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Papadakos SP, Chatzikalil E, Arvanitakis K, Vakadaris G, Stergiou IE, Koutsompina ML, Argyrou A, Lekakis V, Konstantinidis I, Germanidis G, Theocharis S. Understanding the Role of Connexins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Molecular and Prognostic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1533. [PMID: 38672615 PMCID: PMC11048329 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexins, a family of tetraspan membrane proteins forming intercellular channels localized in gap junctions, play a pivotal role at the different stages of tumor progression presenting both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects. Considering the potential role of connexins as tumor suppressors through multiple channel-independent mechanisms, their loss of expression may be associated with tumorigenic activity, while it is hypothesized that connexins favor the clonal expansion of tumor cells and promote cell migration, invasion, and proliferation, affecting metastasis and chemoresistance in some cases. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by unfavorable prognosis and limited responsiveness to current therapeutic strategies, has been linked to gap junction proteins as tumorigenic factors with prognostic value. Notably, several members of connexins have emerged as promising markers for assessing the progression and aggressiveness of HCC, as well as the chemosensitivity and radiosensitivity of hepatocellular tumor cells. Our review sheds light on the multifaceted role of connexins in HCC pathogenesis, offering valuable insights on recent advances in determining their prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Elena Chatzikalil
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (E.C.)
| | - Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (G.V.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Vakadaris
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (G.V.)
| | - Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.E.S.); (M.-L.K.)
| | - Maria-Loukia Koutsompina
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (I.E.S.); (M.-L.K.)
| | - Alexandra Argyrou
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Laikon General Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.A.); (V.L.)
| | - Vasileios Lekakis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Laikon General Hospital, Athens University Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.A.); (V.L.)
| | | | - Georgios Germanidis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (G.V.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit, Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (E.C.)
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Liu Y, Cao M, Yan X, Cai X, Li Y, Li C, Xue T. Genome-wide identification of gap junction (connexins and pannexins) genes in black rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii): Evolution and immune response mechanism following challenge. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 132:108492. [PMID: 36529400 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.108492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication through gap junction channels is very important to coordinate the functions of cells in all multicellular biological tissues. It allows the direct exchange of ions and small molecules (including second messengers, such as Ca2+, IP3, cyclic nucleotides, and oligonucleotides). In this study, a total of 48 members of the gap junction (GJ) protein family were identified from Sebastes schlegelii. In S. schlegelii, GJ proteins were classified into two types, connexin, and pannexin, and then connexins were divided into five subfamilies. The naming of 48 genes was verified through phylogenetic analysis and syntenic analysis. The connexin proteins contained four transmembrane fragments and two extracellular loops, the lengths of the intracellular loop and C-terminal was quite different, and the C-terminal region was highly variable after post-translational modification. PPI analysis showed that GJs interacted with tight junctions, adhesive junctions, and cell adhesions to form a complex network and participated in cell-cell junction organization, ATP binding, ion channel, voltage-gated conduction, wnt signaling pathway, Fc-γ receptor signaling pathway, and DNA replication. In addition, the S. schlegelii GJ protein was highly expressed in intestinal tissues and remarkably regulated after Edwardsiella tarda and Streptococcus iniae infection. The expression of GJs in intestinal cells of S. schlegelii was significantly regulated by LPS and poly (I:C), which was consistent with the results of intestinal tissue stimulation by pathogens. In conclusion, this study can provide valuable information for further research on the function of S. schlegelii GJ proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Liu
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Min Cao
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Xu Yan
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Xin Cai
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Yuqing Li
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Chao Li
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
| | - Ting Xue
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China.
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MitoQ demonstrates connexin- and p53-mediated cancer chemoprevention in N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis rodent model. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 453:116211. [PMID: 36037915 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer chemoprevention is an approach that offers huge potential for preventing/retarding carcinogenesis. MitoQ is well-known and extensively studied mitochondria-targeted antioxidants for its applications in diseases linked with oxidative stress. In the present study chemopreventive potential of mitoQ was studied with a focus on the role of gap-junctions and p53 at an advanced stage of HCC. BALB/c mice model of hepatocarcinogenesis was established using N-nitrosodiethylamine as a carcinogen (200 mg/kg b. w., cumulative dose, intraperitoneally). The chemopreventive effect of mitoQ was studied by pre-protecting animals with mitoQ (0.125 mg/kg b. w., orally once a week) till the termination of the study. The tumors developed in the course of the study were histopathologically analyzed and statistically evaluated. The mechanistic role of mitoQ was investigated in terms of mitochondrial oxidative stress, expression of 8-OHdG, Cx26, Cx32, p53 and status of gap-junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in tumors. Chemopreventive activity of mitoQ was evident from improved survival of animals, significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower tumor multiplicity, tumor incidence and a total number of tumors. MitoQ treatment significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased mitochondrial oxidative stress as indicated by reduced mtROS and mtLPO. Increased staining intensity of 8-OHdG and internalization of Cx26, Cx32 which was observed in hepatic tumors was reduced upon mitoQ treatment. Furthermore, the expression of Cx26, Cx32 and p53 was significantly increased along with improvement in GJIC in mitoQ treatment group. MitoQ demonstrated its chemopreventive potential probably by regulating mtROS, connexins and p53 in hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Van Campenhout R, Leroy K, Cooreman A, Tabernilla A, Cogliati B, Kadam P, Vinken M. Connexin-Based Channels in the Liver. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:4147-4163. [PMID: 35950654 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c220007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Connexin proteins oligomerize in hexameric structures called connexin hemichannels, which then dock to form gap junctions. Gap junctions direct cell-cell communication by allowing the exchange of small molecules and ions between neighboring cells. In this way, hepatic gap junctions support liver homeostasis. Besides serving as building blocks for gap junctions, connexin hemichannels provide a pathway between the intracellular and the extracellular environment. The activation of connexin hemichannels is associated with acute and chronic liver pathologies. This article discusses the role of gap junctions and connexin hemichannels in the liver. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-17, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Prashant Kadam
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Ugur D, Gungul TB, Yucel S, Ozcivici E, Yalcin-Ozuysal O, Mese G. Connexin 32 overexpression increases proliferation, reduces gap junctional intercellular communication, motility and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in Hs578T breast cancer cells. J Cell Commun Signal 2022; 16:361-376. [PMID: 35781670 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00665-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are primary components of gap junctions that selectively allow molecules to be exchanged between adjacent cells, regulating multiple cellular functions. Along with their channel forming functions, connexins play a variety of roles in different stages of tumorigenesis and their roles in tumor initiation and progression is isoform- and tissue-specific. While Cx26 and Cx43 were downregulated during breast tumorigenesis, Cx32 was accumulated in the cytoplasm of the cells in lymph node metastasis of breast cancers and Cx32 was further upregulated in metastasis. Cx32's effect on cell proliferation, gap junctional communication, hemichannel activity, cellular motility and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated by overexpressing Cx32 in Hs578T and MCF7 breast cancer cells. Additionally, the expression and localization of Cx26 and Cx43 upon Cx32 overexpression were examined by Western blot and immunostaining experiments, respectively. We observed that MCF7 cells had endogenous Cx32 while Hs578T cells did not and when Cx32 was overexpressed in these cells, it caused a significant increase in the percentages of Hs578T cells at the S phase in addition to increasing their proliferation. Further, while Cx32 overexpression did not induce hemichannel activity in either cell, it decreased gap junctional communication between Hs578T cells. Additionally, Cx32 was mainly observed in the cytoplasm in both cells, where it did not form gap junction plaques but Cx32 overexpression reduced Cx43 levels without affecting Cx26. Moreover, migration and invasion potentials of Hs578T and migration in MCF7 were reduced upon Cx32 overexpression. Finally, the protein level of mesenchymal marker N-cadherin decreased while epithelial marker ZO-1 and E-cadherin increased in Hs578T cells. We observed that Cx32 overexpression altered cell proliferation, communication, migration and EMT in Hs578T, suggesting a tumor suppressor role in these cells while it had minor effects on MCF7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Ugur
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Avrasya University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Taha Bugra Gungul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey
| | - Simge Yucel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey
| | - Engin Ozcivici
- Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozden Yalcin-Ozuysal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey.
