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Fiorilla I, Martinotti S, Todesco AM, Bonsignore G, Cavaletto M, Patrone M, Ranzato E, Audrito V. Chronic Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Plasticity: Three Players Driving the Pro-Tumorigenic Microenvironment in Malignant Mesothelioma. Cells 2023; 12:2048. [PMID: 37626858 PMCID: PMC10453755 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162048] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a lethal and rare cancer, even if its incidence has continuously increased all over the world. Asbestos exposure leads to the development of mesothelioma through multiple mechanisms, including chronic inflammation, oxidative stress with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and persistent aberrant signaling. Together, these processes, over the years, force normal mesothelial cells' transformation. Chronic inflammation supported by "frustrated" macrophages exposed to asbestos fibers is also boosted by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, damage-associated molecular proteins (DAMPs), and the generation of ROS. In addition, the hypoxic microenvironment influences MPM and immune cells' features, leading to a significant rewiring of metabolism and phenotypic plasticity, thereby supporting tumor aggressiveness and modulating infiltrating immune cell responses. This review provides an overview of the complex tumor-host interactions within the MPM tumor microenvironment at different levels, i.e., soluble factors, metabolic crosstalk, and oxidative stress, and explains how these players supporting tumor transformation and progression may become potential and novel therapeutic targets in MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Fiorilla
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT), University of Eastern Piedmont, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (I.F.); (S.M.); (A.M.T.); (G.B.); (M.P.); (E.R.)
- Department of Integrated Activities Research and Innovation (DAIRI), Public Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera “SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo”, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Simona Martinotti
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT), University of Eastern Piedmont, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (I.F.); (S.M.); (A.M.T.); (G.B.); (M.P.); (E.R.)
- Department of Integrated Activities Research and Innovation (DAIRI), Public Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera “SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo”, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Todesco
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT), University of Eastern Piedmont, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (I.F.); (S.M.); (A.M.T.); (G.B.); (M.P.); (E.R.)
- Department of Integrated Activities Research and Innovation (DAIRI), Public Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera “SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo”, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Gregorio Bonsignore
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT), University of Eastern Piedmont, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (I.F.); (S.M.); (A.M.T.); (G.B.); (M.P.); (E.R.)
- Department of Integrated Activities Research and Innovation (DAIRI), Public Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera “SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo”, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Maria Cavaletto
- Department for Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition (DISSTE), University of Eastern Piedmont, 13100 Vercelli, Italy;
| | - Mauro Patrone
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT), University of Eastern Piedmont, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (I.F.); (S.M.); (A.M.T.); (G.B.); (M.P.); (E.R.)
- Department of Integrated Activities Research and Innovation (DAIRI), Public Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera “SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo”, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Elia Ranzato
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT), University of Eastern Piedmont, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (I.F.); (S.M.); (A.M.T.); (G.B.); (M.P.); (E.R.)
- Department of Integrated Activities Research and Innovation (DAIRI), Public Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera “SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo”, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Valentina Audrito
- Department of Science and Technological Innovation (DISIT), University of Eastern Piedmont, 15121 Alessandria, Italy; (I.F.); (S.M.); (A.M.T.); (G.B.); (M.P.); (E.R.)
- Department of Integrated Activities Research and Innovation (DAIRI), Public Hospital Azienda Ospedaliera “SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo”, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
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Laure A, Rigutto A, Kirschner MB, Opitz L, Grob L, Opitz I, Felley-Bosco E, Hiltbrunner S, Curioni-Fontecedro A. Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) Samples Reveal Crucial Insights for Preclinical Testing. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2813. [PMID: 37345150 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell lines are extensively used to study cancer biology. However, the use of highly passaged commercial cell lines has to be questioned, as they do not closely resemble the originating tumor. To understand the reliability of preclinical models for Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) studies, we have performed whole transcriptome and whole exome analyses of fresh frozen MPM tumors and compared them to cell lines generated from these tumors, as well as commercial cell lines and a preclinical MPM mouse model. Patient-derived cell lines were generated from digested fresh tumors and whole exome sequencing was performed on DNA isolated from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor samples, corresponding patient-derived cell lines, and normal tissue. RNA sequencing libraries were prepared from 10 fresh frozen tumor samples, the 10 corresponding patient-derived cell lines, and 7 commercial cell lines. Our results identified alterations in tumor suppressor genes such as FBXW7, CDKN2A, CDKN2B, and MTAP, all known to drive MPM tumorigenesis. Patient-derived cell lines correlate to a high degree with their originating tumor. Gene expressions involved in multiple pathways such as EMT, apoptosis, myogenesis, and angiogenesis are upregulated in tumor samples when compared to patient-derived cell lines; however, they are downregulated in commercial cell lines compared to patient-derived cell lines, indicating significant differences between the two model systems. Our results show that the genome and transcriptome of tumors correlate to a higher degree with patient-derived cell lines rather than commercial cell lines. These results are of major relevance for the scientific community in regard to using cell lines as an appropriate model, resembling the pathway of interest to avoid misleading results for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Laure
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, CH-8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Angelica Rigutto
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, CH-8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michaela B Kirschner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lennart Opitz
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Linda Grob
- NEXUS Personalized Health Technologies, ETH Zurich, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Opitz
- Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, CH-8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Emanuela Felley-Bosco
- Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, CH-8006 Zurich, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Hiltbrunner
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Curioni-Fontecedro
- Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Oncology and Haematology, University Hospital Zurich, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, HFR Fribourg-Hôpital Cantonal, CH-1708 Fribourg, Switzerland
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Zhao D, Chen H, Zhong J, Zhou X, Zhang J, Zhang Y. circRNA-ZCCHC14 affects the chondrogenic differentiation ability of peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells by regulating GREM1 through miR-181a. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2889. [PMID: 36804426 PMCID: PMC9938902 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023] Open
Abstract
circRNAs play an important role in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, we aimed to reveal the mechanism of action of circRNA-ZCCHC14 in OA. OA animal and cell models were constructed, and clinical samples were collected. The expression of circRNA-ZCCHC14 and miR-181a was detected by RT‒qPCR. The chondrogenic differentiation ability of peripheral blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PBMSCs) was detected by Alcian blue staining. The expression of chondrogenic differentiation-related proteins was detected by Western blotting. Double fluorescein experiments verified the targeting relationship of miR-181a with circRNA-ZCCHC14 and GREM1. Upregulation of circRNA-ZCCHC14 was observed in blood, in BMP-2- and TGF-β3-treated PBMSCs from OA patients and in animal models. Knockdown of circRNA-ZCCHC14 promoted the chondrogenic differentiation ability of PBMSCs. circRNA-ZCCHC14 was found to bind to miR-181a and negatively regulate miR-181a expression. Inhibition of miR-181a reversed the promoting effect of circRNA-ZCCHC14 knockdown on the chondrogenic differentiation ability of PBMSCs. GREM1 was identified as a target of miR-181a. Overexpression and knockdown of GREM1 regulated the expression of BMP2, which in turn affected the chondrogenic differentiation ability of PBMSCs, indicating that GREM1 and BMP2 have antagonistic effects and that they jointly regulate the chondrogenic differentiation of PBMSCs. circRNA-ZCCHC14 may promote the chondrogenic differentiation ability of PBMSCs by regulating miR-181a and inhibiting the expression of GREM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daohong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China.
