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Freitas LAB, Sousa C, Lima BS, Duarte D, Gomes PATDM, Ramos CGC, Costa VDCM, Pitta MGDR, Rêgo MJBDM, de Simone CA, Videira M, Leite ACL. Thiazolyl-isatin derivatives: Synthesis, in silico studies, in vitro biological profile against breast cancer cells, mRNA expression, P-gp modulation, and interactions of Akt2 and VIM proteins. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 394:110954. [PMID: 38518852 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.110954] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The literature reports that thiazole and isatin nuclei present a range of biological activities, with an emphasis on anticancer activity. Therefore, our proposal was to make a series of compounds using the molecular hybridization strategy, which has been used by our research group, producing hybrid molecules containing the thiazole and isatin nuclei. After structural planning and synthesis, the compounds were characterized and evaluated in vitro against breast cancer cell lines (T-47D, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) and against normal cells (PBMC). The activity profile on membrane proteins involved in chemoresistance and tumorigenic signaling proteins was also evaluated. Among the compounds tested, the compounds 4c and 4a stood out with IC50 values of 1.23 and 1.39 μM, respectively, against the MDA-MB-231 cell line. Both compounds exhibited IC50 values of 0.45 μM for the MCF-7 cell line. Compounds 4a and 4c significantly decreased P-gp mRNA expression levels in MCF-7, 4 and 2 folds respectively. Regarding the impact on tumorigenic signaling proteins, compound 4a inhibited Akt2 in MDA-MB-231 and compound 4c inhibited the mRNA expression of VIM in MCF-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Alberto Barros Freitas
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50740-520, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Carolina Sousa
- Pharmacological and Regulatory Sciences Group (PharmRegSci), Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Silva Lima
- Pharmacological and Regulatory Sciences Group (PharmRegSci), Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Denise Duarte
- Global Health and Tropical Medicine, GHTM, Associate Laboratory in Translation and Innovation Towards Global Health, LA-REAL, Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, IHMT, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, UNL, 1349-008, Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Camila Gabriela Costa Ramos
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50740-520, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Maira Galdino da Rocha Pitta
- Núcleo de Pesquisa em Inovação Terapêutica Suely Galdino, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50670-901, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Carlos Alberto de Simone
- Departamento de Física e Informática, Instituto de Física de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Mafalda Videira
- Pharmacological and Regulatory Sciences Group (PharmRegSci), Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Lima Leite
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, 50740-520, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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Khan AQ, Hasan A, Mir SS, Rashid K, Uddin S, Steinhoff M. Exploiting transcription factors to target EMT and cancer stem cells for tumor modulation and therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2024; 100:1-16. [PMID: 38503384 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2024.03.002] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) are essential in controlling gene regulatory networks that determine cellular fate during embryogenesis and tumor development. TFs are the major players in promoting cancer stemness by regulating the function of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Understanding how TFs interact with their downstream targets for determining cell fate during embryogenesis and tumor development is a critical area of research. CSCs are increasingly recognized for their significance in tumorigenesis and patient prognosis, as they play a significant role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance. However, traditional therapies have limited effectiveness in eliminating this subset of cells, allowing CSCs to persist and potentially form secondary tumors. Recent studies have revealed that cancer cells and tumors with CSC-like features also exhibit genes related to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT-associated transcription factors (EMT-TFs) like TWIST and Snail/Slug can upregulate EMT-related genes and reprogram cancer cells into a stem-like phenotype. Importantly, the regulation of EMT-TFs, particularly through post-translational modifications (PTMs), plays a significant role in cancer metastasis and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. PTMs, including phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and SUMOylation, can alter the stability, localization, and activity of EMT-TFs, thereby modulating their ability to drive EMT and stemness properties in cancer cells. Although targeting EMT-TFs holds potential in tackling CSCs, current pharmacological approaches to do so directly are unavailable. Therefore, this review aims to explore the role of EMT- and CSC-TFs, their connection and impact in cellular development and cancer, emphasizing the potential of TF networks as targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Q Khan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
| | - Adria Hasan
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Snober S Mir
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Integral Information and Research Centre-4 (IIRC-4), Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India
| | - Khalid Rashid
- Department of Urology,Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E Superior Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Integral University, Kursi Road, Lucknow 226026, India; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, 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 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
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Mahdi-Esferizi R, Shiasi Z, Heidari R, Najafi A, Mahmoudi I, Elahian F, Tahmasebian S. Single-cell transcriptional signature-based drug repurposing and in vitro evaluation in colorectal cancer. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:371. [PMID: 38528462 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12142-8] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The need for intelligent and effective treatment of diseases and the increase in drug design costs have raised drug repurposing as one of the effective strategies in biomedicine. There are various computational methods for drug repurposing, one of which is using transcription signatures, especially single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, which show us a clear and comprehensive view of the inside of the cell to compare the state of disease and health. METHODS In this study, we used 91,103 scRNA-seq samples from 29 patients with colorectal cancer (GSE144735 and GSE132465). First, differential gene expression (DGE) analysis was done using the ASAP website. Then we reached a list of drugs that can reverse the gene signature pattern from cancer to normal using the iLINCS website. Further, by searching various databases and articles, we found 12 drugs that have FDA approval, and so far, no one has reported them as a drug in the treatment of any cancer. Then, to evaluate the cytotoxicity and performance of these drugs, the MTT assay and real-time PCR were performed on two colorectal cancer cell lines (HT29 and HCT116). RESULTS According to our approach, 12 drugs were suggested for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Four drugs were selected for biological evaluation. The results of the cytotoxicity analysis of these drugs are as follows: tezacaftor (IC10 = 19 µM for HCT-116 and IC10 = 2 µM for HT-29), fenticonazole (IC10 = 17 µM for HCT-116 and IC10 = 7 µM for HT-29), bempedoic acid (IC10 = 78 µM for HCT-116 and IC10 = 65 µM for HT-29), and famciclovir (IC10 = 422 µM for HCT-116 and IC10 = 959 µM for HT-29). CONCLUSIONS Cost, time, and effectiveness are the main challenges in finding new drugs for diseases. Computational approaches such as transcriptional signature-based drug repurposing methods open new horizons to solve these challenges. In this study, tezacaftor, fenticonazole, and bempedoic acid can be introduced as promising drug candidates for the treatment of colorectal cancer. These drugs were evaluated in silico and in vitro, but it is necessary to evaluate them in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohallah Mahdi-Esferizi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Zahra Shiasi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Razieh Heidari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Ali Najafi
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Systems Biology and Poisonings Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Issa Mahmoudi
- Information Technology Department, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Elahian
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Shahram Tahmasebian
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
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Martínez-Campa C, Álvarez-García V, Alonso-González C, González A, Cos S. Melatonin and Its Role in the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:956. [PMID: 38473317 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050956] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell-biological program that occurs during the progression of several physiological processes and that can also take place during pathological situations such as carcinogenesis. The EMT program consists of the sequential activation of a number of intracellular signaling pathways aimed at driving epithelial cells toward the acquisition of a series of intermediate phenotypic states arrayed along the epithelial-mesenchymal axis. These phenotypic features include changes in the motility, conformation, polarity and functionality of cancer cells, ultimately leading cells to stemness, increased invasiveness, chemo- and radioresistance and the formation of cancer metastasis. Amongst the different existing types of the EMT, type 3 is directly involved in carcinogenesis. A type 3 EMT occurs in neoplastic cells that have previously acquired genetic and epigenetic alterations, specifically affecting genes involved in promoting clonal outgrowth and invasion. Markers such as E-cadherin; N-cadherin; vimentin; and transcription factors (TFs) like Twist, Snail and ZEB are considered key molecules in the transition. The EMT process is also regulated by microRNA expression. Many miRNAs have been reported to repress EMT-TFs. Thus, Snail 1 is repressed by miR-29, miR-30a and miR-34a; miR-200b downregulates Slug; and ZEB1 and ZEB2 are repressed by miR-200 and miR-205, respectively. Occasionally, some microRNA target genes act downstream of the EMT master TFs; thus, Twist1 upregulates the levels of miR-10b. Melatonin is an endogenously produced hormone released mainly by the pineal gland. It is widely accepted that melatonin exerts oncostatic actions in a large variety of tumors, inhibiting the initiation, progression and invasion phases of tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanisms underlying these inhibitory actions are complex and involve a great number of processes. In this review, we will focus our attention on the ability of melatonin to regulate some key EMT-related markers, transcription factors and micro-RNAs, summarizing the multiple ways by which this hormone can regulate the EMT. Since melatonin has no known toxic side effects and is also known to help overcome drug resistance, it is a good candidate to be considered as an adjuvant drug to conventional cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Martínez-Campa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Virginia Álvarez-García
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Carolina Alonso-González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Alicia González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Samuel Cos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
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Wang J, Ford JC, Mitra AK. Defining the Role of Metastasis-Initiating Cells in Promoting Carcinogenesis in Ovarian Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1492. [PMID: 38132318 PMCID: PMC10740540 DOI: 10.3390/biology12121492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy with a high prevalence of transcoelomic metastasis. Metastasis is a multi-step process and only a small percentage of cancer cells, metastasis-initiating cells (MICs), have the capacity to finally establish metastatic lesions. These MICs maintain a certain level of stemness that allows them to differentiate into other cell types with distinct transcriptomic profiles and swiftly adapt to external stresses. Furthermore, they can coordinate with the microenvironment, through reciprocal interactions, to invade and establish metastases. Therefore, identifying, characterizing, and targeting MICs is a promising strategy to counter the spread of ovarian cancer. In this review, we provided an overview of OC MICs in the context of characterization, identification through cell surface markers, and their interactions with the metastatic niche to promote metastatic colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - James C. Ford
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
| | - Anirban K. Mitra
- Indiana University School of Medicine-Bloomington, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; (J.W.); (J.C.F.)
