1
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Pereira A, Baron L, Bucci R, Plays M, Bonasegale G, Picard-Bernes A, Bibrowski M, Morris N, Marynberg S, Sindikubwabo F, Cañeque T, Müller S, Colombeau L, Solier S, Bono Y, Gaillet C, Johannes L, Puisieux A, Rodriguez R. PSL Chemical Biology Symposia: Recent Progress in Ferroptosis. Chembiochem 2024; 25:e202400211. [PMID: 38530090 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202400211] [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: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
This symposium is the 5th PSL (Paris Sciences & Lettres) Chemical Biology meeting (2015, 2016, 2019, 2023, 2024) held at Institut Curie. This initiative originally started at Institut de Chimie des Substances Naturelles (ICSN) in Gif-sur-Yvette, with a strong focus on chemistry. It was then continued at the Institut Curie (2015) covering a larger scope, before becoming the official PSL Chemical Biology meeting. This latest edition hosted around 150 participants and was focused on the burgeoning field of ferroptosis, its mechanism and implications in health and disease. While not initially planned, it was felt that the next large Ferroptosis venue (CSHA, China) would not happen before late 2024. A discussion involving Conrad, Birsoy, Ubellacker, Brabletz and Rodriguez next to lake Como in Italy sponsored by the DKFZ, prompted us to fill in this gap and to organize a Ferroptosis meeting in Paris beforehand.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Pereira
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Leeroy Baron
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Romain Bucci
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Marina Plays
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Giulia Bonasegale
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Armel Picard-Bernes
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Manuel Bibrowski
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Nolwenn Morris
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sacha Marynberg
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Sindikubwabo
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Tatiana Cañeque
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sebastian Müller
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Colombeau
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Solier
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Yannick Bono
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Christine Gaillet
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Ludger Johannes
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Alain Puisieux
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Rodriguez
- Institut Curie, Department of Cellular and Chemical Biology, UMR 3666 CNRS, U1143 INSERM, PSL Université Paris, 75005, Paris, France
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2
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Saitoh M. Transcriptional regulation of EMT transcription factors in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 97:21-29. [PMID: 37802266 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.10.001] [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: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is one of the processes by which epithelial cells transdifferentiate into mesenchymal cells in the developmental stage, known as "complete EMT." In epithelial cancer, EMT, also termed "partial EMT," is associated with invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy, and is elicited by several transcription factors, frequently referred to as EMT transcription factors. Among these transcription factors that regulate EMT, ZEB1/2 (ZEB1 and ZEB2), SNAIL, and TWIST play a prominent role in driving the EMT process (hereafter referred to as "EMT-TFs"). Among these, ZEB1/2 show positive correlation with both expression of mesenchymal marker proteins and the aggressiveness of various carcinomas. On the other hand, TWIST and SNAIL are also correlated with the aggressiveness of carcinomas, but are not highly correlated with mesenchymal marker protein expression. Interestingly, these EMT-TFs are not detected simultaneously in any studied cases of aggressive cancers, except for sarcoma. Thus, only one or some of the EMT-TFs are expressed at high levels in cells of aggressive carcinomas. Expression of EMT-TFs is regulated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a well-established inducer of EMT, in cooperation with other signaling molecules, such as active RAS signals. The focus of this review is the molecular mechanisms by which EMT-TFs are transcriptionally sustained at sufficiently high levels in cells of aggressive carcinomas and upregulated by TGF-β during cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masao Saitoh
- Center for Medical Education and Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo-city, Yamanashi, Japan.
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3
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Tang S, Cai L, Wang Z, Pan D, Wang Q, Shen Y, Zhou Y, Chen Q. Emerging roles of circular RNAs in the invasion and metastasis of head and neck cancer: Possible functions and mechanisms. CANCER INNOVATION 2023; 2:463-487. [PMID: 38125767 PMCID: PMC10730008 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most prevalent malignancy worldwide in 2020. Cancer metastasis is the main cause of poor prognosis in HNC patients. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs), initially thought to have no biological function, are attracting increasing attention, and their crucial roles in mediating HNC metastasis are being extensively investigated. Existing studies have shown that circRNAs primarily function through miRNA sponges, transcriptional regulation, interacting with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and as translation templates. Among these functions, the function of miRNA sponge is the most prominent. In this review, we summarized the reported circRNAs involved in HNC metastasis, aiming to elucidate the regulatory relationship between circRNAs and HNC metastasis. Furthermore, we summarized the latest advances in the epidemiological information of HNC metastasis and the tumor metastasis theories, the biogenesis, characterization and functional mechanisms of circRNAs, and their potential clinical applications. Although the research on circRNAs is still in its infancy, circRNAs are expected to serve as prognostic markers and effective therapeutic targets to inhibit HNC metastasis and significantly improve the prognosis of HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shouyi Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Luyao Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Dan Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Qing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yingqiang Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
- State Institute of Drug/Medical Device Clinical TrialWest China Hospital of StomatologyChengduChina
| | - Qianming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management, West China Hospital of StomatologySichuan UniversityChengduChina
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4
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Katipally RR, Pitroda SP, Weichselbaum RR, Hellman S. Oligometastases: Characterizing the Role of Epigenetic Regulation of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:2761-2766. [PMID: 37115507 PMCID: PMC10687742 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
The "oligometastasis" hypothesis proposes that metastases exist as a spectrum and are not always disseminated. According to this theory, a subset of patients with metastatic disease could benefit from aggressive local therapies. However, the identification of patients most likely to exhibit an oligometastatic phenotype remains challenging. Recent literature focusing on basic and translational studies has identified novel epigenetic regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the emergence of a spectrum of metastatic behavior. Herein, we review these scientific advances and suggest that the spectrum of metastatic virulence produced by these epigenetic mechanisms broadly contributes to the emergence of clinically evident "oligometastases." Epigenetic regulation of EMT programs can result in a spectrum of cell trajectories (e.g., quasi-mesenchymal and highly mesenchymal states) with differential propensity to develop metastases. We propose that quasi-mesenchymal cell states may be associated with a polymetastatic phenotype, whereas highly mesenchymal cell states may be associated with a more oligometastatic phenotype. The mechanisms governing epigenetic regulation of EMT and its array of intermediate states are multifaceted and may contribute to the development of the metastatic spectrum observed clinically. Within this context, translational studies that support the role of EMT and its epigenetic regulation are discussed. Continued translation of these mechanistic discoveries into novel biomarkers may help optimally select patients most likely to exhibit an oligometastatic phenotype and benefit from aggressive local therapies, such as surgery, radiotherapy, and other ablative procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohan R. Katipally
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sean P. Pitroda
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ralph R. Weichselbaum
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Samuel Hellman
- Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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5
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Patras L, Paul D, Matei IR. Weaving the nest: extracellular matrix roles in pre-metastatic niche formation. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1163786. [PMID: 37350937 PMCID: PMC10282420 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1163786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery that primary tumors condition distant organ sites of future metastasis for seeding by disseminating tumor cells through a process described as the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation revolutionized our understanding of cancer progression and opened new avenues for therapeutic interventions. Given the inherent inefficiency of metastasis, PMN generation is crucial to ensure the survival of rare tumor cells in the otherwise hostile environments of metastatic organs. Early on, it was recognized that preparing the "soil" of the distal organ to support the outgrowth of metastatic cells is the initiating event in PMN development, achieved through the remodeling of the organ's extracellular matrix (ECM). Remote restructuring of ECM at future sites of metastasis under the influence of primary tumor-secreted factors is an iterative process orchestrated through the crosstalk between resident stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, epithelial and endothelial cells, and recruited innate immune cells. In this review, we will explore the ECM changes, cellular effectors, and the mechanisms of ECM remodeling throughout PMN progression, as well as its impact on shaping the PMN and ultimately promoting metastasis. Moreover, we highlight the clinical and translational implications of PMN ECM changes and opportunities for therapeutically targeting the ECM to hinder PMN formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Patras
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Doru Paul
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Irina R. Matei
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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6
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Verstappe J, Berx G. A role for partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in enabling stemness in homeostasis and cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 90:15-28. [PMID: 36773819 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells have self-renewal capacities and the ability to give rise to differentiated cells thereby sustaining tissues during homeostasis and injury. This structural hierarchy extends to tumours which harbor stem-like cells deemed cancer stem cells that propagate the tumour and drive metastasis and relapse. The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays an important role in development and cancer cell migration, was shown to be correlated with stemness in both homeostasis and cancer indicating that stemness can be acquired and is not necessarily an intrinsic trait. Nowadays it is experimentally proven that the activation of an EMT program does not necessarily drive cells towards a fully mesenchymal phenotype but rather to hybrid E/M states. This review offers the latest advances in connecting the EMT status and stem-cell state of both non-transformed and cancer cells. Recent literature clearly shows that hybrid EMT states have a higher probability of acquiring stem cell traits. The position of a cell along the EMT-axis which coincides with a stem cell-like state is known as the stemness window. We show how the original EMT-state of a cell dictates the EMT/MET inducing programmes required to reach stemness. Lastly we present the mechanism of stemness regulation and the regulatory feedback loops which position cells at a certain EMT state along the EMT axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Verstappe
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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7
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Wiedmann L, De Angelis Rigotti F, Vaquero-Siguero N, Donato E, Espinet E, Moll I, Alsina-Sanchis E, Bohnenberger H, Fernandez-Florido E, Mülfarth R, Vacca M, Gerwing J, Conradi LC, Ströbel P, Trumpp A, Mogler C, Fischer A, Rodriguez-Vita J. HAPLN1 potentiates peritoneal metastasis in pancreatic cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2353. [PMID: 37095087 PMCID: PMC10126109 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38064-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) frequently metastasizes into the peritoneum, which contributes to poor prognosis. Metastatic spreading is promoted by cancer cell plasticity, yet its regulation by the microenvironment is incompletely understood. Here, we show that the presence of hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein-1 (HAPLN1) in the extracellular matrix enhances tumor cell plasticity and PDAC metastasis. Bioinformatic analysis showed that HAPLN1 expression is enriched in the basal PDAC subtype and associated with worse overall patient survival. In a mouse model for peritoneal carcinomatosis, HAPLN1-induced immunomodulation favors a more permissive microenvironment, which accelerates the peritoneal spread of tumor cells. Mechanistically, HAPLN1, via upregulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), promotes TNF-mediated upregulation of Hyaluronan (HA) production, facilitating EMT, stemness, invasion and immunomodulation. Extracellular HAPLN1 modifies cancer cells and fibroblasts, rendering them more immunomodulatory. As such, we identify HAPLN1 as a prognostic marker and as a driver for peritoneal metastasis in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Wiedmann
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesca De Angelis Rigotti
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Tumor-Stroma Communication Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nuria Vaquero-Siguero
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisa Donato
