mesenchymal state control.
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Park MJ, Lee DE, Shim MK, Jang EH, Lee JK, Jeong SY, Kim JH. Piperlongumine inhibits TGF-β-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by modulating the expression of E-cadherin, Snail1, and Twist1. Eur J Pharmacol 2017; 812:243-249. [PMID: 28734931 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a life-threatening disease, and the occurrence of metastasis, which increases the lethality of primary tumors, is increasing. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process by which epithelial cells lose cell-cell adhesion properties and acquire mesenchymal properties, including motility and invasiveness. EMT is considered an early stage of metastasis; therefore, inhibiting EMT may be an effective anticancer therapy. In the present study, the antimetastatic effect of piperlongumine (PL) was assessed in human cancer cells. PL is a single component isolated from long pepper (Piper longum) and it has been studied for its antibacterial, antiangiogenic, and antidiabetic activities. Migration assays (wound healing assay) and transwell invasion assays showed that PL inhibited the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Western blotting and immunofluorescence imaging showed that TGF-β upregulated the transcription factors Snail1 and Twist1 and downregulated E-cadherin, a marker of epithelial cells, inducing EMT. PL might inhibit TGF-β-induced EMT by downregulating Snail1 and Twist1 and upregulating E-cadherin in cancer cells. In summary, PL might inhibit TGF-β-induced EMT, suggesting that it is a promising anticancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Ju Park
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Eun Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Kyu Shim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hyang Jang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Kil Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Seo Young Jeong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Ho Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Hong D, Park MJ, Jang EH, Jung B, Kim NJ, Kim JH. Hispolon as an inhibitor of TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human epithelial cancer cells by co-regulation of TGF-β-Snail/Twist axis. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:4866-4872. [PMID: 29085494 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hispolon (HPL), isolated from Phellinus linteus, has been used to treat various types of pathology, including inflammation, gastroenteric disorders, lymphatic diseases and numerous cancer subtypes. HPL has previously been reported to demonstrate a significant therapeutic efficacy against various types of cancer cells, including melanoma, leukemia, hepatocarcinoma, bladder and gastric cancer cells. However, its potential role in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has not been demonstrated. The present study investigated the effects of HPL on the EMT. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) induced enhanced cell migration and invasion, EMT-associated phenotypic changes. In the present study, HPL recovered the reduction of E-cadherin expression level in TGF-β treated cancer cells, which was regulated by the expression of Snail and Twist. HPL downregulated Snail and Twist, an effect that was enhanced by TGF-β. These findings provide novel evidence that HPL suppresses cancer cell migration and invasion by inhibiting EMT. Therefore, HPL may be a potent anticancer agent, inhibiting metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darong Hong
- Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ju Park
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hyang Jang
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Bom Jung
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Jung Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Ho Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
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Walimbe T, Panitch A, Sivasankar MP. An in vitro scaffold-free epithelial-fibroblast coculture model for the larynx. Laryngoscope 2016; 127:E185-E192. [PMID: 27859361 DOI: 10.1002/lary.26388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Revised: 08/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Physiologically relevant, well-characterized in vitro vocal fold coculture models are needed to test the effects of various challenges and therapeutics on vocal fold physiology. We characterize a healthy state coculture model, created by using bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells and immortalized vocal fold fibroblasts. We also demonstrate that this model can be induced into a fibroplastic state to overexpress stress fibers using TGFβ1. STUDY DESIGN In vitro. METHODS Cell metabolic activity of immortalized human vocal fold fibroblasts incubated in different medium combinations was confirmed with an MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. Fibroblasts were grown to confluence, and primary bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells suspended in coculture medium were seeded directly over the base layer of the fibroblasts. Cells were treated with transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) to induce myofibroblast formation. Cell shape and position were confirmed by live cell tracking, fibrosis was confirmed by probing for α smooth muscle actin (αSMA), and phenotype was confirmed by immunostaining for vimentin and E-cadherin. RESULTS Fibroblasts retain metabolic activity in coculture epithelial medium. Live cell imaging revealed a layer of epithelial cells atop fibroblasts. αSMA expression was enhanced in TGFβ1-treated cells, confirming that both cell types maintained a healthy phenotype in coculture, and can be induced into overexpressing stress fibers. Vimentin and E-cadherin immunostaining show that cells retain phenotype in coculture. CONCLUSIONS These data lay effective groundwork for a functional coculture model that retains the reproducibility necessary to serve as a viable diagnostic and therapeutic screening platform. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 127:E185-E192, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanaya Walimbe
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A
| | - Alyssa Panitch
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A
| | - M Preeti Sivasankar
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A.,Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A
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DMXL2 drives epithelial to mesenchymal transition in hormonal therapy resistant breast cancer through Notch hyper-activation. Oncotarget 2016; 6:22467-79. [PMID: 26093085 PMCID: PMC4673176 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The acquisition of endocrine therapy resistance in estrogen receptor α (ERα) breast cancer patients represents a major clinical problem. Notch signalling has been extensively linked to breast cancer especially in patients who fail to respond to endocrine therapy. Following activation, Notch intracellular domain is released and enters the nucleus where activates transcription of target genes. The numerous steps that cascade after activation of the receptor complicate using Notch as biomarker. Hence, this warrants the development of reliable indicators of Notch activity. DMXL2 is a novel regulator of Notch signalling not yet investigated in breast cancer. Here, we demonstrate that DMXL2 is overexpressed in a subset of endocrine therapy resistant breast cancer cell lines where it promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition through hyper-activation of Notch signalling via V-ATPase dependent acidification. Following DMXL2 depletion or treatment with Bafilomycin A1, both EMT targets and Notch signalling pathway significantly decrease. We show for the first time that DMXL2 protein levels are significantly increased in ERα positive breast cancer patients that progress after endocrine therapy. Finally, we demonstrate that DMXL2 is a transmembrane protein with a potential extra-cellular domain. These findings identify DMXL2 as a novel, functional biomarker for ERα positive breast cancer.