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, The First People’s Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, China
| | - Jia Zhong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The People’s Hospital of XiShuangBanNa State, Jinghong, China
| | - Xizong Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The People’s Hospital of YanJing County, Zhaotong, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- grid.415444.40000 0004 1800 0367Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yuhao Zhang
- grid.415444.40000 0004 1800 0367Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Celik B, Cicek K, Leal AF, Tomatsu S. Regulation of Molecular Targets in Osteosarcoma Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12583. [PMID: 36293439 PMCID: PMC9604206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The most prevalent malignant bone tumor, osteosarcoma, affects the growth plates of long bones in adolescents and young adults. Standard chemotherapeutic methods showed poor response rates in patients with recurrent and metastatic phases. Therefore, it is critical to develop novel and efficient targeted therapies to address relapse cases. In this regard, RNA interference technologies are encouraging options in cancer treatment, in which small interfering RNAs regulate the gene expression following RNA interference pathways. The determination of target tissue is as important as the selection of tissue-specific promoters. Moreover, small interfering RNAs should be delivered effectively into the cytoplasm. Lentiviral vectors could encapsulate and deliver the desired gene into the cell and integrate it into the genome, providing long-term regulation of targeted genes. Silencing overexpressed genes promote the tumor cells to lose invasiveness, prevents their proliferation, and triggers their apoptosis. The uniqueness of cancer cells among patients requires novel therapeutic methods that treat patients based on their unique mutations. Several studies showed the effectiveness of different approaches such as microRNA, drug- or chemotherapy-related methods in treating the disease; however, identifying various targets was challenging to understanding disease progression. In this regard, the patient-specific abnormal gene might be targeted using genomics and molecular advancements such as RNA interference approaches. Here, we review potential therapeutic targets for the RNA interference approach, which is applicable as a therapeutic option for osteosarcoma patients, and we point out how the small interfering RNA method becomes a promising approach for the unmet challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betul Celik
- Department of Biological Science, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Kader Cicek
- Department of Biological Science, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
- Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Andrés Felipe Leal
- Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - Shunji Tomatsu
- Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
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Elemam NM, Malek AI, Mahmoud EE, El-Huneidi W, Talaat IM. Insights into the Role of Gremlin-1, a Bone Morphogenic Protein Antagonist, in Cancer Initiation and Progression. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020301. [PMID: 35203511 PMCID: PMC8869528 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The bone morphogenic protein (BMP) antagonist Gremlin-1 is a biologically significant regulator known for its crucial role in tissue differentiation and embryonic development. Nevertheless, it has been reported that Gremlin-1 can exhibit its function through BMP dependent and independent pathways. Gremlin-1 has also been reported to be involved in organ fibrosis, which has been correlated to the development of other diseases, such as renal inflammation and diabetic nephropathy. Based on growing evidence, Gremlin-1 has recently been implicated in the initiation and progression of different types of cancers. Further, it contributes to the stemness state of cancer cells. Herein, we explore the recent findings on the role of Gremlin-1 in various cancer types, including breast, cervical, colorectal, and gastric cancers, as well as glioblastomas. Additionally, we highlighted the impact of Gremlin-1 on cellular processes and signaling pathways involved in carcinogenesis. Therefore, it was suggested that Gremlin-1 might be a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Mousaad Elemam
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdullah Imadeddin Malek
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
| | - Esraa Elaraby Mahmoud
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (W.E.-H.); (I.M.T.)
| | - Iman M. Talaat
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; (N.M.E.); (A.I.M.); (E.E.M.)
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21526, Egypt
- Correspondence: (W.E.-H.); (I.M.T.)
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Ramundo V, Zanirato G, Aldieri E. The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in the Development and Metastasis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212216. [PMID: 34830097 PMCID: PMC8621591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor mainly associated with asbestos exposure and is characterized by a very difficult pharmacological approach. One of the molecular mechanisms associated with cancer onset and invasiveness is the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an event induced by different types of inducers, such as transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), the main inducer of EMT, and oxidative stress. MPM development and metastasis have been correlated to EMT; On one hand, EMT mediates the effects exerted by asbestos fibers in the mesothelium, particularly via increased oxidative stress and TGFβ levels evoked by asbestos exposure, thus promoting a malignant phenotype, and on the other hand, MPM acquires invasiveness via the EMT event, as shown by an upregulation of mesenchymal markers or, although indirectly, some miRNAs or non-coding RNAs, all demonstrated to be involved in cancer onset and metastasis. This review aims to better describe how EMT is involved in driving the development and invasiveness of MPM, in an attempt to open new scenarios that are useful in the identification of predictive markers and to improve the pharmacological approach against this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Ramundo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Giada Zanirato
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.R.); (G.Z.)
| | - Elisabetta Aldieri
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy; (V.R.); (G.Z.)
