Decline in arylsulfatase B leads to increased invasiveness of melanoma cells

N-Acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase (Arylsulfatase B) Regulates PD-L1 Expression in Melanoma by an HDAC3-Mediated Epigenetic Mechanism

The effects of the enzyme N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase (Arylsulfatase B, ARSB), which removes the 4-sulfate group at the non-reducing end of chondroitin 4-sulfate, on the expression of PD-L1 were determined, and the underlying mechanism of PD-L1 expression was elucidated. Initial experiments in human melanoma cells (A375) showed that PD-L1 expression increased from 357 ± 31 to 796 ± 50 pg/mg protein (p < 10-11) when ARSB was silenced in A375 cells. In subcutaneous B16F10 murine melanomas, PD-L1 declined from 1227 ± 189 to 583 ± 110 pg/mg protein (p = 1.67 × 10-7), a decline of 52%, following treatment with exogenous, bioactive recombinant ARSB. This decline occurred in association with reduced tumor growth and prolongation of survival, as previously reported. The mechanism of regulation of PD-L1 expression by ARSB is attributed to ARSB-mediated alteration in chondroitin 4-sulfation, leading to changes in free galectin-3, c-Jun nuclear localization, HDAC3 expression, and effects of acetyl-H3 on the PD-L1 promoter. These findings indicate that changes in ARSB contribute to the expression of PD-L1 in melanoma and can thereby affect the immune checkpoint response. Exogenous ARSB acted on melanoma cells and normal melanocytes through the IGF2 receptor. The decline in PD-L1 expression by exogenous ARSB may contribute to the impact of ARSB on melanoma progression.

SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-ACE2 interaction increases carbohydrate sulfotransferases and reduces N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase by p38 MAPK

Immunostaining in lungs of patients who died with COVID-19 infection showed increased intensity and distribution of chondroitin sulfate and decline in N-acetylgalactostamine-4-sulfatase (Arylsulfatase B; ARSB). To explain these findings, human small airway epithelial cells were exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (SPRBD) and transcriptional mechanisms were investigated. Phospho-p38 MAPK and phospho-SMAD3 increased following exposure to the SPRBD, and their inhibition suppressed the promoter activation of the carbohydrate sulfotransferases CHST15 and CHST11, which contributed to chondroitin sulfate biosynthesis. Decline in ARSB was mediated by phospho-38 MAPK-induced N-terminal Rb phosphorylation and an associated increase in Rb-E2F1 binding and decline in E2F1 binding to the ARSB promoter. The increases in chondroitin sulfotransferases were inhibited when treated with phospho-p38-MAPK inhibitors, SMAD3 (SIS3) inhibitors, as well as antihistamine desloratadine and antibiotic monensin. In the mouse model of carrageenan-induced systemic inflammation, increases in phospho-p38 MAPK and expression of CHST15 and CHST11 and declines in DNA-E2F binding and ARSB expression occurred in the lung, similar to the observed effects in this SPRBD model of COVID-19 infection. Since accumulation of chondroitin sulfates is associated with fibrotic lung conditions and diffuse alveolar damage, increased attention to p38-MAPK inhibition may be beneficial in ameliorating Covid-19 infections.

Exogenous recombinant N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase (Arylsulfatase B; ARSB) inhibits progression of B16F10 cutaneous melanomas and modulates cell signaling

In the syngeneic, subcutaneous B16F10 mouse model of malignant melanoma, treatment with exogenous ARSB markedly reduced tumor size and extended survival. In vivo experiments showed that local treatment with exogenous N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase (Arylsulfatase B; ARSB) led to reduced tumor growth over time (p < 0.0001) and improved the probability of survival up to 21 days (p = 0.0391). Tumor tissue from the treated mice had lower chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S) content and lower sulfotransferase activity. The free galectin-3 declined, and the SHP2 activity increased, due to altered binding with chondroitin 4-sulfate. These changes induced effects on transcription, which were mediated by Sp1, phospho-ERK1/2, and phospho-p38 MAPK. Reduced mRNA expression of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4), carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15 (N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfate 6-O-sulfotransferase), and matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 resulted. Experiments in the human melanoma cell line A375 demonstrated similar responses to exogenous ARSB as in the tumors, and inverse effects followed ARSB siRNA. ARSB, which removes the 4-sulfate group at the non-reducing end of C4S, acts as a tumor suppressor, and treatment with exogenous ARSB impacts on vital cell signaling and reduces the expression of critical genes associated with melanoma progression.

