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Ancona P, Trentini A, Terrazzan A, Grassilli S, Navals P, Gates EWJ, Rosta V, Cervellati C, Bergamini CM, Pignatelli A, Keillor JW, Taccioli C, Bianchi N. Transcriptomics Studies Reveal Functions of Transglutaminase 2 in Breast Cancer Cells Using Membrane Permeable and Impermeable Inhibitors. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168569. [PMID: 38604527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) performs many functions both under physiological and pathological conditions. In cancer, its expression is associated with aggressiveness, propensity to epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. Since TG2 performs key functions both outside and inside the cell, using inhibitors with different membrane permeability we analyzed the changes in the transcriptome induced in two triple-negative cell lines (MDA-MB-436 and MDA-MB-231) with aggressive features. By characterizing pathways and gene networks, we were able to define the effects of TG2 inhibitors (AA9, membrane-permeable, and NCEG2, impermeable) in relation to the roles of the enzyme in the intra- and extracellular space within the context of breast cancer. The deregulated genes revealed p53 and integrin signaling to be the common pathways with some genes showing opposite changes in expression. In MDA-MB-436, AA9 induced apoptosis, modulated cadherin, Wnt, gastrin and cholecystokinin receptors (CCKR) mediated signaling, with RHOB and GNG2 playing significant roles, and affected the Warburg effect by decreasing glycolytic enzymes. In MDA-MB-231 cells, AA9 strongly impacted HIF-mediated hypoxia, including AKT and mTOR pathway. These effects suggest an anti-tumor activity by blocking intracellular TG2 functions. Conversely, the use of NCEG2 stimulated the expression of ATP synthase and proteins involved in DNA replication, indicating a potential promotion of cell proliferation through inhibition of extracellular TG2. To effectively utilize these molecules as an anti-tumor strategy, an appropriate delivery system should be evaluated to target specific functions and avoid adverse effects. Additionally, considering combinations with other pathway modulators is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Ancona
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Trentini
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Anna Terrazzan
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Silvia Grassilli
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Pauline Navals
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Eric W J Gates
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Valentina Rosta
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Carlo M Bergamini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Angela Pignatelli
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada.
| | - Cristian Taccioli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
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2
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Liu J, Mouradian MM. Pathogenetic Contributions and Therapeutic Implications of Transglutaminase 2 in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2364. [PMID: 38397040 PMCID: PMC10888553 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases encompass a heterogeneous group of disorders that afflict millions of people worldwide. Characteristic protein aggregates are histopathological hallmark features of these disorders, including Amyloid β (Aβ)-containing plaques and tau-containing neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer's disease, α-Synuclein (α-Syn)-containing Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, and mutant huntingtin (mHTT) in nuclear inclusions in Huntington's disease. These various aggregates are found in specific brain regions that are impacted by neurodegeneration and associated with clinical manifestations. Transglutaminase (TG2) (also known as tissue transglutaminase) is the most ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase family with protein crosslinking activity. To date, Aβ, tau, α-Syn, and mHTT have been determined to be substrates of TG2, leading to their aggregation and implicating the involvement of TG2 in several pathophysiological events in neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we summarize the biochemistry and physiologic functions of TG2 and describe recent advances in the pathogenetic role of TG2 in these diseases. We also review TG2 inhibitors tested in clinical trials and discuss recent TG2-targeting approaches, which offer new perspectives for the design of future highly potent and selective drugs with improved brain delivery as a disease-modifying treatment for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Maral Mouradian
- RWJMS Institute for Neurological Therapeutics and Department of Neurology, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
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3
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Chen X, Adhikary G, Newland JJ, Xu W, Keillor JW, Weber DJ, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 Binds to the CD44v6 Cytoplasmic Domain to Stimulate CD44v6/ERK1/2 Signaling and Maintain an Aggressive Cancer Phenotype. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:922-932. [PMID: 37227250 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a key cancer cell survival protein in many cancer types. As such, efforts are underway to characterize the mechanism of TG2 action. In this study, we report that TG2 stimulates CD44v6 activity to enhance cancer cell survival via a mechanism that involves formation of a TG2/CD44v6/ERK1/2 complex that activates ERK1/2 signaling to drive an aggressive cancer phenotype. TG2 and ERK1/2 bind to the CD44v6 C-terminal intracellular cytoplasmic domain to activate ERK1/2 and stimulate cell proliferation and invasion. This is the same region that binds to ERM proteins and ankyrin to activate CD44v6-dependent cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. We further show that treatment with hyaluronan (HA), the physiologic CD44v6 ligand, stimulates CD44v6 activity, as measured by ERK1/2 activation, but that this response is severely attenuated in TG2 or CD44v6 knockdown or knockout cells. Moreover, treatment with TG2 inhibitor reduces tumor growth and that is associated with reduced CD44v6 level and ERK1/2 activity, and reduced stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). These changes are replicated in CD44v6 knockout cells. These findings suggest that a unique TG2/CD44v6/ERK1/2 complex leads to increased ERK1/2 activity to stimulate an aggressive cancer phenotype and stimulate tumor growth. These findings have important implications for cancer stem cell maintenance and suggest that cotargeting of TG2 and CD44v6 with specific inhibitors may be an effective anticancer treatment strategy. IMPLICATIONS TG2 and CD44v6 are important procancer proteins. TG2 and ERK1/2 bind to the CD44v6 C-terminal domain to form a TG2/CD44v6/ERK1/2 complex that activates ERK1/2 to stimulate the cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John J Newland
- Department of Surgery Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - David J Weber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland
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4
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Gates EWJ, Calvert ND, Cundy NJ, Brugnoli F, Navals P, Kirby A, Bianchi N, Adhikary G, Shuhendler AJ, Eckert RL, Keillor JW. Cell-Impermeable Inhibitors Confirm That Intracellular Human Transglutaminase 2 Is Responsible for the Transglutaminase-Associated Cancer Phenotype. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12546. [PMID: 37628729 PMCID: PMC10454375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a multifunctional enzyme primarily responsible for crosslinking proteins. Ubiquitously expressed in humans, TG2 can act either as a transamidase by crosslinking two substrates through formation of an Nε(ɣ-glutaminyl)lysine bond or as an intracellular G-protein. These discrete roles are tightly regulated by both allosteric and environmental stimuli and are associated with dramatic changes in the conformation of the enzyme. The pleiotropic nature of TG2 and multi-faceted activities have resulted in TG2 being implicated in numerous disease pathologies including celiac disease, fibrosis, and cancer. Targeted TG2 therapies have not been selective for subcellular localization, such that currently no tools exist to selectively target extracellular over intracellular TG2. Herein, we have designed novel TG2-selective inhibitors that are not only highly potent and irreversible, but also cell impermeable, targeting only extracellular TG2. We have also further derivatized the scaffold to develop probes that are intrinsically fluorescent or bear an alkyne handle, which target both intra- and extracellular TG2, in order to facilitate cellular labelling and pull-down assays. The fluorescent probes were internalized and imaged in cellulo, and provide the first implicit experimental evidence that by comparison with their cell-impermeable analogues, it is specifically intracellular TG2, and presumably its G-protein activity, that contributes to transglutaminase-associated cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W. J. Gates
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Nicholas D. Calvert
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Nicholas J. Cundy
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Federica Brugnoli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44021 Ferrara, Italy; (F.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Pauline Navals
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Alexia Kirby
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44021 Ferrara, Italy; (F.B.); (N.B.)