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Gan GN, Jimeno A. Emerging from their burrow: Hedgehog pathway inhibitors for cancer. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2016; 25:1153-66. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2016.1216973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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21
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Dinicola S, Fabrizi G, Masiello MG, Proietti S, Palombo A, Minini M, Harrath AH, Alwasel SH, Ricci G, Catizone A, Cucina A, Bizzarri M. Inositol induces mesenchymal-epithelial reversion in breast cancer cells through cytoskeleton rearrangement. Exp Cell Res 2016; 345:37-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Horejs CM. Basement membrane fragments in the context of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Eur J Cell Biol 2016; 95:427-440. [PMID: 27397693 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) enables cells of epithelial phenotype to become motile and change to a migratory mesenchymal phenotype. EMT is known to be a fundamental requisite for tissue morphogenesis, and EMT-related pathways have been described in cancer metastasis and tissue fibrosis. Epithelial structures are marked by the presence of a sheet-like extracellular matrix, the basement membrane, which is assembled from two major proteins, laminin and collagen type IV. This specialized matrix is essential for tissue function and integrity, and provides an important barrier to the potential pathogenic migration of cells. The profound phenotypic transition in EMT involves the epithelial cells disrupting the basement membrane. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are known to cleave components of basement membranes, but MMP-basement membrane crosstalk during EMT in vivo is poorly understood. However, MMPs have been reported to play a role in EMT-related processes and a variety of basement membrane fragments have been shown to be released by specific MMPs in vitro and in vivo exhibiting distinct biological activities. This review discusses general considerations regarding the basement membrane in the context of EMT, a possible role for specific MMPs in EMT and highlights biologically active basement membrane fragments liberated by MMPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine-Maria Horejs
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Scheeles vaeg 2, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in Aggressive Lung Cancers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2015; 890:37-56. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-24932-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Xu W, Yang Z, Lu N. A new role for the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cell Adh Migr 2015; 9:317-24. [PMID: 26241004 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2015.1016686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 438] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is not only a sign of disease severity but also a major factor causing treatment failure and cancer-related death. Therefore, studies on the molecular mechanisms of tumor metastasis are critical for the development of treatments and for the improvement of survival. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an orderly, polygenic biological process that plays an important role in tumor cell invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. The complex, multi-step process of EMT involves multiple regulatory mechanisms. Specifically, the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway can affect the EMT in a variety of ways to influence tumor aggressiveness. A better understanding of the regulatory mechanisms related to the EMT can provide a theoretical basis for the early prediction of tumor progression as well as targeted therapy.