- Interdepartmental Center for Studies on Asbestos and Other Toxic Particulates “G. Scansetti”, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence:
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O’Reilly S. Circulating Gremlin-1 is elevated in systemic sclerosis patients. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2021; 6:286-289. [PMID: 35382498 PMCID: PMC8922663 DOI: 10.1177/23971983211036571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease in which there
is activation of the immune system, vascular disease and fibrosis.
Activation of quiescent fibroblasts to myofibroblasts is key to disease
pathogenesis. Gremlin-1 is a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist which is
important in development and we recently reported in skin fibrosis. The aim
of this study was to determine the serum circulating levels of Gremlin-1 in
early diffuse systemic sclerosis. Methods: Twenty-one early diffuse systemic sclerosis patients (less than 2 years from
first non-Raynaud’s symptom) were included and age and sex-matched healthy
controls. Serum was isolated from blood and measured with a specific
enzyme-linked immunoassay for Gremlin-1. Clinical variables were also
measured. Results: Significantly elevated Gremlin-1 was found in sera of early diffuse systemic
sclerosis patients (p < 0.001). In patients with
interstitial lung disease, this compared to systemic sclerosis without
evidence of interstitial lung disease, Gremlin-1 was significantly elevated
(p < 0.0007). A correlation was found between
circulating Gremlin-1 and modified Rodnan Skin Score, albeit weak. Discussion: In early diffuse systemic sclerosis patients, elevated Gremlin-1 is found in
serum. This is particularly prominent in systemic sclerosis–associated
interstitial lung disease. This suggests that Gremlin-1 may be a biomarker
for systemic sclerosis interstitial lung disease.
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DHA inhibits Gremlin-1-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition via ERK suppression in human breast cancer cells. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222308. [PMID: 32141512 PMCID: PMC7087330 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid abundant in fish oils. It is known to have an inhibitory effect on various diseases such as inflammation, diabetes, and cancer. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process that epithelial cells gain migratory property to become mesenchymal cells involved in wound healing, organ fibrosis, and cancer progression. Gremlin-1 (GREM1) is a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist known to play a role in EMT. However, the role of GREM1 in the induction of EMT in human breast cancer cells and the effect of DHA on GREM1-induced EMT remain unclear. Establishment of GREM1 knockdown cell lines was performed using lentiviral shRNAs. Expression of EMT markers was determined by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Effect of GREM1 and/or DHA on cell migration was investigated using wound healing assay. The level of GREM1 expression in human breast cancer tissues was determined by Oncomine database mining. GREM1 induced the expression of genes including N-cadherin, vimentin, and Slug. GREM1 promoted the migration of human breast cancer cells. GREM1 enhanced the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) and the ERK activation was involved in EMT. Interestingly, DHA reduced the expression of GREM1. DHA also inhibited the expression of mesenchymal cell-associated genes and cell migration induced by GREM1. Furthermore, DHA suppressed the expression of p-ERK induced by GREM1. These results indicate that GREM1–ERK axis plays a role in EMT in human breast cancer cells and DHA is a putative compound that can inhibit EMT by inhibiting GREM1 signal transduction.
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Park SA, Sung NJ, Choi BJ, Kim W, Kim SH, Surh YJ. Gremlin-1 augments the oestrogen-related receptor α signalling through EGFR activation: implications for the progression of breast cancer. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:988-999. [PMID: 32572171 PMCID: PMC7493948 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0945-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gremlin-1 (GREM1), one of the bone morphogenetic protein antagonists, is involved in organogenesis, tissue differentiation and kidney development. However, the role of GREM1 in cancer progression and its underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. METHODS The role of GREM1 in breast cancer progression was assessed by measuring cell viability, colony formation, 3D tumour spheroid formation/invasion and xenograft tumour formation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, a luciferase reporter assay and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the molecular events in which GREM1 is involved. RESULTS GREM1 expression was elevated in breast cancer cells and tissues obtained from breast cancer patients. Its overexpression was associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients, especially those with oestrogen receptor (ER)-negative tumours. GREM1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation of breast cancer cells and xenograft mammary tumour growth, while its overexpression enhanced their viability, growth and invasiveness. Oestrogen-related receptor α (ERRα), an orphan nuclear hormone receptor, directly interacted with the GREM1 promoter and increased the expression of GREM1. GREM1 also enhanced the promoter activity of ESRRA encoding ERRα, comprising a positive feedback loop. Notably, GREM1 bound to and activated EGFR, a well-known upstream regulator of ERRα. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the GREM1-ERRα axis can serve as a potential therapeutic target in the management of cancer, especially ER-negative tumour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin-Aye Park
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538, South Korea
| | - Nam Ji Sung
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medical Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan, 31538, South Korea
| | - Bae-Jung Choi
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Wonki Kim
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Seung Hyeon Kim
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea
| | - Young-Joon Surh
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 03080, South Korea.