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (G.A.); (R.L.E.)
| | - Adam J. Shuhendler
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (G.A.); (R.L.E.)
| | - Jeffrey W. Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada; (E.W.J.G.); (N.D.C.); (N.J.C.); (P.N.); (A.K.); (A.J.S.)
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5
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Cundy NJ, Arciszewski J, Gates EWJ, Acton SL, Passley KD, Awoonor-Williams E, Boyd EK, Xu N, Pierson É, Fernandez-Ansieta C, Albert MR, McNeil NMR, Adhikary G, Eckert RL, Keillor JW. Novel irreversible peptidic inhibitors of transglutaminase 2. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:378-385. [PMID: 36846375 PMCID: PMC9945859 DOI: 10.1039/d2md00417h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), also referred to as tissue transglutaminase, plays crucial roles in both protein crosslinking and cell signalling. It is capable of both catalysing transamidation and acting as a G-protein, these activities being conformation-dependent, mutually exclusive, and tightly regulated. The dysregulation of both activities has been implicated in numerous pathologies. TG2 is expressed ubiquitously in humans and is localized both intracellularly and extracellularly. Targeted TG2 therapies have been developed but have faced numerous hurdles including decreased efficacy in vivo. Our latest efforts in inhibitor optimization involve the modification of a previous lead compound's scaffold by insertion of various amino acid residues into the peptidomimetic backbone, and derivatization of the N-terminus with substituted phenylacetic acids, resulting in 28 novel irreversible inhibitors. These inhibitors were evaluated for their ability to inhibit TG2 in vitro and their pharmacokinetic properties, and the most promising candidate 35 (k inact/K I = 760 × 103 M-1 min-1) was tested in a cancer stem cell model. Although these inhibitors display exceptional potency versus TG2, with k inact/K I ratios nearly ten-fold higher than their parent compound, their pharmacokinetic properties and cellular activity limit their therapeutic potential. However, they do serve as a scaffold for the development of potent research tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J Cundy
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Jane Arciszewski
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Eric W J Gates
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Sydney L Acton
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Kyle D Passley
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Ernest Awoonor-Williams
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Elizabeth K Boyd
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Nancy Xu
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Élise Pierson
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | | | - Marie R Albert
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Nicole M R McNeil
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland 21201 USA
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine Baltimore Maryland 21201 USA
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa Ottawa Ontario K1N 6N5 Canada
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6
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The Impact of Nε-Acryloyllysine Piperazides on the Conformational Dynamics of Transglutaminase 2. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021650. [PMID: 36675164 PMCID: PMC9865645 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021650] [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: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to the classic functions of proteins, such as acting as a biocatalyst or binding partner, the conformational states of proteins and their remodeling upon stimulation need to be considered. A prominent example of a protein that undergoes comprehensive conformational remodeling is transglutaminase 2 (TGase 2), the distinct conformational states of which are closely related to particular functions. Its involvement in various pathophysiological processes, including fibrosis and cancer, motivates the development of theranostic agents, particularly based on inhibitors that are directed toward the transamidase activity. In this context, the ability of such inhibitors to control the conformational dynamics of TGase 2 emerges as an important parameter, and methods to assess this property are in great demand. Herein, we describe the application of the switchSENSE® principle to detect conformational changes caused by three irreversibly binding Nε-acryloyllysine piperazides, which are suitable radiotracer candidates of TGase 2. The switchSENSE® technique is based on DNA levers actuated by alternating electric fields. These levers are immobilized on gold electrodes with one end, and at the other end of the lever, the TGase 2 is covalently bound. A novel computational method is introduced for describing the resulting lever motion to quantify the extent of stimulated conformational TGase 2 changes. Moreover, as a complementary biophysical method, native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed under similar conditions to validate the results. Both methods prove the occurrence of an irreversible shift in the conformational equilibrium of TGase 2, caused by the binding of the three studied Nε-acryloyllysine piperazides.