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Leroy K, Silva Costa CJ, Pieters A, dos Santos Rodrigues B, Van Campenhout R, Cooreman A, Tabernilla A, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Expression and Functionality of Connexin-Based Channels in Human Liver Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12187. [PMID: 34830068 PMCID: PMC8623148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer cell lines are frequently used in vitro tools to test candidate anti-cancer agents as well as to elucidate mechanisms of liver carcinogenesis. Among such mechanisms is cellular communication mediated by connexin-based gap junctions. The present study investigated changes in connexin expression and gap junction functionality in liver cancer in vitro. For this purpose, seven human liver cancer cell lines, as well as primary human hepatocytes, were subjected to connexin and gap junction analysis at the transcriptional, translational and activity level. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed enhanced expression of connexin43 in the majority of liver cancer cell lines at the expense of connexin32 and connexin26. Some of these changes were paralleled at the protein level, as evidenced by immunoblot analysis and in situ immunocytochemistry. Gap junctional intercellular communication, assessed by the scrape loading/dye transfer assay, was generally low in all liver cancer cell lines. Collectively, these results provide a full scenario of modifications in hepatocyte connexin production and gap junction activity in cultured liver cancer cell lines. The findings may be valuable for the selection of neoplastic hepatocytes for future mechanistic investigation and testing of anti-cancer drugs that target connexins and their channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (C.J.S.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Bruna dos Santos Rodrigues
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (C.J.S.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
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Zhao W, Jiang L, Fang T, Fang F, Liu Y, Zhao Y, You Y, Zhou H, Su X, Wang J, Liu S, Chen Y, Wan J, Huang X. β-Lapachone Selectively Kills Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Targeting NQO1 to Induce Extensive DNA Damage and PARP1 Hyperactivation. Front Oncol 2021; 11:747282. [PMID: 34676172 PMCID: PMC8523939 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.747282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Currently there is a lack of tumor-selective and efficacious therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma. β-Lapachone (ARQ761 in clinical form) selectively kill NADPH: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1)-overexpressing cancer cells. However, the effect of β-Lapachone on HCC is virtually unknown. In this study, we found that relatively high NQO1 and low catalase levels were observed in both clinical specimens collected from HCC patients and HCC tumors from the TCGA database. β-Lapachone treatment induced NQO1-selective killing of HCC cells and caused ROS formation and PARP1 hyperactivation, resulting in a significant decrease in NAD+ and ATP levels and a dramatic increase in double-strand break (DSB) lesions over time in vitro. Administration of β-Lapachone significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in a mouse xenograft model in vivo. Our data suggest that NQO1 is an ideal potential biomarker, and relatively high NQO1:CAT ratios in HCC tumors but low ratios in normal tissues offer an optimal therapeutic window to use β-Lapachone. This study provides novel preclinical evidence for β-Lapachone as a new promising chemotherapeutic agent for use in NQO1-positive HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiu Zhao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Lingxiang Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ting Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Fei Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yingchun Liu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ye Zhao
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yuting You
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hao Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Xiaolin Su
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jiangwei Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yaomin Chen
- Indiana University Health Pathology Laboratory, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Xiumei Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Cai S, Deng Y, Peng H, Shen J. Role of Tetraspanins in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:723341. [PMID: 34540692 PMCID: PMC8446639 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.723341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide; and its subtype, HCC, accounts for nearly 80% of cases. HCC progresses rapidly, and to date, there is no efficacious treatment for advanced HCC. Tetraspanins belong to a protein family characterized by four transmembrane domains. Thirty-three known tetraspanins are widely expressed on the surface of most nucleated cells and play important roles in different biological processes. In our review, we summarize the functions of tetraspanins and their underlying mechanism in the life cycle of HCC, from its initiation, progression, and finally to treatment. CD9, TSPAN15, and TSPAN31 can promote HCC cell proliferation or suppress apoptosis. CD63, CD151, and TSPAN8 can also facilitate HCC metastasis, while CD82 serves as a suppressor of metastasis. TSPAN1, TSPAN8, and CD151 act as prognosis indicators and are inversely correlated to the overall survival rate of HCC patients. In addition, we discuss the potential of role of the tetraspanin family proteins as novel therapeutic targets and as an approach to overcome drug resistance, and also provide suggestions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicheng Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yue Deng
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Cancer Center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiming Peng
- Department of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Shen
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Jiao H, Fang F, Fang T, You Y, Feng M, Wang X, Yin Z, Zhao W. SOX13 regulates cancer stem-like properties and tumorigenicity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:760-772. [PMID: 33791152 PMCID: PMC7994154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex-determining region Y (SRY)-related high mobility group (HMG) box (SOX) proteins are pivotal transcriptional factors that play essential roles in embryonic development, cell fate decisions and cancer development. The molecular mechanism of SOX13, a member of the SOX family, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. In the current study, we found that HCC cells were able to form spheroids in serum-free suspension culture and that SOX13 expression was upregulated in spheroids enriched for cancer stem cells (CSCs). Inhibition of SOX13 in HCC-LM3 and MHCC-97H cells decreased the expression of stemness-related genes; attenuated spheroid formation, anchor-dependent and anchor-independent cell proliferation and tumorigenicity; and enhanced sensitivity to drug treatment. Furthermore, based on analysis of TCGA dataset, the results indicated that SOX13 expression was obviously upregulated and closely associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Moreover, SOX13 was correlated with TAZ and CD24 expression. These data strongly demonstrated that SOX13 is involved in maintaining cancer stem-like properties in HCC cells and plays a critical role in HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Jiao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University Xiamen 361004, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University Xiamen 361004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University Xiamen 361004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting You
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University Xiamen 361004, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Feng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University Xiamen 361004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University Xiamen 361004, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University Xiamen 361004, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxiu Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Digestive Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University Xiamen 361004, People's Republic of China
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10
