1
|
Computational and experimental characterization of the novel ECM glycoprotein SNED1 and prediction of its interactome. Biochem J 2021; 478:1413-1434. [PMID: 33724335 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex meshwork of proteins and an essential component of multicellular life. We have recently reported the characterization of a novel ECM protein, SNED1, and showed that it promotes breast cancer metastasis and regulates craniofacial development. However, the mechanisms by which it does so remain unknown. ECM proteins exert their functions by binding to cell surface receptors and interacting with other ECM proteins, actions that we can predict using knowledge of protein's sequence, structure, and post-translational modifications. Here, we combined in-silico and in-vitro approaches to characterize the physico-chemical properties of SNED1 and infer its putative functions. To do so, we established a mammalian cell system to produce and purify SNED1 and its N-terminal fragment, which contains a NIDO domain, and demonstrated experimentally SNED1's potential to be glycosylated, phosphorylated, and incorporated into an insoluble ECM. We also determined the secondary and tertiary structures of SNED1 and its N-terminal fragment and obtained a model for its NIDO domain. Using computational predictions, we identified 114 proteins as putative SNED1 interactors, including the ECM protein fibronectin. Pathway analysis of the predicted SNED1 interactome further revealed that it may contribute to signaling through cell surface receptors, such as integrins, and participate in the regulation of ECM organization and developmental processes. Last, using fluorescence microscopy, we showed that SNED1 forms microfibrils within the ECM and partially colocalizes with fibronectin. Altogether, we provide a wealth of information on an understudied yet important ECM protein with the potential to decipher its pathophysiological functions.
Collapse
|
2
|
Brockhausen I, Melamed J. Mucins as anti-cancer targets: perspectives of the glycobiologist. Glycoconj J 2021; 38:459-474. [PMID: 33704667 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-09986-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mucins are highly O-glycosylated glycoproteins that carry a heterogenous variety of O-glycan structures. Tumor cells tend to overexpress specific mucins, such as the cell surface mucins MUC1 and MUC4 that are engaged in signaling and cell growth, and exhibit abnormal glycosylation. In particular, the Tn and T antigens and their sialylated forms are common in cancer mucins. We review herein methods chosen to use cancer-associated glycans and mucins as targets for the design of anti-cancer immunotherapies. Mucin peptides from the glycosylated and transmembrane domains have been combined with immune-stimulating adjuvants in a wide variety of approaches to produce anti-tumor antibodies and vaccines. These mucin conjugates have been tested on cancer cells in vitro and in mice with significant successes in stimulating anti-tumor responses. The clinical trials in humans, however, have shown limited success in extending survival. It seems critical that the individual-specific epitope expression of cancer mucins is considered in future therapies to result in lasting anti-tumor responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inka Brockhausen
- Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, 18 Stuart St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Jacob Melamed
- Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, 18 Stuart St, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liberelle M, Jonckheere N, Melnyk P, Van Seuningen I, Lebègue N. EGF-Containing Membrane-Bound Mucins: A Hidden ErbB2 Targeting Pathway? J Med Chem 2020; 63:5074-5088. [PMID: 32027502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Membrane-bound mucins belong to a heterogeneous family of large O-glycoproteins involved in numerous cancers and inflammatory diseases of the epithelium. Some of them are also involved in protein-protein interactions, with receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB2, and fundamental and clinical data showed that these complexes have a detrimental impact on cancer outcome, thus raising interest in therapeutic targeting. This paper aims to demonstrate that MUC3, MUC4, MUC12, MUC13, and MUC17 have a common evolutionary origin and share a common structural organization with EGF-like and SEA domains. Theoretical structure-function relationship analysis of the conserved domains indicated that the studied membrane-bound mucins share common biological properties along with potential specific functions. Finally, the potential druggability of these complexes is discussed, revealing ErbB2-related pathways of cell signaling to be targeted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Liberelle
- Univ. Lille, Inserm CHU Lille, UMR-S1172-JPArc-Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences et Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172-LiNC-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Jonckheere
- Univ. Lille, Inserm CHU Lille, UMR-S1172-JPArc-Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences et Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR-S 1277-Canther-Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Patricia Melnyk