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7
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Chen X, Adhikary G, Newland JJ, Xu W, Ma E, Naselsky W, Eckert RL. The transglutaminase 2 cancer cell survival factor maintains mTOR activity to drive an aggressive cancer phenotype. Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:90-100. [PMID: 35848131 PMCID: PMC9771885 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an important cancer stem-like cell survival protein that is highly expressed in epidermal squamous cell carcinoma and drives an aggressive cancer phenotype. In the present study, we show that TG2 knockdown or inactivation results in a reduction in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) level and activity in epidermal cancer stem-like cells which are associated with reduced spheroid formation, invasion, and migration, and reduced cancer stem cell and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker expression. Similar changes were observed in both cultured cells and tumors. mTOR knockdown or treatment with rapamycin phenocopies the reduction in spheroid formation, invasion, and migration, and cancer stem cell and EMT marker expression. Moreover, mTOR appears to be a necessary mediator of TG2 action, as a forced expression of constitutively active mTOR in TG2 knockdown cells partially restores the aggressive cancer phenotype and cancer stem cell and EMT marker expression. Tumor studies show that rapamycin reduces tumor growth and cancer stem cell marker expression and EMT. These studies suggest that TG2 stimulates mTOR activity to stimulate cancer cell stemness and EMT and drive aggressive tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - John J. Newland
- Surgery - Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emily Ma
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Warren Naselsky
- Surgery - Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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8
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Genenger B, Perry JR, Ashford B, Ranson M. A tEMTing target? Clinical and experimental evidence for epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (a scoping systematic review). Discov Oncol 2022; 13:42. [PMID: 35666359 PMCID: PMC9170863 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00510-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a disease with globally rising incidence and poor prognosis for patients with advanced or metastatic disease. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a driver of metastasis in many carcinomas, and cSCC is no exception. We aimed to provide a systematic overview of the clinical and experimental evidence for EMT in cSCC, with critical appraisal of type and quality of the methodology used. We then used this information as rationale for potential drug targets against advanced and metastatic cSCC. All primary literature encompassing clinical and cell-based or xenograft experimental studies reporting on the role of EMT markers or related signalling pathways in the progression of cSCC were considered. A screen of 3443 search results yielded 86 eligible studies comprising 44 experimental studies, 22 clinical studies, and 20 studies integrating both. From the clinical studies a timeline illustrating the alteration of EMT markers and related signalling was evident based on clinical progression of the disease. The experimental studies reveal connections of EMT with a multitude of factors such as genetic disorders, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and matrix remodelling via matrix metalloproteinases and urokinase plasminogen activator. Additionally, EMT was found to be closely tied to environmental factors as well as to stemness in cSCC via NFκB and β-catenin. We conclude that the canonical EGFR, canonical TGF-βR, PI3K/AKT and NFκB signalling are the four signalling pillars that induce EMT in cSCC and could be valuable therapeutic targets. Despite the complexity, EMT markers and pathways are desirable biomarkers and drug targets for the treatment of advanced or metastatic cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Genenger
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
| | - Jay R Perry
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Bruce Ashford
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Marie Ranson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia.
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9
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Naselsky W, Adhikary G, Shrestha S, Chen X, Ezeka G, Xu W, Friedberg JS, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 enhances hepatocyte growth factor signaling to drive the mesothelioma cancer cell phenotype. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:537-548. [PMID: 35319795 PMCID: PMC10074999 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an important mesothelioma cancer cell survival protein. However, the mechanism whereby TG2 maintains mesothelioma cell survival is not well understood. We present studies showing that TG2 drives hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-dependent MET receptor signaling to maintain the aggressive mesothelioma cancer phenotype. TG2 increases HGF and MET messenger RNA and protein levels to enhance MET signaling. TG2 inactivation reduces MET tyrosine kinase activity to reduce cancer cell spheroid formation, invasion and migration. We also confirm that HGF/MET signaling is a biologically important mediator of TG2 action. Reducing MET level using genetic methods or treatment with MET inhibitors reduces spheroid formation, invasion and migration and this is associated with reduced MEK1/2 and ERK1/2. In addition, MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 inhibitors suppress the cancer phenotype. Moreover, MET knockout mesothelioma cells form 10-fold smaller tumors compared to wild-type cells and these tumors display reduced MET, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 activity. These findings suggest that TG2 maintains HGF and MET levels in cultured mesothelioma cells and tumors to drive HGF/MET, MEK1/2, and ERK1/2 signaling to maintain the aggressive mesothelioma cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Warren Naselsky
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Suruchi Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Geraldine Ezeka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Joseph S Friedberg
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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10
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Structure-activity relationships of N-terminal variants of peptidomimetic tissue transglutaminase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 232:114172. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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11
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Aguiari G, Crudele F, Taccioli C, Minotti L, Corrà F, Keillor JW, Grassilli S, Cervellati C, Volinia S, Bergamini CM, Bianchi N. Dysregulation of Transglutaminase type 2 through GATA3 defines aggressiveness and Doxorubicin sensitivity in breast cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:1-14. [PMID: 34975314 PMCID: PMC8692156 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.64167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of transglutaminase type 2 in cell physiology is related to protein transamidation and signal transduction (affecting extracellular, intracellular and nuclear processes) aided by the expression of truncated isoforms and of two lncRNAs with regulatory functions. In breast cancer TG2 is associated with disease progression supporting motility, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion and drug resistance. The aim of his work is to clarify these issues by emphasizing the interconnections among TGM2 variants and transcription factors associated with an aggressive phenotype, in which the truncated TGH isoform correlates with malignancy. TGM2 transcripts are upregulated by several drugs in MCF-7, but only Doxorubicin is effective in MDA-MB-231 cells. These differences reflect the expression of GATA3, as demonstrated by silencing, suggesting a link between this transcription factor and gene dysregulation. Of note, NC9, an irreversible inhibitor of enzymatic TG2 activities, emerges to control NF-ĸB and apoptosis in breast cancer cell lines, showing potential for combination therapies with Doxorubicin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Aguiari
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Crudele
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristian Taccioli
- Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health (MAPS), University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Linda Minotti
