1
|
Zhu Y, Zhao Y, Wen J, Liu S, Huang T, Hatial I, Peng X, Janabi HA, Huang G, Mittlesteadt J, Cheng M, Bhardwaj A, Ashfeld BL, Kao KR, Maeda DY, Dai X, Wiest O, Blagg BS, Lu X, Cheng L, Wan J, Lu X. Targeting the chromatin effector Pygo2 promotes cytotoxic T cell responses and overcomes immunotherapy resistance in prostate cancer. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eade4656. [PMID: 36897957 PMCID: PMC10336890 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.ade4656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The noninflamed microenvironment in prostate cancer represents a barrier to immunotherapy. Genetic alterations underlying cancer cell-intrinsic oncogenic signaling are increasingly appreciated for their role in shaping the immune landscape. Recently, we identified Pygopus 2 (PYGO2) as the driver oncogene for the amplicon at 1q21.3 in prostate cancer. Here, using transgenic mouse models of metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma, we found that Pygo2 deletion decelerated tumor progression, diminished metastases, and extended survival. Pygo2 loss augmented the activation and infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and sensitized tumor cells to T cell killing. Mechanistically, Pygo2 orchestrated a p53/Sp1/Kit/Ido1 signaling network to foster a microenvironment hostile to CTLs. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of Pygo2 enhanced the antitumor efficacy of immunotherapies using immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), adoptive cell transfer, or agents inhibiting myeloid-derived suppressor cells. In human prostate cancer samples, Pygo2 expression was inversely correlated with the infiltration of CD8+ T cells. Analysis of the ICB clinical data showed association between high PYGO2 level and worse outcome. Together, our results highlight a potential path to improve immunotherapy using Pygo2-targeted therapy for advanced prostate cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yini Zhu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Yun Zhao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Jiling Wen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Sheng Liu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Tianhe Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Ishita Hatial
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Warren Family Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Peng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Hawraa Al Janabi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Gang Huang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Jackson Mittlesteadt
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Michael Cheng
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Atul Bhardwaj
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Warren Family Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Brandon L. Ashfeld
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Warren Family Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Kenneth R. Kao
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Labs, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John’s Campus, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | | | - Xing Dai
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Olaf Wiest
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Warren Family Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Brian S.J. Blagg
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Warren Family Research Center for Drug Discovery and Development, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Xuemin Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Lifespan Academic Medical Center, and the Legorreta Cancer Center at Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Jun Wan
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Xin Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boler-Parseghian Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, Harper Cancer Research Institute, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA
- Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhao G, Zhao X, Bai J, Dilixiati A, Song Y, Haire A, Zhao S, Aihemaiti A, Fu X, Wusiman A. Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Changes Underlying the Effects of L-Citrulline Supplementation on Ram Semen Quality. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:217. [DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani13020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of L-Cit supplementation on ram semen quality through metabolomics and transcriptomics. A total of 16 rams were randomly categorized into two groups. The control group was fed a basic diet, whereas the experimental group received feed supplemented with 12 g/d of L-Cit. Semen and blood were collected from the rams on days 0 and 72 to measure sugar, pyruvate, amino acid, and nontargeted metabolite contents. Additionally, hypothalamic and testicular tissues were collected for a transcriptomic analysis. We found 27 differential metabolites between the control and experimental groups, of which 21 were downregulated (p < 0.05) and 6 were upregulated (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, xylose and pyruvate contents in seminal plasma increased by 43.86% and 162.71%, respectively (p < 0.01). Additionally, the levels of 11 amino acids showed a significant increase in seminal plasma (p < 0.01). Furthermore, 961 and 715 differentially expressed genes were detected in the hypothalamic and testicular tissues, respectively. The pathways of significant enrichment in the hypothalamus and testes were protein digestion, absorption, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and amino as well as nucleotide sugar metabolisms. In the present study, L-Cit improved protein synthesis and blood metabolism, consequently increasing the contents of most amino acids in ram seminal plasma. Specifically, the hypothalamus controlled the expression of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-related genes in the testes through its metabolites released into the serum, thereby providing energy for sperm production, which led to a decrease in the sugar content of seminal plasma.