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- HI-STEM - Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine gGmbH, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisa Espinet
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- HI-STEM - Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine gGmbH, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapy, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona (UB), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology Program (Oncobell), Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, 08908, Spain
| | - Iris Moll
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisenda Alsina-Sanchis
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hanibal Bohnenberger
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Elena Fernandez-Florido
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ronja Mülfarth
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Margherita Vacca
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jennifer Gerwing
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lena-Christin Conradi
- Clinic of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straβe 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Georg-August-University, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Trumpp
- Division of Stem Cells and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- HI-STEM - Heidelberg Institute for Stem Cell Technology and Experimental Medicine gGmbH, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Fischer
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), partner site Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Juan Rodriguez-Vita
- Division Vascular Signaling and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Tumor-Stroma Communication Laboratory, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
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8
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Carvalho AM, Reis RL, Pashkuleva I. Hyaluronan Receptors as Mediators and Modulators of the Tumor Microenvironment. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202118. [PMID: 36373221 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a dynamic and complex matter shaped by heterogenous cancer and cancer-associated cells present at the tumor site. Hyaluronan (HA) is a major TME component that plays pro-tumorigenic and carcinogenic functions. These functions are mediated by different hyaladherins expressed by cancer and tumor-associated cells triggering downstream signaling pathways that determine cell fate and contribute to TME progression toward a carcinogenic state. Here, the interaction of HA is reviewed with several cell-surface hyaladherins-CD44, RHAMM, TLR2 and 4, LYVE-1, HARE, and layilin. The signaling pathways activated by these interactions and the respective response of different cell populations within the TME, and the modulation of the TME, are discussed. Potential cancer therapies via targeting these interactions are also briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Carvalho
- 3Bs Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Barco, 4805-017, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3Bs Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Barco, 4805-017, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
| | - Iva Pashkuleva
- 3Bs Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Barco, 4805-017, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, University of Minho, Braga, 4710-057, Portugal
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9
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Poonaki E, Kahlert UD, Meuth SG, Gorji A. The role of the ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis in CNS disorders. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:275. [PMCID: PMC9675144 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02636-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a master modulator of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process whereby epithelial cells undergo a series of molecular changes and express certain characteristics of mesenchymal cells. ZEB1, in association with other EMT transcription factors, promotes neuroinflammation through changes in the production of inflammatory mediators, the morphology and function of immune cells, and multiple signaling pathways that mediate the inflammatory response. The ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of different CNS disorders, such as brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, cerebrovascular diseases, and neuropathic pain, by promoting tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness, formation of the hostile inflammatory micromilieu surrounding neuronal tissues, dysfunction of microglia and astrocytes, impairment of angiogenesis, and dysfunction of the blood–brain barrier. Future studies are needed to elucidate whether the ZEB1–neuroinflammation axis could serve as a diagnostic, prognostic, and/or therapeutic target for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Poonaki
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany ,grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Epilepsy Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Domagkstr. 11, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Ulf Dietrich Kahlert
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Molecular and Experimental Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Clinic for General-, Visceral-, Vascular- and Transplantation Surgery, Otto-Von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sven G. Meuth
- grid.411327.20000 0001 2176 9917Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ali Gorji
- grid.5949.10000 0001 2172 9288Epilepsy Research Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Domagkstr. 11, 48149 Münster, Germany ,grid.512981.60000 0004 0612 1380Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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10
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Motofei IG. Biology of cancer; from cellular and molecular mechanisms to developmental processes and adaptation. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:600-615. [PMID: 34695580 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer research has been largely focused on the cellular and molecular levels of investigation. Recent data show that not only the cell but also the extracellular matrix plays a major role in the progression of malignancy. In this way, the cells and the extracellular matrix create a specific local microenvironment that supports malignant development. At the same time, cancer implies a systemic evolution which is closely related to developmental processes and adaptation. Consequently, there is currently a real gap between the local investigation of cancer at the microenvironmental level, and the pathophysiological approach to cancer as a systemic disease. In fact, the cells and the matrix are not only complementary structures but also interdependent components that act synergistically. Such relationships lead to cell-matrix integration, a supracellular form of biological organization that supports tissue development. The emergence of this supracellular level of organization, as a structure, leads to the emergence of the supracellular control of proliferation, as a supracellular function. In humans, proliferation is generally involved in developmental processes and adaptation. These processes suppose a specific configuration at the systemic level, which generates high-order guidance for local supracellular control of proliferation. In conclusion, the supracellular control of proliferation act as an interface between the downstream level of cell division and differentiation, and upstream level of developmental processes and adaptation. Understanding these processes and their disorders is useful not only to complete the big picture of malignancy as a systemic disease, but also to open new treatment perspectives in the form of etiopathogenic (supracellular or informational) therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion G Motofei
- Department of Oncology/ Surgery, Carol Davila University, St. Pantelimon Hospital, Dionisie Lupu Street, No. 37, Bucharest, 020021, Romania.
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11
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More MH, Varankar SS, Naik RR, Dhake RD, Ray P, Bankar RM, Mali AM, Subbalakshmi AR, Chakraborty P, Jolly MK, Bapat SA. A Multistep Tumor Growth Model of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma Identifies Hypoxia-Associated Signatures. Cells Tissues Organs 2022; 213:79-95. [PMID: 35970135 DOI: 10.1159/000526432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC) is associated with late-stage disease presentation and poor prognosis, with a limited understanding of early transformation events. Our study analyzes HGSC tumor progression and organ-specific metastatic dissemination to identify hypoxia-associated molecular, cellular, and histological alterations. Clinical characteristics of the HGSC were replicated in orthotopic xenografts, which involve metastatic dissemination and the prevalence of group B tumors (volume: >0.0625 ≤ 0.5 cm3). Enhanced hyaluronic acid (HA) deposition, expanded tumor vasculature, and increased necrosis contributed to the remodeling of tumor tissue architecture. The proliferative potential of tumor cells and the ability to form glands were also altered during tumor growth. Flow cytometry and label chase-based molecular profiling across the tumor regenerative hierarchy identified the hypoxia-vasculogenic niche and the hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal tumor-cell state as determinants of self-renewal capabilities of progenitors and cancer stem cells. A regulatory network and mathematical model based on tumor histology and molecular signatures predicted hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1A) as a central node connecting HA synthesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metabolic, vasculogenic, inflammatory, and necrotic pathways in HGSC tumors. Thus, our findings provide a temporal resolution of hypoxia-associated events that sculpt HGSC tumor growth; an in-depth understanding of it may aid in the early detection and treatment of HGSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuri H More
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Sagar S Varankar
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Rutika R Naik
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Rahul D Dhake
- Department of Histopathology, Inlaks and Budhrani Hospital, Morbai Naraindas Cancer Institute, Pune, India
| | - Pritha Ray
- Advance Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Rahul M Bankar
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Avinash M Mali
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | | | - Priyanka Chakraborty
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sharmila A Bapat
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
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12
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Choi BH, Ryoo I, Sim KH, Ahn HJ, Lee YJ, Kwak MK. High Levels of Hyaluronic Acid Synthase-2 Mediate NRF2-Driven Chemoresistance in Breast Cancer Cells. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2022; 30:368-379. [PMID: 35768333 PMCID: PMC9252875 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2022.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronic acid (HA), a ligand of CD44, accumulates in some types of tumors and is responsible for tumor progression. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (NRF2) regulates cytoprotective genes and drug transporters, which promotes therapy resistance in tumors. Previously, we showed that high levels of CD44 are associated with NRF2 activation in cancer stem like-cells. Herein, we demonstrate that HA production was increased in doxorubicin-resistant breast cancer MCF7 cells (MCF7-DR) via the upregulation of HA synthase-2 (HAS2). HA incubation increased NRF2, aldo-keto reductase 1C1 (AKR1C1), and multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) levels. Silencing of HAS2 or CD44 suppressed NRF2 signaling in MCF7-DR, which was accompanied by increased doxorubicin sensitivity. The treatment with a HAS2 inhibitor, 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU), decreased NRF2, AKR1C1, and MDR1 levels in MCF7-DR. Subsequently, 4-MU treatment inhibited sphere formation and doxorubicin resistance in MCF7-DR. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data analysis across 32 types of tumors indicates the amplification of HAS2 gene is a common genetic alteration and is negatively correlated with the overall survival rate. In addition, high HAS2 mRNA levels are associated with increased NRF2 signaling and poor clinical outcome in breast cancer patients. Collectively, these indicate that HAS2 elevation contributes to chemoresistance and sphere formation capacity of drug-resistant MCF7 cells by activating CD44/NRF2 signaling, suggesting a potential benefit of HAS2 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Hyun Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Ingeun Ryoo
- Department of Pharmacology and Integrated Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyeong Hwa Sim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeon-Jin Ahn
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn Ju Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu 42472, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyoung Kwak
- Department of Pharmacology and Integrated Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea.,College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Republic of Korea
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13
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Perez-Oquendo M, Gibbons DL. Regulation of ZEB1 Function and Molecular Associations in Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081864. [PMID: 35454770 PMCID: PMC9031734 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a pleiotropic transcription factor frequently expressed in carcinomas. ZEB1 orchestrates the transcription of genes in the control of several key developmental processes and tumor metastasis via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The biological function of ZEB1 is regulated through pathways that influence its transcription and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Diverse signaling pathways converge to induce ZEB1 activity; however, only a few studies have focused on the molecular associations or functional changes of ZEB1 by post-translational modifications (PTMs). Due to the robust effect of ZEB1 as a transcription repressor of epithelial genes during EMT, the contribution of PTMs in the regulation of ZEB1-targeted gene expression is an active area of investigation. Herein, we review the pivotal roles that phosphorylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation, and other modifications have in regulating the molecular associations and behavior of ZEB1. We also outline several questions regarding the PTM-mediated regulation of ZEB1 that remain unanswered. The areas of research covered in this review are contributing to new treatment strategies for cancer by improving our mechanistic understanding of ZEB1-mediated EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel Perez-Oquendo
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Don L. Gibbons
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-713-792-6363