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Corrà
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Jeffrey W. Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Silvia Grassilli
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies (LTTA), Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44124 Ferrara FE, Italy
| | - Carlo Cervellati
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Volinia
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Laboratory for Advanced Therapy Technologies (LTTA), Via Fossato di Mortara 70, 44124 Ferrara FE, Italy
| | - Carlo M. Bergamini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Bianchi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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12
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Rorke EA, Adhikary G, Szmacinski H, Lakowicz JR, Weber DJ, Godoy-Ruiz R, Puranik P, Keillor JW, Gates EW, Eckert RL. Sulforaphane covalently interacts with the transglutaminase 2 cancer maintenance protein to alter its structure and suppress its activity. Mol Carcinog 2022; 61:19-32. [PMID: 34610184 PMCID: PMC8665039 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 transglutaminase (TG2) functions as an important cancer cell survival protein in a range of cancers including epidermal squamous cell carcinoma. TG2 exists in open and closed conformations each of which has a distinct and mutually exclusive activity. The closed conformation has GTP-binding/GTPase activity while the open conformation functions as a transamidase to catalyze protein-protein crosslinking. GTP-binding/GTPase activity is required for TG2 maintenance of the aggressive cancer phenotype. Thus, identifying agents that convert TG2 from the closed to the open GTP-binding/GTPase inactive conformation is an important cancer prevention/treatment strategy. Sulforaphane (SFN) is an important diet-derived cancer prevention agent that is known to possess a reactive isothiocyanate group and has potent anticancer activity. Using a biotin-tagged SFN analog (Biotin-ITC) and kinetic analysis we show that SFN covalently and irreversibly binds to recombinant TG2 to inhibit transamidase activity and shift TG2 to an open/extended conformation, leading to a partial inhibition of GTP binding. We also show that incubation of cancer cells or cancer cell extract with Biotin-ITC results in formation of a TG2/Biotin-ITC complex and that SFN treatment of cancer cells inhibits TG2 transamidase activity and shifts TG2 to an open/extended conformation. These findings identify TG2 as a direct SFN anticancer target in epidermal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen A. Rorke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Henryk Szmacinski
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Joseph R. Lakowicz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - David J. Weber
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Raquel Godoy-Ruiz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Purushottamachar Puranik
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | | | - Eric W.J Gates
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201,Center for Biomolecular Therapueutics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
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13
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The Motility and Mesenchymal Features of Breast Cancer Cells Correlate with the Levels and Intracellular Localization of Transglutaminase Type 2. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113059. [PMID: 34831282 PMCID: PMC8616519 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We have investigated motility in breast cancer cell lines in association with the expression of Transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) as well as upon the administration of Doxorubicin (Dox), an active cytotoxic agent that is employed in chemotherapy. The exposure of MCF-7 cells to the drug increased TG2 levels, triggering epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby supporting cell motility. The effects of Dox on the movement of MCF-7 cells were counteracted by treatment with NC9, a TG2 inhibitor, which induced morphological changes and also reduced the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells exhibiting high levels of TG2. The physical association of TG2 with the cytoskeletal component vimentin appeared pivotal both in drug-treated MCF-7 and in MDA-MB-231 cells and seemed to be independent of the catalytic activity of TG2. NC9 altered the subcellular distribution of TG2 and, consequently, the co-localization of TG2 with vimentin. Furthermore, NC9 induced a nuclear accumulation of TG2 as a prelude to TG2-dependent gene expression modifications. Since enzyme activity can affect both motility and nuclear functions, targeting of this protein could represent a method to improve therapeutic interventions in breast tumors, particularly those to control progression and to limit drug resistance.
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14
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Chen X, Adhikary G, Shrestha S, Xu W, Keillor JW, Naselsky W, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 Maintains Hepatocyte Growth Factor Signaling to Enhance the Cancer Cell Phenotype. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:2026-2035. [PMID: 34593609 PMCID: PMC10088464 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a key epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cancer cell survival protein. However, how TG2 maintains the aggressive cancer phenotype is not well understood. The present studies show that TG2, which is highly expressed in epidermal cancer stem-like cells (ECS cells), maintains hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling to drive an aggressive ECS cell cancer phenotype. Inhibiting TG2 reduces MET tyrosine kinase receptor expression and activity and attenuates the cancer cell phenotype. Moreover, inhibition of TG2 or HGF/MET function reduces downstream MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 activity, and this is associated with reduced cancer cell spheroid formation, invasion, and migration, and reduced stem and EMT marker expression. Treatment of TG2 knockdown cells with HGF partially restores the aggressive cancer phenotype, confirming that MET signaling is downstream of TG2. MET knockout reduces ERK1/2 signaling, doubles the time to initial tumor appearance, and reduces overall tumor growth. These findings suggest that TG2 maintains HGF/MET and MAPK (MEK1/2 and ERK1/2) signaling to drive the aggressive ECS cell cancer phenotype and tumor formation, and that TG2-dependent MET signaling may be a useful anti-cancer target. IMPLICATIONS: TG2 is an important epidermal squamous cell carcinoma stem cell survival protein. We show that TG2 activates an HGF/MET, MEK1/2 ERK1/2 signaling cascade that maintains the aggressive cancer phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Suruchi Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Warren Naselsky
- Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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15
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Ye D, Xu H, Tang Q, Xia H, Zhang C, Bi F. The role of 5-HT metabolism in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188618. [PMID: 34428515 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) metabolism has long been linked to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Numerous studies have shown the functions of 5-HT and its metabolites in the regulation of tumor biological processes like cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis and immunomodulatory through multi-step complex mechanisms. Reprogramming of 5-HT metabolism has been revealed in various tumors paving way for development of drugs that target enzymes, metabolites or receptors involved in 5-HT metabolic pathway. However, information on the role of 5-HT metabolism in cancer is scanty. This review briefly describes the main metabolic routes of 5-HT, the role of 5-HT metabolism in cancer and systematically summarizes the most recent advances in 5-HT metabolism-targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Ye
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, China
| | - Huanji Xu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, China
| | - Qiulin Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, China
| | - Hongwei Xia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, China
| | - Chenliang Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, China
| | - Feng Bi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center and Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Therapy in Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province 610041, China.