Collapse
|
3
|
Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Changes Underlying the Effects of L-Citrulline Supplementation on Ram Semen Quality. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13020217. [PMID: 36670757 PMCID: PMC9855076 DOI: 10.3390/ani13020217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the effects of L-Cit supplementation on ram semen quality through metabolomics and transcriptomics. A total of 16 rams were randomly categorized into two groups. The control group was fed a basic diet, whereas the experimental group received feed supplemented with 12 g/d of L-Cit. Semen and blood were collected from the rams on days 0 and 72 to measure sugar, pyruvate, amino acid, and nontargeted metabolite contents. Additionally, hypothalamic and testicular tissues were collected for a transcriptomic analysis. We found 27 differential metabolites between the control and experimental groups, of which 21 were downregulated (p < 0.05) and 6 were upregulated (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, xylose and pyruvate contents in seminal plasma increased by 43.86% and 162.71%, respectively (p < 0.01). Additionally, the levels of 11 amino acids showed a significant increase in seminal plasma (p < 0.01). Furthermore, 961 and 715 differentially expressed genes were detected in the hypothalamic and testicular tissues, respectively. The pathways of significant enrichment in the hypothalamus and testes were protein digestion, absorption, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and amino as well as nucleotide sugar metabolisms. In the present study, L-Cit improved protein synthesis and blood metabolism, consequently increasing the contents of most amino acids in ram seminal plasma. Specifically, the hypothalamus controlled the expression of glycolysis/gluconeogenesis-related genes in the testes through its metabolites released into the serum, thereby providing energy for sperm production, which led to a decrease in the sugar content of seminal plasma.
Collapse
|
4
|
Yuan W, Zhao H, Zhou A, Wang S. Interference of EFNA4 suppresses cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma by downregulating PYGO2. Cancer Biol Ther 2022; 23:1-12. [PMID: 36404439 PMCID: PMC9683066 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2022.2149039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Ephrin A4 (EFNA4) acts as an oncogene in multiple cancers but is little known in HCC. It is revealed that EFNA4 is highly expressed in patients with HCC and influences the proliferation of HCC cells; however, detailed regulatory mechanism of EFNA4 in HCC needs to be unveiled. Here, we discovered that EFNA4 was highly expressed in HCC cell lines. EFNA4 knockdown greatly suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, as well as inhibiting angiogenesis in Huh7 cells. EFNA4 was demonstrated to interact with pygopus-2 (PYGO2) and positively regulate PYGO2 expression. Gene gain- and loss-of-function experiments revealed that the anti-tumor effect of EFNA4 knockdown was partly abolished by PYGO2 overexpression. Furthermore, EFNA4 knockdown blocked wnt/β-catenin signaling in Huh7 cells, which was then abolished by PYGO2. In conclusion, this study further ensured the oncogenic role of EFNA4 in HCC, and disclosed that EFNA4 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and wnt/β-catenin signaling in HCC by downregulating PYGO2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, P. R. China,CONTACT Weidong Yuan The Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No. 1 Huanghe West Road, Huaiyin District, Huai’an, 223300, P. R. China
| | - Hewei Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, P. R. China
| | - Ang Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, P. R. China
| | - Shaochuang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Affiliated Huai’an No. 1 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai’an, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Che L, Du ZB, Wang WH, Wu JS, Han T, Chen YY, Han PY, Lei Z, Chen XX, He Y, Xu L, Lin X, Lin ZN, Lin YC. Intracellular antibody targeting HBx suppresses invasion and metastasis in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocarcinogenesis via protein phosphatase 2A-B56γ-mediated dephosphorylation of protein kinase B. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13304. [PMID: 35811356 PMCID: PMC9628248 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) is closely associated with HBV‐related hepatocarcinogenesis via the inactivation of tumour suppressors. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunit B56 gamma (B56γ), as a tumour suppressor, plays a critical role in regulating cellular phosphorylation signals via dephosphorylation of signalling proteins. However, the underlying mechanism that B56γ involved in regulating HBx‐associated hepatocarcinogenesis phenotypes and mediating anti‐HBx antibody‐mediated tumour suppression remains unknown. Materials and Methods We used bioinformatics analysis, paired HCC patient specimens, HBx transgenic (HBx‐Tg) mice, xenograft nude mice, HBV stable replication in the HepG2.2.15 cells, and anti‐HBx antibody intervention to systematically evaluate the biological function of protein kinase B (AKT) dephosphorylation through B56γ in HBx‐associated hepatocarcinogenesis. Results Bioinformatics analysis revealed that AKT, matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and MMP9 were markedly upregulated, while cell migration and viral carcinogenesis pathways were activated in HBV‐infected liver tissues and HBV‐associated HCC tissues. Our results demonstrated that HBx‐expression promotes AKT phosphorylation (p‐AKTThr308/Ser473), mediating the migration and invasion phenotypes in vivo and in vitro. Importantly, in clinical samples, HBx and B56γ were downregulated in HBV‐associated HCC tumour tissues compared with peritumor tissues. Moreover, intervention with site‐directed mutagenesis (AKTT308A, AKTS473A) of p‐AKTThr308/Ser473 mimics dephosphorylation, genetics‐based B56γ overexpression, and intracellular anti‐HBx antibody inhibited cell growth, migration, and invasion in HBx‐expressing HCC cells. Conclusions Our results demonstrated that B56γ inhibited HBV/HBx‐dependent hepatocarcinogenesis by regulating the dephosphorylation of p‐AKTThr308/Ser473 in HCC cells. The intracellular anti‐HBx antibody and the activator of B56γ may provide a multipattern chemopreventive strategy against HBV‐related HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Che
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ze-Bang Du
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei-Hua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jia-Shen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tun Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Pei-Yu Han
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhao Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiao-Xuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yun He
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ling Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Gastrointestinal Cancer, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Ning Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yu-Chun Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zhao C, Sun J, Dang Z, Su Q, Yang J. Circ_0000775 Promotes the Migration, Invasion and EMT of Hepatic Carcinoma Cells by Recruiting IGF2BP2 to Stabilize CDC27. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 235:153908. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
7
|
Structure and function of Pygo in organ development dependent and independent Wnt signalling. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:1781-1794. [PMID: 32677664 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pygo is a nuclear protein containing two conserved domains, NHD and PHD, which play important roles in embryonic development and carcinogenesis. Pygo was first identified as a core component of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. However, it has also been reported that the function of Pygo is not always Wnt/β-catenin signalling dependent. In this review, we summarise the functions of both domains of Pygo and show that their functions are synergetic. The PHD domain mainly combines with transcription co-factors, including histone 3 and Bcl9/9l. The NHD domain mainly recruits histone methyltransferase/acetyltransferase (HMT/HAT) to modify lysine 4 of the histone 3 tail (H3K4) and interacts with Chip/LIM-domain DNA-binding proteins (ChiLS) to form enhanceosomes to regulate transcriptional activity. Furthermore, we summarised chromatin modification differences of Pygo in Drosophila (dPygo) and vertebrates, and found that Pygo displayes a chromatin silencing function in Drosophila, while in vertebates, Pygo has a chromatin-activating function due to the two substitution of two amino acid residues. Next, we confirmed the relationship between Pygo and Bcl9/9l and found that Pygo-Bcl/9l are specifically partnered both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. Finally, we discuss whether transcriptional activity of Pygo is Wnt/β-catenin dependent during embryonic development. Available information indications that the transcriptional activity of Pygo in embryonic development is either Wnt/β-catenin dependent or independent in both tissue-specific and cell-specific-modes.
Collapse
|
8
|
Saxena M, Kalathur RKR, Rubinstein N, Vettiger A, Sugiyama N, Neutzner M, Coto-Llerena M, Kancherla V, Ercan C, Piscuoglio S, Fischer J, Fagiani E, Cantù C, Basler K, Christofori G. A Pygopus 2-Histone Interaction Is Critical for Cancer Cell Dedifferentiation and Progression in Malignant Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3631-3648. [PMID: 32586983 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pygopus 2 (Pygo2) is a coactivator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling that can bind bi- or trimethylated lysine 4 of histone-3 (H3K4me2/3) and participate in chromatin reading and writing. It remains unknown whether the Pygo2-H3K4me2/3 association has a functional relevance in breast cancer progression in vivo. To investigate the functional relevance of histone-binding activity of Pygo2 in malignant progression of breast cancer, we generated a knock-in mouse model where binding of Pygo2 to H3K4me2/3 was rendered ineffective. Loss of Pygo2-histone interaction resulted in smaller, differentiated, and less metastatic