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Farahzadi R, Valipour B, Fathi E, Pirmoradi S, Molavi O, Montazersaheb S, Sanaat Z. Oxidative stress regulation and related metabolic pathways in epithelial-mesenchymal transition of breast cancer stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:342. [PMID: 38017510 PMCID: PMC10685711 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03571-6] [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: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cell remodeling process in which epithelial cells undergo a reversible phenotype switch via the loss of adhesion capacity and acquisition of mesenchymal characteristics. In other words, EMT activation can increase invasiveness and metastatic properties, and prevent the sensitivity of tumor cells to chemotherapeutics, as mesenchymal cells have a higher resistance to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is orchestrated by a complex and multifactorial network, often linked to episodic, transient, or partial events. A variety of factors have been implicated in EMT development. Based on this concept, multiple metabolic pathways and master transcription factors, such as Snail, Twist, and ZEB, can drive the EMT. Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a significant role in EMT induction. One emerging theory is that reducing mitochondrial-derived reactive oxygen species production may contribute to EMT development. This review describes how metabolic pathways and transcription factors are linked to EMT induction and addresses the involvement of signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Farahzadi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behnaz Valipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Sarab Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sarab, Iran
| | - Ezzatollah Fathi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Samaneh Pirmoradi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Research Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Ommoleila Molavi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soheila Montazersaheb
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Sanaat
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Zhang Y, Lv X, Chen L, Liu Y. The role and function of CLU in cancer biology and therapy. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:1375-1391. [PMID: 36098834 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00885-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Clusterin (CLU) is a highly evolutionary conserved glycoprotein with multiple isoform-specific functions and is widely distributed in different species. Accumulated evidence has shown the prominent role of CLU in regulating several essential physiological processes, including programmed cell death, metastasis, invasion, proliferation and cell growth via regulating diverse signaling pathways to mediate cancer progression in various cancers, such as prostate, breast, lung, liver, colon, bladder and pancreatic cancer. Several studies have revealed the potential benefit of inhibiting CLU in CLU inhibition-based targeted cancer therapies in vitro, in vivo or in human, suggesting CLU is a promising therapeutic target. This review discusses the multiple functions and mechanisms of CLU in regulating tumor progression of various cancers and summarizes the inhibitors of CLU used in CLU inhibition-based targeted cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yefei Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cancer, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Lv
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cancer, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China
| | - Liming Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cancer, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Cancer, College of Life Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210023, People's Republic of China.
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Lee S, Kang E, Lee U, Cho S. Role of pelitinib in the regulation of migration and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via inhibition of Twist1. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:703. [PMID: 37495969 PMCID: PMC10373356 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11217-2] [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: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overexpression of Twist1, one of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition-transcription factors (EMT-TFs), is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis. Pelitinib is known to be an irreversible epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is used in clinical trials for colorectal and lung cancers, but the role of pelitinib in cancer metastasis has not been studied. This study aimed to investigate the anti-migration and anti-invasion activities of pelitinib in HCC cell lines. METHODS Using three HCC cell lines (Huh7, Hep3B, and SNU449 cells), the effects of pelitinib on cell cytotoxicity, invasion, and migration were determined by cell viability, wound healing, transwell invasion, and spheroid invasion assays. The activities of MMP-2 and -9 were examined through gelatin zymography. Through immunoblotting analyses, the expression levels of EMT-TFs (Snail1, Twist1, and ZEB1) and EMT-related signaling pathways such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Akt signaling pathways were measured. The activity and expression levels of target genes were analyzed by reporter assay, RT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR, and immunoblotting analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett's Multiple comparison tests in Prism 3.0 to assess differences between experimental conditions. RESULTS In this study, pelitinib treatment significantly inhibited wound closure in various HCC cell lines, including Huh7, Hep3B, and SNU449. Additionally, pelitinib was found to inhibit multicellular cancer spheroid invasion and metalloprotease activities in Huh7 cells. Further investigation revealed that pelitinib treatment inhibited the migration and invasion of Huh7 cells by inducing Twist1 degradation through the inhibition of MAPK and Akt signaling pathways. We also confirmed that the inhibition of cell motility by Twist1 siRNA was similar to that observed in pelitinib-treated group. Furthermore, pelitinib treatment regulated the expression of target genes associated with EMT, as demonstrated by the upregulation of E-cadherin and downregulation of N-cadherin. CONCLUSION Based on our novel finding of pelitinib from the perspective of EMT, pelitinib has the ability to inhibit EMT activity of HCC cells via inhibition of Twist1, and this may be the potential mechanism of pelitinib on the suppression of migration and invasion of HCC cells. Therefore, pelitinib could be developed as a potential anti-cancer drug for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sewoong Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjeong Kang
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Unju Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Sayeon Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular and Pharmacological Cell Biology, College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, 06974, Republic of Korea.
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Abe Y, Sano T, Tanaka N. The Role of PRMT5 in Immuno-Oncology. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030678. [PMID: 36980950 PMCID: PMC10048035 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has caused a paradigm shift in cancer therapeutic strategy. However, this therapy only benefits a subset of patients. The difference in responses to ICIs is believed to be dependent on cancer type and its tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is favorable for cancer progression and metastasis and can also help cancer cells to evade immune attacks. To improve the response to ICIs, it is crucial to understand the mechanism of how the TME is maintained. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) di-methylates arginine residues in its substrates and has essential roles in the epigenetic regulation of gene expression, signal transduction, and the fidelity of mRNA splicing. Through these functions, PRMT5 can support cancer cell immune evasion. PRMT5 is necessary for regulatory T cell (Treg) functions and promotes cancer stemness and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Specific factors in the TME can help recruit Tregs, tumor-associated macrophages, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells into tumors. In addition, PRMT5 suppresses antigen presentation and the production of interferon and chemokines, which are necessary to recruit T cells into tumors. Overall, PRMT5 supports an immunosuppressive TME. Therefore, PRMT5 inhibition would help recover the immune cycle and enable the immune system-mediated elimination of cancer cells.
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Machine learning-based models for genomic predicting neoadjuvant chemotherapeutic sensitivity in cervical cancer. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 159:114256. [PMID: 36652730 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114256] [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: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PI3K/Akt pathway involves in regulating resistance to platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reflect the basic genetic variation between individuals. Random forest (RF) is one of the machine-learning models that can predict drug sensitivity with high accuracy. We applied the RF model for genomic prediction of NACT sensitivity in LACC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 259 LACC patients were separated to two groups (i) effective and (ii) ineffective NACT group, depending on the NACT response. The 24 SNPs in four genes (PTEN, PIK3CA, Akt1, and Akt2) were genotyped by the Sequenom MassArray system in these patients. We implemented the SNPs as the feature to train the RF model, calculated the feature importance using mean decreases in impurity based on the model, and further analyzed the importance of each SNP. RESULTS The importance analysis indicated that the top three SNPs (rs4558508, rs1130233, and rs7259541) and the last six loci (rs892120, rs62107593, rs34716810, rs10416620, rs41275748, and rs41275746) were all located in Akt. The patients carrying heterozygous GA in Akt2 rs4558508 had a considerably higher risk of chemoresistance than those carrying GG or AA genotype. CONCLUSION The RF model could accurately predict the response to platinum-based NACT of LACC patients. The variables of Akt2 rs4558508 and rs7259541, and Akt1 rs1130233 were major polymorphic loci for NACT inefficiency. The LACC patients carrying heterozygous GA of Akt2 rs4558508 had a significantly increased risk of chemoresistance. Akt was an important gene in PI3K/Akt pathway that could predict the response of platinum-based NACT. The study applied the basis for an individualized approach to LACC patient therapy.
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Feng YN, Li BY, Wang K, Li XX, Zhang L, Dong XZ. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related long noncoding RNAs in gastric carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:977280. [PMCID: PMC9605205 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.977280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As an evolutionarily phenotypic conversion program, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in tumour deterioration and has facilitated the metastatic ability of cancer cells via enhancing migration and invasion. Gastric cancer (GC) remains a frequently diagnosed non-skin malignancy globally. Most GC-associated mortality can be attributed to metastasis. Recent studies have shown that EMT-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in GC progression and GC cell motility. In addition, lncRNAs are associated with EMT-related transcription factors and signalling pathways. In the present review, we comprehensively described the EMT-inducing lncRNA molecular mechanisms and functional perspectives of EMT-inducing lncRNAs in GC progression. Taken together, the statements of this review provided a clinical implementation in identifying lncRNAs as potential therapeutic targets for advanced GC.