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Feng M, Fang F, Fang T, Jiao H, You S, Wang X, Zhao W. Sox13 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by transcriptionally activating Twist1. J Transl Med 2020; 100:1400-1410. [PMID: 32461589 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-0445-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 13 (Sox13), a member of group D of the SRY-related high mobility group (HMG) box (Sox) family, is a critical regulator of embryonic development and cartilage formation. Few studies have investigated the role of Sox13 in tumorigenesis. The present study reveals the clinical significance and biological function of Sox13 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). First, the expression of Sox13 in HCC samples was evaluated by qRT-PCR and western blotting, and its association with clinicopathological features and prognosis was determined. We found that Sox13 expression was higher in tumor tissue than in paired nontumor tissue. The upregulation of Sox13 was associated with poor differentiation, metastasis, recurrence and poor overall, and tumor-free survival of HCC patients. The function of Sox13 on HCC cell migration and invasion was then assessed by Transwell assay, and the results demonstrated that Sox13 promoted HCC cell invasion, migration, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Notably, the invasion, migration, and EMT of HCC cells induced by Sox13 overexpression could be abolished by Twist1 depletion, and Sox13 was positively correlated with Twist1 at both the mRNA and protein levels. Mechanistically, we revealed that Sox13 activated Twist1 transcription and consequently upregulated Twist1 expression. Furthermore, Sox13 formed a heterodimer with Sox5, and this heterodimer functionally cooperated to enhance the transcriptional activity of Twist1. Our findings suggest that Sox13 serves as an oncogene in HCC, and might be a novel prognostic and therapeutic candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Feng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Building 6, No. 209, South Hubin Road, 361004, Xiamen, China
| | - Fei Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Building 6, No. 209, South Hubin Road, 361004, Xiamen, China
| | - Ting Fang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Building 6, No. 209, South Hubin Road, 361004, Xiamen, China
| | - Hui Jiao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Building 6, No. 209, South Hubin Road, 361004, Xiamen, China
| | - Song You
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Building 6, No. 209, South Hubin Road, 361004, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Building 6, No. 209, South Hubin Road, 361004, Xiamen, China.
| | - Wenxiu Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Building 6, No. 209, South Hubin Road, 361004, Xiamen, China.
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11
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Leroy K, Pieters A, Tabernilla A, Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Targeting gap junctional intercellular communication by hepatocarcinogenic compounds. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2020; 23:255-275. [PMID: 32568623 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2020.1781010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions in liver, as in other organs, play a critical role in tissue homeostasis. Inherently, these cellular constituents are major targets for systemic toxicity and diseases, including cancer. This review provides an overview of chemicals that compromise liver gap junctions, in particular biological toxins, organic solvents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, peroxides, metals and phthalates. The focus in this review is placed upon the mechanistic scenarios that underlie these adverse effects. Further, the potential use of gap junctional activity as an in vitro biomarker to identify non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogenic chemicals is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Wang Y, Wang G, Tan X, Ke K, Zhao B, Cheng N, Dang Y, Liao N, Wang F, Zheng X, Li Q, Liu X, Liu J. MT1G serves as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma by interacting with p53. Oncogenesis 2019; 8:67. [PMID: 31732712 PMCID: PMC6858331 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-019-0176-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is frequently associated with rapid tumor growth, recurrence and drug resistance. MT1G is a low-molecular weight protein with high affinity for zinc ions. In the present study, we investigated the expression of MT1G, analyzed clinical significance of MT1G, and we observed the effects of MT1G overexpression on proliferation and apoptosis of HCC cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Our results revealed that MT1G was significantly downregulated in tumor tissues, and could inhibit the proliferation as well as enhance the apoptosis of HCC cells. The mechanism study suggested that MT1G increased the stability of p53 by inhibiting the expression of its ubiquitination factor, MDM2. Furthermore, MT1G also could enhance the transcriptional activity of p53 through direct interacting with p53 and providing appropriate zinc ions to p53. The modulation of MT1G on p53 resulted in upregulation of p21 and Bax, which leads cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, respectively. Our in vivo assay further confirmed that MT1G could suppress HCC tumor growth in nude mice. Overall, this is the first report on the interaction between MT1G and p53, and adequately uncover a new HCC suppressor which might have therapeutic values by diminishing the aggressiveness of HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362001, People's Republic of China
| | - Gaoxiong Wang
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xionghong Tan
- Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Kun Ke
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362001, People's Republic of China
| | - Bixing Zhao
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362001, People's Republic of China
| | - Niangmei Cheng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Dang
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Dongfang Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University (900 Hospital of The Joint Logistics Team), Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Naishun Liao
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362001, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyuan Zheng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362001, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362001, People's Republic of China. .,Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350002, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jingfeng Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350025, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, 362001, People's Republic of China. .,Liver Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Inflammatory Micro-environment Contributes to Stemness Properties and Metastatic Potential of HCC via the NF-κB/miR-497/SALL4 Axis. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2019; 15:79-90. [PMID: 31650028 PMCID: PMC6804787 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated the essential role of inflammatory micro-environment in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Some cancer cells in tumor maintain typical stemness properties and, with the capacity of self-renewal, are thought to be crucial for the initiation and maintenance of tumors as well as their metastasis. Although both inflammatory micro-environment and stemness properties played crucial roles in tumor initiation and development, currently it is still unclear whether and how the inflammatory micro-environment promotes cancer stemness properties. Here, we show the first evidence that the inflammatory micro-environment promotes the stemness properties and metastatic potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via the NF-κB/miR-497/SALL4 axis. We discover that miR-497 directly targets SALL4, negatively regulates its expression, and further inhibits the self-renewal and metastasis of HCC; more importantly, inflammatory factor TNF-α inhibits the expression of miR-497 via NF-kB-mediated negative transcriptional regulation and simultaneously upregulates the expression of SALL4 and promotes the self-renewal and metastasis phenotypes of HCC cells. Moreover, lower expression of miR-497 is significantly associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Taken together, our findings not only revealed a novel signaling pathway (NF-κB/miR-497/SALL4 axis) to connect inflammation with stemness properties, and clarified the molecular mechanisms underlying the inflammation-mediated self-renewal and metastasis phenotypes, but also provided novel molecular targets for developing new anticancer strategies.