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16
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Mickle M, Adhikary G, Shrestha S, Xu W, Eckert RL. VGLL4 inhibits YAP1/TEAD signaling to suppress the epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cancer phenotype. Mol Carcinog 2021; 60:497-507. [PMID: 34004031 PMCID: PMC8243851 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) develops in response to ultraviolet light exposure and is among the most common cancers. The transglutaminase 2 cancer cell survival protein stimulates the activity of the YAP1/TEAD transcription complex to drive the expression of genes that promote aggressive epidermal SCC cell invasion, migration, and tumor formation. Therefore, we are interested in mechanisms that may inhibit these events. Vestigial-like protein-4 (VGLL4) is a transcription cofactor/tumor suppressor that inhibits several pro-cancer pathways including YAP1 signaling. Our present studies show that VGLL4 inhibits YAP1/TEAD-dependent transcription to reduce the expression of YAP1 target genes (CCND1, CYR61, and CTGF) and pro-cancer collagen genes (COL1A2 and COL3A1). We further show that loss of these YAP1 regulated genes is required for VGLL4 suppression of the cancer cell phenotype, as forced CCND1 or COL1A2 expression partially restores the aggressive cancer phenotype in VGLL4 expressing cells. Consistent with these findings, VGLL4 expression reduces tumor formation, and this is associated with reduced CCND1, CYR61, CTGF, COL1A2, and COL1A3 mRNA and protein levels, and reduced EMT marker expression. These findings indicate that VGLL4 suppresses the malignant epidermal SCC cancer phenotype by inhibiting YAP1/TEAD-dependent pro-cancer signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKayla Mickle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Suruchi Shrestha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Department of Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
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17
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Tempest R, Guarnerio S, Maani R, Cooper J, Peake N. The Biological and Biomechanical Role of Transglutaminase-2 in the Tumour Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112788. [PMID: 34205140 PMCID: PMC8199963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase-2 (TG2) is the most highly and ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase enzyme family and is primarily involved in protein cross-linking. TG2 has been implicated in the development and progression of numerous cancers, with a direct role in multiple cellular processes and pathways linked to apoptosis, chemoresistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stem cell phenotype. The tumour microenvironment (TME) is critical in the formation, progression, and eventual metastasis of cancer, and increasing evidence points to a role for TG2 in matrix remodelling, modulation of biomechanical properties, cell adhesion, motility, and invasion. There is growing interest in targeting the TME therapeutically in response to advances in the understanding of its critical role in disease progression, and a number of approaches targeting biophysical properties and biomechanical signalling are beginning to show clinical promise. In this review we aim to highlight the wide array of processes in which TG2 influences the TME, focussing on its potential role in the dynamic tissue remodelling and biomechanical events increasingly linked to invasive and aggressive behaviour. Drug development efforts have yielded a range of TG2 inhibitors, and ongoing clinical trials may inform strategies for targeting the biomolecular and biomechanical function of TG2 in the TME.
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18
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Adamo A, Frusteri C, Pallotta MT, Pirali T, Sartoris S, Ugel S. Moonlighting Proteins Are Important Players in Cancer Immunology. Front Immunol 2021; 11:613069. [PMID: 33584695 PMCID: PMC7873856 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.613069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasticity and adaptation to environmental stress are the main features that tumor and immune system share. Except for intrinsic and high-defined properties, cancer and immune cells need to overcome the opponent's defenses by activating more effective signaling networks, based on common elements such as transcriptional factors, protein-based complexes and receptors. Interestingly, growing evidence point to an increasing number of proteins capable of performing diverse and unpredictable functions. These multifunctional proteins are defined as moonlighting proteins. During cancer progression, several moonlighting proteins are involved in promoting an immunosuppressive microenvironment by reprogramming immune cells to support tumor growth and metastatic spread. Conversely, other moonlighting proteins support tumor antigen presentation and lymphocytes activation, leading to several anti-cancer immunological responses. In this light, moonlighting proteins could be used as promising new potential targets for improving current cancer therapies. In this review, we describe in details 12 unprecedented moonlighting proteins that during cancer progression play a decisive role in guiding cancer-associated immunomodulation by shaping innate or adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Adamo
- Section of Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cristina Frusteri
- Section of Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Tracey Pirali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Silvia Sartoris
- Section of Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefano Ugel
- Section of Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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19
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Ulukan B, Bihorac A, Sipahioglu T, Kiraly R, Fesus L, Telci D. Role of Tissue Transglutaminase Catalytic and Guanosine Triphosphate-Binding Domains in Renal Cell Carcinoma Progression. ACS OMEGA 2020; 5:28273-28284. [PMID: 33163811 PMCID: PMC7643270 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c04226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) is a multifunctional protein that can act as a cross-linking enzyme, GTPase/ATPase, protein kinase, and protein disulfide isomerase. TG2 is involved in cell adhesion, migration, invasion, and growth, as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our previous findings indicate that the increased expression of TG2 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) results in tumor metastasis with a significant decrease in disease- and cancer-specific survival outcome. Given the importance of the prometastatic activity of TG2 in RCC, in the present study, we aim to investigate the relative contribution of TG2's transamidase and guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding/GTPase activity in the cell migration, invasion, EMT, and cancer stemness of RCC. For this purpose, the mouse RCC cell line RenCa was transduced with wild-type-TG2 (wt-TG2), GTP-binding deficient-form TG2-R580A, transamidase-deficient form with low GTP-binding affinity TG2-C277S, and transamidase-inactive form TG2-W241A. Our results suggested that predominantly, GTP-binding activity of TG2 is responsible for cell migration and invasion. In addition, CD marker analysis and spheroid assay confirmed that GTP binding/GTPase activity of TG2 is important in the maintenance of mesenchymal character and the cancer stem cell profile. These findings support a prometastatic role for TG2 in RCC that is dependent on the GTP binding/GTPase activity of the enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burge Ulukan
- Department
of Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe
University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Ajna Bihorac
- Department
of Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe
University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Tarik Sipahioglu