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14
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Wang Y, Shi S, Wang Y, Zhang X, Liu X, Li J, Li P, Du L, Wang C. miR-223-3p targets FBXW7 to promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis in breast cancer. Thorac Cancer 2022; 13:474-482. [PMID: 34953047 PMCID: PMC8807253 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.14284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor diagnosed in women. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the world. Aberrant expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to be involved in the development and progression of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the function of miR-223-3p in breast cancer progression and metastasis. METHODS qRT-PCR was used to analyze the expression levels of miR-223-3p in breast cancer tissues and cell lines. Wound healing and Matrigel assays were used to examine cell motility and invasiveness. FBXW7 3'-UTR construct and luciferase reporter assays were performed for the target gene. RESULTS miR-223-3p was overexpressed in breast cancer tissue and cell lines. A high level of miR-223-3p was associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. In addition, overexpressed miR-223-3p promoted the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that tumor suppressor gene FBXW7 is a target of miR-223-3p. Luciferase activity reporter assay indicated miR-223-3p could directly bind with the 3'-UTR of FBXW7. miR-223-3p exhibited its oncogenic role partly by decreasing FBXW7 expression, and consequently promoted the invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed a physical and functional relationship among miR-223-3p and FBXW7. By negatively regulating FBXW7 expression, miR-223-3p exerts a tumor promotion role promoting cell invasion and metastasis in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuli Wang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Shuang Shi
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xuhua Zhang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Shandong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Tumor Marker DetectionJinanChina
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Peilong Li
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Lutao Du
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Chuanxin Wang
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryThe Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
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15
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van Roey R, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP, Armstark I. Deregulation of Transcription Factor Networks Driving Cell Plasticity and Metastasis in Pancreatic Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:753456. [PMID: 34888306 PMCID: PMC8650502 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.753456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive disease with 5-year survival rates of less than 10%. The constantly increasing incidence and stagnant patient outcomes despite changes in treatment regimens emphasize the requirement of a better understanding of the disease mechanisms. Challenges in treating pancreatic cancer include diagnosis at already progressed disease states due to the lack of early detection methods, rapid acquisition of therapy resistance, and high metastatic competence. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the most prevalent type of pancreatic cancer, frequently shows dominant-active mutations in KRAS and TP53 as well as inactivation of genes involved in differentiation and cell-cycle regulation (e.g. SMAD4 and CDKN2A). Besides somatic mutations, deregulated transcription factor activities strongly contribute to disease progression. Specifically, transcriptional regulatory networks essential for proper lineage specification and differentiation during pancreas development are reactivated or become deregulated in the context of cancer and exacerbate progression towards an aggressive phenotype. This review summarizes the recent literature on transcription factor networks and epigenetic gene regulation that play a crucial role during tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruthger van Roey
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marc P Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Isabell Armstark
- Department of Experimental Medicine 1, Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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16
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Liu Y, Li J, Ding H, Ge D, Wang J, Xu C. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) triggers migration and invasion of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells via regulation of Zeb1. Drug Chem Toxicol 2021; 45:2804-2813. [PMID: 34732098 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2021.1991775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers worldwide, especially in Eastern Asia. As a potential endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) can mimic estrogen, disturb the estrogen signals, and then cause various diseases. Although ESCC can be directly exposed to PFOS during food digestion, the effects and mechanisms of PFOS on the development of ESCC are still not well illustrated. This study showed that PFOS can promote the migration and invasion of ESCC cells. Further, PFOS treatment can increase the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9, while decreasing the expression of E-Cadherin (E-Cad). Zeb1, an important transcription factor for cell motility, was essential for PFOS induced migration and invasion of ESCC cells. PFOS can increase the expression of Zeb1 via upregulation of its transcription and proteins stability. A-kinase interacting protein 1 (AKIP1) and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) were responsible for PFOS induced transcription and proteins stability of Zeb1 in ESCC cells, respectively. Collectively, our data indicated that environmental exposure and body accumulation of PFOS might be an important risk factor for ESCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqing Liu
- Internal Medicine Department, The First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Shangqiu, P. R. China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shangqiu Clinical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Shangqiu, P. R. China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Hui Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, P. R. China
| | - Dahe Ge
- Internal Medicine Department, The First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Shangqiu, P. R. China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shangqiu Clinical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Shangqiu, P. R. China
| | - Juntao Wang
- Internal Medicine Department, The First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Shangqiu, P. R. China
| | - Chunjin Xu
- Internal Medicine Department, The First People's Hospital of Shangqiu, Shangqiu, P. R. China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shangqiu Clinical College, Xuzhou Medical University, Shangqiu, P. R. China
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17
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The effect of COVID-19 derived cytokine storm on cancer cells progression: double-edged sword. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 49:605-615. [PMID: 34657251 PMCID: PMC8520341 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06800-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) was first detected in Wuhan, China in December, 2019. The emerging virus causes a respiratory illness, that can trigger a cytokine storm in the body. METHOD Cytokine storm in patient's body is associated with severe forms of disease. It is one of the main complications of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), in which immune cells play a major role. Studies have shown immune cells in the tumor environment can be effective to induce resistance to chemotherapy in cancer patients. RESULT Therefore, considering the role of immune cells to induce cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients, and their role to cause resistance to chemotherapy, they are effective on disease progression and creation of severe form of disease. CONCLUSION By examining the signaling pathways and inducing resistance to chemotherapy in tumor cells and the cells affect them, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of severe forms of the disease in cancer patients with COVID-19; it is applicable using target therapy and other subsequent treatment strategies.
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18
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Myofibroblasts: Function, Formation, and Scope of Molecular Therapies for Skin Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11081095. [PMID: 34439762 PMCID: PMC8391320 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are contractile, α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells with multiple roles in pathophysiological processes. Myofibroblasts mediate wound contractions, but their persistent presence in tissues is central to driving fibrosis, making them attractive cell targets for the development of therapeutic treatments. However, due to shared cellular markers with several other phenotypes, the specific targeting of myofibroblasts has long presented a scientific and clinical challenge. In recent years, myofibroblasts have drawn much attention among scientific research communities from multiple disciplines and specialisations. As further research uncovers the characterisations of myofibroblast formation, function, and regulation, the realisation of novel interventional routes for myofibroblasts within pathologies has emerged. The research community is approaching the means to finally target these cells, to prevent fibrosis, accelerate scarless wound healing, and attenuate associated disease-processes in clinical settings. This comprehensive review article describes the myofibroblast cell phenotype, their origins, and their diverse physiological and pathological functionality. Special attention has been given to mechanisms and molecular pathways governing myofibroblast differentiation, and updates in molecular interventions.
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19
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Yu M, Zhang K, Wang S, Xue L, Chen Z, Feng N, Ning C, Wang L, Li J, Zhang B, Yang C, Zhang Z. Increased SPHK1 and HAS2 Expressions Correlate to Poor Prognosis in Pancreatic Cancer. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:8861766. [PMID: 33506044 PMCID: PMC7806397 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8861766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE SPHK1 and HAS2 have been reported to play important roles in tumorigenesis and development. However, their expression and prognostic value in pancreatic cancer (PC) remain unclear. This study is aimed at investigating the expression of SPHK1 and HAS2 on the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression of SPHK1 and HAS2 in pancreatic cancer tissues was analyzed through TCGA and GTEx databases and validated by qRT-PCR and Western blot in pancreatic cancer cell lines. χ 2 test was used to explore the correlation of the SPHK1 and HAS2 expressions with clinical characteristics. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and ROC curve were used to evaluate the prognostic and diagnostic roles of SPHK1 and HAS2 in pancreatic cancer. Additionally, Spearman correlation analysis was applied to assess the correlation between the SPHK1 and HAS2 in pancreatic cancer. GO analysis and KEGG analysis were applied to explore the possible signaling pathway that SPHK1 and HAS2 coregulated genes mediated. RESULTS The expression of SPHK1 and HAS2 was markedly upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissue and cell lines, respectively. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between SPHK1 and HAS2 expressions. ROC curves showed that SPHK1 combine with HAS2 has good diagnostic value in pancreatic cancer patients with 85% sensitivity and 99.4% specificity. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that increased expression of SPHK1 and HAS2 was significantly associated with short overall survival (OS) of pancreatic cancer patients. GO and KEGG results revealed that SPHK1 and HAS2 mainly involved cell proliferation and invasion mediated by extracellular matrix- (ECM-) receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of SPHK1 and HAS2 could be important markers for the prognosis of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengsi Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Kainan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Song Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Li Xue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhaoyun Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ning Feng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Conghua Ning
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, 958 Hospital of People's Liberation Army, Chongqing, China
| | - Boke Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Changcheng Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Zhaoxia Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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20
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Pasani S, Sahoo S, Jolly MK. Hybrid E/M Phenotype(s) and Stemness: A Mechanistic Connection Embedded in Network Topology. J Clin Med 2020; 10:E60. [PMID: 33375334 PMCID: PMC7794989 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis remains an unsolved clinical challenge. Two crucial features of metastasizing cancer cells are (a) their ability to dynamically move along the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum and (b) their tumor initiation potential or stemness. With increasing functional characterization of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes along the spectrum, recent in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested an increasing association of hybrid E/M phenotypes with stemness. However, the mechanistic underpinnings enabling this association remain unclear. Here, we develop a mechanism-based mathematical modeling framework that interrogates the emergent nonlinear dynamics of the coupled network modules regulating E/M plasticity (miR-200/ZEB) and stemness (LIN28/let-7). Simulating the dynamics of this coupled network across a large ensemble of parameter sets, we observe that hybrid E/M phenotype(s) are more likely to acquire stemness relative to "pure" epithelial or mesenchymal states. We also integrate multiple "phenotypic stability factors" (PSFs) that have been shown to stabilize hybrid E/M phenotypes both in silico and in vitro-such as OVOL1/2, GRHL2, and NRF2-with this network, and demonstrate that the enrichment of hybrid E/M phenotype(s) with stemness is largely conserved in the presence of these PSFs. Thus, our results offer mechanistic insights into recent experimental observations of hybrid E/M phenotype(s) that are essential for tumor initiation and highlight how this feature is embedded in the underlying topology of interconnected EMT (Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition) and stemness networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satwik Pasani
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (S.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (S.P.); (S.S.)