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Todd GM, Gao Z, Hyvönen M, Brazil DP, Ten Dijke P. Secreted BMP antagonists and their role in cancer and bone metastases. Bone 2020; 137:115455. [PMID: 32473315 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional secreted cytokines that act in a highly context-dependent manner. BMP action extends beyond the induction of cartilage and bone formation, to encompass pivotal roles in controlling tissue and organ homeostasis during development and adulthood. BMPs signal via plasma membrane type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors and intracellular SMAD transcriptional effectors. Exquisite temporospatial control of BMP/SMAD signalling and crosstalk with other cellular cues is achieved by a series of positive and negative regulators at each step in the BMP/SMAD pathway. The interaction of BMP ligand with its receptors is carefully controlled by a diverse set of secreted antagonists that bind BMPs and block their interaction with their cognate BMP receptors. Perturbations in this BMP/BMP antagonist balance are implicated in a range of developmental disorders and diseases, including cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the structure and function of secreted BMP antagonists, and summarize recent novel insights into their role in cancer progression and bone metastasis. Gremlin1 (GREM1) is a highly studied BMP antagonist, and we will focus on this molecule in particular and its role in cancer. The therapeutic potential of pharmacological inhibitors for secreted BMP antagonists for cancer and other human diseases will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Todd
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Zhichun Gao
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Marko Hyvönen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
| | - Derek P Brazil
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Oncode Institute, Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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Ouahoud S, Hardwick JC, Hawinkels LJ. Extracellular BMP Antagonists, Multifaceted Orchestrators in the Tumor and Its Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113888. [PMID: 32486027 PMCID: PMC7313454 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), a subgroup of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily, are involved in multiple biological processes such as embryonic development and maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. The importance of a functional BMP pathway is underlined by various diseases, including cancer, which can arise as a consequence of dysregulated BMP signaling. Mutations in crucial elements of this signaling pathway, such as receptors, have been reported to disrupt BMP signaling. Next to that, aberrant expression of BMP antagonists could also contribute to abrogated signaling. In this review we set out to highlight how BMP antagonists affect not only the cancer cells, but also the other cells present in the microenvironment to influence cancer progression.
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Kandasamy G, Danilovtseva EN, Annenkov VV, Krishnan UM. Poly(1-vinylimidazole) polyplexes as novel therapeutic gene carriers for lung cancer therapy. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 11:354-369. [PMID: 32190532 PMCID: PMC7061483 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.11.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The present work explores the ability of poly(1-vinylimidazole) (PVI) to complex small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the in vitro efficiency of the formed complexes in A549 lung cancer cells. The polyplex formed was found to exhibit 66% complexation efficiency. The complexation was confirmed by gel retardation assays, FTIR and thermal analysis. The blank PVI polymer was not toxic to cells. The polyplex was found to exhibit excellent internalization and escaped the endosome effectively. The polyplex was more effective than free siRNA in silencing VEGF in lung cancer cells. The silencing of VEGF was quantified using Western blot and was also reflected in the depletion of HIF-1α levels in the cells treated with the polyplex. VEGF silencing by the polyplex was found to augment the cytotoxic effects of the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil. Microarray analysis of the mRNA isolated from cells treated with free siRNA and the polyplex reveal that the VEGF silencing by the polyplex also altered the expression levels of several other genes that have been connected to the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells. These results indicate that the PVI complexes can be an effective agent to counter lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Kandasamy
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur – 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Elena N Danilovtseva
- Limnological Institute of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 3, Ulan-Batorskaya St., P.O. Box 278, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia
| | - Vadim V Annenkov
- Limnological Institute of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 3, Ulan-Batorskaya St., P.O. Box 278, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia
| | - Uma Maheswari Krishnan
- Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB), School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur – 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
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13
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VEGFR2 Blockade Improves Renal Damage in an Experimental Model of Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9020302. [PMID: 31973092 PMCID: PMC7074274 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9020302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of optimal treatments for Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) highlights the importance of the search for novel therapeutic targets. The vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) pathway is activated in experimental and human DN, but the effects of its blockade in experimental models of DN is still controversial. Here, we test the effects of a therapeutic anti-VEGFR2 treatment, using a VEGFR2 kinase inhibitor, on the progression of renal damage in the BTBR ob/ob (leptin deficiency mutation) mice. This experimental diabetic model develops histological characteristics mimicking the key features of advanced human DN. A VEGFR2 pathway-activation blockade using the VEGFR2 kinase inhibitor SU5416, starting after kidney disease development, improves renal function, glomerular damage (mesangial matrix expansion and basement membrane thickening), tubulointerstitial inflammation and tubular atrophy, compared to untreated diabetic mice. The downstream mechanisms involved in these beneficial effects of VEGFR2 blockade include gene expression restoration of podocyte markers and downregulation of renal injury biomarkers and pro-inflammatory mediators. Several ligands can activate VEGFR2, including the canonical ligands VEGFs and GREMLIN. Activation of a GREMLIN/VEGFR2 pathway, but not other ligands, is correlated with renal damage progression in BTBR ob/ob diabetic mice. RNA sequencing analysis of GREMLIN-regulated genes confirm the modulation of proinflammatory genes and related-molecular pathways. Overall, these data show that a GREMLIN/VEGFR2 pathway activation is involved in diabetic kidney disease and could potentially be a novel therapeutic target in this clinical condition.
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14
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Marquez-Exposito L, Cantero-Navarro E, R Rodrigues-Diez R, Orejudo M, Tejera-Muñoz A, Tejedor L, Rayego-Mateos S, Rández-Carbayo J, Santos-Sanchez L, Mezzano S, Lavoz C, Ruiz-Ortega M. Molecular Regulation of Notch Signaling by Gremlin. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1227:81-94. [PMID: 32072500 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-36422-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Gremlin is a member of the TGF-β superfamily that can act as a BMP antagonist, and recently, has been described as a ligand of the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Gremlin shares properties with the Notch signaling pathway. Both participate in embryonic development and are reactivated in pathological conditions. Gremlin is emerging as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker of renal diseases. Here we review the role of the Gremlin-VEGFR2 axis in renal damage and downstream signaling mechanisms, such as Notch pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marquez-Exposito
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Cantero-Navarro
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl R Rodrigues-Diez
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Macarena Orejudo
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Tejera-Muñoz
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia Tejedor
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida IRBLleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Javier Rández-Carbayo
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Santos-Sanchez
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Mezzano
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Carolina Lavoz
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular and Molecular Biology in Renal and Vascular Pathology, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain. .,Red de Investigación Renal (REDINREN), Madrid, Spain.