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14
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Yang Y, Yao JH, Du QY, Zhou YC, Yao TJ, Wu Q, Liu J, Ou YR. Connexin 32 downregulation is critical for chemoresistance in oxaliplatin-resistant HCC cells associated with EMT. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:5133-5146. [PMID: 31213923 PMCID: PMC6549660 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s203656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oxaliplatin (OXA)-based chemotherapy is critical in the management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, acquired drug resistance has largely restricted its clinical efficacy. This study aims to explore the key mechanisms and regulatory factors determining chemosensitivity in HCC. Methods: We developed OXA-resistant (OR) HCC cells and used multiple methods, including real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, transwell invasion assay, wound-healing assay, MTT assay, gene transfection, and immunohistochemistry to achieve our goals. Results: We found that OR HCC cells showed a typical epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Meanwhile, the expression of Cx32, a major member of the liver connexin (Cx) family, was lowly expressed in OR HCC cells. Downregulation of Cx32 in parental HCC cells led to EMT induction and thereby reduced OXA cytotoxicity, while Cx32 upregulation in OR HCC cells could reverse the EMT phenotype and partially restore chemosensitivity to OXA. Finally, in human HCC tissue samples, Cx32 was positively correlated with the expression of the EMT marker E-cadherin and negatively correlated with the expression of Vimentin. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that downregulation of Cx32 may be an important determinant for HCC cells to acquire EMT-related acquired drug resistance to OXA, and targeting Cx32 could be a novel strategy to overcome OXA resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Hao Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Yu Du
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Chun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Jing Yao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Rong Ou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
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15
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Xiang Y, Wang Q, Guo Y, Ge H, Fu Y, Wang X, Tao L. Cx32 exerts anti-apoptotic and pro-tumor effects via the epidermal growth factor receptor pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2019; 38:145. [PMID: 30947731 PMCID: PMC6449973 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1142-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal expression or distribution of connexin 32 (Cx32) is associated with hepatocarcinogenesis, but the role of Cx32 and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. METHODS The expression level of Cx32 in 96 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specimens was determined using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The correlation between Cx32 expression and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. The cell apoptosis rate was examined using flow cytometry and western blotting. The role of Cx32 in the Src kinase and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathways was measured by quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting and coimmunoprecipitation (CO-IP). The effect of Cx32 overexpression on the streptonigrin (SN)-induced tumor growth suppression and apoptosis was assessed in nude mice. RESULTS Our study showed that overexpressed Cx32 accumulated in the cytoplasm and that Cx32-containing gap junctions (GJs) were nearly absent in HCC specimens. Upregulated Cx32 expression was highly correlated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and poor tumor differentiation and was an independent predictive marker for poor prognosis in HCC. Overexpression of Cx32 significantly inhibited SN-induced apoptosis by activating the EGFR signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the expression levels of Cx32 and EGFR were positively correlated in HCC specimens. The CO-IP experiments demonstrated that Cx32 could bind to Src kinase, and the western blotting results revealed that Cx32 increased the levels of EGFR and p-EGFR by upregulating Src expression. CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that overexpressed and internalized Cx32 was associated with advanced TNM stage and poor tumor differentiation and predicted poor prognosis in HCC. Cx32 facilitated HCC progression by blocking chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in vitro and in vivo via interacting with Src and thus promoting the phosphorylation of EGFR, subsequently activating the EGFR signaling pathway. Cx32 may be a potential biomarker and a new therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuke Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunquan Guo
- Tumor Research Institute, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital and State Key Laboratory, Urumqi, 830000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Ge
- Tumor Research Institute, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital and State Key Laboratory, Urumqi, 830000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yile Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiyan Wang
- Tumor Research Institute, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital and State Key Laboratory, Urumqi, 830000 People’s Republic of China
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 People’s Republic of China
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16
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Connexin 43 Loss Triggers Cell Cycle Entry and Invasion in Non-Neoplastic Breast Epithelium: A Role for Noncanonical Wnt Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030339. [PMID: 30857262 PMCID: PMC6468895 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) is disrupted in breast cancer, and re-expression of this protein in human breast cancer cell lines leads to decreased proliferation and invasiveness, suggesting a tumor suppressive role. This study aims to investigate the role of Cx43 in proliferation and invasion starting from non-neoplastic breast epithelium. (2) Methods: Nontumorigenic human mammary epithelial HMT-3522 S1 cells and Cx43 shRNA-transfected counterparts were cultured under 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D conditions. (3) Results: Silencing Cx43 induced mislocalization of β-catenin and Scrib from apicolateral membrane domains in glandular structures or acini formed in 3-D culture, suggesting the loss of apical polarity. Cell cycle entry and proliferation were enhanced, concomitantly with c-Myc and cyclin D1 upregulation, while no detectable activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was observed. Motility and invasion were also triggered and were associated with altered acinar morphology and activation of ERK1/2 and Rho GTPase signaling, which acts downstream of the noncanonical Wnt pathway. The invasion of Cx43-shRNA S1 cells was observed only under permissive stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM). (4) Conclusion: Our results suggest that Cx43 controls proliferation and invasion in the normal mammary epithelium in part by regulating noncanonical Wnt signaling.