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; (S.P.); (S.S.)
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21
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Chen CG, Iozzo RV. Angiostatic cues from the matrix: Endothelial cell autophagy meets hyaluronan biology. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:16797-16812. [PMID: 33020183 PMCID: PMC7864073 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.rev120.014391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix encompasses a reservoir of bioactive macromolecules that modulates a cornucopia of biological functions. A prominent body of work posits matrix constituents as master regulators of autophagy and angiogenesis and provides molecular insight into how these two processes are coordinated. Here, we review current understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying hyaluronan and HAS2 regulation and the role of soluble proteoglycan in affecting autophagy and angiogenesis. Specifically, we assess the role of proteoglycan-evoked autophagy in regulating angiogenesis via the HAS2-hyaluronan axis and ATG9A, a novel HAS2 binding partner. We discuss extracellular hyaluronan biology and the post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications that regulate its main synthesizer, HAS2. We highlight the emerging group of proteoglycans that utilize outside-in signaling to modulate autophagy and angiogenesis in cancer microenvironments and thoroughly review the most up-to-date understanding of endorepellin signaling in vascular endothelia, providing insight into the temporal complexities involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn G Chen
- Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Renato V Iozzo
- Translational Cellular Oncology Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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22
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Saxena K, Jolly MK, Balamurugan K. Hypoxia, partial EMT and collective migration: Emerging culprits in metastasis. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100845. [PMID: 32781367 PMCID: PMC7419667 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular biological process involved in migration of primary cancer cells to secondary sites facilitating metastasis. Besides, EMT also confers properties such as stemness, drug resistance and immune evasion which can aid a successful colonization at the distant site. EMT is not a binary process; recent evidence suggests that cells in partial EMT or hybrid E/M phenotype(s) can have enhanced stemness and drug resistance as compared to those undergoing a complete EMT. Moreover, partial EMT enables collective migration of cells as clusters of circulating tumor cells or emboli, further endorsing that cells in hybrid E/M phenotypes may be the 'fittest' for metastasis. Here, we review mechanisms and implications of hybrid E/M phenotypes, including their reported association with hypoxia. Hypoxia-driven activation of HIF-1α can drive EMT. In addition, cyclic hypoxia, as compared to acute or chronic hypoxia, shows the highest levels of active HIF-1α and can augment cancer aggressiveness to a greater extent, including enriching for a partial EMT phenotype. We also discuss how metastasis is influenced by hypoxia, partial EMT and collective cell migration, and call for a better understanding of interconnections among these mechanisms. We discuss the known regulators of hypoxia, hybrid EMT and collective cell migration and highlight the gaps which needs to be filled for connecting these three axes which will increase our understanding of dynamics of metastasis and help control it more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Saxena
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
| | - Kuppusamy Balamurugan
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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23
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Silveira DA, Gupta S, Mombach JCM. Systems biology approach suggests new miRNAs as phenotypic stability factors in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200693. [PMID: 33050781 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular programme on which epithelial cells undergo a phenotypic transition to mesenchymal ones acquiring metastatic properties such as mobility and invasion. TGF-β signalling can promote the EMT process. However, the dynamics of the concentration response of TGF-β-induced EMT is not well explained. In this work, we propose a logical model of TGF-β dose dependence of EMT in MCF10A breast cells. The model outcomes agree with experimentally observed phenotypes for the wild-type and perturbed/mutated cases. As important findings of the model, it predicts the coexistence of more than one hybrid state and that the circuit between TWIST1 and miR-129 is involved in their stabilization. Thus, miR-129 should be considered as a phenotypic stability factor. The circuit TWIST1/miR-129 associates with ZEB1-mediated circuits involving miRNAs 200, 1199, 340, and the protein GRHL2 to stabilize the hybrid state. Additionally, we found a possible new autocrine mechanism composed of the circuit involving TGF-β, miR-200, and SNAIL1 that contributes to the stabilization of the mesenchymal state. Therefore, our work can extend our comprehension of TGF-β-induced EMT in MCF10A cells to potentially improve the strategies for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daner A Silveira
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Shantanu Gupta
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
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24
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Mao L, Yang J, Yue J, Chen Y, Zhou H, Fan D, Zhang Q, Buraschi S, Iozzo RV, Bi X. Decorin deficiency promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and colon cancer metastasis. Matrix Biol 2020; 95:1-14. [PMID: 33065248 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment encompasses a complex cellular network that includes cancer-associated fibroblasts, inflammatory cells, neo-vessels, and an extracellular matrix enriched in angiogenic growth factors. Decorin is one of the main components of the tumor stroma, but it is not expressed by cancer cells. Lack of this proteoglycan correlates with down-regulation of E-cadherin and induction of β-catenin signaling. In this study, we investigated the role of a decorin-deficient tumor microenvironment in colon carcinoma progression and metastasis. We utilized an established model of colitis-associated cancer by administering Azoxymethane/Dextran sodium sulfate to adult wild-type and Dcn-/- mice. We discovered that after 12 weeks, all the animals developed intestinal tumors independently of their genotype. However, the number of intestinal neoplasms was significantly higher in the Dcn-/- microenvironment vis-à-vis wild-type mice. Mechanistically, we found that under unchallenged basal conditions, the intestinal epithelium of the Dcn-/- mice showed a significant increase in the protein levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition associated factors including Snail, Slug, Twist, and MMP2. In comparison, in the colitis-associated cancer evoked in the Dcn-/- mice, we found that intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) was also significantly increased, in parallel with epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling pathway-related factors. Furthermore, a combined Celecoxib/decorin treatment revealed a promising therapeutic efficacy in treating human colorectal cancer cells, in decorin-deficient animals. Collectively, our results shed light on colorectal cancer progression and provide a protein-based therapy, i.e., treatment using recombinant decorin, to target the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Mao
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Jinxue Yang
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Jiaxin Yue
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Yang Chen
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Hongrui Zhou
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Dongdong Fan
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Qiuhua Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110036, China
| | - Simone Buraschi
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, and Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Renato V Iozzo
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, and Cancer Cell Biology and Signaling Program, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Xiuli Bi
- College of Life Science, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China.
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25
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Arasu UT, Deen AJ, Pasonen-Seppänen S, Heikkinen S, Lalowski M, Kärnä R, Härkönen K, Mäkinen P, Lázaro-Ibáñez E, Siljander PRM, Oikari S, Levonen AL, Rilla K. HAS3-induced extracellular vesicles from melanoma cells stimulate IHH mediated c-Myc upregulation via the hedgehog signaling pathway in target cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4093-4115. [PMID: 31820036 PMCID: PMC7532973 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03399-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Intercellular communication is fundamental to the survival and maintenance of all multicellular systems, whereas dysregulation of communication pathways can drive cancer progression. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are mediators of cell-to-cell communication that regulate a variety of cellular processes involved in tumor progression. Overexpression of a specific plasma membrane enzyme, hyaluronan synthase 3 (HAS3), is one of the factors that can induce EV shedding. HAS3, and particularly its product hyaluronan (HA), are carried by EVs and are known to be associated with the tumorigenic properties of cancer cells. To elucidate the specific effects of cancerous, HAS3-induced EVs on target cells, normal human keratinocytes and melanoma cells were treated with EVs derived from GFP-HAS3 expressing metastatic melanoma cells. We found that the HA receptor CD44 participated in the regulation of EV binding to target cells. Furthermore, GFP-HAS3-positive EVs induced HA secretion, proliferation and invasion of target cells. Our results suggest that HAS3-EVs contains increased quantities of IHH, which activates the target cell hedgehog signaling cascade and leads to the activation of c-Myc and regulation of claspin expression. This signaling of IHH in HAS3-EVs resulted in increased cell proliferation. Claspin immunostaining correlated with HA content in human cutaneous melanocytic lesions, supporting our in vitro findings and suggesting a reciprocal regulation between claspin expression and HA synthesis. This study shows for the first time that EVs originating from HAS3 overexpressing cells carry mitogenic signals that induce proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in target cells. The study also identifies a novel feedback regulation between the hedgehog signaling pathway and HA metabolism in melanoma, mediated by EVs carrying HA and IHH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma Thanigai Arasu
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Ashik Jawahar Deen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Sami Heikkinen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Maciej Lalowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Biochemistry and Developmental Biology, Meilahti Clinical Proteomics Core Facility, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Riikka Kärnä
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kai Härkönen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Elisa Lázaro-Ibáñez
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Centre for Drug Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pia R-M Siljander
- Division of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Centre for Drug Research, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- EV Group and EV Core, Molecular and Integrative Biosciences Research Programme, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sanna Oikari
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anna-Liisa Levonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Rilla
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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26
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Shao Y, Lu B. The crosstalk between circular RNAs and the tumor microenvironment in cancer metastasis. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:448. [PMID: 32943996 PMCID: PMC7488731 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01532-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Carcinomas are highly heterogeneous with regard to various cancer cells within a tumor microenvironment (TME), which is composed of stromal cells, blood vessels, immunocytes, and modified extracellular matrix. Focus of the study Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that are expressed in cancer and stromal cells. They are closely associated with cancer metastasis as their expression in tumor cells directs the latter to migrate to different organs. circRNAs packaged in exosomes might be involved in this process. This is particularly important as the TME acts in tandem with cancer cells to enhance their proliferation and metastatic capability. In this review, we focus on recent studies on the crosstalk between circRNAs and the TME during cancer metastasis. Conclusion We particularly emphasize the roles of the interaction between circRNAs and the TME in anoikis resistance, vessel co-option, and local circRNA expression in directing homing of exosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Shao
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Bingjian Lu
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
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27
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Hsa_circRNA_102002 facilitates metastasis of papillary thyroid cancer through regulating miR-488-3p/HAS2 axis. Cancer Gene Ther 2020; 28:279-293. [PMID: 32862195 PMCID: PMC8057948 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-020-00218-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As important modulators in various physiological processes, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been increasingly demonstrated in tumors, including papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Hsa_circRNA_102002 (circ_102002) is a circRNA derived from alternative splicing of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 22 (USP22) transcript, the role of which needs further investigation. Our results suggested the upregulation of circ_102002 in PTC tissues and cells, and its promoting effects on epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration. Mechanism studies showed that circ_102002 could sponge microRNA-488-3p (miR-488-3p) and downregulate its expression. The target relationship between miR-488-3p and hyaluronic acid synthetase 2 (HAS2) in PTC was systematically studied. In addition, our results showed that HAS2 overexpression could restore the inhibited cell EMT and migration. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of downregulation of circ_102002 on PTC growth was evaluated in a mouse xenograft model, which involved miR-488-3p and HAS2 regulation. These findings about the signal axis of circ_102002/miR-488-3p/HAS2 may further elucidate the PTC pathogenesis and improve clinical treatment.