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15
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Moradi-Marjaneh R, Khazaei M, Ferns GA, Aghaee-Bakhtiari SH. The Role of TGF-β Signaling Regulatory MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Colorectal Cancer. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 24:4611-4618. [PMID: 30636580 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666190110150705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers globally and is associated with a high mortality rate. The transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays an important role in normal intestinal tissue function, but has also been implicated in the development of CRC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have also recently emerged as important regulators of cancer development and progression. They act by targeting multiple signaling pathways including the TGF-β signaling pathway. There is growing evidence demonstrating that miRNAs target various components of the TGF-β signaling pathway, including TGF-β1, TGF-β2, regulatory SMADs (SMAD1, 2, 3, 5 and 9), co-mediator SMAD4, inhibitory SMADs (SMAD6 and 7) and the TGF-β receptors, and thereby alter the proliferation and migration of CRC cells. In this review, we summarize the data concerning the interaction between TGF-β signaling pathway and miRNAs with the aim to better understanding the CRC molecular mechanisms and hence better management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Moradi-Marjaneh
- Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran.,Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Majid Khazaei
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, United Kingdom
| | - Seyed H Aghaee-Bakhtiari
- Bioinformatics Research Group, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.,Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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16
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Stockhammer P, Ploenes T, Theegarten D, Schuler M, Maier S, Aigner C, Hegedus B. Detection of TGF-β in pleural effusions for diagnosis and prognostic stratification of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Lung Cancer 2019; 139:124-132. [PMID: 31778960 DOI: 10.1016/j.lungcan.2019.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive malignancy with dismal prognosis but variable course of disease. To support diagnosis and to risk stratify patients, more reliable biomarkers are warranted. Emerging evidence underlines a functional role of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) in MPM tumorigenesis though its utility as a clinical biomarker remains unexplored. MATERIALS AND METHODS Corresponding pleural effusions and serum samples taken at primary diagnosis were analyzed for TGF-β by ELISA, and for mesothelin (SMRP) by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay. Tumor load was quantified in MPM patients by volumetric analysis of chest CT scans. All findings were correlated with clinicopathological characteristics. RESULTS In total 48 MPM patients, 24 patients with non-malignant pleural disease (NMPD) and 30 patients with stage IV lung cancer were enrolled in this study. Pleural effusions from MPM patients had significantly higher TGF-β levels than from NMPD or lung cancer patients (p < 0.0001; AUC for MPM vs NMPD: 0.78, p = 0.0001). Both epithelioid and non-epithelioid MPM were associated with higher TGF-β levels (epithelioid: p < 0.05; non-epithelioid: p < 0.0001) and levels of TGF-β correlated with disease stage (p = 0.003) and with tumor volume (p = 0.002). Interestingly, high TGF-β levels in pleural effusion, but not in serum, was significantly associated with inferior overall survival (TGF-beta ≥14.36 ng/mL: HR 3.45, p = 0.0001). This correlation was confirmed by multivariate analysis. In contrast, effusion SMRP levels were exclusively high in epithelioid MPM, negatively correlated with effusion TGF-β levels and did not provide prognostic information. CONCLUSION TGF-β levels determined in pleural effusion may be a promising biomarker for diagnosis and prognostic stratification of MPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Stockhammer
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Tueschener Weg 40, 45239, Essen, Germany; Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 23, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Till Ploenes
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Tueschener Weg 40, 45239, Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk Theegarten
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Schuler
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Sandra Maier
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Clemens Aigner
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Tueschener Weg 40, 45239, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, 45122, Essen, Germany
| | - Balazs Hegedus
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Ruhrlandklinik, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Tueschener Weg 40, 45239, Essen, Germany.
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17
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Li D, Yuan D, Shen H, Mao X, Yuan S, Liu Q. Gremlin-1: An endogenous BMP antagonist induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and interferes with redifferentiation in fetal RPE cells with repeated wounds. Mol Vis 2019; 25:625-635. [PMID: 31700227 PMCID: PMC6817737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To investigate the role of Gremlin-1, which is an endogenous antagonist of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway, in inducing epithelium-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in fetal RPE cells after repeated wounds. Methods Subconfluent repetitive passages in fetal RPE cells were regarded as a model of repeated wounds. A phase contrast microscope was used to observe the morphology and pigment formation in cells. The expression of GREM1 (Gene ID: 26585; OMIM 603054) and EMT- or RPE-related genes in cells was evaluated with quantitative PCR (qPCR). Recombinant human protein Gremlin-1 (0.1 μg/ml) was added every day to investigate the molecular effects of Gremlin-1 on fetal RPE cells. The cell migration rate was investigated using a cell wound scratch assay, and western blotting was used to analyze the representative proteins (P-cadherin, ZO-1, vimentin, Smad4, and phosphorylated-Smads). In addition, transfection of siRNA was used to explore the rescue effects on EMT cells through the downregulation of GREM1. Finally, LDN193189, which is a type of pan-inhibitor of BMP receptors, was used to verify whether complete blocking of the BMP pathway interferes with the redifferentiation in low-passage fetal cells, even if the cells were treated with transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β) inhibitors. Results In fetal RPE cells, the expression of GREM1 were gradually upregulated with repetitive passages, and at the same time, the function-specific genes in fetal RPE cells (TJP1, PMEL, BEST1, RPE65, and MERTK) were downregulated while the EMT-specific genes were upregulated. In addition, GREM1 had a similar expression pattern as SNAI1, which is a key transcription factor to trigger EMT. Recombinant human Gremlin-1 promoted EMT with the upregulation of SNAI1 and elevated the cell migration rate in a cell scratch assay, as well as decreased the expression of two key transcription factors of RPE embryonic development (MITF and OTX2) and the RPE marker, RPE65. Furthermore, the EMT marker, vimentin, and the TGF-β pathway downstream transcription factor phosphorylated-Smad2 (p-Smad2) increased, but the epithelial marker, ZO-1, was reduced. Additionally, Smad4, which plays a role as a Snail1 cooperator by binding Smad3, was also increased. In contrast, GREM1 silencing increased the expression of MITF and OTX2, which means there was better redifferentiation in subconfluent fetal RPE cells, but it had little influence on p-Smad2 compared to the negative control group. Finally, by adding LDN193189, the BMP signaling pathway was blocked, and this block led to poor redifferentiation in low-passage cells, although the cells were treated with TGF-β inhibitors. In addition, as positive feedback to block the BMP pathway, GREM1 was subsequently upregulated. Conclusions In fetal RPE cells, Gremlin-1 induces EMT and inhibits redifferentiation by promoting the TGF-β pathway and inhibiting the BMP pathway. GREM1 silencing alleviates EMT and increases the redifferentiation of cells by relieving the blockade of the BMP pathway. However, GREM1 silencing has no effects on the TGF-β pathway. Thus, Gremlin-1 may serve as a novel target to treat proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and inhibit subretinal fibrosis, which is a risk factor for influencing the therapeutic effects of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) on neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).