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17
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Song J, Huang S, Wang K, Li W, Pao L, Chen F, Zhao X. Long Non-coding RNA MEG3 Attenuates the Angiotensin II-Induced Injury of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells by Interacting With p53. Front Genet 2019; 10:78. [PMID: 30838022 PMCID: PMC6389612 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced damage to endothelial cells (ECs) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the role of maternally expressed gene 3 (Meg3) in endothelial cell injury. A lncRNA human gene expression microarray analysis was used to identify differentially expressed lncRNAs in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs). Cell viability, apoptosis, and migration were then assessed Ang II-treated HUVECs. qRT-PCR and western blotting were performed to detect the expression level of p53 after Meg3 knockdown and overexpression. We observed that Ang II treatment decreased the Meg3 level in HUVECs. Next, both knockdown of Meg3 and Ang II decreased cell viability, increased apoptotic cell rate and impair migration function in HUVECs. Furthermore, overexpression of Meg3 inhibited cell apoptosis, and increased cell migration by enhancing p53 transcription on its target genes, including CRP, ICAM-1, VEGF, and HIF-1α. Our findings indicate that Meg3 might be associated with cardiovascular disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Song
- Department of Cardiovascularology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Songqun Huang
- Department of Cardiovascularology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaizhong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascularology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Li
- Institute of Tumor, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lizhi Pao
- Department of Cardiovascularology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Cardiovascularology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianxian Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascularology, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Zhang X, Wang F, Huang Y, Ke K, Zhao B, Chen L, Liao N, Wang L, Li Q, Liu X, Wang Y, Liu J. FGG promotes migration and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma cells through activating epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:1653-1665. [PMID: 30863175 PMCID: PMC6389006 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s188248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this work was to investigate the clinicopathological significance of fibrinogen gamma chain (FGG) and its biological roles during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression. Methods The expression of FGG was examined by Western blot and reverse transcription quantitative PCR in two different sample sets, including 24 or 35 pairs of HCC tumor tissues and their corresponding adjacent non-tumorous tissues. Afterward, association analysis between the expression of FGG and clinicopathological characteristics was systematically analyzed in 79 HCC patients. Subsequently, the mobility and invasiveness of SK-HEP-1 cells with FGG overexpression or knockdown were evaluated by transwell assay and wound healing assay. Additionally, the expressions of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated markers were also detected in FGG overexpressed or silenced SK-HEP-1 cells. Results The expression of FGG was significantly increased in primary HCC tissues comparing with its corresponding adjacent non-tumorous tissues. Clinical pathological analysis demonstrated that upregulation of intracellular FGG was significantly associated with increased vascular invasion, more satellite nodules, and more advanced TNM stage, and HCC patients with stronger expression of FGG had a higher recurrence rate and correspondingly a shorter overall survival time. Meanwhile, the high expression of FGG was also proved to be an independent risk factor for disease-free survival after surgical resection. In vitro phenotype studies showed that overexpression of FGG could promote the migration and invasion in SK-HEP-1 cells; conversely, these phenotypes could be significantly inhibited by knocking down the expression of FGG. Mechanism studies indicated that FGG could promote the migration and invasion through EMT signaling pathway by regulating the expressions of Slug and ZEB1. Conclusion FGG played important roles in enhancing cancer cell motility and invasiveness through EMT signaling, and might serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, .,The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ; .,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ;
| | - Fei Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ; .,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ;
| | - Yanbing Huang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, .,The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ; .,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ;
| | - Kun Ke
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, .,The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ; .,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ;
| | - Bixing Zhao
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ; .,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ;
| | - Lihong Chen
- Department of Pathology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Naishun Liao
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ; .,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ;
| | - Lei Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ; .,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ;
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ; .,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ;
| | - Yingchao Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ; .,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ;
| | - Jingfeng Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, .,The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ; .,The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China, ; .,Liver Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China,
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19
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Wu JI, Wang LH. Emerging roles of gap junction proteins connexins in cancer metastasis, chemoresistance and clinical application. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:8. [PMID: 30642339 PMCID: PMC6332853 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0497-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin, a four-pass transmembrane protein, contributes to assembly of gap junctions among neighboring cells and thus facilitates gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Traditionally, the roles of connexins were thought to mediate formation of hemichannels and GJIC assembly for transportation of ions and small molecules. Many studies have observed loss of GJIC, due to reduced expression or altered cytoplasmic localization of connexins, in primary tumor cells. Connexins are generally considered tumor-suppressive. However, recent studies of clinical samples suggested a different role of connexins in that expression levels and membrane localization of connexins, including Connexin 43 (Cx43, GJA1) and Connexin 26 (Cx26, GJB2), were found to be enhanced in metastatic lesions of cancer patients. Cx43- and Cx26-mediated GJIC was found to promote cancer cell migration and adhesion to the pulmonary endothelium. Regulatory circuits involved in the induction of connexins and their functional effects have also been reported in various types of cancer. Connexins expressed in stromal cells were correlated with metastasis and were implicated in regulating metastatic behaviors of cancer cells. Recent studies have revealed that connexins can contribute to cellular phenotypes via multiple ways, namely 1) GJIC, 2) C-terminal tail-mediated signaling, and 3) cell-cell adhesion during gap junction formation. Both expression levels and the subcellular localization could participate determining the functional roles of connexins in cancer. Compounds targeting connexins were thus tested as potential therapeutics intervening metastasis or chemoresistance. This review focuses on the recent findings in the correlation between the expression of connexins and patients’ prognosis, their roles in metastasis and chemoresistance, as well as the implications and concerns of using connexin-targeting drugs as anti-metastatic therapeutics. Overall, connexins may serve as biomarkers for cancer prognosis and as therapeutic targets for intervening metastasis and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-I Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan.,Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Hai Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan. .,Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Chinese Medical Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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20
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Alaei SR, Abrams CK, Bulinski JC, Hertzberg EL, Freidin MM. Acetylation of C-terminal lysines modulates protein turnover and stability of Connexin-32. BMC Cell Biol 2018; 19:22. [PMID: 30268116 PMCID: PMC6162937 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-018-0173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gap junction protein, Connexin32 (Cx32), is expressed in various tissues including liver, exocrine pancreas, gastrointestinal epithelium, and the glia of the central and peripheral nervous system. Gap junction-mediated cell-cell communication and channel-independent processes of Cx32 contribute to the regulation of physiological and cellular activities such as glial differentiation, survival, and proliferation; maintenance of the hepatic epithelium; and axonal myelination. Mutations in Cx32 cause X-linked Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT1X), an inherited peripheral neuropathy. Several CMT1X causing mutations are found in the cytoplasmic domains of Cx32, a region implicated in the regulation of gap junction assembly, turnover and function. Here we investigate the roles of acetylation and ubiquitination in the C-terminus on Cx32 protein function. Cx32 protein turnover, ubiquitination, and response to deacetylase inhibitors were determined for wild-type and C-terminus lysine mutants using transiently transfected Neuro2A (N2a) cells. RESULTS We report here that Cx32 is acetylated in transfected N2a cells and that inhibition of the histone deacetylase, HDAC6, results in an accumulation of Cx32. We identified five lysine acetylation targets in the C-terminus. Mutational analysis demonstrates that these lysines are involved in the regulation of Cx32 ubiquitination and turnover. While these lysines are not required for functional Cx32 mediated cell-cell communication, BrdU incorporation studies demonstrate that their relative acetylation state plays a channel-independent role in Cx32-mediated control of cell proliferation. CONCLUSION Taken together these results highlight the role of post translational modifications and lysines in the C-terminal tail of Cx32 in the fine-tuning of Cx32 protein stability and channel-independent functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R. Alaei
- Department of Molecular Genetics & Microbiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794 USA
| | - Charles K. Abrams
- Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - J. Chloë Bulinski
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Elliot L. Hertzberg
- Department of Cell & Molecular Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA
| | - Mona M. Freidin
- Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
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21
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Ji P, Liang S, Li P, Xie C, Li J, Zhang K, Zheng X, Feng M, Li Q, Jiao H, Chi X, Zhao W, Zhang S, Wang X. Speckle-type POZ protein suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and invasion via ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis of SUMO1/sentrin specific peptidase 7. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 502:30-42. [PMID: 29777712 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.05.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with high metastatic potential and high mortality. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) is a key adaptor molecule of ubiquitination. However, the molecular mechanism of SPOP-mediated ubiquitination in HCC metastasis remains obscure. In the present study, our results indicated that SPOP expression was significantly downregulated in HCC and was associated with tumor size, differentiation and metastasis. Cox regression model showed that low SPOP expression was a risk factor related to the prognosis of HCC patients. Loss- and gain-of-function assays demonstrated that SPOP inhibited HCC cell migration and invasion in vitro. Mechanisitically, co-immunoprecipitation and ubiquitination assays revealed that SPOP recognized and bound SENP7 and promoted its degradation via ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. Analysis of immunohistochemistry showed that vimentin expression was correlated negatively with SPOP and positively with SENP7. These results implied that increased degradation of SENP7 by overexpression of SPOP decreased vimentin levels, which in turn attenuated HCC cell metastasis. Moreover, in vivo assays showed that SPOP overexpression also significantly suppressed liver and lung metastases. In summary, SPOP inhibits HCC cell metastasis via ubiquitin-dependent SENP7 proteolysis and may thus serve as a new opinion for the prevention of HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyou Ji
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Shaohua Liang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Pengtao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China
| | - Chengrong Xie
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Jie Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Xuqing Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Min Feng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Hui Jiao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Xiaoqin Chi
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Wenxiu Zhao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350108, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China.