- Department
of Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe
University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Robert Kiraly
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University
of Debrecen, Debrecen H4010, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Fesus
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University
of Debrecen, Debrecen H4010, Hungary
| | - Dilek Telci
- Department
of Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe
University, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
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20
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ACTL6A suppresses p21 Cip1 expression to enhance the epidermal squamous cell carcinoma phenotype. Oncogene 2020; 39:5855-5866. [PMID: 32616890 PMCID: PMC7483332 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1371-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common and highly invasive form of cancer. SCC arises due to ultraviolet light exposure and is associated with increased expression of pro-cancer genes and reduced expression of cancer suppressors. Actin-Like Protein 6A (ACTL6A, BAF53a) is an important protein subunit of the SWI/SNF epigenetic chromatin regulatory complex. ACTL6A is elevated in cancer cells and has been implicated as a driver of cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. In the present study, we show that ACTL6A drives SCC cell proliferation, spheroid formation, invasion and migration, and that these activities are markedly reduced by ACTL6A knockdown. We further show that ACTL6A expression is associated with reduced levels of the p21Cip1 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and tumor suppressor protein. Molecular studies show that ACTL6A interacts with p53 DNA response elements in the p21Cip1 gene promoter to suppress p21Cip1 promoter activity and mRNA and protein level. Additional studies show that an increase in p21Cip1 expression in ACTL6A knockdown cells is required for suppression of the SCC cell phenotype, suggesting that p21Cip1 is a mediator of ACTL6A action. We further show that this regulation is p53 independent. These findings suggest that ACTL6A suppresses p21Cip1 promoter activity to reduce p21Cip1 protein as a mechanism to maintain the aggressive epidermal SCC phenotype.
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21
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Jia C, Wang G, Wang T, Fu B, Zhang Y, Huang L, Deng Y, Chen G, Wu X, Chen J, Pan Y, Tai Y, Liang J, Li X, Hu K, Xie B, Li S, Yang Y, Chen G, Zhang Q, Liu W. Cancer-associated Fibroblasts induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition via the Transglutaminase 2-dependent IL-6/IL6R/STAT3 axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Biol Sci 2020; 16:2542-2558. [PMID: 32792856 PMCID: PMC7415430 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.45446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play crucial roles in enhancing cell survival, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. We previously showed that hepatocellular carcinoma-derived CAFs (H-CAFs) promoted proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. This study aimed to further explore the role of CAFs in HCC epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the underlying mechanism. High CAF density was significantly associated with liver cirrhosis, inferior clinicopathologic characteristics, elevated EMT-associated markers, and poorer survival in human HCC. Within HCC cells, EMT was induced after co-culture with H-CAFs. Secretomic analysis showed that IL-6 and HGF were the key EMT-stimulating cytokines secreted by H-CAFs. Proteomic analysis revealed that TG2 was significantly upregulated in HCC cells with EMT phenotypes. Overexpression of TG2 promoted EMT of HCC cells, and knockdown of TG2 remarkably attenuated the H-CAF-induced EMT. Furthermore, during EMT, TG2 expression was enhanced after HCC cells were stimulated by IL-6, but not HGF. Inhibition of the IL-6/STAT3 signaling decreased TG2 expression. The principal TG2 transcription control element and a potential STAT3 binding site were identified using promoter analysis. Hence, H-CAFs facilitates HCC cells EMT mediated by IL-6, which in turn activates IL-6/IL6R/STAT3 axis to promote TG2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchang Jia
- Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guoying Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tiantian Wang
- Department of medical oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Binsheng Fu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yincai Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yinan Deng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guanzhong Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaocai Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianning Chen
- Department of pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhang Pan
- Department of pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Tai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinliang Liang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kunhua Hu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Xie
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sujun Li
- School of Informatics, computing and engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Yang Yang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guihua Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver transplantation Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital, Organ Transplantation Institute, Sun Yat-sen University; Organ Transplantation Research Center of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Cell-gene Therapy Translational Medicine Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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22
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Calikoglu Koyuncu AC, Nayman AH, Telci D, Torun Kose G. Tissue transglutaminase_variant 2-transduced mesenchymal stem cells and their chondrogenic potential. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:1839-1852. [PMID: 32068240 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27311] [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: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
As cartilage is incapable of self-healing upon severe degeneration because of the lack of blood vessels, cartilage tissue engineering is gaining importance in the treatment of cartilage defects. This study was designed to improve cartilage tissue regeneration by expressing tissue transglutaminase variant 2 (TGM2_v2) in mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from bone marrow of rats. For this purpose, rat MSCs transduced with TGM2_v2 were grown and differentiated on three-dimensional polybutylene succinate (PBSu) and poly-l-lactide (PLLA) blend scaffolds. The transduced cells could not only successfully express the short form transglutaminase-2, but also deposited the protein onto the scaffolds. In addition, they could spontaneously produce cartilage-specific proteins without any chondrogenic induction, suggesting that TGM2_v2 expression provided the cells the ability of chondrogenic differentiation. PBSu:PLLA scaffolds loaded with TGM2_v2 expressing MSCs could be used in repair of articular cartilage defects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ayse Hande Nayman
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering/Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilek Telci
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering/Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Gamze Torun Kose
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering/Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, İstanbul, Turkey
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23