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18
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Dutton LR, O'Neill CL, Medina RJ, Brazil DP. No evidence of Gremlin1-mediated activation of VEGFR2 signaling in endothelial cells. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:18041-18045. [PMID: 31604823 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ac119.010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Canonical Gremlin1 (GREM1) signaling involves binding to and sequestering bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in the extracellular matrix, preventing the activation of cognate BMP receptor. Exquisite temporospatial control of the GREM1-BMP interaction is required during development, and perturbation of this balance leads to abnormal limb formation and defective kidney development. In addition to inhibition of BMP signaling, several other noncanonical signaling modalities of GREM1 have been postulated. Some literature reports have suggested that GREM1 can bind to and activate vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR2) in endothelial cells, human kidney epithelial cells, and others. These reports suggest that the GREM1 → VEGFR2 signaling can drive angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo We report here that, despite exhaustive attempts, we did not observe GREM1 activation of VEGFR2 in any of the cell lines reported by the above-mentioned studies. Incubation of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) or human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) with recombinant VEGF triggered a robust increase in VEGFR2 tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, no VEGFR2 phosphorylation was detected when cells were incubated with recombinant GREM1 over a range of time points and concentrations. We also show that GREM1 does not interfere with VEGF-mediated VEGFR2 activation, suggesting that GREM1 does not bind with any great affinity to VEGFR2. Measurements of ECFC barrier integrity revealed that VEGF induces barrier function disruption, but recombinant human GREM1 had no effect in this assay. We believe that these results provide an important clarification of the potential interaction between GREM1 and VEGFR2 in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise R Dutton
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Christina L O'Neill
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Reinhold J Medina
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Derek P Brazil
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
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19
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Ren J, Smid M, Iaria J, Salvatori DCF, van Dam H, Zhu HJ, Martens JWM, Ten Dijke P. Cancer-associated fibroblast-derived Gremlin 1 promotes breast cancer progression. Breast Cancer Res 2019; 21:109. [PMID: 31533776 PMCID: PMC6751614 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-019-1194-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been reported to maintain epithelial integrity and to antagonize the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. The expression of soluble BMP antagonists is dysregulated in cancers and interrupts proper BMP signaling in breast cancer. Methods In this study, we mined the prognostic role of BMP antagonists GREMLIN 1 (GREM1) in primary breast cancer tissues using in-house and publicly available datasets. We determined which cells express GREM1 RNA using in situ hybridization (ISH) on a breast cancer tissue microarray. The effects of Grem1 on the properties of breast cancer cells were assessed by measuring the mesenchymal/stem cell marker expression and functional cell-based assays for stemness and invasion. The role of Grem1 in breast cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) activation was measured by analyzing the expression of fibroblast markers, phalloidin staining, and collagen contraction assays. The role of Grem1 in CAF-induced breast cancer cell intravasation and extravasation was studied by utilizing xenograft zebrafish breast cancer (co-) injection models. Results Expression analysis of clinical breast cancer datasets revealed that high expression of GREM1 in breast cancer stroma is correlated with a poor prognosis regardless of the molecular subtype. The large majority of human breast cancer cell lines did not express GREM1 in vitro, but breast CAFs did express GREM1 both in vitro and in vivo. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) secreted by breast cancer cells, and also inflammatory cytokines, stimulated GREM1 expression in CAFs. Grem1 abrogated bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)/SMAD signaling in breast cancer cells and promoted their mesenchymal phenotype, stemness, and invasion. Moreover, Grem1 production by CAFs strongly promoted the fibrogenic activation of CAFs and promoted breast cancer cell intravasation and extravasation in co-injection xenograft zebrafish models. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that Grem1 is a pivotal factor in the reciprocal interplay between breast cancer cells and CAFs, which promotes cancer cell invasion. Targeting Grem1 could be beneficial in the treatment of breast cancer patients with high Grem1 expression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13058-019-1194-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ren
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Smid
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Josephine Iaria
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Daniela C F Salvatori
- Central Laboratory Animal Facility, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hans van Dam
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hong Jian Zhu
- Department of Surgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - John W M Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Einthovenweg 20, 2333 ZC, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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20
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Ran A, Guan L, Wang J, Wang Y. GREM2 maintains stem cell-like phenotypes in gastric cancer cells by regulating the JNK signaling pathway. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:2414-2431. [PMID: 31345097 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1646561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the major malignancies worldwide. This study was conducted to explore the mechanism by which GREM2 maintains biological properties of GC stem cells (GCSCs), and proved that GREM2 could potentially regulate the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration and tumorigenic ability of GCSCs through the regulation of the JNK signaling pathway. In silico analysis was utilized to retrieve expression microarray related to GC, and differential analysis was conducted. The cell line with the highest GREM2 expression was overexpressed with GREM2 mimic, silencing GREM2 by siRNA, or treated with activator or inhibitor of the JNK signaling pathway. Subsequently, expression of GREM2, JNK signaling pathway-, apoptosis- or migration and invasion-associated factors were determined. Proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis of GCSCs in vitro and tumorigenic ability and lymph node metastasis of GCSCs in vivo were determined. Based on the in silico analysis of GSE49051, GREM2 was determined to be overexpressed in GC and its expression was the highest in the MKN-45 cell line, which was selected for the subsequent experiments. Silencing of GREM2 or inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion, while promoting apoptosis of GCSCs in vitro as well as inhibiting tumorigenesis and lymph node metastasis in vivo. In conclusion, the aforementioned findings suggest that the silencing of GREM2 suppresses the activation of the JNK signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting tumor progression. Therefore, GREM2-mediated JNK signaling pathway was expected to be a new therapeutic strategy for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Ran
- The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Lin Guan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Jiani Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , P.R. China