tumors, due, in part, to decreased canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. RNA- and ATAC-sequencing analyses of tumor-derived cell lines revealed downregulation of TGFβ signaling and upregulation of differentiation pathways such as PDGFR signaling. Increased differentiation correlated with a luminal cell fate that could be reversed by inhibition of PDGFR activity. Mechanistically, the Pygo2-histone interaction potentiated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, in part, by repressing the expression of Wnt signaling antagonists. Furthermore, Pygo2 and β-catenin regulated the expression of miR-29 family members, which, in turn, repressed PDGFR expression to promote dedifferentiation of wild-type Pygo2 mammary epithelial tumor cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the histone binding function of Pygo2 is important for driving dedifferentiation and malignancy of breast tumors, and loss of this binding activates various differentiation pathways that attenuate primary tumor growth and metastasis formation. Interfering with the Pygo2-H3K4me2/3 interaction may therefore serve as an attractive therapeutic target for metastatic breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: Pygo2 represents a potential therapeutic target in metastatic breast cancer, as its histone-binding capability promotes β-catenin-mediated Wnt signaling and transcriptional control in breast cancer cell dedifferentiation, EMT, and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meera Saxena
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | | | | | - Andrea Vettiger
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nami Sugiyama
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Neutzner
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Caner Ercan
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jonas Fischer
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ernesta Fagiani
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine Linköping; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Konrad Basler
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Baldacchino S, Grech G. Somatic copy number aberrations in metastatic patients: The promise of liquid biopsies. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 60:302-310. [PMID: 31891778 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The metastatic process involves measurable cellular changes that confer migratory potential, proliferative advantage and the ability to colonise a distinct microenvironment. Accumulation of aberrations and clonal evolution add complexity to patient management and the assessment of the therapeutic sensitivity profile of malignancies. Liquid biopsy presents a repeatable and minimally invasive assessment tool to detect early metastasis, characterise tumour phenotype and detect minimal residual disease. The promise of liquid biopsies is to inform patient management and therapeutic decisions in a timely manner. Clinical translation requires robust methodologies with high sensitivity and tumour specificity. This can be achieved through technological advances but also through novel biologically informed approaches that harness existing knowledge on tumorigenesis. Here we present a review of copy number variations as potential biomarkers for early detection of metastatic potential and outline a biomarker validation process in the context of liquid biopsies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Baldacchino
- Applied Biotech Ltd, Cambridge, UK; Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, University of Malta, Malta.
| | - Godfrey Grech
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, University of Malta, Malta
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chi Y, Wang F, Zhang T, Xu H, Zhang Y, Shan Z, Wu S, Fan Q, Sun Y. miR-516a-3p inhibits breast cancer cell growth and EMT by blocking the Pygo2/Wnt signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:6295-6307. [PMID: 31273950 PMCID: PMC6714144 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
miR‐516a‐3p has been reported to play a suppressive role in several types of human tumours. However, the expression level, biological function and fundamental mechanisms of miR‐516a‐3p in breast cancer remain unclear. In the present study, we found that miR‐516a‐3p expression was down‐regulated and Pygopus2 (Pygo2) expression was up‐regulated in human breast cancer tissues and cells. Through analysing the clinicopathological characteristics, we demonstrated that low miR‐516a‐3p expression or positive Pygo2 expression was a predictor of poor prognosis for patients with breast cancer. The results of a dual luciferase reporter assay and Western blot analysis indicated that Pygo2 was a target gene of miR‐516a‐3p. Moreover, overexpression of miR‐516a‐3p inhibited cell growth, migration and invasion as well as epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of breast cancer cells, whereas reduced miR‐516a‐3p expression promoted breast cancer cell growth, migration, invasion and EMT. Furthermore, we showed that miR‐516a‐3p suppressed cell proliferation, metastasis and EMT of breast cancer cells by inhibiting Pygo2 expression. We confirmed that miR‐516a‐3p exerted an anti‐tumour effect by inhibiting the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Finally, xenograft tumour models were used to show that miR‐516a‐3p inhibited breast cancer cell growth and EMT via suppressing the Pygo2/Wnt signalling pathway. Taken together, these results show that miR‐516a‐3p inhibits breast cancer cell growth, metastasis and EMT by blocking the Pygo2/ Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Chi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tengfei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Han Xu