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28
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Gomez KE, Wu F, Keysar SB, Morton JJ, Miller B, Chimed TS, Le PN, Nieto C, Chowdhury FN, Tyagi A, Lyons TR, Young CD, Zhou H, Somerset HL, Wang XJ, Jimeno A. Cancer Cell CD44 Mediates Macrophage/Monocyte-Driven Regulation of Head and Neck Cancer Stem Cells. Cancer Res 2020; 80:4185-4198. [PMID: 32816856 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) cooperate with cancer stem cells (CSC) to maintain stemness. We recently identified cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) as a surface marker defining head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) CSC. PI3K-4EBP1-SOX2 activation and signaling regulate CSC properties, yet the upstream molecular control of this pathway and the mechanisms underlying cross-talk between TAM and CSC in HNSCC remain largely unknown. Because CD44 is a molecular mediator in the TME, we propose here that TAM-influenced CD44 signaling could mediate stemness via the PI3K-4EBP1-SOX2 pathway, possibly by modulating availability of hyaluronic acid (HA), the main CD44 ligand. HNSCC IHC was used to identify TAM/CSC relationships, and in vitro coculture spheroid models and in vivo mouse models were used to identify the influence of TAMs on CSC function via CD44. Patient HNSCC-derived TAMs were positively and negatively associated with CSC marker expression at noninvasive and invasive edge regions, respectively. TAMs increased availability of HA and increased cancer cell invasion. HA binding to CD44 increased PI3K-4EBP1-SOX2 signaling and the CSC fraction, whereas CD44-VCAM-1 binding promoted invasive signaling by ezrin/PI3K. In vivo, targeting CD44 decreased PI3K-4EBP1-SOX2 signaling, tumor growth, and CSC. TAM depletion in syngeneic and humanized mouse models also diminished growth and CSC numbers. Finally, a CD44 isoform switch regulated epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity as standard form of CD44 and CD44v8-10 determined invasive and tumorigenic phenotypes, respectively. We have established a mechanistic link between TAMs and CSCs in HNSCC that is mediated by CD44 intracellular signaling in response to extracellular signals. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings establish a mechanistic link between tumor cell CD44, TAM, and CSC properties at the tumor-stroma interface that can serve as a vital area of focus for target and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina E Gomez
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - FangLong Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Stephen B Keysar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - J Jason Morton
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Bettina Miller
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Tugs-Saikhan Chimed
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Phuong N Le
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Cera Nieto
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Farshad N Chowdhury
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Anit Tyagi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Traci R Lyons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Christian D Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hilary L Somerset
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado. .,Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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29
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Peritoneal Metastatic Cancer Stem Cells of Gastric Cancer with Partial Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition and Enhanced Invasiveness in an Intraperitoneal Transplantation Model. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2020; 2020:3256538. [PMID: 32831823 PMCID: PMC7426763 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3256538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This preliminary study is aimed at enriching and isolating peritoneal metastatic cancer stem cells (pMCSCs) of gastric cancer and assessing their epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype and invasiveness. Methods Cancer stem cells of human gastric cancer (CSC-hGC) were previously isolated and transfected with green fluorescent protein and luciferase genes to validate the mouse model of peritoneal metastasis established via transplantation. The first and second generations ([G1] and [G2], respectively) of pMCSCs were isolated from intraperitoneally transplanted CSC-hGC (pMCSC-tGC) by spherical culture. CSC and EMT-related markers and regulators in the two generations of intraperitoneally transplanted tumors were examined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence staining, and quantitative PCR. Cell mobility was examined by a transwell assay. Results The nude mouse model of intraperitoneally transplanted CSC-hGC was successful in establishing sequential formation of peritoneal tumors and enrichment of pMCSCs. CD44 and CD54 were consistently expressed in the two generations of transplanted tumors. In vitro cell (migration) assays and immunocytofluorescence assays showed that in pMCSC-tGC[G2], E-cad, Survivin, and Vimentin expression was stable; α-SMA expression was decreased; and OVOL2, GRHL2, and ZEB1 expression was increased. PCR analysis indicated that in pMCSC-tGC[G2], the mRNA expression of E-cad, α-SMA, MMP9, MMP2, and Vimentin was downregulated, while that of ZEB1, OVOL2, and GRHL2 was upregulated. In vivo tumor (homing) assays and immunohistochemical assays demonstrated that in pMCSC-tGC[G2], E-cad and Snail were upregulated, while α-SMA was downregulated. The numbers of migrated and invaded pMCSC-tGC[G1] and pMCSC-tGC[G2] were significantly higher than those of CSC-hGC in migration and invasion assays. Conclusions pMCSCs might be a specific subpopulation that can be sequentially enriched by intraperitoneal transplantation. pMCSCs exhibited a tendency towards partial mesenchymal-epithelial transition, enhancing their invasiveness during homing and the formation of peritoneal tumors. However, these preliminary findings require validation in further experiments.
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30
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Drápela S, Bouchal J, Jolly MK, Culig Z, Souček K. ZEB1: A Critical Regulator of Cell Plasticity, DNA Damage Response, and Therapy Resistance. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:36. [PMID: 32266287 PMCID: PMC7096573 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The predominant way in which conventional chemotherapy kills rapidly proliferating cancer cells is the induction of DNA damage. However, chemoresistance remains the main obstacle to therapy effectivity. An increasing number of studies suggest that epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) represents a critical process affecting the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) is a prime element of a network of transcription factors controlling EMT and has been identified as an important molecule in the regulation of DNA damage, cancer cell differentiation, and metastasis. Recent studies have considered upregulation of ZEB1 as a potential modulator of chemoresistance. It has been hypothesized that cancer cells undergoing EMT acquire unique properties that resemble those of cancer stem cells (CSCs). These stem-like cells manifest enhanced DNA damage response (DDR) and DNA repair capacity, self-renewal, or chemoresistance. In contrast, functional experiments have shown that ZEB1 induces chemoresistance regardless of whether other EMT-related changes occur. ZEB1 has also been identified as an important regulator of DDR by the formation of a ZEB1/p300/PCAF complex and direct interaction with ATM kinase, which has been linked to radioresistance. Moreover, ATM can directly phosphorylate ZEB1 and enhance its stability. Downregulation of ZEB1 has also been shown to reduce the abundance of CHK1, an effector kinase of DDR activated by ATR, and to induce its ubiquitin-dependent degradation. In this perspective, we focus on the role of ZEB1 in the regulation of DDR and describe the mechanisms of ZEB1-dependent chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislav Drápela
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia.,International Clinical Research Center, Center for Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering, St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Jan Bouchal
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czechia
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Zoran Culig
- International Clinical Research Center, Center for Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering, St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Urology, Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia.,International Clinical Research Center, Center for Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering, St. Anne's University Hospital in Brno, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
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31
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Fares J, Fares MY, Khachfe HH, Salhab HA, Fares Y. Molecular principles of metastasis: a hallmark of cancer revisited. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:28. [PMID: 32296047 PMCID: PMC7067809 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0134-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 961] [Impact Index Per Article: 240.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the hallmark of cancer that is responsible for the greatest number of cancer-related deaths. Yet, it remains poorly understood. The continuous evolution of cancer biology research and the emergence of new paradigms in the study of metastasis have revealed some of the molecular underpinnings of this dissemination process. The invading tumor cell, on its way to the target site, interacts with other proteins and cells. Recognition of these interactions improved the understanding of some of the biological principles of the metastatic cell that govern its mobility and plasticity. Communication with the tumor microenvironment allows invading cancer cells to overcome stromal challenges, settle, and colonize. These characteristics of cancer cells are driven by genetic and epigenetic modifications within the tumor cell itself and its microenvironment. Establishing the biological mechanisms of the metastatic process is crucial in finding open therapeutic windows for successful interventions. In this review, the authors explore the recent advancements in the field of metastasis and highlight the latest insights that contribute to shaping this hallmark of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawad Fares
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- High-Impact Cancer Research Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Mohamad Y Fares
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hussein H Khachfe
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hamza A Salhab
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youssef Fares
- Neuroscience Research Center, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
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32
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Lindner P, Paul S, Eckstein M, Hampel C, Muenzner JK, Erlenbach-Wuensch K, Ahmed HP, Mahadevan V, Brabletz T, Hartmann A, Vera J, Schneider-Stock R. EMT transcription factor ZEB1 alters the epigenetic landscape of colorectal cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:147. [PMID: 32094334 PMCID: PMC7040187 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2340-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic deregulation remarkably triggers mechanisms associated with tumor aggressiveness like epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Since EMT is a highly complex, but also reversible event, epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation or chromatin alterations must be involved in its regulation. It was recently described that loss of the cell cycle regulator p21 was associated with a gain in EMT characteristics and an upregulation of the master EMT transcription factor ZEB1. In this study, in silico analysis was performed in combination with different in vitro and in vivo techniques to identify and verify novel epigenetic targets of ZEB1, and to proof the direct transcriptional regulation of SETD1B by ZEB1. The chorioallantoic-membrane assay served as an in vivo model to analyze the ZEB1/SETD1B interaction. Bioinformatical analysis of CRC patient data was used to examine the ZEB1/SETD1B network under clinical conditions and the ZEB1/SETD1B network was modeled under physiological and pathological conditions. Thus, we identified a self-reinforcing loop for ZEB1 expression and found that the SETD1B associated active chromatin mark H3K4me3 was enriched at the ZEB1 promoter in EMT cells. Moreover, clinical evaluation of CRC patient data showed that the simultaneous high expression of ZEB1 and SETD1B was correlated with the worst prognosis. Here we report that the expression of chromatin modifiers is remarkably dysregulated in EMT cells. SETD1B was identified as a new ZEB1 target in vitro and in vivo. Our study demonstrates a novel example of an activator role of ZEB1 for the epigenetic landscape in colorectal tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Lindner
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany.,Experimental Tumorpathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Sushmita Paul
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Chuanpit Hampel
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany.,Experimental Tumorpathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Julienne K Muenzner
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany.,Experimental Tumorpathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Katharina Erlenbach-Wuensch
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Husayn P Ahmed
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Applied Biotechnology (IBAB), Bangalore, India
| | | | - Thomas Brabletz
- Experimental Medicine I, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Comprehensice Cancer Center, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Julio Vera
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Regine Schneider-Stock
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany. .,Experimental Tumorpathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany.