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Cao R, Zhang Z, Tian C, Sheng W, Dong Q, Dong M. Down-regulation of MSMO1 promotes the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. J Cancer 2022; 13:3013-3021. [PMID: 36046654 PMCID: PMC9414025 DOI: 10.7150/jca.73112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Methylsterol monooxygenase 1 (MSMO1), as a completely unique tumor biomarker, plays a vital role in the malignant progression of various cancer. Until now, the potential function and pathway of MSMO1 in the development of pancreatic cancer (PC) has not been explored yet, to our knowledge. Methods: We systematically explored the detail function of MSMO1 in Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell proliferation of PC in vitro and in vivo. Results: MSMO1 expression was much lower in PC tissues than that in paired normal pancreas. MSMO1 positive expression was negatively associated with T stage, lymph node metastasis and vascular permeation of PC patients. Meanwhile, positive MSMO1 expression indicated a significantly better prognosis and an independent favorable prognostic factor. MSMO1 silencing promoted cell invasion and migration via activating EMT and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway [p-PI3K (Tyr458), p-AKT (Ser473) and p-mTOR (Ser2448)] in Capan-2, Panc-1 and SW1990 cells. In vivo, subcutaneous tumor size was enhanced by MSMO1 silencing following with the consistent change of EMT and PI3K/AKT signaling shown in vitro. The motivation of EMT and PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway was also demonstrated in MSMO1 silencing mouse PANC02 cells. Conclusion: Down-regulation of MSMO1 in PC was associated with advanced progression and poor prognosis of PC patients. MSMO1 acts as a tumor suppressor via inhibiting the aggressive malignant biology of PC accompanying with regulating EMT and PI3K/AKT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxian Cao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China.,Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Chen Tian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - WeiWei Sheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China
| | - Qi Dong
- Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming Dong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, China
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13
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Firnau MB, Brieger A. CK2 and the Hallmarks of Cancer. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081987. [PMID: 36009534 PMCID: PMC9405757 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is commonly dysregulated in cancer, impacting diverse molecular pathways. CK2 is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase, constitutively active and ubiquitously expressed in eukaryotes. With over 500 known substrates and being estimated to be responsible for up to 10% of the human phosphoproteome, it is of significant importance. A broad spectrum of diverse types of cancer cells has been already shown to rely on disturbed CK2 levels for their survival. The hallmarks of cancer provide a rationale for understanding cancer’s common traits. They constitute the maintenance of proliferative signaling, evasion of growth suppressors, resisting cell death, enabling of replicative immortality, induction of angiogenesis, the activation of invasion and metastasis, as well as avoidance of immune destruction and dysregulation of cellular energetics. In this work, we have compiled evidence from the literature suggesting that CK2 modulates all hallmarks of cancer, thereby promoting oncogenesis and operating as a cancer driver by creating a cellular environment favorable to neoplasia.
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14
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The Multiple Roles of CD147 in the Development and Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158336. [PMID: 35955471 PMCID: PMC9369056 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation (CD)147, also termed extracellular matrix metalloprotease inducer or basigin, is a glycoprotein ubiquitously expressed throughout the human body, the oral cavity included. CD147 actively participates in physiological tissue development or growth and has important roles in reactive processes such as inflammation, immunity, and tissue repair. It is worth noting that deregulated expression and/or activity of CD147 is observed in chronic inflammatory or degenerative diseases, as well as in neoplasms. Among the latter, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by an upregulation of CD147 in both the neoplastic and normal cells constituting the tumor mass. Most interestingly, the expression and/or activity of CD147 gradually increase as healthy oral mucosa becomes inflamed; hyperplastic/dysplastic lesions are then set on, and, eventually, OSCC develops. Based on these findings, here we summarize published studies which evaluate whether CD147 could be employed as a marker to monitor OSCC development and progression. Moreover, we describe CD147-promoted cellular and molecular events which are relevant to oral carcinogenesis, with the aim to provide useful information for assessing whether CD147 may be the target of novel therapeutic approaches directed against OSCC.
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PRMT5 activates AKT via methylation to promote tumor metastasis. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3955. [PMID: 35803962 PMCID: PMC9270419 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31645-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is the primary methyltransferase generating symmetric-dimethyl-arginine marks on histone and non-histone proteins. PRMT5 dysregulation is implicated in multiple oncogenic processes. Here, we report that PRMT5-mediated methylation of protein kinase B (AKT) is required for its subsequent phosphorylation at Thr308 and Ser473. Moreover, pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of PRMT5 abolishes AKT1 arginine 15 methylation, thereby preventing AKT1 translocation to the plasma membrane and subsequent recruitment of its upstream activating kinases PDK1 and mTOR2. We show that PRMT5/AKT signaling controls the expression of the epithelial-mesenchymal-transition transcription factors ZEB1, SNAIL, and TWIST1. PRMT5 inhibition significantly attenuates primary tumor growth and broadly blocks metastasis in multiple organs in xenograft tumor models of high-risk neuroblastoma. Collectively, our results suggest that PRMT5 inhibition augments anti-AKT or other downstream targeted therapeutics in high-risk metastatic cancers.
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16
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Wang H, Lai Q, Wang D, Pei J, Tian B, Gao Y, Gao Z, Xu X. Hedgehog signaling regulates the development and treatment of glioblastoma (Review). Oncol Lett 2022; 24:294. [PMID: 35949611 PMCID: PMC9353242 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13414] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and fatal malignant tumor type of the central nervous system. GBM affects public health and it is important to identify biomarkers to improve diagnosis, reduce drug resistance and improve prognosis (e.g., personalized targeted therapies). Hedgehog (HH) signaling has an important role in embryonic development, tissue regeneration and stem cell renewal. A large amount of evidence indicates that both normative and non-normative HH signals have an important role in GBM. The present study reviewed the role of the HH signaling pathway in the occurrence and progression of GBM. Furthermore, the effectiveness of drugs that target different components of the HH pathway was also examined. The HH pathway has an important role in reversing drug resistance after GBM conventional treatment. The present review highlighted the relevance of HH signaling in GBM and outlined that this pathway has a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongping Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Qun Lai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, P.R. China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Pei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Baogang Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Yunhe Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoguo Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
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17
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Sirtuins and Hypoxia in EMT Control. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15060737. [PMID: 35745656 PMCID: PMC9228842 DOI: 10.3390/ph15060737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a physiological process during embryogenesis, can become pathological in the presence of different driving forces. Reduced oxygen tension or hypoxia is one of these forces, triggering a large number of molecular pathways with aberrant EMT induction, resulting in cancer and fibrosis onset. Both hypoxia-induced factors, HIF-1α and HIF-2α, act as master transcription factors implicated in EMT. On the other hand, hypoxia-dependent HIF-independent EMT has also been described. Recently, a new class of seven proteins with deacylase activity, called sirtuins, have been implicated in the control of both hypoxia responses, HIF-1α and HIF-2α activation, as well as EMT induction. Intriguingly, different sirtuins have different effects on hypoxia and EMT, acting as either activators or inhibitors, depending on the tissue and cell type. Interestingly, sirtuins and HIF can be activated or inhibited with natural or synthetic molecules. Moreover, recent studies have shown that these natural or synthetic molecules can be better conveyed using nanoparticles, representing a valid strategy for EMT modulation. The following review, by detailing the aspects listed above, summarizes the interplay between hypoxia, sirtuins, and EMT, as well as the possible strategies to modulate them by using a nanoparticle-based approach.
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18
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Hamidi AA, Taghehchian N, Basirat Z, Zangouei AS, Moghbeli M. MicroRNAs as the critical regulators of cell migration and invasion in thyroid cancer. Biomark Res 2022; 10:40. [PMID: 35659780 PMCID: PMC9167543 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00382-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is one of the most frequent endocrine malignancies that is more common among females. Tumor recurrence is one of the most important clinical manifestations in differentiated TC which is associated with different factors including age, tumor size, and histological features. Various molecular processes such as genetic or epigenetic modifications and non-coding RNAs are also involved in TC progression and metastasis. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process during tumor invasion and migration that affects the initiation and transformation of early-stage tumors into invasive malignancies. A combination of transcription factors, growth factors, signaling pathways, and epigenetic regulations affect the thyroid cell migration and EMT process. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important molecular factors involved in tumor metastasis by regulation of EMT-activating signaling pathways. Various miRNAs are involved in the signaling pathways associated with TC metastasis which can be used as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers. Since, the miRNAs are sensitive, specific, and non-invasive, they can be suggested as efficient and optimal biomarkers of tumor invasion and metastasis. In the present review, we have summarized all of the miRNAs which have been significantly involved in thyroid tumor cells migration and invasion. We also categorized all of the reported miRNAs based on their cellular processes to clarify the molecular role of miRNAs during thyroid tumor cell migration and invasion. This review paves the way of introducing a non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic panel of miRNAs in aggressive and metastatic TC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abbas Hamidi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Negin Taghehchian
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Zahra Basirat
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amir Sadra Zangouei
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Meysam Moghbeli
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Zhang LY, Shen ZX, Guo L. Inhibiting L1CAM Reverses Cisplatin Resistance of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells by Blocking AKT Signaling Pathway. Cancer Invest 2022; 40:313-324. [PMID: 35040385 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2021.2016801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DDP-resistant MDA-MB-231 cells (MDA-MB-231/DDP) cells had higher expression of L1CAM than their parental cells. L1CAM siRNA decreased the IC50 of MDA-MB-231/DDP cells to DDP. L1CAM inhibition down-regulated p-AKT/AKT in MDA-MB-231/DDP cells; meanwhile, it could promote MDA-MB-231/DDP cell apoptosis, inhibit cell EMT, invasion, and migration. Moreover, SC79 (an AKT activator) increased the DDP-resistance of MDA-MB-231/DDP cells, which was reversed by L1CAM inhibition. Furthermore, co-treatment of L1CAM shRNA and cisplatin injection had better anti-tumor effects in vivo than these two single treatments with decreased p-AKT/AKT. Thus, silencing L1CAM reversed the DDP resistance by inhibiting the AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Yao Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Zhi-Xin Shen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
| | - Lu Guo
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, China
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20
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Barillari G, Bei R, Manzari V, Modesti A. Infection by High-Risk Human Papillomaviruses, Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Squamous Pre-Malignant or Malignant Lesions of the Uterine Cervix: A Series of Chained Events? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:13543. [PMID: 34948338 PMCID: PMC8703928 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Wound healing requires static epithelial cells to gradually assume a mobile phenotype through a multi-step process termed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Although it is inherently transient and reversible, EMT perdures and is abnormally activated when the epithelium is chronically exposed to pathogens: this event deeply alters the tissue and eventually contributes to the development of diseases. Among the many of them is uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the most frequent malignancy of the female genital system. SCC, whose onset is associated with the persistent infection of the uterine cervix by high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs), often relapses and/or metastasizes, being resistant to conventional chemo- or radiotherapy. Given that these fearsome clinical features may stem, at least in part, from the exacerbated and long-lasting EMT occurring in the HPV-infected cervix; here we have reviewed published studies concerning the impact that HPV oncoproteins, cellular tumor suppressors, regulators of gene expression, inflammatory cytokines or growth factors, and the interactions among these effectors have on EMT induction and cervical carcinogenesis. It is predictable and desirable that a broader comprehension of the role that EMT inducers play in SCC pathogenesis will provide indications to flourish new strategies directed against this aggressive tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 1 via Montellier, 00133 Rome, Italy; (R.B.); (V.M.); (A.M.)