| | - Ying Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University , Shenyang , P.R. China
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21
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Dutton LR, Hoare OP, McCorry AMB, Redmond KL, Adam NE, Canamara S, Bingham V, Mullan PB, Lawler M, Dunne PD, Brazil DP. Fibroblast-derived Gremlin1 localises to epithelial cells at the base of the intestinal crypt. Oncotarget 2019; 10:4630-4639. [PMID: 31384391 PMCID: PMC6659803 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gremlin1 (GREM1) is a secreted glycoprotein member of the differential screening-selected gene in aberrant neuroblastoma (DAN) family of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonists, which binds to BMPs preventing their receptor engagement. Previous studies have identified that stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with high levels of GREM1 gene expression in their tumour tissue have a poorer prognosis. Using a series of in silico and in situ methodologies, we demonstrate that GREM1 gene expression is significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in CRC consensus molecular subtype 4 (CMS4), compared to the other CMS subtypes and correlates (p < 0.0001) with levels of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) within the CRC tumour microenvironment (TME). Our optimised immunohistochemistry protocol identified endogenous GREM1 protein expression in both the muscularis mucosa and adjacent colonic crypt bases in mouse intestine, in contrast to RNA expression which was shown to localise specifically to the muscularis mucosa, as determined by in situ hybridisation. Importantly, we demonstrate that cells with high levels of GREM1 expression display low levels of phospho-Smad1/5, consistent with reduced BMP signalling. Taken together, these data highlight a novel paracrine signalling circuit, which involves uptake of mature GREM1 protein by colonic crypt cells following secretion from neighbouring fibroblasts in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise R Dutton
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Owen P Hoare
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Amy M B McCorry
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Keara L Redmond
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Noor Eisa Adam
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai Healthcare City, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shannon Canamara
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,Indonesia International Institute for Life-Sciences, University of East Jakarta, Jakarta Timur, Indonesia
| | - Victoria Bingham
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Paul B Mullan
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Mark Lawler
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Philip D Dunne
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,Co-senior authors
| | - Derek P Brazil
- Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK.,Co-senior authors
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22
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Miao H, Wang N, Shi LX, Wang Z, Song WB. Overexpression of mircoRNA-137 inhibits cervical cancer cell invasion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by suppressing the TGF-β/smad pathway via binding to GREM1. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:147. [PMID: 31143092 PMCID: PMC6533679 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-0852-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence has highlighted the tumor suppressive roles of microRNA (miRNAs) in cervical cancer (CC). In the present study, we aim to delineate the functional relevance of microRNA-137 (miR-137) in influencing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and other CC cell biological activities via the TGF-β/smad pathway by binding to GREM1. Methods Microarray analysis was initially adopted to predict the differentially expressed genes and the miRNAs related to CC, followed by the measurement of the expression patterns of GREM1, EMT-related factors in the CC tissues and the adjacent tissues. Dual luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to determine the relationship between miR-137 and GREM1. Gain-of- and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to characterize the effects of miR-137 and GREM1 on the colony formation, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of CC cells in vitro, and the tumorigenicity of the CC cells in nude mice. The TGF-β/smad pathway was subsequently blocked with si-TGF-β to investigate its involvement. Results Reduced miR-137 expression and increased GREM1 expression were predicted in CC, which was subsequently observed in the CC tissues and cells. Notably, GREM1 was a target gene of miR-137. The overexpressed miR-137 was found to inhibit EMT, cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, migration and tumorigenesis in nude mice. In addition, miR-137 was noted to inhibit the activation of the TGF-β/smad pathway by binding to GREM1. The silencing of TGF-β1 was shown to reverse the effects induced by downregulated expression of miR-137. Conclusions This study suggests that upregulated miR-137 suppresses the tumor progression in CC via blocking the TGF-β/smad pathway by binding to and negatively regulating GREM1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Miao
- 1Department of Radiotherapy, Xuzhou Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, 221000 People's Republic of China
| | - Nuan Wang
- 2Department of Neurology, Xuzhou No. 1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou, 221002 People's Republic of China
| | - Lin-Xin Shi
- 1Department of Radiotherapy, Xuzhou Cancer Hospital, Xuzhou, 221000 People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng Wang
- 3Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001 People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Bo Song
- Department of Radiotherapy, Jiangdu People's Hospital of Yangzhou, No. 9, Dongfanghong Road, Yangzhou, 225200 Jiangsu People's Republic of China
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23
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Viena CS, Machado RA, Persuhn DC, Martelli-Júnior H, Medrado AP, Coletta RD, Reis SRA. Understanding the participation of GREM1 polymorphisms in nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in the Brazilian population. Birth Defects Res 2018; 111:16-25. [PMID: 30402937 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1405] [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: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND GREM1, which encodes Gremlin 1, an antagonist of bone morphogenic proteins with effects on proliferation and apoptosis, has been considered a candidate gene for nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL±P). In this study, we investigated potential associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in GREM1 and NSCL±P risk in the Brazilian population. Additionally, SNP-SNP interactions of GREM1 with previously reported rs1880646 variant in NTN1 (netrin 1), a gene also responsible for apoptotic phenotypes were verified. METHODS Applying Taqman allelic discrimination assays, we evaluated the variants rs16969681, rs16969816, rs16969862, and rs1258763 in 325 case-parent trios and in 1,588 isolated samples in a case-control study. Allelic and genotypic analyses, as well as interaction tests assessing gene-environmental factor (GxE) and SNP-SNP interaction with rs1880646 variant in NTN1, were performed based on logistic regression analysis adjusted for the effects of gender and genomic ancestry proportions. RESULTS The risk alleles of all SNP were undertransmitted in NSCL±P trios, though the case-control analysis confirmed only the association with rs16969862 alleles (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.63-0.96, p = .02). The GxE interaction analysis revealed a significant interaction between maternal environmental contact with agrotoxics and rs16969816 (OR: 0.25, 95% CI: 0.08-0.74, p = .01), and pairwise interaction test with NTN1 rs1880646 yielded significant p values in the 1,000 permutation test for rs16969681, rs16969816, and rs16969862. CONCLUSION The GREM1 is involved in the etiology of NSCL±P in the Brazilian population and reveal that the interaction between GREM1 and NTN1 may be related with the pathogenesis of this common craniofacial malformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Sane Viena