- Department of Breast Disease Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yana Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhengzheng Shan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shaoxuan Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qingxia Fan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ru B, Sun J, Kang Q, Tong Y, Zhang J. A framework for identifying dysregulated chromatin regulators as master regulators in human cancer. Bioinformatics 2019; 35:1805-1812. [PMID: 30358822 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/bty836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Chromatin regulators (CRs) are frequently dysregulated to reprogram the epigenetic landscape of the cancer genome. However, the underpinnings of the dysregulation of CRs and their downstream effectors remain to be elucidated. RESULTS Here, we designed an integrated framework based on multi-omics data to identify candidate master regulatory CRs affected by genomic alterations across eight cancer types in The Cancer Genome Atlas. Most of them showed consistent activated or repressed (i.e. oncogenic or tumor-suppressive) roles in cancer initiation and progression. In order to further explore the insight mechanism of the dysregulated CRs, we developed an R package ModReg based on differential connectivity to identify CRs as modulators of transcription factors (TFs) involved in tumorigenesis. Our analysis revealed that the connectivity between TFs and their target genes (TGs) tended to be disrupted in the patients who had a high expression of oncogenic CRs or low-expression of tumor-suppressive CRs. As a proof-of-principle study, 14 (82.4%) of the top-ranked 17 driver CRs in liver cancer were able to be validated by literature mining or experiments including shRNA knockdown and dCas9-based epigenetic editing. Moreover, we confirmed that CR SIRT7 physically interacted with TF NFE2L2, and positively modulated the transcriptional program of NFE2L2 by affecting ∼64% of its TGs. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION ModReg is freely accessible at http://cis.hku.hk/software/ModReg.tar.gz. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhang S, Xie C, Li H, Zhang K, Li J, Wang X, Yin Z. Ubiquitin-specific protease 11 serves as a marker of poor prognosis and promotes metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Transl Med 2018; 98:883-894. [PMID: 29545598 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-018-0050-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific protease 11 (USP11) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that exerts its biological functions by regulating multiple signaling pathways such as p53, NF-κB, TGF-β, and Hippo. A large body of evidence supports a link between UPS11 and tumorigenesis. However, the clinical significance and biological function of USP11 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. Here, USP11 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry in a pilot series of 71 HCC clinical samples, and the association between USP11 expression and clinicopathological features and overall survival time was analyzed. The cytoplasmic expression rate of USP11 was higher in non-cancerous tissue than that in cancer tissue (36.6 vs. 12.7%, P = 0.001), whereas the nuclear expression rate of USP11 was lower in non-cancerous tissue (5.6 vs. 69.0%, P < 0.001). USP11 expression level was higher in tumor than that in non-tumor tissue (P < 0.001). Chi-square analysis of variances suggested that USP11 expression was associated with vascular invasion (P = 0.033), differentiation (P = 0.027), tumor number (P = 0.009), and recurrence (P = 0.036). USP11 expression was also associated with shorter overall survival time (P = 0.001) by log-rank test. Unconditional logistic regression analysis with multiple covariates indicated that high USP11 expression was associated with a 2.96-fold increase in the risk of death compared with low USP11 levels (P = 0.041) and acted as an independent predictor of overall survival. HCC patients with simultaneously high USP11 and alpha-fetoprotein expression had an adjusted 5-fold higher risk of all-cause-related death (P = 0.006). Moreover, in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that USP11 could promote the migration and invasion of HCC cell. Overall, we suggest that USP11 promotes HCC cell metastasis, and we provide the first evidence of the prognostic significance of USP11 expression in HCC, which suggests that USP11 is a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital), 361004, Xiamen, China. .,Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, 361004, Xiamen, China.