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21
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Kao CN, Moi SH, Hou MF, Luo CW, Chen FM, Pan MR. RNF8-CDH1 Co-Expression Predicts Clinical Benefit of Chemoradiotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11070655. [PMID: 34357122 PMCID: PMC8307233 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11070655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype and exhibits an overall poor outcome. Due to the lack of targeted therapy, conventional systemic chemotherapy has been the main strategy for the treatment of TNBC. Further evidence has shown that combining radiation with chemotherapy is also a suitable treatment based on DNA repair deficiencies in patients with TNBC. However, the preferred treatment for metastatic TNBC remains unclear. Therefore, identification of biomarkers is an unmet need in personalized therapy for TNBC. RNF8 (ring finger protein 8) is a ubiquitin ligase implicated in TNBC metastasis; however, its role in TNBC pathogenesis is unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the roles of the RNF8-CDH1(Cadherin 1) axis in node-positive TNBC patients. We found that the RNF8high/CDH1low index was significantly higher in patients with TNBC than in patients without TNBC. Furthermore, patients with an RNF8high/CDH1low index displayed poorer outcomes than those with an RNF8low-medium/CDH1medium-high index. Notably, as compared to patients with an RNF8low-medium/CDH1medium-high index, those with an RNF8high/CDH1low index had a poorer survival rate with chemotherapy treatment alone. The combination of radiation and chemotherapy resulted in a better survival rate than chemotherapy alone in patients with an RNF8high/CDH1low index. Taken together, the RNF8high/CDH1low index not only functions as a prognostic and therapeutic marker but may also act as a target in the development of anti-cancer agents for patients with TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Ni Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (F.-M.C.)
| | - Sin-Hua Moi
- Center of Cancer Program Development, E-Da Cancer Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 824, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (F.-M.C.)
- Correspondence: (M.-F.H.); (M.-R.P.); Tel.: +886-7-3121101-6060 (M.-F.H.); +886-7-3121101-5092-94 (M.-R.P.); Fax: +886-7-3218309 (M.-R.P.)
| | - Chi-Wen Luo
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (F.-M.C.)
| | - Fang-Ming Chen
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (C.-W.L.); (F.-M.C.)
| | - Mei-Ren Pan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-F.H.); (M.-R.P.); Tel.: +886-7-3121101-6060 (M.-F.H.); +886-7-3121101-5092-94 (M.-R.P.); Fax: +886-7-3218309 (M.-R.P.)
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Klicka K, Grzywa TM, Klinke A, Mielniczuk A, Włodarski PK. The Role of miRNAs in the Regulation of Endometrial Cancer Invasiveness and Metastasis-A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3393. [PMID: 34298609 PMCID: PMC8304659 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common genital cancer in women with increasing death rates. MiRNAs are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression on the post-transcriptional levels. Multiple studies demonstrated a fundamental role of miRNAs in the regulation of carcinogenesis. This systematic review is a comprehensive overview of the role of miRNAs in the regulation of cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis in EC. The literature was searched for studies investigating the role of miRNAs in the regulation of invasiveness and metastasis in EC. We explored PubMed, Embase, and Scopus using the following keywords: miRNA, metastasis, invasiveness, endometrial cancer. Data were collected from 163 articles that described the expression and role of 106 miRNAs in the regulation of EC invasiveness and metastasis out of which 63 were tumor suppressor miRNAs, and 38 were oncomiRNAs. Five miRNAs had a discordant role in different studies. Moreover, we identified 66 miRNAs whose expression in tumor tissue or concentration in serum correlated with at least one clinical parameter. These findings suggest a crucial role of miRNAs in the regulation of EC invasiveness and metastasis and present them as potential prognostic factors for patients with EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Klicka
- Department of Methodology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (T.M.G.); (A.K.); (A.M.)
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz M. Grzywa
- Department of Methodology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (T.M.G.); (A.K.); (A.M.)
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Alicja Klinke
- Department of Methodology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (T.M.G.); (A.K.); (A.M.)
| | - Aleksandra Mielniczuk
- Department of Methodology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (T.M.G.); (A.K.); (A.M.)
| | - Paweł K. Włodarski
- Department of Methodology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (K.K.); (T.M.G.); (A.K.); (A.M.)
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Abstract
The development of tumors requires an initiator event, usually exposure to DNA damaging agents that cause genetic alterations such as gene mutations or chromosomal abnormalities, leading to deregulated cell proliferation. Although the mere stochastic accumulation of further mutations may cause tumor progression, it is now clear that an inflammatory microenvironment has a major tumor-promoting influence on initiated cells, in particular when a chronic inflammatory reaction already existed before the initiated tumor cell was formed. Moreover, inflammatory cells become mobilized in response to signals emanating from tumor cells. In both cases, the microenvironment provides signals that initiated tumor cells perceive by membrane receptors and transduce via downstream kinase cascades to modulate multiple cellular processes and respond with changes in cell gene expression, metabolism, and morphology. Cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors are examples of major signals secreted by immune cells, fibroblast, and endothelial cells and mediate an intricate cell-cell crosstalk in an inflammatory microenvironment, which contributes to increased cancer cell survival, phenotypic plasticity and adaptation to surrounding tissue conditions. Eventually, consequent changes in extracellular matrix stiffness and architecture, coupled with additional genetic alterations, further fortify the malignant progression of tumor cells, priming them for invasion and metastasis. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on the composition of the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, with an emphasis on the major signals and signal-transducing events mediating different aspects of stromal cell-tumor cell communication that ultimately lead to malignant progression.
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24
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Liu J, Chen Y, Cao Z, Guan B, Peng J, Chen Y, Zhan Z, Sferra TJ, Sankararaman S, Lin J. Babao Dan inhibits the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the TGF-β/Smad pathway. J Int Med Res 2021; 48:300060520925598. [PMID: 32529872 PMCID: PMC7294507 DOI: 10.1177/0300060520925598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the anti-metastatic effects of Babao Dan (BBD) on gastric cancer (GC) cells (AGS and MGC80-3) and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms by which it inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). METHODS AGS and MGC80-3 cells were treated with BBD. In addition, cells were treated with the EMT inducer transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Cell viability was determined using the MTT assay, and the live cell ratio was calculated via cell counting. Cell invasion and migration were evaluated using the Transwell assay. Western blotting was performed to measure the protein expression of EMT biomarkers and related genes. RESULTS BBD inhibited the viability, migration, and invasion of AGS and MGC80-3 cells, but it did not reduce the live cell ratio. Furthermore, BBD inhibited the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, zinc finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB)1, ZEB2, Twist1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9, TGF-β1, and p-Smad2/3, whereas E-cadherin expression was increased in AGS and MGC80-3 cells to different degrees. Using a GC cell model of EMT induced by TGF-β1, we proved that BBD inhibited p-Smad2/3 and N-cadherin expression, cell migration, and cell invasion. CONCLUSION BBD suppressed cell migration and invasion by inhibiting TGF-β-induced EMT and inactivating TGF-β/Smad signaling in GC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxin Liu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Yongan Chen
- Department of Oncology, The 455th Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyun Cao
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Bin Guan
- Research and Development Department of Xiamen Traditonal Chinese Medicine Co. Ltd, Xiamen Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Jun Peng
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
| | - Youqin Chen
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Zhixue Zhan
- Department of Oncology, The 455th Hospital of Chinese People’s Liberation Army, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Thomas Joseph Sferra
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Senthilkumar Sankararaman
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jiumao Lin
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Integrative Medicine on Geriatrics, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China
- Jiumao Lin, Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1 Qiuyang Road, Minhou Shangjie, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China.