- Basic Science Department, Area of Oral Pathology, Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Renato Assis Machado
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Darlene Camati Persuhn
- Molecular Biology Department, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| | - Hercílio Martelli-Júnior
- Stomatology Clinic, Dental School, State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Center for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, Dental School, University of José Rosário Vellano, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Alena Peixoto Medrado
- Basic Science Department, Area of Oral Pathology, Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ricardo D Coletta
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, School of Dentistry, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Silvia R A Reis
- Basic Science Department, Area of Oral Pathology, Bahiana School of Medicine and Public Health, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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24
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Marquez-Exposito L, Lavoz C, Rodrigues-Diez RR, Rayego-Mateos S, Orejudo M, Cantero-Navarro E, Ortiz A, Egido J, Selgas R, Mezzano S, Ruiz-Ortega M. Gremlin Regulates Tubular Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition via VEGFR2: Potential Role in Renal Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1195. [PMID: 30386246 PMCID: PMC6199372 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is emerging as an important health problem due to the increase number of CKD patients and the absence of an effective curative treatment. Gremlin has been proposed as a novel therapeutic target for renal inflammatory diseases, acting via Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (VEGFR2). Although many evidences suggest that Gremlin could regulate renal fibrosis, the receptor involved has not been yet clarified. Gremlin, as other TGF-β superfamily members, regulates tubular epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and, therefore, could contribute to renal fibrosis. In cultured tubular epithelial cells Gremlin binding to VEGFR2 is linked to proinflammatory responses. Now, we have found out that in these cells VEGFR2 is also involved in the profibrotic actions of Gremlin. VEGFR2 blockade by a pharmacological kinase inhibitor or gene silencing diminished Gremlin-mediated gene upregulation of profibrotic factors and restored changes in EMT-related genes. Moreover, VEGFR2 inhibition blocked EMT phenotypic changes and dampened the rate of wound healing in response to Gremlin. The role of VEGFR2 in experimental fibrosis was evaluated in experimental unilateral ureteral obstruction. VEFGR2 inhibition diminished the upregulation of profibrotic genes and EMT changes, as well as the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, such as fibronectin and collagens in the obstructed kidneys. Notch pathway activation participates in renal damage progression by regulating cell growth/proliferation, regeneration and inflammation. In cultured tubular epithelial cells, Notch inhibition markedly downregulated Gremlin-induced EMT changes and wound healing speed. These results show that Gremlin regulates the EMT process via VEGFR2 and Notch pathway activation, suggesting that the Gremlin/VEGFR2 axis could be a potential therapeutic target for CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marquez-Exposito
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Lavoz
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Raul R Rodrigues-Diez
- Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Nephrology, Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Universitario la Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Rayego-Mateos
- Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain.,Vascular and Renal Translational Research Group, Institut de Recerca Biomédica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Macarena Orejudo
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Cantero-Navarro
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Ortiz
- Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain.,Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Egido
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Spanish Biomedical Research Centre in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Selgas
- Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Nephrology, Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica del Hospital Universitario la Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergio Mezzano
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Universidad Austral, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Marta Ruiz-Ortega
- Cellular Biology in Renal Diseases Laboratory, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,Red de Investigación Renal, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Li C, Rezov V, Joensuu E, Vartiainen V, Rönty M, Yin M, Myllärniemi M, Koli K. Pirfenidone decreases mesothelioma cell proliferation and migration via inhibition of ERK and AKT and regulates mesothelioma tumor microenvironment in vivo. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10070. [PMID: 29968778 PMCID: PMC6030186 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28297-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. It is characterized by prominent extracellular matrix, mesenchymal tumor cell phenotypes and chemoresistance. In this study, the ability of pirfenidone to alter mesothelioma cell proliferation and migration as well as mesothelioma tumor microenvironment was evaluated. Pirfenidone is an anti-fibrotic drug used in the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and has also anti-proliferative activities. Mesothelioma cell proliferation was decreased by pirfenidone alone or in combination with cisplatin. Pirfenidone also decreased significantly Transwell migration/invasion and 3D collagen invasion. This was associated with increased BMP pathway activity, decreased GREM1 expression and downregulation of MAPK/ERK and AKT/mTOR signaling. The canonical Smad-mediated TGF-β signaling was not affected by pirfenidone. However, pirfenidone blocked TGF-β induced upregulation of ERK and AKT pathways. Treatment of mice harboring mesothelioma xenografts with pirfenidone alone did not reduce tumor proliferation in vivo. However, pirfenidone modified the tumor microenvironment by reducing the expression of extracellular matrix associated genes. In addition, GREM1 expression was downregulated by pirfenidone in vivo. By reducing two major upregulated pathways in mesothelioma and by targeting tumor cells and the microenvironment pirfenidone may present a novel anti-fibrotic and anti-cancer adjuvant therapy for mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Li
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Soochow, China
| | - Veronika Rezov
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Emmi Joensuu
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville Vartiainen
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Heart and Lung Center and HUH diagnostics, Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko Rönty
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Fimlab laboratories, Pathology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Miao Yin
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marjukka Myllärniemi
- University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Heart and Lung Center and HUH diagnostics, Pulmonary Medicine, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katri Koli
- Research Programs Unit, Translational Cancer Biology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
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