| | - Chengrong Xie
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital), 361004, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, 361004, Xiamen, China
| | - Honghe Li
- Research Center for Medical Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Kang Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital), 361004, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, 361004, Xiamen, China
| | - Jie Li
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital), 361004, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, 361004, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital), 361004, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, 361004, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhenyu Yin
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Xiamen University Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital), 361004, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Translational Medical Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Tumor, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, 361004, Xiamen, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lu X, Pan X, Wu CJ, Zhao D, Feng S, Zang Y, Lee R, Khadka S, Amin SB, Jin EJ, Shang X, Deng P, Luo Y, Morgenlander WR, Weinrich J, Lu X, Jiang S, Chang Q, Navone NM, Troncoso P, DePinho RA, Wang YA. An In Vivo Screen Identifies PYGO2 as a Driver for Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3823-3833. [PMID: 29769196 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-3564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Advanced prostate cancer displays conspicuous chromosomal instability and rampant copy number aberrations, yet the identity of functional drivers resident in many amplicons remain elusive. Here, we implemented a functional genomics approach to identify new oncogenes involved in prostate cancer progression. Through integrated analyses of focal amplicons in large prostate cancer genomic and transcriptomic datasets as well as genes upregulated in metastasis, 276 putative oncogenes were enlisted into an in vivo gain-of-function tumorigenesis screen. Among the top positive hits, we conducted an in-depth functional analysis on Pygopus family PHD finger 2 (PYGO2), located in the amplicon at 1q21.3. PYGO2 overexpression enhances primary tumor growth and local invasion to draining lymph nodes. Conversely, PYGO2 depletion inhibits prostate cancer cell invasion in vitro and progression of primary tumor and metastasis in vivo In clinical samples, PYGO2 upregulation associated with higher Gleason score and metastasis to lymph nodes and bone. Silencing PYGO2 expression in patient-derived xenograft models impairs tumor progression. Finally, PYGO2 is necessary to enhance the transcriptional activation in response to ligand-induced Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Together, our results indicate that PYGO2 functions as a driver oncogene in the 1q21.3 amplicon and may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for metastatic prostate cancer.Significance: Amplification/overexpression of PYGO2 may serve as a biomarker for prostate cancer progression and metastasis. Cancer Res; 78(14); 3823-33. ©2018 AACR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Lu
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.,Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana.,Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Xiaolu Pan
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Chang-Jiun Wu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Di Zhao
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Shan Feng
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Yong Zang
- Department of Biostatistics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Rumi Lee
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sunada Khadka
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Samirkumar B Amin
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Eun-Jung Jin
- Department of Biological Science, Wonkwang University, Cheonbuk, Iksan, South Korea
| | - Xiaoying Shang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Pingna Deng
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Yanting Luo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - William R Morgenlander
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Jacqueline Weinrich
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Xuemin Lu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Rare and Neglected Diseases, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Shan Jiang
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Qing Chang
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Nora M Navone
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Patricia Troncoso
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Y Alan Wang
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
The role of Pygo2 for Wnt/ß-catenin signaling activity during intestinal tumor initiation and progression. Oncotarget 2018; 7:80612-80632. [PMID: 27811361 PMCID: PMC5348345 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pygo2 acts as a co-activator of Wnt signaling in a nuclear complex with ß-catenin/BCL9/BCL9-2 to increase target gene transcription. Previous studies showed that Pygo2 is upregulated in murine intestinal tumors and human colon cancer, but is apparently dispensable for normal intestinal homeostasis. Here, we have evaluated the in vivo role of Pygo2 during intestinal tumorigenesis using Pygo2 deficient mice. We analyzed chemically induced colon tumor development and conditional intestine specific mouse models harboring either Apc loss-of-function (LOF) or Ctnnb1 gain-of-function (ß-catenin GOF). Remarkably, the number and size of chemically induced tumors was significantly reduced in Pygo2 deficient mice, suggesting that Pygo2 has a tumor promoting function. Furthermore, loss of Pygo2 rescued early tumorigenesis of Ctnnb1 GOF mutants. In contrast, Pygo2 ablation was not sufficient to prevent tumor development of Apc LOF mice. The effect on tumor formation by Pygo2 knockout was linked to the repression of specific deregulated Wnt target genes, in particular of c-Myc. Moreover, the role of Pygo2 appears to be associated with the signaling output of deregulated Wnt signaling in the different tumor models. Thus, targeting Pygo2 might provide a novel strategy to suppress tumor formation in a context dependent manner.