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25
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Zhang Y, Jiang L, Qin N, Cao M, Liang X, Wang R. hCINAP is potentially a direct target gene of HIF-1 and is required for hypoxia-induced EMT and apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 99:203-213. [PMID: 32830518 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The early metastasis of cervical cancer is a multistep process requiring the cancer cells to adapt to the signal input from different tissue environments, including hypoxia. Hypoxia-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a critical role in the ability to invade surrounding tissues. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying EMT in cervical cancer remain to be elucidated. Herein, we show that hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) are recruited to the human coilin-interacting nuclear ATPase protein (hCINAP) promoter and initiate hCINAP expression in hypoxia. Ablation of hCINAP decreased the migratory capacity and EMT of cervical cancer cells under hypoxic conditions. Furthermore, hCINAP regulated EMT through the Akt–mTOR signaling pathway, and inhibits hypoxia-induced p53-dependent apoptosis. Our data collectively show that hCINAP may have essential roles in the metastasis of cervical cancer and could be a potential target for curing cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Nianqun Qin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Mi Cao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiujuan Liang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Rensheng Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi, China
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26
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Dixit P, Kokate SB, Poirah I, Chakraborty D, Smoot DT, Ashktorab H, Rout N, Singh SP, Bhattacharyya A. Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer is orchestrated by MRCKβ-mediated Siah2 phosphorylation. J Biomed Sci 2021; 28:12. [PMID: 33536006 PMCID: PMC7856738 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-021-00710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori-mediated gastric carcinogenesis is initiated by a plethora of signaling events in the infected gastric epithelial cells (GECs). The E3 ubiquitin ligase seven in absentia homolog 2 (Siah2) is induced in GECs in response to H. pylori infection. Posttranslational modifications of Siah2 orchestrate its function as well as stability. The aim of this study was to evaluate Siah2 phosphorylation status under the influence of H. pylori infection and its impact in gastric cancer progression. METHODS H. pylori-infected various GECs, gastric tissues from H. pylori-infected GC patients and H. felis-infected C57BL/6 mice were evaluated for Siah2 phosphorylation by western blotting or immunofluorescence microscopy. Coimmunoprecipitation assay followed by mass spectrometry were performed to identify the kinases interacting with Siah2. Phosphorylation sites of Siah2 were identified by using various plasmid constructs generated by site-directed mutagenesis. Proteasome inhibitor MG132 was used to investigate proteasome degradation events. The importance of Siah2 phosphorylation on tumorigenicity of infected cells were detected by using phosphorylation-null mutant and wild type Siah2 stably-transfected cells followed by clonogenicity assay, cell proliferation assay, anchorage-independent growth and transwell invasion assay. RESULTS Siah2 was phosphorylated in H. pylori-infected GECs as well as in metastatic GC tissues at residues serine6 (Ser6) and threonine279 (Thr279). Phosphorylation of Siah2 was mediated by MRCKβ, a Ser/Thr protein kinase. MRCKβ was consistently expressed in uninfected GECs and noncancer gastric tissues but its level decreased in infected GECs as well as in metastatic tissues which had enhanced Siah2 expression. Infected murine gastric tissues showed similar results. MRCKβ could phosphorylate Siah2 but itself got ubiquitinated from this interaction leading to the proteasomal degradation of MRCKβ and use of proteasomal inhibitor MG132 could rescue MRCKβ from Siah2-mediated degradation. Ser6 and Thr279 phosphorylated-Siah2 was more stable and tumorigenic than its non-phosphorylated counterpart as revealed by the proliferation, invasion, migration abilities and anchorage-independent growth of stable-transfected cells. CONCLUSIONS Increased level of Ser6 and Thr279-phosphorylated-Siah2 and downregulated MRCKβ were prominent histological characteristics of Helicobacter-infected gastric epithelium and metastatic human GC. MRCKβ-dependent Siah2 phosphorylation stabilized Siah2 which promoted anchorage-independent survival and proliferative potential of GECs. Phospho-null mutants of Siah2 (S6A and T279A) showed abated tumorigenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyesh Dixit
- grid.419643.d0000 0004 1764 227XSchool of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar, HBNI, P.O. Bhimpur-Padanpur, Via Jatni, Khurda, 752050 Odisha India
| | - Shrikant B. Kokate
- grid.419643.d0000 0004 1764 227XSchool of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar, HBNI, P.O. Bhimpur-Padanpur, Via Jatni, Khurda, 752050 Odisha India ,grid.7737.40000 0004 0410 2071Present Address: Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 0014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Indrajit Poirah
- grid.419643.d0000 0004 1764 227XSchool of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar, HBNI, P.O. Bhimpur-Padanpur, Via Jatni, Khurda, 752050 Odisha India
| | - Debashish Chakraborty
- grid.419643.d0000 0004 1764 227XSchool of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar, HBNI, P.O. Bhimpur-Padanpur, Via Jatni, Khurda, 752050 Odisha India
| | - Duane T. Smoot
- Department of Medicine, Meharry Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37208 USA
| | - Hassan Ashktorab
- grid.257127.40000 0001 0547 4545Department of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC 20060 USA
| | - Niranjan Rout
- Department of Pathology, Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack, 753007 Odisha India
| | - Shivaram P. Singh
- grid.415328.90000 0004 1767 2428Department of Gastroenterology, SCB Medical College, Cuttack, 753007 Odisha India
| | - Asima Bhattacharyya
- School of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) Bhubaneswar, HBNI, P.O. Bhimpur-Padanpur, Via Jatni, Khurda, 752050, Odisha, India.
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27
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Cheratta AR, Thayyullathil F, Pallichankandy S, Subburayan K, Alakkal A, Galadari S. Prostate apoptosis response-4 and tumor suppression: it's not just about apoptosis anymore. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:47. [PMID: 33414404 PMCID: PMC7790818 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03292-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor prostate apoptosis response-4 (Par-4) has recently turned ‘twenty-five’. Beyond its indisputable role as an apoptosis inducer, an increasing and sometimes bewildering, new roles for Par-4 are being reported. These roles include its ability to regulate autophagy, senescence, and metastasis. This growing range of responses to Par-4 is reflected by our increasing understanding of the various mechanisms through which Par-4 can function. In this review, we summarize the existing knowledge on Par-4 tumor suppressive mechanisms, and discuss how the interaction of Par-4 with different regulators influence cell fate. This review also highlights the new secretory pathway that has emerged and the likely discussion on its clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anees Rahman Cheratta
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Faisal Thayyullathil
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Siraj Pallichankandy
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Karthikeyan Subburayan
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Ameer Alakkal
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sehamuddin Galadari
- Cell Death Signaling Laboratory, Division of Science, Experimental Research Building, New York University Abu Dhabi, PO Box 129188, Saadiyat Island Campus, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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28
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In-silico modeling and analysis of the therapeutic potential of miRNA-7 on EGFR associated signaling network involved in breast cancer. GENE REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2020.100938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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29
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Wadhwa B, Paddar M, Khan S, Mir S, A Clarke P, Grabowska AM, Vijay DG, Malik F. AKT isoforms have discrete expression in triple negative breast cancers and roles in cisplatin sensitivity. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4178-4194. [PMID: 33227065 PMCID: PMC7665233 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT, a serine threonine kinase, exists in three different isoforms and is known for regulating several biological processes including tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the expression and net effect of the individual isoforms in triple negative breast cancers and response to cisplatin treatment using cellular, mice models and clinical samples. Interestingly, analysis of the expressions of AKT isoforms in clinical samples showed relatively higher expression of AKT1 in primary tissues; whereas lung and liver metastatic samples showed elevated expression of AKT2. Similarly, triple-negative breast cancer cell lines, BT-549 and MDA-MB-231, with high proliferative and invasive properties, displayed higher expression levels of AKT1/2. By modulating AKT isoform expression in MCF-10A and BT-549 cell lines, we found that presence of AKT2 was associated with invasiveness, stemness and sensitivity to drug treatment. It was observed that the silencing of AKT2 suppressed the cancer stem cell populations (CD44high CD24low, ALDH1), mammosphere formation, invasive and migratory potential in MCF-10A and BT-549 cells. It was further demonstrated that loss of function of AKT1 isoform is associated with reduced sensitivity towards cisplatin treatment in triple-negative breast cancers cellular and syngeneic mice models. The decrease in cisplatin treatment response in shAKT1 cells was allied with the upregulation in the expression of transporter protein ABCG2, whereas silencing of ABCG2 restored cisplatin sensitivity in these cells through AKT/SNAIL/ABCG2 axis. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the varied expression of AKT isoforms in triple-negative breast cancers and also confirmed differential role of isoforms in stemness, invasiveness and response towards the cisplatin treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhumika Wadhwa
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar 190005, India
| | - Masroor Paddar
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar 190005, India
| | - Sameer Khan
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar 190005, India
| | - Sameer Mir
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar 190005, India
| | - Philip A Clarke
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Anna M Grabowska
- Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | - Fayaz Malik
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi 110001, India.,Cancer Pharmacology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Srinagar 190005, India
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30
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TWIST1 upregulation affects E-cadherin expression in brain metastases. Clin Transl Oncol 2020; 23:1085-1095. [DOI: 10.1007/s12094-020-02496-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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31
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Shao Q, Zhang Z, Cao R, Zang H, Pei W, Sun T. CPA4 Promotes EMT in Pancreatic Cancer via Stimulating PI3K-AKT-mTOR Signaling. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:8567-8580. [PMID: 32922037 PMCID: PMC7457871 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s257057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Carboxypeptidase A4 (CPA4), as a novel tumor biomarker, is prevalently observed in various cancers. However, the potential role of CPA4 in pancreatic cancer (PC), to our knowledge, has not been fully clarified. Materials and Methods We systematically explored the detailed function of CPA4 in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) stimulated PC in human clinical samples and in vitro. Results CPA4 was overexpressed in clinical PC samples that was positively related with tumor size (P=0.026), T stage (P=0.011), lymph-node metastasis (P=0.026) and a worse prognosis for PC patients (P=0.001). Interestingly, CPA4 was inversely correlated with E-cadherin (r=−0.372, P=0.003) in clinical samples and PC cell lines which cooperatively contributed to a worse prognosis (P=0.005) for PC patients. CPA4 overexpression enhanced EMT in AsPC-1 and Capan-2 cells, which promoted EMT-like cellular morphology and cell invasion and migration. Meanwhile, CPA4 overexpression activated EMT and PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling, following with the downregulation of E-cadherin and β-catenin, and the upregulation of N-cadherin, vimentin, p-PI3K (Tyr458), p-AKT (Ser473) and p-mTOR (Ser2448). However, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reversed CPA4 overexpression-stimulated EMT in vitro. Moreover, CPA4 was co-immunoprecipitated with AKT in two PC cells with CPA4 high expression. Conversely, CPA4 silencing inhibited EMT in PANC-1 cells. CPA4 overexpression or silencing promoted or inhibited cell proliferation and drug resistance in Capan-2 and PANC-1 cells via regulating Bcl2/Bax and cleaved-caspase3 signaling. However, LY294002 reversed CPA4 overexpression-stimulated cell proliferation and drug resistance in vitro in Bcl2/Bax and caspase3-dependent apoptosis. Conclusion CPA4 overexpression contributes to aggressive clinical stage of PC patients and promotes EMT in vitro via activation of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingliang Shao
- Department of General Surgery, The Peoples' Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Peoples' Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Rongxian Cao
- Graduate School of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zang
- Department of General Surgery, The Peoples' Hospital of Liaoning Province, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Wanting Pei
- Graduate School of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Sun
- Graduate School of China Medical University, Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, People's Republic of China
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32
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The Interplay of Tumor Stroma and Translational Factors in Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082074. [PMID: 32726992 PMCID: PMC7463731 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecologic malignancy which continues to have a poor prognosis in advanced stages due to current therapeutic limitations. A significant mechanism of chemoresistance in EC has been shown to also be the enhancement of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the subsequent obtainment of stem cell-like characteristics of EC. Current evidence on EMT in EC however fails to explain the relationship leading to an EMT signaling enhancement. Our review therefore focuses on understanding eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) as key regulators of the translational process in enhancing EMT and subsequently impacting higher chemoresistance of EC. We identified pathways connected to the development of a microenvironment for EMT, inducers of the process specifically related to estrogen receptors as well as their interplay with eIFs. In the future, investigation elucidating the translational biology of EC in EMT may therefore focus on the signaling between protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK) and eIF2alpha as well as eIF3B.