- Univ. Lille, Inserm CHU Lille, UMR-S1172-JPArc-Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences et Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172-LiNC-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Isabelle Van Seuningen
- Univ. Lille, Inserm CHU Lille, UMR-S1172-JPArc-Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences et Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR9020-UMR-S 1277-Canther-Cancer Heterogeneity, Plasticity and Resistance to Therapies, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Nicolas Lebègue
- Univ. Lille, Inserm CHU Lille, UMR-S1172-JPArc-Centre de Recherche Jean-Pierre Aubert Neurosciences et Cancer, F-59000 Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, UMR-S 1172-LiNC-Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, F-59000 Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Suh H, Pillai K, Morris DL. Mucins in pancreatic cancer: biological role, implications in carcinogenesis and applications in diagnosis and therapy. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:1372-1383. [PMID: 28670497 PMCID: PMC5489784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth highest cause of cancer mortality in the world. It has very low survival rates owing to late diagnosis resulting from the absence of accurate diagnostic tools and effective therapies. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In the recent years, there has been new evidence implicating the importance of mucins in pancreatic carcinogenesis. Mucins belong to a group of heavily glycosylated proteins, and are often aberrantly expressed in a number of cancers such as pancreatic cancer. Therefore, this literature review will summarise the role of mucins and mucin expression in pancreatic neoplasms. Subsequently the paper will also discuss the most recent advances in the biological properties of mucins and their role in carcinogenesis and resistance to chemotherapy. Then it will conclude on the newest developments in diagnosis and therapy based on mucins for pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyerim Suh
- University of New South Wales, School of MedicineSydney NSW, Australia
| | - Krishna Pillai
- Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, The University of New South WalesKogarah, Sydney NSW 2217, Australia
| | - David Lawson Morris
- Department of Surgery, St George Hospital, The University of New South WalesKogarah, Sydney NSW 2217, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gautam SK, Kumar S, Cannon A, Hall B, Bhatia R, Nasser MW, Mahapatra S, Batra SK, Jain M. MUC4 mucin- a therapeutic target for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:657-669. [PMID: 28460571 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1323880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pancreatic cancer (PC) is characterized by mucin overexpression. MUC4 is the most differentially overexpressed membrane-bound mucin that plays a functional role in disease progression and therapy resistance. Area covered: We describe the clinicopathological significance of MUC4, summarize mechanisms contributing to its deregulated expression, review preclinical studies aimed at inhibiting MUC4, and discuss how MUC4 overexpression provides opportunities for developing targeted therapies. Finally, we discuss the challenges for developing MUC4-based therapeutics, and identify areas where efforts should be directed to effectively exploit MUC4 as a therapeutic target for PC. Expert opinion: Studies demonstrating that abrogation of MUC4 expression reduces proliferation and metastasis of PC cells and enhances sensitivity to therapeutic agents affirm its utility as a therapeutic target. Emerging evidence also supports the suitability of MUC4 as a potential immunotherapy target. However, these studies have been limited to in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo approaches using xenograft tumors in immunodeficient murine models. For translational relevance, MUC4-targeted therapies should be evaluated in murine models with intact immune system and accurate tumor microenvironment. Additionally, future studies evaluating MUC4 as a target for immunotherapy must entail characterization of immune response in PC patients and investigate its association with immunosuppression and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra K Gautam
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Andrew Cannon
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Bradley Hall
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,b Department of Surgery , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Rakesh Bhatia
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Mohd Wasim Nasser
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Sidharth Mahapatra
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,d Department of Pediatrics , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,e Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,c Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,e Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- a Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA.,e Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
| |
Collapse
|