Collapse
|
15
|
Kao KR, Popadiuk P, Thoms J, Aoki S, Anwar S, Fitzgerald E, Andrews P, Voisey K, Gai L, Challa S, He Z, Gonzales-Aguirre P, Simmonds A, Popadiuk C. PYGOPUS2 expression in prostatic adenocarcinoma is a potential risk stratification marker for PSA progression following radical prostatectomy. J Clin Pathol 2017; 71:402-411. [PMID: 28924059 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2017-204718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Prostate cancer (PrCa) is the most frequently diagnosed non-cutaneous cancer in men. Without clear pathological indicators of disease trajectory at diagnosis, management of PrCa is challenging, given its wide-ranging manifestation from indolent to highly aggressive disease. This study examines the role in PrCa of the Pygopus (PYGO)2 chromatin effector protein as a risk stratification marker in PrCa. METHODS RNA expression was performed in PrCa cell lines using Northern and RT-PCR analyses. Protein levels were assessed using immunoblot and immunofluorescence. Immunohistochemistry was performed on tissue microarrays constructed from radical prostatectomies with 5-year patient follow-up data including Gleason score tumour staging, margin and lymph node involvement and prostate serum antigen (PSA) levels. Biochemical recurrence (BR) was defined as a postoperative PSA level of >0.2 nL. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using SAS and Kaplan-Meier curves using graphPad (Prism). RESULTS In vitro depletion of PYGO2 by RNAi in both androgen receptor positive and negative PrCa cell lines attenuated growth and reduced Ki67 and 47S rRNA expression, while PYGO2 protein was localised to the nuclei of tumours as determined by immunohistochemistry. High expression levels of PYGO2 in tumours (n=156) were correlated with BR identified as PSA progression, after 7-year follow-up independent of other traditional risk factors. Most importantly, high PYGO2 levels in intermediate grade tumours suggested increased risk of recurrence over those with negative or weak expression. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that elevated PYGO2 expression in primary prostate adenocarcinoma is a potential risk factor for BR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R Kao
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, Eastern Health, St. John's, Canada.,Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Paul Popadiuk
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John Thoms
- Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Satoko Aoki
- Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Shahgul Anwar
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, Eastern Health, St. John's, Canada
| | - Emily Fitzgerald
- Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Phillip Andrews
- Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | - Kim Voisey
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, Eastern Health, St. John's, Canada
| | - Luis Gai
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, Eastern Health, St. John's, Canada
| | - Satya Challa
- Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| | - Zhijian He
- Biomedical Sciences, Memorial University, St. John's, NL, Canada
| | | | - Andrea Simmonds
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Laboratory Medicine Program, Eastern Health, St. John's, Canada
| | - Catherine Popadiuk
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
GABPA predicts prognosis and inhibits metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:380. [PMID: 28549418 PMCID: PMC5446731 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3373-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence indicates that abnormal expression of GABPA is associated with tumor development and progression. However, the function and clinicopathological significance of GABPA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain obscure. Methods The mRNA and protein expression of GABPA in HCC clinical specimens and cell lines was examined by real-time PCR and western blotting, respectively. Follow-up data were used to uncover the relationship between GABPA expression and the prognosis of HCC patients. HCC cell lines stably overexpressing or silencing GABPA were established to explore the function of GABPA in HCC cell migration and invasion by Transwell and wound healing assays in vitro and in a xenograft model in vivo. Restoration of function analysis was used to examine the underlying molecular mechanisms. Results GABPA was downregulated at the protein and mRNA levels in HCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Decreased GABPA expression was correlated with alpha-fetoprotein levels (P = 0.001), tumor grade (P = 0.017), and distant metastasis (P = 0.021). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that patients with lower GABPA expression had significantly shorter survival times than those with higher GABPA (P = 0.031). In vivo and in vitro assays demonstrated that GABPA negatively regulated HCC cell migration and invasion, and the effect of GABPA on HCC cell migration was mediated at least partly by the regulation of E-cadherin. Conclusions Collectively, our data indicate that GABPA inhibits HCC cell migration by modulating E-cadherin and could serve as a novel biomarker for HCC prognosis. GABPA may act as a tumor suppressor during HCC progression and metastasis, and is a potential therapeutic target in HCC. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3373-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
17
|
Qin WY, Lv LY, Zhou CF, Chen XZ, Tang JF. Role of Pygo2 in tumors. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2016; 24:4589-4595. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v24.i34.4589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pygo2, a vital component of the Wnt signaling pathway that was recently discovered, has been reported to be closely related to the tumorigenesis of several types of malignant tumors. There are two highly conservative domains named NHD in the N terminus and PHD in the C terminus of Pygo2. Previous studies have shown that the Pygo2 PHD domain can act as a protein code reader to link the chromatin remodeling complex to specific changes in gene transcription, as demonstrated for the Wnt target genes. Furthermore, the activity of the chromatin remodeling is further facilitated by the recruiting of histone methyltransferase and acetyltransferase through the interaction with the Pygo2 NHD domain. However, the molecular mechanism of Pygo2 in the tumor development is still poorly understood. In the present study, we intend to review the structure and role of Pygo2 in tumor progression.