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Ma Z, Gu G, Pan W, Chen X. LncRNA PCAT6 Accelerates the Progression and Chemoresistance of Cervical Cancer Through Up-Regulating ZEB1 by Sponging miR-543. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:1159-1170. [PMID: 32103984 PMCID: PMC7012330 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s232354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cervical cancer (CC) is a common cancer with a poor prognosis due to the chemoresistance of CC cells to cisplatin. This study aimed to investigate the biological significance of lncRNA prostate cancer-associated transcript 6 (PCAT6) in the carcinogenesis of CC. Materials and Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was carried out to measure the abundance of PCAT6, miR-543 and zinc finger E-box binding protein 1 (ZEB1) in CC tissues and cells. The combination between miR-543 and lncRNA PCAT6 or ZEB1 was predicted by Starbase and was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA-pull down assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Cell proliferation and chemoresistance to cisplatin were detected by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell apoptosis and metastasis were determined by flow cytometry, Western blot and transwell migration and invasion assays. Results The abundance of ZEB1 protein was measured by Western blot assay. Murine xenograft model was established to confirm the function of lncRNA PCAT6 in vivo. The abundance of lncRNA PCAT6 was enhanced in CC tissues and cells compared with that in corresponding normal tissues and normal cervical epithelial cells Ect1/E6E7. MiR-543 was a target of PCAT6 and was negatively regulated by PCAT6. PCAT6 accelerated the proliferation, metastasis and the chemoresistance of CC cells to cisplatin while suppressed the apoptosis of CC cells. The overexpression of PCAT6 reversed the inhibitory effects of miR-543 accumulation on the proliferation, metastasis and chemoresistance of CC cells to cisplatin and the promoting impact on the apoptosis of CC cells. ZEB1 was a direct target of miR-543, and it functioned as the downstream gene of PCAT6/miR-543 to exert its oncogenic role in CC. PCAT6 promoted the growth of murine xenograft tumor through miR-543/ZEB1 axis in vivo. Conclusion LncRNA PCAT6 facilitated the proliferation, metastasis and chemoresistance of CC cells to cisplatin while impeded the apoptosis of CC cells via PCAT6/miR-543/ZEB1 axis. PCAT6/miR-543/ZEB1 axis might be a promising target for CC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongping Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liyang Branch of Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghua Gu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liyang Branch of Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Weikang Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liyang Branch of Jiangsu Provincial People's Hospital, Changzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiang Chen
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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34
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Wu HT, Zhong HT, Li GW, Shen JX, Ye QQ, Zhang ML, Liu J. Oncogenic functions of the EMT-related transcription factor ZEB1 in breast cancer. J Transl Med 2020; 18:51. [PMID: 32014049 PMCID: PMC6998212 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-020-02240-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1, also termed TCF8 and δEF1) is a crucial member of the zinc finger-homeodomain transcription factor family, originally identified as a binding protein of the lens-specific δ1-crystalline enhancer and is a pivotal transcription factor in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. ZEB1 also plays a vital role in embryonic development and cancer progression, including breast cancer progression. Increasing evidence suggests that ZEB1 stimulates tumor cells with mesenchymal traits and promotes multidrug resistance, proliferation, and metastasis, indicating the importance of ZEB1-induced EMT in cancer development. ZEB1 expression is regulated by multiple signaling pathways and components, including TGF-β, β-catenin, miRNA and other factors. Here, we summarize the recent discoveries of the functions and mechanisms of ZEB1 to understand the role of ZEB1 in EMT regulation in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Tao Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Hui-Ting Zhong
- Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Guan-Wu Li
- Open Laboratory for Tumor Molecular Biology, Department of Biochemistry, The Key Lab of Molecular Biology for High Cancer Incidence Coastal Chaoshan Area, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Xin Shen
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Qian Ye
- Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
- Department of Physiology/Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Man-Li Zhang
- Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Changjiang Scholar's Laboratory/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Cancer, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
- Department of Physiology/Cancer Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China.
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35
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Sheng W, Shi X, Lin Y, Tang J, Jia C, Cao R, Sun J, Wang G, Zhou L, Dong M. Musashi2 promotes EGF-induced EMT in pancreatic cancer via ZEB1-ERK/MAPK signaling. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:16. [PMID: 31952541 PMCID: PMC6967093 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-1521-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Our previous study showed Musashi2 (MSI2) promoted chemotherapy resistance and pernicious biology of pancreatic cancer (PC) by down-regulating Numb and p53. We further explored the novel molecular mechanism involving its oncogenic role in PC development. Methods We investigated the potential role and mechanism of MSI2 in EGF-induced EMT in PC in vitro and vivo. Results EGF enhanced EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) phosphorylation, induced EMT and activated ZEB1-ERK/MAPK signaling in 2 PC cells. However, MSI2 silencing reversed EGF stimulated function, including inhibiting EGF-promoted EMT-like cell morphology and EGF-enhanced cell invasion and migration. Meanwhile, MSI2 silencing inhibited EGF-enhanced EGFR phosphorylation at tyrosine 1068 and reversed EGF-induced change of the key proteins in EMT and ZEB1-ERK/MAPK signaling (ZEB1, E-cad, ZO-1, β-catenin, pERK and c-Myc). Additionally, MSI2 was co-stained and co-immunoprecipitated with ZEB1, pERK and c-Myc in PC cells by IF and co-IP, implying a close interaction between them. In vivo, MSI2 silencing inhibited pancreatic tumor size in situ and distant liver metastases. A close relationship of MSI2 with EMT and ZEB1-ERK/MAPK signaling were also observed in vivo and human PC samples, which coordinately promoted the poor prognosis of PC patients. Conclusions MSI2 promotes EGF-induced EMT in PC via ZEB1-ERK/MAPK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Sheng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xiaoyang Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yiheng Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Jingtong Tang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Chao Jia
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Rongxian Cao
- Department of General Surgery, the People's Hospital of Liaoning province, Shenyang, 110034, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Guosen Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Hospital of Nanchang University, NanChang, 330006, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, the Central Hospital of JingZhou City, JingZhou, 434020, China
| | - Ming Dong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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Activation of BDNF-AS/ADAR/p53 Positive Feedback Loop Inhibits Glioblastoma Cell Proliferation. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:508-518. [PMID: 31939089 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02943-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Despite progress in conventional treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), the prognosis remains poor due to high tumor recurrence. Therefore, identification of new molecular mechanisms is a pressing need for betterment of GBM patient outcomes. qRT-PCR was used to determine BDNF-AS expression in GBM cells. CCK-8, EdU incorporation, and caspase-3 activity assays were employed to analyze biological functions of BDNF-AS. RIP and RNA pull-down were conducted to detect the interactions among BDNF-AS, ADAR, and p53. Actinomycin D was utilized to examine the stability of p53 mRNA. ChIP and luciferase reporter assays were performed to detect transcriptional activation of BDNF-AS by p53. We found that BDNF-AS was significantly downregulated in GBM cell lines, and its overexpression inhibited GBM cell growth, and promoted apoptosis. Importantly, we illustrated that BDNF-AS coupled with ADAR protein to potentiate stability of p53 mRNA and thus upregulate p53. Interestingly, we further identified p53 as a transcription factor of BDNF-AS, activating transcription of BNDF-AS. This study firstly demonstrated that BDNF-AS acted as a tumor suppressor in GBM and the positive feedback circuit of BDNF-AS/ADAR/p53 served an important mechanism to control GBM proliferation. Targeting this auto-regulatory loop may provide a potential therapeutic strategy for GBM patients.
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Silveira DA, Mombach JCM. Dynamics of the feedback loops required for the phenotypic stabilization in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. FEBS J 2019; 287:578-588. [PMID: 31529614 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex mechanism in which cells undergo a transition from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotypes (there is also an intermediary hybrid state) in response to microenvironmental alterations and aberrant stimuli triggered by molecules such as TGF-β. Recent studies in breast cancer progression reported new feedback loops and new participant molecules such as microRNAs 340 and 1199. In this work, we propose a logical model of EMT contemplating the influence of these new published molecules on the regulatory core of EMT. The model results were compared with theoretical and experimental data for the human breast epithelial cell line MCF10A presenting excellent agreement. We propose that the miRNAs 340 and 1199 should be considered phenotypic stability factors of the hybrid state based on the positive feedback loops they form with ZEB1. In addition, the model allows the prediction of phenotype probabilities at the coexistence region. For the tristable dynamics when epithelial, hybrid, and mesenchymal phenotypes coexist, we found that the hybrid state is the most probable, agreeing with experiments. Our results highlight new mechanisms related to the EMT dynamics in response to TGF-β stimulus in epithelial breast cells and might help the design of therapeutic strategies for breast cancer.