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Wang K, Zu C, Zhang Y, Wang X, Huan X, Wang L. Blocking TG2 attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice through inhibiting EMT. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2020; 276:103402. [PMID: 32006666 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2020.103402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is a central mechanism for the occurrence and development of pulmonary fibrosis. Therefore, to identify the key target molecules regulating the EMT process is considered as an important direction for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has been recently found to play an important role in the regulation of inflammation and the generation of extracellular matrix. Here, our study focuses on the roles of TG2 in pulmonary fibrosis and EMT. METHODS at first, the expression of TG2 and the EMT-related markers like E-cadherin, Vimentin, and α-SMA were detected with Western Blotting, immunohistochemistry and other methods in the mice with pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin. Further, MLE 12 cells were used to study the effects on EMT of the inhibition of TG2 in vitro. Finally, GK921, an inhibitor against TG2, was used to show its function in both prevention and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice. RESULTS bleomycin succeeded to induce pulmonary fibrosis in mice, with increased TG2 expression, EMT and Akt activation. Knock-down of TG2 by siRNA technique in MLE 12 cell (a mouse alveolar epithelial cell line) and GK921 (an inhibitor of TG2) all inhibited the EMT process, however SC79, an activator of Akt rescued above inhibition. Finally, GK921 alleviated pulmonary fibrosis in mice induced by bleomycin. CONCLUSION Blocking TG2 reduces bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via inhibiting EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cuihua Zu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Huan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liwei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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24
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Transglutaminase 2 maintains a colorectal cancer stem phenotype by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Oncotarget 2019; 10:4556-4569. [PMID: 31360304 PMCID: PMC6642042 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a multifunctional protein, is reported in regulating the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype in various cancers. Our previous work suggested the link between TG2 and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in colorectal cancer (CRC). Here we demonstrate the importance of TG2 in CSC development in human CRC cell lines HCT116 and SW620. CRC spheroid cells showed increased CSC characteristics over their monolayer cells with increased expression of CD44 and over expression of Oct3/4, Sox2 and Nanog. They also showed increased EMT and invasiveness, and enhanced expression of TG2. TG2 inhibition by its selective inhibitor 1-155 reduced both spheroid formation and invasive potential of the spheroid cells. β-catenin, a mediator of stem cell maintenance, was overexpressed in the spheroid cells and could be attenuated by TG2 inhibition. Spheroid cells possessed increased angiogenesis stimulating ability via overexpression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Increased VEGF was present in the culture media from spheroid cells when compared to monolayer cultures which could be reduced by selective inhibition by 1-155. Stemness and malignancy in the colorectal spheroid cells was associated with increased TG2, EMT, β-catenin and VEGF. Here we demonstrate that inhibiting TG2 reduces both stemness and angiogenic stimulating activity in CRC.
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25
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Rodriguez-Vargas JM, Nguekeu-Zebaze L, Dantzer F. PARP3 comes to light as a prime target in cancer therapy. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1295-1301. [PMID: 31095444 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1617454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 3 (PARP3) is the third member of the PARP family that catalyze a post-translational modification of proteins to promote, control or adjust numerous cellular events including genome integrity, transcription, differentiation, cell metabolism or cell death. In the late years, PARP3 has been specified for its primary functions in programmed and stress-induced double-strand break repair, chromosomal rearrangements, transcriptional regulation in the zebrafish and mitotic segregation. Still, deciphering the therapeutic value of its inhibition awaits additional investigations. In this review, we discuss the newest advancements on the specific functions of PARP3 in cancer aggressiveness exemplifying the relevance of its selective inhibition for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Manuel Rodriguez-Vargas
- a Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242 , Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg , Illkirch , France
| | - Léonel Nguekeu-Zebaze
- a Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242 , Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg , Illkirch , France
| | - Françoise Dantzer
- a Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242 , Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg , Illkirch , France
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26
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Grun D, Adhikary G, Eckert RL. NRP-1 interacts with GIPC1 and SYX to activate p38 MAPK signaling and cancer stem cell survival. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:488-499. [PMID: 30456845 PMCID: PMC6417965 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Epidermal cancer stem cells (ECS cells) comprise a limited population of cells that form aggressive, rapidly growing, and highly vascularized tumors. VEGF-A/NRP-1 signaling is a key driver of the ECS cell phenotype and aggressive tumor formation. However, relatively less is known regarding the downstream events following VEGF-A/NRP-1 interaction. In the present study, we show that VEGF-A/NRP-1, GIPC1, and Syx interact to increase RhoA-dependent p38 MAPK activity to enhance ECS cell spheroid formation, invasion, migration, and angiogenic potential. Inhibition or knockdown of NRP-1, GIPC1 or Syx attenuates RhoA and p38 activity to reduce the ECS cell phenotype, and NRP-1 knockout, or pharmacologic inhibition of VEGF-A/NRP-1 interaction or RhoA activity, reduces p38 MAPK activity and tumor growth. Moreover, expression of wild-type or constitutively-active RhoA, or p38, in NRP1-knockout cells, restores p38 activity and the ECS cell phenotype. These findings suggest that NRP-1 forms a complex with GIPC1 and Syx to activate RhoA/ROCK-dependent p38 activity to enhance the ECS cell phenotype and tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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27
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Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 takes center stage as a cancer cell survival factor and therapy target. Mol Carcinog 2019; 58:837-853. [PMID: 30693974 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) has emerged as a key cancer cell survival factor that drives epithelial to mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, metastasis, inflammation, drug resistance, cancer stem cell survival and stemness, and invasion and migration. TG2 can exist in a GTP-bound signaling-active conformation or in a transamidase-active conformation. The GTP bound conformation of TG2 contributes to cell survival and the transamidase conformation can contribute to cell survival or death. We present evidence suggesting that TG2 has a role in human cancer, summarize what is known about the TG2 mechanism of action in a range of cancer types, and discuss TG2 as a cancer therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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28