Potential Therapeutic Targets of Quercetin in the Cutaneous Melanoma Model and Its Cellular Regulation Pathways: A Systematic Review

Melanoma is a skin cancer with a high mortality rate due to its invasive characteristics. Currently, immunotherapy and targeted therapy increase patient survival but are ineffective in the advanced stages of the tumor. Quercetin (Que) is a natural compound that has demonstrated chemopreventive effects against different types of tumors. This review provides evidence for the therapeutic potential of Que in melanoma and identifies its main targets. The Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases were searched, and studies that used free or encapsulated Que in melanoma models were included, excluding associations, analogs, and extracts. As a result, 73 articles were retrieved and their data extracted. Que has multiple cellular targets in melanoma models, and the main regulated pathways are cell death, redox metabolism, metastasis, and melanization. Que was also able to regulate important targets of signaling pathways, such as PKC, RIG-I, STAT, and P53. In murine models, treatment with Que reduced tumor growth and weight, and decreased metastatic nodules and angiogenic vasculature. Several studies have incorporated Que into carriers, demonstrating improved efficacy and delivery to tumors. Thus, Que is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of melanoma; however, further studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness in clinical trials.

Genetics of enzymatic dysfunctions in metabolic disorders and cancer

Inherited metabolic disorders arise from mutations in genes involved in the biogenesis, assembly, or activity of metabolic enzymes, leading to enzymatic deficiency and severe metabolic impairments. Metabolic enzymes are essential for the normal functioning of cells and are involved in the production of amino acids, fatty acids and nucleotides, which are essential for cell growth, division and survival. When the activity of metabolic enzymes is disrupted due to mutations or changes in expression levels, it can result in various metabolic disorders that have also been linked to cancer development. However, there remains much to learn regarding the relationship between the dysregulation of metabolic enzymes and metabolic adaptations in cancer cells. In this review, we explore how dysregulated metabolism due to the alteration or change of metabolic enzymes in cancer cells plays a crucial role in tumor development, progression, metastasis and drug resistance. In addition, these changes in metabolism provide cancer cells with a number of advantages, including increased proliferation, resistance to apoptosis and the ability to evade the immune system. The tumor microenvironment, genetic context, and different signaling pathways further influence this interplay between cancer and metabolism. This review aims to explore how the dysregulation of metabolic enzymes in specific pathways, including the urea cycle, glycogen storage, lysosome storage, fatty acid oxidation, and mitochondrial respiration, contributes to the development of metabolic disorders and cancer. Additionally, the review seeks to shed light on why these enzymes represent crucial potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers in various cancer types.

Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4,6 sulfation regulates sympathetic nerve regeneration after myocardial infarction

Sympathetic denervation of the heart following ischemia/reperfusion induced myocardial infarction (MI) is sustained by chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) in the cardiac scar. Denervation predicts risk of sudden cardiac death in humans. Blocking CSPG signaling restores sympathetic axon outgrowth into the cardiac scar, decreasing arrhythmia susceptibility. Axon growth inhibition by CSPGs can depend on the sulfation status of the glycosaminoglycan (CS-GAG) side chains. Tandem sulfation of CS-GAGs at the 4th (4S) and 6th (6S) positions of n-acetyl-galactosamine inhibits outgrowth in several types of central neurons, but we don't know if sulfation is similarly critical during peripheral nerve regeneration. We asked if CSPG sulfation prevented sympathetic axon outgrowth after MI. Reducing 4S with the 4-sulfatase enzyme Arylsulfatase-B (ARSB) enhanced outgrowth of dissociated rat sympathetic neurons over CSPGs. Likewise, reducing 4S with ARSB restored axon outgrowth from mouse sympathetic ganglia co-cultured with cardiac scar tissue. We quantified enzymes responsible for adding and removing sulfation, and found that CHST15 (4S dependent 6-sulfotransferase) was upregulated, and ARSB was downregulated after MI. This suggests a mechanism for production and maintenance of sulfated CSPGs in the cardiac scar. We decreased 4S,6S CS-GAGs in vivo by transient siRNA knockdown of Chst15 after MI, and found that reducing 4S,6S restored tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) positive sympathetic nerve fibers in the cardiac scar. Reinnervation reduced isoproterenol induced arrhythmias. Our results suggest that modulating CSPG-sulfation after MI may be a therapeutic target to promote sympathetic nerve regeneration in the cardiac scar and reduce post-MI cardiac arrhythmias.