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Tavianatou AG, Piperigkou Z, Barbera C, Beninatto R, Masola V, Caon I, Onisto M, Franchi M, Galesso D, Karamanos NK. Molecular size-dependent specificity of hyaluronan on functional properties, morphology and matrix composition of mammary cancer cells. Matrix Biol Plus 2019; 3:100008. [PMID: 33543007 PMCID: PMC7852304 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbplus.2019.100008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of hyaluronan (ΗΑ), a major extracellular matrix (ECM) glycosaminoglycan, have been correlated with poor clinical outcome in several malignancies, including breast cancer. The high and low molecular weight HΑ forms exert diverse biological functions. Depending on their molecular size, ΗΑ forms either promote or attenuate signaling cascades that regulate cancer progression. In order to evaluate the effects of different ΗΑ forms on breast cancer cells' behavior, ΗΑ fragments of defined molecular size were synthesized. Breast cancer cells of different estrogen receptor (ER) status - the low metastatic, ERα-positive MCF-7 epithelial cells and the highly aggressive, ERβ-positive MDA-MB-231 mesenchymal cells - were evaluated following treatment with HA fragments. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that HA fragments critically affect the morphology of breast cancer cells in a molecular-size dependent mode. Moreover, the ΗΑ fragments affect cell functional properties, the expression of major ECM mediators and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (ΕΜΤ) markers. Notably, treatment with 200 kDa ΗΑ increased the expression levels of the epithelial marker Ε-cadherin and reduced the expression levels of HA synthase 2 and mesenchymal markers, like fibronectin and snail2/slug. These novel data suggest that the effects of HA in breast cancer cells depend on the molecular size and the ER status. An in-depth understanding on the mechanistic basis of these effects may contribute on the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the pharmacological targeting of aggressive breast cancer.
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Key Words
- BTH, bovine testes hyaluronidase
- Breast cancer
- CD44
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- EMT, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
- ER, estrogen receptor
- Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
- Estrogen receptors
- HA, hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid
- HAS, hyaluronan synthase
- HMW HA, high molecular weight hyaluronan
- HYAL, hyaluronidase
- Hyaluronan
- LMW HA, low molecular weight hyaluronan
- MET, mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition
- MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases
- SDC, syndecan
- SEM, scanning electron microscopy
- Scanning electron microscopy
- TIMPs, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases
- o-HA, hyaluronan oligomers
- s-HA, sulfated hyaluronan
- tPA, tissue plasminogen activator
- uPA, urokinase plasminogen activator
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia-Gerasimoula Tavianatou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Zoi Piperigkou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
| | - Carlo Barbera
- Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A., via Ponte della Fabbrica 3/A, 35031 Abano Terme, (PD), Italy
| | - Riccardo Beninatto
- Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A., via Ponte della Fabbrica 3/A, 35031 Abano Terme, (PD), Italy
| | - Valentina Masola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Caon
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Maurizio Onisto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Marco Franchi
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Devis Galesso
- Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A., via Ponte della Fabbrica 3/A, 35031 Abano Terme, (PD), Italy
| | - Nikos K. Karamanos
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH/ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
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Revisiting the hallmarks of cancer: The role of hyaluronan. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 62:9-19. [PMID: 31319162 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex network of macromolecules such as proteoglycans (PGs), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and fibrous proteins present within all tissues and organs. The main role of ECM is not only to provide an essential mechanical scaffold for the cells but also to mediate crucial biochemical cues that are required for tissue homeostasis. Dysregulations in ECM deposition alter cell microenvironment, triggering the onset or the rapid progression of several diseases, including cancer. Hyaluronan (HA) is a ubiquitous component of ECM considered as one of the main players of cancer initiation and progression. This review discusses how HA participate in and regulate several aspects of tumorigenesis, with particular attention to the hallmarks of cancer proposed by Hanahan and Weinberg such as sustaining of the proliferative signaling, evasion of apoptosis, angiogenesis, activation of invasion and metastases, reprogramming of energy metabolism and evasion of immune response.
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Watanabe K, Panchy N, Noguchi S, Suzuki H, Hong T. Combinatorial perturbation analysis reveals divergent regulations of mesenchymal genes during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2019; 5:21. [PMID: 31275609 PMCID: PMC6570767 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-019-0097-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a fundamental transdifferentiation process in development, produces diverse phenotypes in different physiological or pathological conditions. Many genes involved in EMT have been identified to date, but mechanisms contributing to the phenotypic diversity and those governing the coupling between the dynamics of epithelial (E) genes and that of the mesenchymal (M) genes are unclear. In this study, we employed combinatorial perturbations to mammary epithelial cells to induce a series of EMT phenotypes by manipulating two essential EMT-inducing elements, namely TGF-β and ZEB1. By measuring transcriptional changes in more than 700 E-genes and M-genes, we discovered that the M-genes exhibit a significant diversity in their dependency to these regulatory elements and identified three groups of M-genes that are controlled by different regulatory circuits. Notably, functional differences were detected among the M-gene clusters in motility regulation and in survival of breast cancer patients. We computationally predicted and experimentally confirmed that the reciprocity and reversibility of EMT are jointly regulated by ZEB1. Our integrative analysis reveals the key roles of ZEB1 in coordinating the dynamics of a large number of genes during EMT, and it provides new insights into the mechanisms for the diversity of EMT phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide Watanabe
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Nicholas Panchy
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
| | - Shuhei Noguchi
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Harukazu Suzuki
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan
| | - Tian Hong
- Department of Biochemistry & Cellular and Molecular Biology, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
- National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis, Knoxville, TN 37996 USA
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Velesiotis C, Vasileiou S, Vynios DH. A guide to hyaluronan and related enzymes in breast cancer: biological significance and diagnostic value. FEBS J 2019; 286:3057-3074. [PMID: 31018038 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) is a unique nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan that contributes to breast cancer cells growth and functional properties, including cell migration, invasion, adhesion, as well as tumor-associated angiogenesis in different stages of breast cancer progression and especially metastasis. Latest data show that the levels of HA and/or low molecular mass HA in blood serum and plasma of breast cancer patients may be a useful biomarker for breast cancer prognosis, differential diagnosis, and patients' treatment monitoring. Therefore, the qualitative and quantitative determination of HA in biological samples is an emerging area of research. This review gathers, categorizes, and sums up all the currently used methodologies to analyze HA and HA-related enzymes. The advantages, disadvantages, limitations in use, and the information they provide, are critically considered and discussed. Moreover, emphasis is given to the significance of HA determination in breast cancer, as well as of its related enzymes, for diagnosis and prognosis of this type of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Velesiotis
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Stella Vasileiou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Demitrios H Vynios
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiochemistry Research Group, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
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42
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Tavianatou AG, Caon I, Franchi M, Piperigkou Z, Galesso D, Karamanos NK. Hyaluronan: molecular size-dependent signaling and biological functions in inflammation and cancer. FEBS J 2019; 286:2883-2908. [PMID: 30724463 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA) is a linear nonsulfated glycosaminoglycan of the extracellular matrix that plays a pivotal role in a variety of biological processes. High-molecular weight HA exhibits different biological properties than oligomers and low-molecular weight HA. Depending on their molecular size, HA fragments can influence cellular behavior in a different mode of action. This phenomenon is attributed to the different manner of interaction with the HA receptors, especially CD44 and RHAMM. Both receptors can trigger signaling cascades that regulate cell functional properties, such as proliferation migration, angiogenesis, and wound healing. HA fragments are able to enhance or attenuate the HA receptor-mediated signaling pathways, as they compete with the endogenous HA for binding to the receptors. The modulation of these pathways could be crucial for the development of pathological conditions, such as inflammation and cancer. The primary goal of this review is to critically present the importance of HA molecular size on cellular signaling, functional cell properties, and morphology in normal and pathological conditions, including inflammation and cancer. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms could contribute to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia G Tavianatou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece
| | - Ilaria Caon
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Franchi
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Zoi Piperigkou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece.,Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) /Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
| | | | - Nikos K Karamanos
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Greece.,Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) /Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
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43
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Zhang Y, Xu L, Li A, Han X. The roles of ZEB1 in tumorigenic progression and epigenetic modifications. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 110:400-408. [PMID: 30530042 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.11.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Highly expressed Zinc-finger E-box binding protein 1 (ZEB1) is significantly associated with the malignancy of various cancers. Signal transduction and activation of ZEB1 play important roles in cancer transformation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Emerging evidence suggests that ZEB1 drives the induction of EMT with activation of stem cell traits, immune evasion and epigenetic reprogramming. As an ideal target for EMT research, ZEB1 has been extensively studied for decades. However, the link between ZEB1 and epigenetic regulation of EMT has only recently been discovered. ZEB1 facilitates the epigenetic silencing of E-cadherin by recruiting multiple chromatin enzymes of E-cadherin promoter, such as histone deacetylases (HDACs), DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) and ubiquitin ligase. Destruction of the connection between ZEB1 and these chromatin-modifying enzymes may represent an efficient for treating cancer. In this review, we outlined the biological function of ZEB1 in tumorigenic progression and epigenetic modifications and elucidate its transcriptional network, which is a suitable potential target for the design of novel anticancer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Pharmaceutical Preparation Section, Hospital of Laiwu Steel Group, 68 Xinxing Road, Laigang 271126, Shandong Province, China
| | - Anqi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiuzhen Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, 44 West Wenhua Road, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China.