Collapse
|
18
|
Ali F, Yamaguchi K, Fukuoka M, Elhelaly AE, Kuwata K. Logical design of an anti-cancer agent targeting the plant homeodomain in Pygopus2. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:1321-8. [PMID: 27324116 PMCID: PMC5021024 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pygopus2 (Pygo2) is a component of the Wnt signaling pathway, which is required for β-catenin mediated transcription. Plant homeodomain (PHD) finger in Pygo2 intercalates the methylated histone 3 (H3K4me) tail and HD1 domain of BCL9 that binds to β-catenin. Thus, PHD finger may be a potential target for the logical design of an anti-cancer drug. Here, we found that Spiro[2H-naphthol[1,2-b]pyran-2,4'-piperidine]-1'ethanol,3,4-dihydro-4-hydroxy-α-(6-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)) termed JBC117 interacts with D339, A348, R356, V376 and A378 in PHD corresponding to the binding sites with H3K4me and/or HD1, and has strong anti-cancer effects. For colon (HCT116) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines, IC50 values were 2.6 ± 0.16 and 3.3 ± 0.14 μM, respectively, while 33.80 ± 0.15 μM for the normal human fibroblast cells. JBC117 potently antagonized the cellular effects of β-catenin-dependent activity and also inhibited the migration and invasion of cancer cells. In vivo studies showed that the survival time of mice was significantly prolonged by the subcutaneous injection of JBC117 (10 mg/kg/day). In conclusion, JBC117 is a novel anti-cancer lead compound targeting the PHD finger of Pygo2 and has a therapeutic effect against colon and lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ferdausi Ali
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Keiichi Yamaguchi
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Mayuko Fukuoka
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | | | - Kazuo Kuwata
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.
- Department of Gene and Development, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
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.
Collapse
|
20
|
The NKD1/Rac1 feedback loop regulates the invasion and migration ability of hepatocarcinoma cells. Sci Rep 2016; 6:26971. [PMID: 27231134 PMCID: PMC4882592 DOI: 10.1038/srep26971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is complicated by aggressive migration and invasion, which contribute to the increased mortality of HCC patients. The NKD1 protein is abnormally expressed in many neoplasms and plays an important role in tumor progression. However, the regulation and underlying molecular mechanisms of NKD1 in HCC cell invasion and migration remain poorly understood. In the present study, ectopic expression of NKD1 in HCC cells attenuated migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo by down-regulating Rac1 expression level and activity, which affected the HCC cell cytoskeleton and E-cadherin expression. Mechanistic studies showed that NKD1 interacted with Rac1 in the cytoplasm and promoted its degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Over-expression of Rac1 enhanced the transcription of the NKD1 gene and protein expression conversely owing to its negative regulation of EZH2. Analysis of clinical samples showed that abnormal expression of NKD1 and Rac1 was associated with the poor prognosis of HCC patients. In summary, our data indicate a new role for NKD1 as a regulator of HCC cell invasion and migration via a feedback loop involving Rac1.
Collapse
|
21
|
Jiang R, Niu X, Huang Y, Wang X. β-Catenin is important for cancer stem cell generation and tumorigenic activity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2016; 48:229-37. [PMID: 26849897 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmv134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with poor prognosis and recurrence in South China. The hard eradication of NPC in clinic is predominantly due to cancer stem cells (CSCs). Increasing evidence revealed that the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin was positively correlated with the produce of CSCs. To further investigate the effect of β-catenin on CSCs and tumorigenesis in NPC, a CNE2 cell line (pLKO.1-sh-β-catenin-CNE2) with stably suppressed expression of β-catenin was used in this study. The expressions of biomarkers in CSCs including c-myc, Nanog, Oct3/4, Sox2, EpCAM as well as adhesion-related proteins like E-cadherin and vimentin were analyzed by western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining. The proliferation and migration abilities were investigated by MTT assay and Transwell assay, respectively. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Finally, xenograft was performed to determine the effect of β-catenin on oncogenesis in vivo. Results showed that the expressions of c-myc, Nanog, Oct3/4, Sox2, and EpCAM were all decreased in pLKO.1-sh-β-catenin-CNE2 cells. It was also found that vimentin was downregulated, while E-cadherin was upregulated. Results of MTT and Transwell assays suggested that the proliferation and migration abilities were impaired by silencing of β-catenin, and more cells were arrested in G1 phase when compared with the control. In vivo study indicated that the tumor growth was markedly suppressed in experimental group. Based on current findings, β-catenin may function as an essential protein for the maintenance of migration and proliferation abilities of NPC cells, and a complicated network consisting of c-myc, Nanog, Oct3/4, Sox2, EpCAM, E-cadherin, vimentin, and β-catenin may be involved in the inherent regulation mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 2000031, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Niu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 2000031, China
| | - Yuxiang Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 2000031, China
| | - Xiaosheng Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 2000031, China
| |
Collapse
|