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22
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Valdebenito S, Lou E, Baldoni J, Okafo G, Eugenin E. The Novel Roles of Connexin Channels and Tunneling Nanotubes in Cancer Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1270. [PMID: 29695070 PMCID: PMC5983846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoplastic growth and cellular differentiation are critical hallmarks of tumor development. It is well established that cell-to-cell communication between tumor cells and "normal" surrounding cells regulates tumor differentiation and proliferation, aggressiveness, and resistance to treatment. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that result in tumor growth and spread as well as the adaptation of healthy surrounding cells to the tumor environment are poorly understood. A major component of these communication systems is composed of connexin (Cx)-containing channels including gap junctions (GJs), tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), and hemichannels (HCs). There are hundreds of reports about the role of Cx-containing channels in the pathogenesis of cancer, and most of them demonstrate a downregulation of these proteins. Nonetheless, new data demonstrate that a localized communication via Cx-containing GJs, HCs, and TNTs plays a key role in tumor growth, differentiation, and resistance to therapies. Moreover, the type and downstream effects of signals communicated between the different populations of tumor cells are still unknown. However, new approaches such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) could provide new insights into these signals communicated between connected cells. We propose that the identification and characterization of these new communication systems and their associated signaling could provide new targets to prevent or reduce the devastating consequences of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Valdebenito
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers the State University of NJ, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
| | - Emil Lou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - John Baldoni
- GlaxoSmithKline, In-Silico Drug Discovery Unit, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA.
| | - George Okafo
- GlaxoSmithKline, In-Silico Drug Discovery Unit, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK.
| | - Eliseo Eugenin
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers the State University of NJ, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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23
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Lai Y, Tao L, Zhao Y, Zhang X, Sun X, Wang Q, Xu C. Cx32 inhibits TNFα-induced extrinsic apoptosis with and without EGFR suppression. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:2885-2892. [PMID: 28901517 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) can trigger the extrinsic apoptosis pathway. Our previous study indicated that connexin32 (Cx32) inhibited streptonigrin-induced intrinsic apoptosis via the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway. However, whether Cx32 can exert effects on the extrinsic apoptosis pathway through EGFR signaling remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of Cx32 in extrinsic apoptosis induced by treatment with TNFα + cycloheximide (CHX) or afatinib in human cervical cancer (CaCx) cells. In stable inducible Cx32-transfected HeLa cells (HeLa-Cx32), Cx32 expression was induced by treatment with doxycycline (Dox). Furthermore, C-33A cells, which natively express high levels of Cx32, were used as a cell model for knockdown of Cx32 with siRNA. To determine the non-junctional function of Cx32 in apoptosis, 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid (18α-GA), a gap junction intracellular communication (GJIC) inhibitor, was used. Our results showed that Cx32 could inhibit apoptosis induced by TNFα + afatinib with or without the GJIC inhibitor. In clinical cervical tissue samples, we found that the expression of survivin was markedly higher in CaCx than in normal cervix tissue, which was in accordance with the expression of Cx32 in our previous study. In HeLa-Cx32 cells, we also found that Cx32 upregulated the expression of Cox-2. In addition, Cx32 upregulated EGFR expression in low-density culture (lacking GJ formation). Cx32 could also promote the expression of EGFR, phospho-STAT3 and phospho-ERK in HeLa-Cx32 cells following TNFα treatment. After knocking down Cx32 in C-33A cells, the expression levels of survivin and TNFα were downregulated. The present study verifies that Cx32 exerts an inhibitory effect on extrinsic apoptosis in CaCx cells, and suggests that Cx32 may regulate the progression and micro-environment of CaCx cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchang Lai
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Xingjuan Sun
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Guangdong, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Chengfang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510630, P.R. China
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24
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Lai Y, Fan L, Zhao Y, Ge H, Feng X, Wang Q, Zhang X, Peng Y, Wang X, Tao L. Cx32 suppresses extrinsic apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells via the NF‑κB signalling pathway. Int J Oncol 2017; 51:1159-1168. [PMID: 28902345 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and TNF‑related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) usually trigger either survival or apoptosis signals in various cell types, and nuclear factor κB (NF‑κB) is a key factor that regulates their biological effects. Connexin 32 (Cx32) is a gap junction (GJ) protein that plays vital roles in tumourigenesis and tumour progression. Our previous study explored abnormal Cx32 expression in para‑nuclear areas, exacerbated prognostic parameters and suppressed streptonigrin/cisplatin-induced apoptosis in human cervical cancer (CaCx) cells. In this study, we investigated the role of Cx32 in the extrinsic apoptosis pathway of CaCx cells. In transgenic HeLa cells and C-33A cells, Cx32 expression was manipulated using doxycycline or Cx32 siRNA. GJ inhibitors or low density culturing was used to change the status of gap junction intracellular communication (GJIC). We found that apoptosis induced by TNFα and TRAIL was suppressed by Cx32 expression despite the presence or absense of GJIC. We also found that Cx32 upregulated the expression of nuclear NF‑κB and its downstream targets c-IAP1, MMP‑2, and MMP‑9 in HeLa‑Cx32 and C-33A cells. Following our previous study design, our clinical data showed that NF‑κB and MMP‑2 levels increased in human CaCx specimens with high Cx32 expression compared to levels in para‑carcinoma of cervical specimens. SC75741 and JSH-23, NF‑кB signalling pathway inhibitors, inhibited the anti-apoptotic effects of Cx32. In conclusion, Cx32 suppressed TNFα /TRAIL-induced extrinsic apoptosis by upregulating the NF‑κB signalling pathway. This study demonstrates a novel mechanism for Cx32's anti-apoptotic effect and provides a reasonable explanation for the pro-tumour effect of Cx32 in human CaCx cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchang Lai
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Lixia Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Hui Ge
- Tumor Research Institute, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, P.R. China
| | - Xue Feng
- Tumor Research Institute, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, P.R. China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Yuexia Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Xiyan Wang
- Tumor Research Institute, Xinjiang Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830000, P.R. China
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
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25
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Yang Y, Zhang N, Zhu J, Hong XT, Liu H, Ou YR, Su F, Wang R, Li YM, Wu Q. Downregulated connexin32 promotes EMT through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by targeting Snail expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2017; 50:1977-1988. [PMID: 28498415 PMCID: PMC5435329 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.3985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the common malignances in the world and is associated with high mortality and poor prognosis, partly due to early invasion and metastasis. Cx32 has been indicated to be involved in the progression of many cancers including HCC, but its relationship with tumor invasion and metastasis is still controversial. In the present study, the downregulated Cx32 in HCC tissue was found negatively correlated with histological grade and lymph node metastasis. Cx32 regulated HCC migration and invasion in vitro and inhibited tumor metastasis in xenograft models in vivo. We subsequently identified that Cx32 mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by regulating Snail expression, and the enhanced Snail was due to activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in response to Cx32 inhibition. Finally, decreased expression of Cx32 showed strong correlation with loss/reduction of E-cadherin, higher expression of Snail, and nuclear accumulation of β-catenin in HCC tissues. Taken together, our results suggest that Cx32 inhibits HCC invasion and metastasis through Snail-mediated EMT, Cx32 and this signaling pathway molecules may offer potential targets for HCC cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Cardiovasology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004