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Key Words
- CK, cytokeratin
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EMT
- EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- FGF, fibroblast growth factor
- GSK-3β, glycogen synthase kinase 3 β
- ILK, integrin-linked kinase
- MDR, multidrug resistance
- MET, mesenchymal-epithelial transition
- PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor
- PDK1, 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1
- PI3K, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase
- PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
- PKA, protein kinase A
- PKB, protein kinase B
- PKC, protein kinase C
- TGF-β, transforming growth factor-β
- TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α
- YB-1, Y-box binding protein-1
- anti-cancer therapy
- bHLH, basic helix-loop-helix protein
- extracellular matrix
- transcription factors
- tumor aggressiveness
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenting Xu
- a Department of Gastroenterology ; The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University ; Nanchang , Jiangxi , China
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Slug-dependent upregulation of L1CAM is responsible for the increased invasion potential of pancreatic cancer cells following long-term 5-FU treatment. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0123684. [PMID: 25860483 PMCID: PMC4393253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0123684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a lethal disease with 5-year survival of less than 5%. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a principal first-line therapy, but treatment only extends survival modestly and is seldom curative. Drug resistance and disease recurrence is typical and there is a pressing need to overcome this. To investigate acquired 5-FU resistance in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, we established chemoresistant monoclonal cell lines from the Panc 03.27 cell line by long-term exposure to increasing doses of 5-FU. Results 5-FU-resistant cell lines exhibited increased expression of markers associated with multidrug resistance explaining their reduced sensitivity to 5-FU. In addition, 5-FU-resistant cell lines showed alterations typical for an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), including upregulation of mesenchymal markers and increased invasiveness. Microarray analysis revealed the L1CAM pathway as one of the most upregulated pathways in the chemoresistant clones, and a significant upregulation of L1CAM was seen on the RNA and protein level. In pancreatic cancer, expression of L1CAM is associated with a chemoresistant and migratory phenotype. Using esiRNA targeting L1CAM, or by blocking the extracellular part of L1CAM with antibodies, we show that the increased invasiveness observed in the chemoresistant cells functionally depends on L1CAM. Using esiRNA targeting β-catenin and/or Slug, we demonstrate that in the chemoresistant cell lines, L1CAM expression depends on Slug rather than β-catenin. Conclusion Our findings establish Slug-induced L1CAM expression as a mediator of a chemoresistant and migratory phenotype in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells.
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A role for calcium in the regulation of ATP-binding cassette, sub-family C, member 3 (ABCC3) gene expression in a model of epidermal growth factor-mediated breast cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 458:509-514. [PMID: 25666946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.01.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process implicated in cancer metastasis, is associated with the transcriptional regulation of members of the ATP-binding cassette superfamily of efflux pumps, and drug resistance in breast cancer cells. Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced EMT in MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells is calcium signal dependent. In this study induction of EMT was shown to result in the transcriptional up-regulation of ATP-binding cassette, subfamily C, member 3 (ABCC3), a member of the ABC transporter superfamily, which has a recognized role in multidrug resistance. Buffering of cytosolic free calcium inhibited EGF-mediated ABCC3 increases, indicating a calcium-dependent mode of regulation. Silencing of TRPM7 (an ion channel involved in EMT associated vimentin induction) did not inhibit ABCC3 up-regulation. Silencing of the store operated calcium entry (SOCE) pathway components ORAI1 and STIM1 also did not alter ABCC3 induction by EGF. However, the calcium permeable ion channel transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily C, member 1 (TRPC1) appears to contribute to the regulation of both basal and EGF-induced ABCC3 mRNA. Improved understanding of the relationship between calcium signaling, EMT and the regulation of genes important in therapeutic resistance may help identify novel therapeutic targets for breast cancer.
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Du R, Wu S, Lv X, Fang H, Wu S, Kang J. Overexpression of brachyury contributes to tumor metastasis by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2014; 33:105. [PMID: 25499255 PMCID: PMC4279691 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-014-0105-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Aims Brachyury overexpression has been reported in various human malignant neoplasms, but its expression and function in hepatocellular carcinoma progression and metastasis remains unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the critical role of Brachyury in HCC metastasis. Methods The expression of Brachyury in human HCC (SMMC7721, HepG2, FHCC98, and Hep3B) and control cell lines was analyzed using quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoflourence methods. Cancerous tissues collected from patients with HCC (n = 112) were analyzed using immunohistochemical method; a microarray analysis of HCC tissues was performed to explore the clinicopathological variables of HCC. The migratory and invasive capacities of Brachyury-SMMC7721 and Brachyury-HepG2 transfected cells were evaluated using in vitro scratch wound healing and Matrigel invasion assays, respectively. Further, six-week-old male BALB/c nude mice (n = 10) model was used in vivo assay. Results Elevated expression of Brachyury was detected in HCCs (62.5%) compared with that in adjacent nontumorous tissues. Clinicopathological analysis revealed a close correlation of Brachyury expression with distant metastasis and poor prognosis of HCC. Overexpression of Brachyury promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis of HCC cells in vitro and in vivo. Brachyury overexpression enhanced Akt activation by inhibiting phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), which led to subsequent stabilization of Snail, a critical EMT mediator. Conclusion The study findings suggest that elevated Brachyury facilitates HCC metastasis by promoting EMT via PTEN/Akt/Snail-dependent pathway. Brachyury plays a pivotal role in HCC metastasis and may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Du
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shanshan Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoning Lv
- Department of Aviation and Diving, Navy General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Henghu Fang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sudong Wu
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jingbo Kang
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Integrative Oncology, Navy General Hospital, 6# Fu Cheng Road, Beijing, 100037, People's Republic of China.
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