Increased CHST15 follows decline in arylsulfatase B (ARSB) and disinhibition of non-canonical WNT signaling: potential impact on epithelial and mesenchymal identity

Expression of CHST15 (carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15; chondroitin 4-sulfate-6-sulfotransferase; BRAG), the sulfotransferase enzyme that adds 6-sulfate to chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S) to make chondroitin 4,6-disulfate (chondroitin sulfate E, CSE), was increased in malignant prostate epithelium obtained by laser capture microdissection and following arylsulfatase B (ARSB; N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase) silencing in human prostate epithelial cells. Experiments in normal and malignant human prostate epithelial and stromal cells and tissues, in HepG2 cells, and in the ARSB-null mouse were performed to determine the pathway by which CHST15 expression is up-regulated when ARSB expression is reduced. Effects of Wnt-containing prostate stromal cell spent media and selective inhibitors of WNT, JNK, p38, SHP2, β-catenin, Rho, and Rac-1 signaling pathways were determined. Activation of WNT signaling followed declines in ARSB and Dickkopf WNT Signaling Pathway Inhibitor (DKK)3 and was required for increased CHST15 expression. The increase in expression of CHST15 followed activation of non-canonical WNT signaling and involved Wnt3A, Rac-1 GTPase, phospho-p38 MAPK, and nuclear DNA-bound GATA-3. Inhibition of JNK, Sp1, β-catenin nuclear translocation, or Rho kinase had no effect. Consistent with higher expression of CHST15 in prostate epithelium, disaccharide analysis showed higher levels of CSE and chondroitin 6-sulfate (C6S) disaccharides in prostate epithelial cells. In contrast, chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S) disaccharides were greater in prostate stromal cells. CSE may contribute to increased C4S in malignant epithelium when GALNS (N-aceytylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase) is increased and ARSB is reduced. These effects increase chondroitin 4-sulfates and reduce chondroitin 6-sulfates, consistent with enhanced stromal characteristics and epithelial-mesenchymal transition.

Galectin-3 Regulates the Expression of Tumor Glycosaminoglycans and Increases the Metastatic Potential of Breast Cancer

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a multifunctional β-galactoside-binding lectin that once synthesized is expressed in the nucleus, cytoplasm, cell surface, and extracellular environment. Gal-3 plays an important role in breast cancer tumors due to its ability to promote interactions between cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) elements, increasing tumor survival and metastatic dissemination. Still, the mechanism by which Gal-3 interferes with tumor cell migration and metastasis formation is complex and not fully understood. Here, we showed that Gal-3 knockdown increased the migration ability of 4T1 murine breast cancer cells in vitro. Using the 4T1 orthotopic breast cancer spontaneous metastasis mouse model, we demonstrated that 4T1-derived tumors were significantly larger in the presence of Gal-3 (scramble) in comparison with Gal-3 knockdown 4T1-derived tumors. Nevertheless, Gal-3 knockdown 4T1 cells were outnumbered in the bone marrow in comparison with scramble 4T1 cells. Finally, we reported here a decrease in the content of cell-surface syndecan-1 and an increase in the levels of chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans such as versican in Gal-3 knockdown 4T1 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, our findings establish that Gal-3 downregulation during breast cancer progression regulates cell-associated and tumor microenvironment glycosaminoglycans (GAGs)/proteoglycans (PG), thus enhancing the metastatic potential of tumor cells.

Arylsulfatases A and B: From normal tissues to malignant tumors

Arylsulfatases are lysosomal enzymes with important roles in the cell metabolism. Several subtypes of arylsulfatase are known, from A to K. Congenital deficiencies of arylsulfatases, especially A (ARSA) and B (ARSB), can induce metabolic disorders such as metachromatic leucodystrophy (ARSA deficiency) and Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome (ARSB deficiency). ARSA and ARSB pseudodeficiencies were recently described but their exact roles are far to be known. The aim of this review was to synthesize the literature data, combined with personal results, regarding the roles of ARSA and ARSB in non-tumor disorders but also carcinogenesis. Few than 50 published papers regard ARSA and ARSB expression in cancer. They suggest decreased activity of these arylsulfatases in most of carcinomas, compared with normal tissues. However, the clinical impact is still unknown. Further complex studies are necessary to be done, to understand the role of ARSA and ARSB expression in cancer.