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33
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Abstract
RNA-binding proteins are important regulators of RNA metabolism and are of critical importance in all steps of the gene expression cascade. The role of aberrantly expressed RBPs in human disease is an exciting research field and the potential application of RBPs as a therapeutic target or a diagnostic marker represents a fast-growing area of research.Aberrant overexpression of the human RNA-binding protein La has been found in various cancer entities including lung, cervical, head and neck, and chronic myelogenous leukaemia. Cancer-associated La protein supports tumour-promoting processes such as proliferation, mobility, invasiveness and tumour growth. Moreover, the La protein maintains the survival of cancer cells by supporting an anti-apoptotic state that may cause resistance to chemotherapeutic therapy.The human La protein represents a multifunctional post-translationally modified RNA-binding protein with RNA chaperone activity that promotes processing of non-coding precursor RNAs but also stimulates the translation of selective messenger RNAs encoding tumour-promoting and anti-apoptotic factors. In our model, La facilitates the expression of those factors and helps cancer cells to cope with cellular stress. In contrast to oncogenes, able to initiate tumorigenesis, we postulate that the aberrantly elevated expression of the human La protein contributes to the non-oncogenic addiction of cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the current understanding about the implications of the RNA-binding protein La in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. The concept of exploiting the RBP La as a cancer drug target will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunhild Sommer
- Department for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Tilman Heise
- Department for Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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34
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Georgakopoulos-Soares I, Chartoumpekis DV, Kyriazopoulou V, Zaravinos A. EMT Factors and Metabolic Pathways in Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:499. [PMID: 32318352 PMCID: PMC7154126 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a biological program during which epithelial cells lose their cell identity and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype. EMT is normally observed during organismal development, wound healing and tissue fibrosis. However, this process can be hijacked by cancer cells and is often associated with resistance to apoptosis, acquisition of tissue invasiveness, cancer stem cell characteristics, and cancer treatment resistance. It is becoming evident that EMT is a complex, multifactorial spectrum, often involving episodic, transient or partial events. Multiple factors have been causally implicated in EMT including transcription factors (e.g., SNAIL, TWIST, ZEB), epigenetic modifications, microRNAs (e.g., miR-200 family) and more recently, long non-coding RNAs. However, the relevance of metabolic pathways in EMT is only recently being recognized. Importantly, alterations in key metabolic pathways affect cancer development and progression. In this review, we report the roles of key EMT factors and describe their interactions and interconnectedness. We introduce metabolic pathways that are involved in EMT, including glycolysis, the TCA cycle, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and characterize the relationship between EMT factors and cancer metabolism. Finally, we present therapeutic opportunities involving EMT, with particular focus on cancer metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Georgakopoulos-Soares
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Dionysios V Chartoumpekis
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Venetsana Kyriazopoulou
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Apostolos Zaravinos
- College of Medicine, Member of QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Department of Life Sciences European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Wang Z, Yu Z, Wang GH, Zhou YM, Deng JP, Feng Y, Chen JQ, Tian L. AURKB Promotes the Metastasis of Gastric Cancer, Possibly by Inducing EMT. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:6947-6958. [PMID: 32801915 PMCID: PMC7415439 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s254250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the function of Aurora kinase B (AURKB) in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS Immunohistochemistry was used to assay the expression of AURKB in 50 pairs of GC and adjacent tissues, and qRT-PCR was conducted to test AURKB expression in normal gastric epithelial and GC cell lines. Two segments of small interference RNAs (siRNAs) targeting AURKB were synthesized and inserted into GV248 lentivirus vector. After transfected with LV-AURKB-RNAis, CCK8, wound healing, transwell and flow cytometric assays were performed to determine the influence of silencing AURKB on cell proliferation, invasion, migration, cell cycles and apoptosis of GC cells, and the expression of EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition)-related markers was demonstrated by Western blots (WB). RESULTS AURKB was highly expressed in GC and closely associated with lymph node metastasis and advanced stages of GC. Down-regulating AURKB suppressed the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of GC cells, arrested the cell cycle in G2/M phase, and inhibited the invasion and migration of GC cells. The expression levels of AKT1, mTOR, Myc, MMP2, and VEGFA were decreased, while the expression levels of OCLN and JUP were increased after knocking down of AURKB in both AGC and MKN45 cells. CONCLUSION AURKB is overexpressed in GC and closely associated with clinicopathologic characteristics of GC. It is likely that by inhibiting VEGFA/Akt/mTOR and Wnt/β-catenin/Myc pathways, silenced AURKB could inhibit the invasive and migratory abilities of GC cells. However, because of the small sample size and the absence of in-vivo experiments, these results should be verified by further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhu Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gong-he Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-ming Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-ping Deng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun-qiang Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Lei Tian; Jun-qiang Chen Email ;
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Su Z, Jiang G, Chen J, Liu X, Zhao H, Fang Z, He Y, Jiang X, Xu G. MicroRNA-429 inhibits cancer cell proliferation and migration by targeting AKT1 in renal cell carcinoma. Mol Clin Oncol 2019; 12:75-80. [PMID: 31814979 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2019.1940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs or miR) serve as oncogenes and tumor suppressors. In a previous study, it was revealed that has-miRNA-429 (miR-429) is a tumor suppressor in 786-O renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. However, its mechanism in RCC remains to be determined. The present study aimed to explain the functional role and mechanism of miR-429 in RCC pathogenesis. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-429 overexpression reduced the transcriptional activity of AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1). Reverse transcripton-quantitative (RT-q) PCR and western blot analysis indicated that the mRNA and protein expression of AKT1 was downregulated in 786-O RCC cell lines when miR-429 was overexpressed, indicating that miR-429 may directly target AKT1 in RCC. Therefore, miR-429 overexpression enhanced the inhibition of tumor size and weight in nude mice in vivo. The current study indicated that the novel miR-429-regulated pathway may provide insights into RCC oncogenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengming Su
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China.,Center for the Innovation and Translation of Minimally Invasive Techniques, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China
| | - Ganggang Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China.,Department of Center Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China
| | - Jinlan Chen
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China
| | - Haibo Zhao
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Fang
- Department of Center Laboratory, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China
| | - Yongzhong He
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China
| | - Xianhan Jiang
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China.,Center for the Innovation and Translation of Minimally Invasive Techniques, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China
| | - Guibin Xu
- Department of Urology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China.,Center for the Innovation and Translation of Minimally Invasive Techniques, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510700, P.R. China
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MAT1 facilitates the lung metastasis of osteosarcoma through upregulation of AKT1 expression. Life Sci 2019; 234:116771. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Olea-Flores M, Zuñiga-Eulogio M, Tacuba-Saavedra A, Bueno-Salgado M, Sánchez-Carvajal A, Vargas-Santiago Y, Mendoza-Catalán MA, Pérez Salazar E, García-Hernández A, Padilla-Benavides T, Navarro-Tito N. Leptin Promotes Expression of EMT-Related Transcription Factors and Invasion in a Src and FAK-Dependent Pathway in MCF10A Mammary Epithelial Cells. Cells 2019; 8:E1133. [PMID: 31554180 PMCID: PMC6829404 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin is one of the main adipokines secreted in breast tissue. Leptin promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cell migration and invasion in epithelial breast cells, leading to tumor progression. Although, the molecular mechanisms that underlie these events are not fully understood, the activation of different signaling pathways appears to be essential. In this sense, the effects of leptin on the activation of kinases like Src and FAK, which regulate signaling pathways that activate the EMT program, are not completely described. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of these kinases using an in vitro model for leptin-induced EMT process in the non-tumorigenic MCF10A cell line. To this end, MCF10A cells were stimulated with leptin, and Src and FAK activation was assessed. Specific events occurring during EMT were also evaluated in the presence or absence of the kinases' chemical inhibitors PP2 and PF-573228. For instance, we tested the expression and subcellular localization of the EMT-related transcription factors Twist and β-catenin, by western blot and immunofluorescence. We also evaluated the secretion and activation of matrix metalloproteases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) by gelatin zymography. Invasiveness properties of leptin-stimulated cells were determined by invadopodia formation assays, and by the Transwell chamber method. Our results showed that leptin promotes EMT through Src and FAK activation, which leads to the secretion and activation of MMP-2 and MMP-9, invadopodia formation and cell invasion in MCF10A cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that leptin promotes an increase in the expression levels of Twist and β-catenin, the secretion of MMP-2, MMP-9, the invadopodia formation and invasion in MCF10A cells in a Src and FAK-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monserrat Olea-Flores
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, México.