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Tsubakihara Y, Moustakas A. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Metastasis under the Control of Transforming Growth Factor β. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113672. [PMID: 30463358 PMCID: PMC6274739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis of tumor cells from primary sites of malignancy to neighboring stromal tissue or distant localities entails in several instances, but not in every case, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT weakens the strong adhesion forces between differentiated epithelial cells so that carcinoma cells can achieve solitary or collective motility, which makes the EMT an intuitive mechanism for the initiation of tumor metastasis. EMT initiates after primary oncogenic events lead to secondary secretion of cytokines. The interaction between tumor-secreted cytokines and oncogenic stimuli facilitates EMT progression. A classic case of this mechanism is the cooperation between oncogenic Ras and the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). The power of TGFβ to mediate EMT during metastasis depends on versatile signaling crosstalk and on the regulation of successive waves of expression of many other cytokines and the progressive remodeling of the extracellular matrix that facilitates motility through basement membranes. Since metastasis involves many organs in the body, whereas EMT affects carcinoma cell differentiation locally, it has frequently been debated whether EMT truly contributes to metastasis. Despite controversies, studies of circulating tumor cells, studies of acquired chemoresistance by metastatic cells, and several (but not all) metastatic animal models, support a link between EMT and metastasis, with TGFβ, often being a common denominator in this link. This article aims at discussing mechanistic cases where TGFβ signaling and EMT facilitate tumor cell dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaro Tsubakihara
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 595, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Aristidis Moustakas
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 582, SE-751 23 Uppsala, Sweden.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Biomedical Center, Uppsala University, Box 595, SE-751 24 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Zhou Y, Chang H, Yang B. GATA4 is upregulated in nasopharyngeal cancer and facilitates epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis through regulation of SLUG. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:5318-5326. [PMID: 30542490 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
GATA4, a member of the GATA family, serves a key function in several types of cancer, including hepatoblastoma, gastric cancer and breast cancer. However, the function of GATA4 in nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is largely unknown. The present study revealed that GATA4 was upregulated in NPC tissue samples and the NPC cell line, 5-8F. Furthermore, the expression of GATA4 was associated with tumor size, metastasis and poor prognosis. Transwell invasion and wound healing analyses demonstrated that GATA4 promoted cell invasion and migration, respectively. Western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that GATA4 overexpression decreased the expression of epithelial markers and increased the expression of mesenchymal markers. By contrast, GATA4 inhibition increased the expression of epithelial markers and decreased the mesenchymal markers. Additionally, chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assays revealed that GATA4 promoted epithelial-mesenchymal transition through transcriptionally activating SLUG. Cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays were performed to analyze the effect of GATA4 on cell proliferation. The results indicated that GATA4 facilitated cell proliferation in NPC. In conclusion, GATA4 acts as an oncogene and serves crucial roles in NPC and GATA4 may find a potential application as therapeutic option in NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Huiyu Chang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
| | - Beibei Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310000, P.R. China
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46
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Jolly MK, Preca BT, Tripathi SC, Jia D, George JT, Hanash SM, Brabletz T, Stemmler MP, Maurer J, Levine H. Interconnected feedback loops among ESRP1, HAS2, and CD44 regulate epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer. APL Bioeng 2018; 2:031908. [PMID: 31069317 PMCID: PMC6324214 DOI: 10.1063/1.5024874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in carcinoma cells contributes to increased migration and invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and tumor-initiating capacity. EMT is not always a binary process; rather, cells may exhibit a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotype. ZEB1-a key transcription factor driving EMT-can both induce and maintain a mesenchymal phenotype. Recent studies have identified two novel autocrine feedback loops utilizing epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1), hyaluronic acid synthase 2 (HAS2), and CD44 which maintain high levels of ZEB1. However, how the crosstalk between these feedback loops alters the dynamics of epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal transition remains elusive. Here, using an integrated theoretical-experimental framework, we identify that these feedback loops can enable cells to stably maintain a hybrid E/M phenotype. Moreover, computational analysis identifies the regulation of ESRP1 as a crucial node, a prediction that is validated by experiments showing that knockdown of ESRP1 in stable hybrid E/M H1975 cells drives EMT. Finally, in multiple breast cancer datasets, high levels of ESRP1, ESRP1/HAS2, and ESRP1/ZEB1 correlate with poor prognosis, supporting the relevance of ZEB1/ESRP1 and ZEB1/HAS2 axes in tumor progression. Together, our results unravel how these interconnected feedback loops act in concert to regulate ZEB1 levels and to drive the dynamics of epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice
University, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | | | - Satyendra C. Tripathi
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, UT MD
Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030,
USA
| | | | | | - Samir M. Hanash
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, UT MD
Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030,
USA
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Department of Experimental Medicine I,
Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander
University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054,
Germany
| | - Marc P. Stemmler
- Department of Experimental Medicine I,
Nikolaus-Fiebiger Center for Molecular Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander
University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91054,
Germany
| | - Jochen Maurer
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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Differential regulation of the sphere formation and maintenance of cancer-initiating cells of malignant mesothelioma via CD44 and ALK4 signaling pathways. Oncogene 2018; 37:6357-6367. [PMID: 30061637 PMCID: PMC6283855 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0405-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma (MM) has a poor prognosis and is largely resistant to standard treatments, so it is important to seek novel therapeutic strategies for this disease. Cancer-initiating cells (CICs) were previously identified in MM using stem cell-associated markers in combination with spheroid cultures. However, the mechanisms underlying the induction and maintenance of CICs in MM remain to be fully explored. Here we showed that the CICs, which had high aldehyde dehydrogenase levels (ALDHbright) and stem cell-associated genes, were expanded in MM cells cultured under sphere-forming conditions. The MM spheroids also initiated tumors in immunodeficient mice more efficiently than did conventional adherent MM cells. In the MM spheroids, the expression of hyaluronan (HA) synthases was upregulated. Inhibiting the HA synthesis or CD44 functions by gene knockdown or neutralizing antibody abolished the formation of large-sized spheroids and the expansion of ALDHbright CICs. The expression of activin-A was also increased in the spheroids, and type I activin-A receptor subunit (ALK4) was upregulated in the ALDHbright CICs. The neutralization of activin-A or functional inactivation of ALK4 diminished the ALDHbright CICs without affecting spheroid formation. The knockdown of CD44 or ALK4 strongly suppressed the tumor growth in immunodeficient mice. These results together suggest that the HA–CD44 and activin-A–ALK4 pathways differentially regulate the spheroid formation and maintenance of ALDHbright CICs in MM cells, and that both pathways play critical roles in tumor growth in immunodeficient hosts. Our findings provide a novel therapeutic option for MM that targets signaling pathways that promote the CIC compartment through CD44 and ALK4.
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Jolly MK, Mani SA, Levine H. Hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype(s): The 'fittest' for metastasis? Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1870:151-157. [PMID: 29997040 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the leading cause of mortality among cancer patients. Dissemination enabled by an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of carcinoma cells has long been considered to be the predominant mechanism for carcinoma metastasis, based on overexpression studies of many EMT-inducing transcription factors. Individual CTCs - and a binary framework of EMT - have been long considered to be sufficient and necessary condition for metastasis. However, recent studies have shown that collective migration and invasion through tumor buds and clusters of Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) as possibly being the prevalent mode of metastasis, although individual CTCs may still contribute to metastasis. These strands and clusters have been proposed to often exhibit a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotype where cells retain epithelial traits of cell-cell adhesion and simultaneously gain mesenchymal characteristics of migration and invasion. To highlight the crucial questions regarding metastasis, we define EMT in a non-binary and context-specific manner, suggest that it can be viewed as a trans-differentiation process, and illustrate the implications of hybrid E/M phenotype(s) and cluster-based dissemination in metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sendurai A Mani
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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Sun J, Gu X, Wu N, Zhang P, Liu Y, Jiang S. Human antigen R enhances the epithelial-mesenchymal transition via regulation of ZEB-1 in the human airway epithelium. Respir Res 2018; 19:109. [PMID: 29866111 PMCID: PMC5987655 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-018-0805-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence suggests that human antigen R (HuR) is involved in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of several diseases. However, the role of HuR in EMT in the airway epithelial cells of patients with COPD remains unclear. METHODS BEAS-2B cells were cultured and treated with 3%CSE. Western blotting, RT-PCR and immunofluoresence were used to detect the expression of HuR, ZEB-1. RNAi was used to suppress HuR expression. Then knockdown of HuR, RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that with siHuR-1 and siHuR-3, clear suppression of HuR expression was confirmed. We chose siHuR-3, the most effective one, to proceed with subsequent experiments. Immunofluorescence analysis, western blotting were used to detect the expression of E-cadherin, vimentin, ZEB-1 and HuR. RESULTS We show that more HuR expression is enhanced in the airways epithelium of smokers with or without COPD than controls (nonsmoker non-COPD patients). However, there was no definite correlation between HuR expression and FEV1%. Further study reveals that knockdown of HuR significantly increases the apoptosis of BEAS-2B cells and down-regulates ZEB-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS EMT is partially enhanced through the HuR-binding proteins and its post-transcriptional regulation role in airway epithelium in COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Sun
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianmin Gu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengju Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, People's Republic of China.
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Wang Z, Li J, Li K, Xu J. SOX6 is downregulated in osteosarcoma and suppresses the migration, invasion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition via TWIST1 regulation. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:6803-6811. [PMID: 29512775 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor SOX6 (SOX6) has been reported to serve essential roles in numerous types of cancers. However, the expression and functions of SOX6 in osteosarcoma (OS) have not been analyzed. In the present study, the patterns of SOX6 expression in OS cell lines and tissues were investigated by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The results of the present study revealed that SOX6 was notably downregulated in OS tissues and cell lines. Subsequently, gain‑ and loss‑of‑function studies demonstrated that SOX6 inhibited OS cell migration and invasion. In addition, SOX6 may have suppressed epithelial‑mesenchymal transition via twist‑related protein 1 (TWIST1) modulation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), quantitative ChIP and dual luciferase activity assays were used to confirm the binding of SOX6 to the promoter region of TWIST1. Additionally, colony formation assays and Cell Counting Kit‑8 assays demonstrated that SOX6 suppressed cell proliferation. The findings of the present study indicated that SOX6 serves as a tumor suppressor in OS and may be a potential therapeutic target for OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Changyi People's Hospital, Changyi, Shandong 261300, P.R. China
| | - Junjie Li
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Changyi People's Hospital, Changyi, Shandong 261300, P.R. China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Changyi People's Hospital, Changyi, Shandong 261300, P.R. China
| | - Jianjun Xu
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, Changyi People's Hospital, Changyi, Shandong 261300, P.R. China
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