Gestational Tissue-Derived Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Use Distinct Combinations of Bioactive Molecules to Suppress the Proliferation of Human Hepatoblastoma and Colorectal Cancer Cells

Background

Cancer has been considered a serious global health problem and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite recent advances in cancer therapy, treatments of advance stage cancers are mostly ineffective resulting in poor survival of patients. Recent evidences suggest that multipotent human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) play important roles in growth and metastasis of several cancers by enhancing their engraftment and inducing tumor neovascularization. However, the effect of hMSCs on cancer cells is still controversial because there are also evidences demonstrating that hMSCs inhibited growth and metastasis of some cancers.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the effects of bioactive molecules released from bone marrow and gestational tissue-derived hMSCs on the proliferation of various human cancer cells, including C3A, HT29, A549, Saos-2, and U251. We also characterized the hMSC-derived factors that inhibit cancer cell proliferation by protein fractionation and mass spectrometry analysis.

Results

We herein make a direct comparison and show that the effects of hMSCs on cancer cell proliferation and migration depend on both hMSC sources and cancer cell types and cancer-derived bioactive molecules did not affect the cancer suppressive capacity of hMSCs. Moreover, hMSCs use distinct combination of bioactive molecules to suppress the proliferation of human hepatoblastoma and colorectal cancer cells. Using protein fractionation and mass spectrometry analysis, we have identified several novel hMSC-derived factors that might be able to suppress cancer cell proliferation.

Conclusion

We believe that the procedure developed in this study could be used to discover other therapeutically useful molecules released by various hMSC sources for a future in vivo study.

Supplementing Cancer?

In this issue of Molecular Cell, Lin et al. (2018) report that chondroitin-4-sulfate, which is found in a common supplement meant to alleviate degenerative joint disorders, promotes the growth of BRAF V600E mutant melanoma. This study not only has implications for patient care but also sheds light on a novel mechanism for regulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling.

WIPI1, BAG1, and PEX3 Autophagy-Related Genes Are Relevant Melanoma Markers

ROS and oxidative stress may promote autophagy; on the other hand, autophagy may help reduce oxidative damages. According to the known interplay of ROS, autophagy, and melanoma onset, we hypothesized that autophagy-related genes (ARGs) may represent useful melanoma biomarkers. We therefore analyzed the gene and protein expression of 222 ARGs in human melanoma samples, from 5 independent expression databases (overall 572 patients). Gene expression was first evaluated in the GEO database. Forty-two genes showed extremely high ability to discriminate melanoma from nevi (63 samples) according to ROC (AUC ≥ 0.85) and Mann-Whitney (p < 0.0001) analyses. The 9 genes never related to melanoma before were then in silico validated in the IST online database. BAG1, CHMP2B, PEX3, and WIPI1 confirmed a strong differential gene expression, in 355 samples. A second-round validation performed on the Human Protein Atlas database showed strong differential protein expression for BAG1, PEX3, and WIPI1 in melanoma vs control samples, according to the image analysis of 80 human histological sections. WIPI1 gene expression also showed a significant prognostic value (p < 0.0001) according to 102 melanoma patients' survival data. We finally addressed in Oncomine database whether WIPI1 overexpression is melanoma-specific. Within more than 20 cancer types, the most relevant WIPI1 expression change (p = 0.00002; fold change = 3.1) was observed in melanoma. Molecular/functional relationships of the investigated molecules with melanoma and their molecular/functional network were analyzed via Chilibot software, STRING analysis, and gene ontology enrichment analysis. We conclude that WIPI1 (AUC = 0.99), BAG1 (AUC = 1), and PEX3 (AUC = 0.93) are relevant novel melanoma markers at both gene and protein levels.

Arylsulfatase B is reduced in prostate cancer recurrences

BACKGROUND

Arylsulfatase B (ARSB) removes the 4-sulfate group from chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S) and dermatan sulfate and is required for their degradation. Prior work showed that ARSB immunohistochemical scores were lower in malignant prostate tissue, and were associated with higher Gleason scores and recurrence.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to confirm that ARSB immunostaining of prostate tissue obtained at the time of radical prostatectomy is prognostic for prostate cancer recurrence.

METHODS

Intensity and distribution of ARSB immunostaining were digitally analyzed in a large, well-annotated, prostate cancer tissue microarray (TMA). Scores were calculated for stroma and epithelium and compared for 191 cases, including 36 recurrences, defined as PSA > 0.2 ng/ml.