| | - Xiao-Ting Hong
- Cancer Research Center, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Medical College, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233000, P.R. China
| | | | - Fang Su
- Departments of Medical Oncology
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26
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Zhao Y, Lai Y, Ge H, Guo Y, Feng X, Song J, Wang Q, Fan L, Peng Y, Cao M, Harris AL, Wang X, Tao L. Non-junctional Cx32 mediates anti-apoptotic and pro-tumor effects via epidermal growth factor receptor in human cervical cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2773. [PMID: 28492539 PMCID: PMC5520707 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The role of connexin proteins (Cx), which form gap junctions (GJ), in progression and chemotherapeutic sensitivity of cervical cancer (CaCx), is unclear. Using cervix specimens (313 CaCx, 78 controls) and CaCx cell lines, we explored relationships among Cx expression, prognostic variables and mechanisms that may link them. In CaCx specimens, Cx32 was upregulated and cytoplasmically localized, and three other Cx downregulated, relative to controls. Cx32 expression correlated with advanced FIGO staging, differentiation and increased tumor size. In CaCx cell lines, Cx32 expression suppressed streptonigrin/cisplatin-induced apoptosis in the absence of functional GJ. In CaCx specimens and cell lines, expression of Cx32 upregulated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. Inhibition of EGFR signaling abrogated the anti-apoptotic effect of Cx32 expression. In conclusion, upregulated Cx32 in CaCx cells produces anti-apoptotic, pro-tumorigenic effects in vivo and vitro. Abnormal Cx32 expression/localization in CaCx appears to be both a mechanism and biomarker of chemotherapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan
School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou
510080, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen
Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou
510120, China
| | - Yongchang Lai
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan
School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou
510080, China
| | - Hui Ge
- Tumor Research Institute, Xinjiang
Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Urumqi,
Xinjiang
830000, China
| | - Yunquan Guo
- Department of Pathology, Xinjiang Medical
University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Urumqi,
Xinjiang
830000, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Tumor Research Institute, Xinjiang
Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Urumqi,
Xinjiang
830000, China
| | - Jia Song
- Tumor Research Institute, Xinjiang
Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Urumqi,
Xinjiang
830000, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan
School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou
510080, China
| | - Lixia Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan
School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou
510080, China
| | - Yuexia Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan
School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou
510080, China
| | - Minghui Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-Sen
Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou
510120, China
| | - Andrew L Harris
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology
and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School - Rutgers University,
Newark, NJ
07103, USA
| | - Xiyan Wang
- Tumor Research Institute, Xinjiang
Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Urumqi,
Xinjiang
830000, China
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan
School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou
510080, China
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27
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Yu M, Han G, Qi B, Wu X. Cx32 reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition in doxorubicin-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:2121-2128. [PMID: 28260043 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been reported to be an important mechanism of drug resistance in numerous types of cancer cells, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Connexin (Cx)32 plays a crucial role in hepatocarcinogenesis. The present study investigated the role of Cx32 in the regulation of chemotherapy-induced EMT in HCC. We found that the expression levels of Cx32 and E-cadherin were clearly decreased in HCC tissues compared with the corresponding paracancerous tissues, while the expression level of vimentin was significantly enhanced in HCC tissues. The expression of Cx32 had a strong correlation with the expression of E-cadherin and vimentin. In an in vitro study, a doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant liver cell line HepG2/DOX was established from parental HepG2 cells. The results showed that HepG2/DOX cells acquired EMT characteristics, with a decreased expression level of E-cadherin and an enhanced expression level of vimentin, and possessed high migratory abilities and invasiveness. Meanwhile, Cx32 was significantly decreased in the HepG2/DOX cells. Knockdown of Cx32 by shRNA in HepG2 cells induced EMT, while overexpression of Cx32 converted EMT to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) in the HepG2/DOX cells. These results suggest that Cx32 is an important regulator of DOX-induced EMT in HCC. Cx32 could be considered as a novel target to reverse DOX resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu 233004, P.R. China
| | - Guangshu Han
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu 233030, P.R. China
| | - Benquan Qi
- Department of Emergency Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu 233004, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxiang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu 233004, P.R. China
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28
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Panta S, Yamakuchi M, Shimizu T, Takenouchi K, Oyama Y, Koriyama T, Kojo T, Hashiguchi T. Low grade inflammation inhibits VEGF induced HUVECs migration in p53 dependent manner. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 483:803-809. [PMID: 27998768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.12.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In the course of studying crosstalk between inflammation and angiogenesis, high doses of pro-inflammatory factors have been reported to induce apoptosis in cells. Under normal circumstances also the pro-inflammatory cytokines are being released in low doses and are actively involved in cell signaling pathways. We studied the effects of low grade inflammation in growth factor induced angiogenesis using tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNFα) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF) respectively. We found that low dose of TNFα can inhibit VEGF induced angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Low dose of TNFα induces mild upregulation and moreover nuclear localization of tumor suppressor protein 53 (P53) which causes decrease in inhibitor of DNA binding-1 (Id1) expression and shuttling to the cytoplasm. In absence of Id1, HUVECs fail to upregulate β3-integrin and cell migration is decreased. Connecting low dose of TNFα induced p53 to β3-integrin through Id1, we present additional link in cross talk between inflammation and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushil Panta
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan
| | - Munekazu Yamakuchi
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan; Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Toshiaki Shimizu
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan
| | - Kazunori Takenouchi
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan
| | - Yoko Oyama
- Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Toyoyasu Koriyama
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan; Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kojo
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan; Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Teruto Hashiguchi
- Department of Laboratory and Vascular Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Japan; Kagoshima University Hospital, Kagoshima, Japan.