| | - Miriam Zuñiga-Eulogio
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, México.
| | - Arvey Tacuba-Saavedra
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, México.
| | - Magdalena Bueno-Salgado
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, México.
| | - Andrea Sánchez-Carvajal
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, México.
| | - Yovani Vargas-Santiago
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, México.
| | - Miguel A Mendoza-Catalán
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo México.
| | - Eduardo Pérez Salazar
- Departamento de Biología Celular, CINVESTAV, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Alejandra García-Hernández
- Departamento de Biología Celular, CINVESTAV, Av. Instituto Politécnico Nacional 2508, CDMX 07360, México
| | - Teresita Padilla-Benavides
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Napoleón Navarro-Tito
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, México.
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Schwarzenbach H, Gahan PB. Circulating non-coding RNAs in recurrent and metastatic ovarian cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2019; 2:399-418. [PMID: 35582568 PMCID: PMC8992516 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has a poor outcome because it is usually detected at advanced tumor stages, and the majority of the patients develop disease relapse as a result of chemotherapy resistance. This most lethal gynecological malignancy metastasizes within the peritoneal fluid or ascites to pelvic and distal organs. In ovarian cancer progression and metastasis, small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs have been recognized as important regulators. Their dysregulation modulates gene expression and cellular signal pathways and can be detected in liquid biopsies. In this review, we provide an overview on circulating plasma and serum ncRNAs participating in tumor cell migration and invasion, and contributing to recurrence and metastasis of ovarian cancer. We will also discuss the development of potential, novel therapies using ncRNAs as target molecules or tumor markers for ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Schwarzenbach
- Department of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg 20246, Germany
| | - Peter B Gahan
- Fondazione "Enrico Puccinelli" Onlus, Perugia 06123, Italy
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40
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Huang D, Wang F, Wu W, Lian C, Liu E. MicroRNA-429 inhibits cancer cell proliferation and migration by targeting the AKT1 in melanoma. Cancer Biomark 2019; 26:63-68. [DOI: 10.3233/cbm-190289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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41
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Decoding and targeting the molecular basis of MACC1-driven metastatic spread: Lessons from big data mining and clinical-experimental approaches. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 60:365-379. [PMID: 31430556 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis remains the key issue impacting cancer patient survival and failure or success of cancer therapies. Metastatic spread is a complex process including dissemination of single cells or collective cell migration, penetration of the blood or lymphatic vessels and seeding at a distant organ site. Hundreds of genes involved in metastasis have been identified in studies across numerous cancer types. Here, we analyzed how the metastasis-associated gene MACC1 cooperates with other genes in metastatic spread and how these coactions could be exploited by combination therapies: We performed (i) a MACC1 correlation analysis across 33 cancer types in the mRNA expression data of TCGA and (ii) a comprehensive literature search on reported MACC1 combinations and regulation mechanisms. The key genes MET, HGF and MMP7 reported together with MACC1 showed significant positive correlations with MACC1 in more than half of the cancer types included in the big data analysis. However, ten other genes also reported together with MACC1 in the literature showed significant positive correlations with MACC1 in only a minority of 5 to 15 cancer types. To uncover transcriptional regulation mechanisms that are activated simultaneously with MACC1, we isolated pan-cancer consensus lists of 1306 positively and 590 negatively MACC1-correlating genes from the TCGA data and analyzed each of these lists for sharing transcription factor binding motifs in the promotor region. In these lists, binding sites for the transcription factors TELF1, ETS2, ETV4, TEAD1, FOXO4, NFE2L1, ELK1, SP1 and NFE2L2 were significantly enriched, but none of them except SP1 was reported in combination with MACC1 in the literature. Thus, while some of the results of the big data analysis were in line with the reported experimental results, hypotheses on new genes involved in MACC1-driven metastasis formation could be generated and warrant experimental validation. Furthermore, the results of the big data analysis can help to prioritize cancer types for experimental studies and testing of combination therapies.
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Karimi Roshan M, Soltani A, Soleimani A, Rezaie Kahkhaie K, Afshari AR, Soukhtanloo M. Role of AKT and mTOR signaling pathways in the induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Biochimie 2019; 165:229-234. [PMID: 31401189 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical process in the development of many tissues and organs in multicellular organisms that its important role in the pathogenesis of metastasis and tumor cell migration has been firmly established. Decreased adhesive capacity, cytoskeletal reorganization, and increased mobility are hallmarks of the EMT. Several molecular mechanisms promote EMT, Including regulation of the levels of specific cell-surface proteins, ECM-degrading enzymes, and altering the expression of certain transcription factors and microRNAs. EMT process is modulated through multiple signaling pathways including the AKT/mTOR pathway. AKT is a key component in numerous processes which was recently shown to regulate the EMT through suppression of the expression of E-cadherin via EMT transcription factors. On the other hand, mTOR complexes can also regulate the EMT through the regulation of cell's actin cytoskeleton by altering the PKC phosphorylation state and direct phosphorylation and activation of Akt. Here we review the effect of AKT and mTOR on EMT and consequently metastasis and cell motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Karimi Roshan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Arash Soltani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Anvar Soleimani
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Kolsoum Rezaie Kahkhaie
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran; Medical Plants Research Center, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Soukhtanloo
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Pharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Menéndez-Menéndez J, Hermida-Prado F, Granda-Díaz R, González A, García-Pedrero JM, Del-Río-Ibisate N, González-González A, Cos S, Alonso-González C, Martínez-Campa C. Deciphering the Molecular Basis of Melatonin Protective Effects on Breast Cells Treated with Doxorubicin: TWIST1 a Transcription Factor Involved in EMT and Metastasis, a Novel Target of Melatonin. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071011. [PMID: 31331001 PMCID: PMC6679136 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Melatonin mitigates cancer initiation, progression and metastasis through inhibition of both the synthesis of estrogens and the transcriptional activity of the estradiol-ER (Estrogen receptor) complex in the estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell line MCF-7. Moreover, melatonin improves the sensitivity of MCF-7 to chemotherapeutic agents and protects against their side effects. It has been described that melatonin potentiates the anti-proliferative effects of doxorubicin; however, the molecular changes involving gene expression and the activation/inhibition of intracellular signaling pathways remain largely unknown. Here we found that melatonin enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of doxorubicin in MCF-7 but not in MDA-MB-231 cells. Strikingly, doxorubicin treatment induced cell migration and invasion, and melatonin effectively counteracted these effects in MCF-7 but not in estrogen-independent MDA-MB-231 cells. Importantly, we describe for the first time the ability of melatonin to downregulate TWIST1 (Twist-related protein 1) in estrogen-dependent but not in estrogen-independent breast cancer cells. Combined with doxorubicin, melatonin inhibited the activation of p70S6K and modulated the expression of breast cancer, angiogenesis and clock genes. Moreover, melatonin regulates the levels of TWIST1-related microRNAs, such as miR-10a, miR-10b and miR-34a. Since TWIST1 plays a pivotal role in the epithelial to mesenchymal transition, acquisition of metastatic phenotype and angiogenesis, our results suggest that inhibition of TWIST1 by melatonin might be a crucial mechanism of overcoming resistance and improving the oncostatic potential of doxorubicin in estrogen-dependent breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Menéndez-Menéndez
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Francisco Hermida-Prado
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Rocío Granda-Díaz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alicia González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Juana María García-Pedrero
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Nagore Del-Río-Ibisate
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias, University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Alicia González-González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Samuel Cos
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Carolina Alonso-González
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain.
| | - Carlos Martínez-Campa
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria and Instituto de Investigación Valdecilla (IDIVAL), 39011 Santander, Spain.