RESULTS

Epithelial scores were significantly lower in the recurrences (p= 0.010), and among subgroups with age > 60, initial PSA > 6 ng/ml, or Gleason grade = 7. ARSB score did not improve the prediction of recurrence in multifactorial analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Study findings validate previous findings and provide further evidence that lower ARSB is associated with prostate cancer recurrence. Additional studies are required to assess if there are specific cutoff values that may help predict recurrence.

Increased GPNMB, phospho-ERK1/2, and MMP-9 in cystic fibrosis in association with reduced arylsulfatase B

BACKGROUND

GPNMB was increased in a CF gene array and in Arylsulfatase B (ARSB; N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase)-null mice, consistent with previous reports that ARSB is reduced in cystic fibrosis (CF). Implications of GPNMB increase in CF are unknown.

METHODS

GPNMB levels were determined in serum and circulating leukocytes from CF patients and healthy controls. GPNMB binding with β-1 integrin and measurements of phospho-ERK1/2 and MMP-9 in CFTR-uncorrected, CFTR-corrected, and normal human bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) were determined, following ARSB and GPNMB knockdown, and treatment with RGD peptide, and ERK phosphorylation inhibitor.

RESULTS

GPNMB was markedly increased in CF patients compared to controls (p < 0.0001, unpaired t-test, two-tailed). Silencing GPNMB, treatment with excess RGD peptide, and treatment with ERK phosphorylation inhibitor blocked ARSB silencing-induced increases in MMP-9 in the normal BEC.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that decline in ARSB activity caused by decline in CFTR function leads to increased GPNMB, which may contribute to organ dysfunction in CF by increased MMP-9 expression.

Decline in arylsulfatase B expression increases EGFR expression by inhibiting the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 and activating JNK in prostate cells

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has a crucial role in cell differentiation and proliferation and cancer, and its expression appears to be up-regulated when arylsulfatase B (ARSB or GalNAc-4-sulfatase) is reduced. ARSB removes 4-sulfate groups from the nonreducing end of dermatan sulfate and chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S), and its decreased expression has previously been reported to inhibit the activity of the ubiquitous protein-tyrosine phosphatase, nonreceptor type 11 (SHP2 or PTPN11). However, the mechanism by which decline in ARSB leads to decline in SHP2 activity is unclear. Here, we show that SHP2 binds preferentially C4S, rather than chondroitin 6-sulfate, and confirm that SHP2 activity declines when ARSB is silenced. The reduction in ARSB activity, and the resultant increase in C4S, increased the expression of EGFR (Her1/ErbB1) in human prostate stem and epithelial cells. The increased expression of EGFR occurred after 1) the decline in SHP2 activity, 2) enhanced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity, 3) increased nuclear DNA binding by c-Jun and c-Fos, and 4) EGFR promoter activation. In response to exogenous EGF, there was increased bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, consistent with enhanced cell proliferation. These findings indicated that ARSB and chondroitin 4-sulfation affect the activation of an important dual phosphorylation threonine-tyrosine kinase and the mRNA expression of a critical tyrosine kinase receptor in prostate cells. Restoration of ARSB activity with the associated reduction in C4S may provide a new therapeutic approach for managing malignancies in which EGFR-mediated tyrosine kinase signaling pathways are active.

Chondroitin sulfatases differentially regulate Wnt signaling in prostate stem cells through effects on SHP2, phospho-ERK1/2, and Dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor (DKK3)

The chondroitin sulfatases N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase (ARSB) and galactosamine-N-acetyl-6-sulfatase (GALNS) remove either the 4-sulfate group at the non-reducing end of chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S) and dermatan sulfate, or the 6-sulfate group of chondroitin 6-sulfate, chondroitin 4,6-disulfate (chondroitin sulfate E), or keratan sulfate. In human prostate cancer tissues, the ARSB activity was reduced and the GALNS activity was increased, compared to normal prostate tissue. In human prostate stem cells, when ARSB was reduced by silencing or GALNS was increased by overexpression, activity of SHP2, the ubiquitous non-receptor tyrosine phosphatase, declined, attributable to increased binding of SHP2 with C4S. This led to increases in phospho-ERK1/2, Myc/Max nuclear DNA binding, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity and expression, and methylation of the Dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor (DKK)3 promoter and to reduced DKK3 expression. Since DKK3 negatively regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling, silencing of ARSB or overexpression of GALNS disinhibited (increased) Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These findings indicate that the chondroitin sulfatases can exert profound effects on Wnt-mediated processes, due to epigenetic effects that modulate Wnt signaling.