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Qin J, Chang M, Wang S, Liu Z, Zhu W, Wang Y, Yan F, Li J, Zhang B, Dou G, Liu J, Pei X, Wang Y. Connexin 32-mediated cell-cell communication is essential for hepatic differentiation from human embryonic stem cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37388. [PMID: 27874032 PMCID: PMC5118817 DOI: 10.1038/srep37388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junction-mediated cell-cell interactions are highly conserved and play essential roles in cell survival, proliferation, differentiation and patterning. We report that Connexin 32 (Cx32)-mediated gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is necessary for human embryonic stem cell-derived hepatocytes (hESC-Heps) during step-wise hepatic lineage restriction and maturation. Vitamin K2, previously shown to promote Cx32 expression in mature hepatocytes, up-regulated Cx32 expression and GJIC activation during hepatic differentiation and maturation, resulting in significant increases of hepatic markers expression and hepatocyte functions. In contrast, negative Cx32 regulator 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate blocked hESC-to-hepatocyte maturation and muted hepatocyte functions through disruption of GJIC activities. Dynamic gap junction organization and internalization are phosphorylation-dependent and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases pathway (MAPK) can negatively regulate Cxs through phosphorylation-dependent degradation of Cxs. We found that p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 improved maturation of hESC-Heps correlating with up-regulation of Cx32; by contrast, the p38 MAPK activator, anisomycin, blocked hESC-Heps maturation correlating with down-regulation of Cx32. These results suggested that Cx32 is essential for cell-cell interactions that facilitate driving hESCs through hepatic-lineage maturation. Regulators of both Cx32 and other members of its pathways maybe used as a promising approach on regulating hepatic lineage restriction of pluripotent stem cells and optimizing their functional maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhua Qin
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
- South China Research Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Mingyang Chang
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Shuyong Wang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
- South China Research Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Zhenbo Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Fang Yan
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jian Li
- Laboratory of Hematological Pharmacology, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Bowen Zhang
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
- South China Research Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Guifang Dou
- Laboratory of Hematological Pharmacology, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xuetao Pei
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
- South China Research Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, South China Institute of Biomedicine, Guangzhou 510005, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Tissue Engineering Lab, Beijing Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Beijing 100850, China
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NKD1 correlates with a poor prognosis and inhibits cell proliferation by inducing p53 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:14059-14067. [PMID: 27507614 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Naked cuticle 1 (NKD1), a negative regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway, is abnormally expressed in many types of malignant tumors. Yet the role and mechanism of NKD1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell proliferation and its relationship with HCC patients' prognosis have been poorly characterized. In the present study, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to examine the mRNA expression patterns of NKD1 in the tissues of 60 patients with HCC and corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues and found that NKD1 mRNA expression in HCC tissues was relatively lower than that in non-tumor tissues and negatively correlated with tumor size. Kaplan-Meier survival curves uncovered that patients with lower NKD1 expression had a poorer post-operative prognosis than those with higher expression. In addition, over-expression of NKD1 inhibited the HCC cell proliferation ability, whereas knockdown of NKD1 had the opposite effect. In vivo assays showed that mice injected with SMMC-7721 + control cells had bigger tumor nodules than those injected with SMMC-7721 + NKD1. Mechanism studies demonstrated that NKD1 repressed HCC cell proliferation by inducing p53 expression. Taken together, our study revealed that NKD1 mRNA expression was downregulated in HCC tissues and correlated with a poor prognosis. NKD1 inhibited HCC cell proliferation by inducing p53 expression.
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31
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Zhang S, Li J, Liu P, Xu J, Zhao W, Xie C, Yin Z, Wang X. Pygopus-2 promotes invasion and metastasis of hepatic carcinoma cell by decreasing E-cadherin expression. Oncotarget 2016; 6:11074-86. [PMID: 25871475 PMCID: PMC4484440 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pygopus-2 over-expression has been reported in several malignancies, such as ovarian, breast, lung and liver cancers. Here we demonstrated that down-regulation of Pygopus-2 by shRNA inhibited hepatic carcinoma cell invasion in vitro and metastasis in xenograft tumor models, which were promoted when Pygopus-2 was over-expressed. Pygopus-2 increased hepatic carcinoma cell invasion and metastasis, by decreasing E-cadherin. Pygopus-2 could bind to the E-cadherin promoter, increasing its methylation, and also indirectly decreased zeb2 expression. In turn these effects caused down-regulation of E-cadherin, potentiating invasion and metastasis. We suggest that targeting Pygopus-2 may potentially inhibit metastasis of hepatic carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated ZhongShan Hospital), Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated ZhongShan Hospital), Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Pingguo Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated ZhongShan Hospital), Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Jianfeng Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated ZhongShan Hospital), Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Wenxiu Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated ZhongShan Hospital), Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Chengrong Xie
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated ZhongShan Hospital), Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated ZhongShan Hospital), Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated ZhongShan Hospital), Xiamen, Fujian, China
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32
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Jing-Yuan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Ministry of Health; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
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