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Li CJ, Tzeng YDT, Hsiao JH, Tseng LM, Hsu TS, Chu PY. Spatial and single-cell explorations uncover prognostic significance and immunological functions of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in breast cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:140. [PMID: 38632642 PMCID: PMC11022417 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03327-z] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) is a transmembrane protein facilitating the entry of calcium ions into mitochondria from the cell cytosol. Maintaining calcium balance is crucial for enhancing cellular energy supply and regulating cell death. The interplay of calcium balance through MCU and the sodium-calcium exchanger is known, but its regulation in the breast cancer tumor microenvironment remains elusive. Further investigations are warranted to explore MCU's potential in BRCA clinical pathology, tumor immune microenvironment, and precision oncology. Our study, employing a multi-omics approach, identifies MCU as an independent diagnostic biomarker for breast cancer (BRCA), correlated with advanced clinical status and poor overall survival. Utilizing public datasets from GEO and TCGA, we discern differentially expressed genes in BRCA and examine their associations with immune gene expression, overall survival, tumor stage, gene mutation status, and infiltrating immune cells. Spatial transcriptomics is employed to investigate MCU gene expression in various regions of BRCA, while spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing methods explore the correlation between MCUs and immune cells. Our findings are validated through the analysis of 59 BRCA patient samples, utilizing immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics to examine the relationship between MCU expression, clinicopathological features, and prognosis. The study uncovers the expression of key gene regulators in BRCA associated with genetic variations, deletions, and the tumor microenvironment. Mutations in these regulators positively correlate with different immune cells in six immune datasets, playing a pivotal role in immune cell infiltration in BRCA. Notably, high MCU performance is linked to CD8 + T cells infiltration in BRCA. Furthermore, pharmacogenomic analysis of BRCA cell lines indicates that MCU inactivation is associated with increased sensitivity to specific small molecule drugs. Our findings suggest that MCU alterations may be linked to BRCA progression, unveiling new diagnostic and prognostic implications for MCU in BRCA. The study underscores MCU's role in the tumor immune microenvironment and cell cycle progression, positioning it as a potential tool for BRCA precision medicine and drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, 813, Taiwan
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Dun Tony Tzeng
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, 813, Taiwan
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Hu Hsiao
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Minsheng Hospital, Kaohsiung, 802, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Ming Tseng
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Sheng Hsu
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Life Sciences and Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yi Chu
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, 402, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, 242, Taiwan.
- Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, 500, Taiwan.
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan, 704, Taiwan.
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Chang R, Tsui KH, Pan LF, Li CJ. Spatial and single-cell analyses uncover links between ALKBH1 and tumor-associated macrophages in gastric cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:57. [PMID: 38317214 PMCID: PMC10845659 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03232-5] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AlkB homolog 1, histone H2A dioxygenase (ALKBH1), a crucial enzyme involved in RNA demethylation in humans, plays a significant role in various cellular processes. While its role in tumor progression is well-established, its specific contribution to stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) remains elusive. This study seeks to explore the clinical and pathological relevance of ALKBH1, its impact on the tumor immune microenvironment, and its potential for precision oncology in STAD. METHODS We adopted a comprehensive multi-omics approach to identify ALKBH1 as an potential diagnostic biomarker for STAD, demonstrating its association with advanced clinical stages and reduced overall survival rates. Our analysis involved the utilization of publicly available datasets from GEO and TCGA. We identified differentially expressed genes in STAD and scrutinized their relationships with immune gene expression, overall survival, tumor stage, gene mutation profiles, and infiltrating immune cells. Moreover, we employed spatial transcriptomics to investigate ALKBH1 expression across distinct regions of STAD. Additionally, we conducted spatial transcriptomic and single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses to elucidate the correlation between ALKBH1 expression and immune cell populations. Our findings were validated through immunohistochemistry and bioinformatics on 60 STAD patient samples. RESULTS Our study unveiled crucial gene regulators in STAD linked with genetic variations, deletions, and the tumor microenvironment. Mutations in these regulators demonstrated a positive association with distinct immune cell populations across six immune datasets, exerting a substantial influence on immune cell infiltration in STAD. Furthermore, we established a connection between elevated ALKBH1 expression and macrophage infiltration in STAD. Pharmacogenomic analysis of gastric cancer cell lines further indicated that ALKBH1 inactivation correlated with heightened sensitivity to specific small-molecule drugs. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our study highlights the potential role of ALKBH1 alterations in the advancement of STAD, shedding light on novel diagnostic and prognostic applications of ALKBH1 in this context. We underscore the significance of ALKBH1 within the tumor immune microenvironment, suggesting its utility as a precision medicine tool and for drug screening in the management of STAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renin Chang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Recreation and Sports Management, Tajen University, Pingtung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, 114, Taiwan