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Expression of Neural Crest Markers GLDC and ERRFI1 is Correlated with Melanoma Prognosis. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11010076. [PMID: 30641895 PMCID: PMC6356846 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of particular genes during the formation of neural crest (NC) cells is also described during progression of malignant melanoma. In this context, it is of paramount importance to develop neural crest models allowing the identification of candidate genes, which could be used as biomarkers for melanoma prognosis. Here, we used a human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSC)-based approach to present novel NC-associated genes, expression of which was upregulated in melanoma. A list of 8 candidate genes, based on highest upregulation, was tested for prognostic value in a tissue microarray analysis containing samples from advanced melanoma (good versus bad prognosis) as well as from high-risk primary melanomas (early metastasizing versus non or late-metastasizing). CD271, GLDC, and ERRFI1 showed significantly higher expression in metastatic patients who died early than the ones who survived at least 30 months. In addition, GLDC and TWIST showed a significantly higher immunohistochemistry (IHC) score in primary melanomas from patients who developed metastases within 12 months versus those who did not develop metastases in 30 months. In conclusion, our iPSC-based study reveals a significant association of NC marker GLDC protein expression with melanoma prognosis.
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Olea-Flores M, Juárez-Cruz JC, Mendoza-Catalán MA, Padilla-Benavides T, Navarro-Tito N. Signaling Pathways Induced by Leptin during Epithelial⁻Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3493. [PMID: 30404206 PMCID: PMC6275018 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin is an adipokine that is overexpressed in obese and overweight people. Interestingly, women with breast cancer present high levels of leptin and of its receptor ObR. Leptin plays an important role in breast cancer progression due to the biological processes it participates in, such as epithelial⁻mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT consists of a series of orchestrated events in which cell⁻cell and cell⁻extracellular matrix interactions are altered and lead to the release of epithelial cells from the surrounding tissue. The cytoskeleton is also re-arranged, allowing the three-dimensional movement of epithelial cells into the extracellular matrix. This transition provides cells with the ability to migrate and invade adjacent or distal tissues, which is a classic feature of invasive or metastatic carcinoma cells. In recent years, the number of cases of breast cancer has increased, making this disease a public health problem worldwide and the leading cause of death due to cancer in women. In this review, we focus on recent advances that establish: (1) leptin as a risk factor for the development of breast cancer, and (2) leptin as an inducer of EMT, an event that promotes tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monserrat Olea-Flores
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n, Chilpancingo, GRO 39090, México.
| | - Juan Carlos Juárez-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n, Chilpancingo, GRO 39090, México.
| | - Miguel A Mendoza-Catalán
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n, Chilpancingo, GRO 39090, México.
| | - Teresita Padilla-Benavides
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Napoleón Navarro-Tito
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n, Chilpancingo, GRO 39090, México.
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Xu L, Wei B, Hui H, Sun Y, Liu Y, Yu X, Dai J. Positive feedback loop of lncRNA LINC01296/miR-598/Twist1 promotes non-small cell lung cancer tumorigenesis. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:4563-4571. [PMID: 30240003 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence has illustrated the vital roles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human cancers. However, the role of lncRNAs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still elusive and poorly understood. In the current study, our team conducted extensive experiments to identify the role of long intergenic nonprotein coding (LINC01296) on NSCLC tumorigenesis. The results illustrated that the elevated LINC01296 expression in NSCLC tissue specimens and cell lines were closely correlated with the poor prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Functional studies revealed that LINC01296 knockdown silenced by small interfering RNAs inhibited proliferation, accelerated apoptosis in vitro, and impaired tumor growth in vivo. Mechanical studies showed that INC01296 harbored miR-598, acting as a microRNA "sponge." Besides, miR-598 targeted the 3'-UTR of Twist1. Interestingly, transcription factor Twist1 could bind with the promoter of INC01296 and activate its transcriptional level. In summary, we conclude that INC01296/miR-598/Twist1 constitutes a positive feedback loop to promote the tumorigenesis of NSCLC, providing a novel insight and a valuable therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Xu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Bin Wei
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Hongxia Hui
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Yangqing Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Jian Dai
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
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Li R, Wu C, Liang H, Zhao Y, Lin C, Zhang X, Ye C. Knockdown of TWIST enhances the cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs in doxorubicin-resistant HepG2 cells by suppressing MDR1 and EMT. Int J Oncol 2018; 53:1763-1773. [PMID: 30066890 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2018.4495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (TWIST), which is a member of the basic helix-loop-helix class of proteins, is known to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promote cancer metastasis. TWIST has previously been reported to be associated with multidrug resistance (MDR), since its depletion increases drug sensitivity. Although these previous studies have established a strong association between EMT and MDR, the molecular mechanism remains obscure. The present study demonstrated that TWIST protein expression was elevated in liver cancer, and was positively correlated with multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) expression. Conversely, MDR1 was negatively correlated with E‑cadherin expression in liver cancer samples. In addition, the present study indicated that doxorubicin-resistant HepG2 (R‑HepG2) cells acquired an EMT phenotype. TWIST was also more highly expressed in R‑HepG2 cells compared with in parental HepG2 cells. Knockdown of TWIST increased the sensitivity of R‑HepG2 cells to 5-fluroracil, cisplatin and doxorubicin through a reduction in MDR1 expression and drug efflux ability. Furthermore, knockdown of TWIST in R‑HepG2 cells inhibited the migratory ability of cells and suppressed the EMT phenotype. These findings demonstrated that targeting TWIST may be considered a novel strategy to overcome drug resistance in liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Li
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Changli Wu
- Department of Physiology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Hongying Liang
- Laboratory of Physiological Science, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Yinghai Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Lin
- Laboratory of Physiological Science, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Xiujuan Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Caiguo Ye
- China-America United Cancer Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523800, P.R. China
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Significance of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in metastasis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its potential as a target for anti-metastasis therapy. Oncotarget 2018; 8:38755-38766. [PMID: 28418888 PMCID: PMC5503569 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the most lethal hallmark of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The aim of the study is to identify key signaling pathways that control metastasis in ESCC. Highly invasive ESCC sublines (designated I3 cells) were established through three rounds of selection of cancer cells invading through matrigel-coated chambers. Gene expression profile of one of the I3 sublines was compared with that of its parental cell line using cDNA microarray analysis. Gene ontology and pathway analyses of the differentially expressed genes (both upregulated and downregulated) indicated that genes associated with cellular movement and the AKT pathway were associated with increased cancer cell invasiveness. Western blot analysis confirmed increased phosphorylated AKT (p-AKT), N-cadherin and decreased E-cadherin expression in the I3 cells. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the clinical significance of p-AKT expression in ESCC, and the results showed higher p-AKT nuclear expression in lymph node metastases when compared with primary carcinoma. Inactivation of the PI3K/AKT pathway with specific inhibitors, or with PTEN overexpression, resulted in reversed cadherin switching and inhibited cancer cell motility. Inhibition of the pathway by treatment with wortmannin markedly suppressed experimental metastasis in nude mice. Our data demonstrated the importance of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in ESCC metastasis and support PI3K/AKT as a valid therapeutic target in treatment of metastatic ESCC.
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Andergassen U, Schlenk K, Jeschke U, Sommer H, K�lbl A. Epithelial‑mesenchymal transition was identified as a potential marker for breast cancer aggressiveness using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:1733-1739. [DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Andergassen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, LMU Munich, D‑80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Kristina Schlenk
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, LMU Munich, D‑80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Jeschke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, LMU Munich, D‑80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Harald Sommer
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, LMU Munich, D‑80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra K�lbl
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, LMU Munich, D‑80337 Munich, Germany
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Zhou X, Xiong C, Tolbert E, Zhao TC, Bayliss G, Zhuang S. Targeting histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog-2 inhibits renal epithelial-mesenchymal transition and attenuates renal fibrosis. FASEB J 2018; 32:fj201800237R. [PMID: 29775417 PMCID: PMC6181636 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201800237r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Enhancer of zeste homolog-2 (EZH2) is a methyltransferase that induces histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) and functions as an oncogenic factor in many cancer types. Its role in renal epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) remains unknown. In this study, we found that EZH2 and H3K27me3 were highly expressed in mouse kidney with unilateral ureteral obstruction and cultured mouse kidney proximal tubular (TKPT) cells undergoing EMT. Inhibition of EZH2 with 3-deazaneplanocin A (3-DZNeP) attenuated renal fibrosis, which was associated with preserving E-cadherin expression and inhibiting Vimentin up-regulation in the obstructed kidney. Treatment with 3-DZNeP or transfection of EZH2 siRNA also inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT of TKPT cells. Injury to the kidney or cultured TKPT cells resulted in up-regulation of Snail-l family transcriptional repressor (Snail)-1 and Twist family basic helix-loop-helix (BHLH) transcription factor (Twist)-1, which are 2 transcription factors, and down-regulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog, a protein tyrosine phosphatase associated with inhibition of PI3K-protein kinase B (AKT) signaling; EZH2 inhibition or silencing reversed all those responses. 3-DZNeP was also effective in suppressing epithelial arrest at the G2/M phase and dephosphorylating AKT and β-catenin in vivo and in vitro. These data indicate that EZH2 activation contributes to renal EMT and fibrosis through activation of multiple signaling pathways and suggest that EZH2 has potential as a therapeutic target for treatment of renal fibrosis.-Zhou, X., Xiong, C., Tolbert, E., Zhao, T. C., Bayliss, G., Zhuang, S. Targeting histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog-2 inhibits renal epithelial-mesenchymal transition and attenuates renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chongxiang Xiong
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Evelyn Tolbert
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Ting C. Zhao
- Department of Surgery, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA; and
| | - George Bayliss
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Shougang Zhuang
- Department of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital and Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Nephrology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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