| | - Li-Fei Pan
- Department of General Affair Office, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, 813, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Tzeng YDT, Hsiao JH, Chu PY, Tseng LM, Hou MF, Tsang YL, Shao AN, Sheu JJC, Li CJ. The role of LSM1 in breast cancer: Shaping metabolism and tumor-associated macrophage infiltration. Pharmacol Res 2023; 198:107008. [PMID: 37995895 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.107008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
LSM1 is part of the cytoplasmic protein complex Lsm1-7-Pat1 and is likely involved in pre-mRNA degradation by aiding U4/U6 snRNP formation. More research is needed to uncover LSM1's potential in breast cancer (BRCA) clinical pathology, the tumor immune microenvironment, and precision oncology. We discovered LSM1 as a diagnostic marker for advanced BRCA with poor survival, using a multi-omics approach. We studied LSM1 expression across BRCA regions and its link to immune cells through various methods, including spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing. We also examined how silencing LSM1 affects mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in the tumor environment. These findings were confirmed using 54 BRCA patient biopsies and tissue microarrays. Immunofluorescence and bioinformatics assessed LSM1's connection to clinicopathological features and prognosis. This study uncovers gene patterns linked to breast cancer, with LSM1 linked to macrophage energy processes. Silencing LSM1 in breast cancer cells disrupts mitochondria and energy metabolism. Spatial analysis aligns with previous results, showing LSM1's connection to macrophages. Biopsies confirm LSM1 elevation in advanced breast cancer with increased macrophage presence. To summarize, LSM1 changes may drive BRCA progression, making it a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker. It also influences energy metabolism and the tumor's immune environment during metastasis, showing promise for precision medicine and drug screening in BRCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Dun Tony Tzeng
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Hu Hsiao
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Municipal Minsheng Hospital, Kaohsiung 802, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yi Chu
- Department of Pathology, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 500, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Ming Tseng
- School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Division of Breast Surgery, Department of Surgery, Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Tsang
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry and Cells in Motion Interfaculty Centre (CiMIC), University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ai-Ning Shao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Jim Jinn-Chyuan Sheu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan; Institute of BioPharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan.
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De Rasmo D, Cormio A, Cormio G, Signorile A. Ovarian Cancer: A Landscape of Mitochondria with Emphasis on Mitochondrial Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021224. [PMID: 36674740 PMCID: PMC9865899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) represents the main cause of death from gynecological malignancies in western countries. Altered cellular and mitochondrial metabolism are considered hallmarks in cancer disease. Several mitochondrial aspects have been found altered in OC, such as the oxidative phosphorylation system, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dynamics. Mitochondrial dynamics includes cristae remodeling, fusion, and fission processes forming a dynamic mitochondrial network. Alteration of mitochondrial dynamics is associated with metabolic change in tumour development and, in particular, the mitochondrial shaping proteins appear also to be responsible for the chemosensitivity and/or chemoresistance in OC. In this review a focus on the mitochondrial dynamics in OC cells is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico De Rasmo
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnology (IBIOM), National Research Council (CNR), 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Cormio
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Signorile
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence:
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KLHL14: A Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Ovarian Cancer. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:9799346. [PMID: 36046368 PMCID: PMC9423958 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9799346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OV) is a gynaecological malignancy that poses a serious risk to the health status of women. To date, effective molecular markers are unavailable for the diagnosis and management of ovarian malignancies. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular markers associated with the development of this cancer. We used bioinformatic analysis to determine the molecules and genes related to ovarian cancer using the gene expression profiling interactive analysis (GEPIA) and the cancer genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. In addition, we examined the genes and mechanisms underlying ovarian cancer. Our results showed that the KLHL14 gene is overexpressed in some cancers. An increase in the KLHL14 expression indicates a poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer. Results of immune cell infiltration analysis and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) analysis provide novel insights into the treatment of ovarian cancer. KLHL14 is anticipated to emerge as a novel molecular marker specifically for ovarian carcinoma.
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