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Seo S, Moon Y, Choi J, Yoon S, Jung KH, Cheon J, Kim W, Kim D, Lee CH, Kim SW, Park KS, Lee DH. The GTP binding activity of transglutaminase 2 promotes bone metastasis of breast cancer cells by downregulating microRNA-205. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:597-607. [PMID: 30949413 PMCID: PMC6448065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that transglutaminase 2 (TG2) induces epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in various tumors. Several studies have also demonstrated the critical role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating EMT of various types of tumors. However, the relationship between TG2 and miRNAs is not well understood. In the present study, we investigated if miR-205, which is known to inhibit EMT and is commonly regulated by TG2, contributes to TG2-induced EMT of human breast cancer cells. We have analyzed the expression of miR-205 in TG2-expressing and TG2-non-expressing breast cancer cells by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and the expression of TG2 and EMT related markers, such as ZEB1 and Vimentin, by western blotting. We also have studied the regulation of tumor metastasis by miR-205 and TG2 using matrigel invasion assays, intracardiac injection of breast cancer cells into mice and in vivo bioluminescent imaging. MiR-205 was significantly downregulated in high TG2-expressing or TG2-transfected breast cancer cells than in low TG2-expressing or mock-transfected breast cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-205 reduced the bone metastasis of MCF7/TG2-C277S cells that express transamidase-activity deficient TG2 and inhibits the invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells that express TG2. Bioluminescent imaging showed that intracardiac injection of MCF7/TG2-C277S cells in mice promoted bone tumors, especially in the knee and jaw, but MCF7/TG2-C277S cells ectopically expressing miR-205 did not metastasize. The GTP binding activity, but not transamidase activity, of TG2, induces EMT in breast cancer cells by inhibiting the expression of miR-205 that suppresses EMT by downregulating the expression of ZEB1, an EMT marker. Moreover, in vivo experiments demonstrate that miR-205 down-regulation by TG2 induces bone metastasis of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyoung Seo
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongwha Moon
- Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA UniversitySeongnam-si 463-712, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Junyoung Choi
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Shinkyo Yoon
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hae Jung
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaekyung Cheon
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine 877 Bangeojinsunhwan-doroDong-gu, Ulsan 44033, Republic of Korea
| | - Wanlim Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Deokhoon Kim
- Center for Cancer Genome Discovery, Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical CenterSeoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Lee
- Bio & Drug Discovery Division, Center for Drug Discovery Technology, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT)Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-We Kim
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang-Seo Park
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul 05505, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Ho Lee
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul 05505, Republic of Korea
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29
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The Role of Tissue Transglutaminase in Cancer Cell Initiation, Survival and Progression. Med Sci (Basel) 2019; 7:medsci7020019. [PMID: 30691081 PMCID: PMC6409630 DOI: 10.3390/medsci7020019] [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] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue transglutaminase (transglutaminase type 2; TG2) is the most ubiquitously expressed member of the transglutaminase family (EC 2.3.2.13) that catalyzes specific post-translational modifications of proteins through a calcium-dependent acyl-transfer reaction (transamidation). In addition, this enzyme displays multiple additional enzymatic activities, such as guanine nucleotide binding and hydrolysis, protein kinase, disulfide isomerase activities, and is involved in cell adhesion. Transglutaminase 2 has been reported as one of key enzymes that is involved in all stages of carcinogenesis; the molecular mechanisms of action and physiopathological effects depend on its expression or activities, cellular localization, and specific cancer model. Since it has been reported as both a potential tumor suppressor and a tumor-promoting factor, the role of this enzyme in cancer is still controversial. Indeed, TG2 overexpression has been frequently associated with cancer stem cells’ survival, inflammation, metastatic spread, and drug resistance. On the other hand, the use of inducers of TG2 transamidating activity seems to inhibit tumor cell plasticity and invasion. This review covers the extensive and rapidly growing field of the role of TG2 in cancer stem cells survival and epithelial–mesenchymal transition, apoptosis and differentiation, and formation of aggressive metastatic phenotypes.
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30
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Furini G, Verderio EAM. Spotlight on the Transglutaminase 2-Heparan Sulfate Interaction. Med Sci (Basel) 2019; 7:E5. [PMID: 30621228 PMCID: PMC6359630 DOI: 10.3390/medsci7010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs), syndecan-4 (Sdc4) especially, have been suggested as potential partners of transglutaminase-2 (TG2) in kidney and cardiac fibrosis, metastatic cancer, neurodegeneration and coeliac disease. The proposed role for HSPGs in the trafficking of TG2 at the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix (ECM) has been linked to the fibrogenic action of TG2 in experimental models of kidney fibrosis. As the TG2-HSPG interaction is largely mediated by the heparan sulfate (HS) chains of proteoglycans, in the past few years a number of studies have investigated the affinity of TG2 for HS, and the TG2 heparin binding site has been mapped with alternative outlooks. In this review, we aim to provide a compendium of the main literature available on the interaction of TG2 with HS, with reference to the pathological processes in which extracellular TG2 plays a role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Furini
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK.
| | - Elisabetta A M Verderio
- School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK.
- BiGeA, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy.
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31
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Adhikary G, Grun D, Alexander HR, Friedberg JS, Xu W, Keillor JW, Kandasamy S, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase is a mesothelioma cancer stem cell survival protein that is required for tumor formation. Oncotarget 2018; 9:34495-34505. [PMID: 30349644 PMCID: PMC6195372 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.26130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the mesothelial cell layer of the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and tunica vaginalis. It is typically caused by asbestos, notoriously resistant to chemotherapy and generally considered incurable with a poor life expectancy. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), a GTP binding regulatory protein, is an important cancer stem cell survival and therapy resistance factor. We show that TG2 is highly expressed in human mesothelioma tumors and in mesothelioma cancer stem cells (MCS cells). TG2 knockdown or TG2 inhibitor treatment reduces MCS cell spheroid formation, matrigel invasion, migration and tumor formation. Time to tumor first appearance is doubled in TG2 knockout cells as compared to wild-type. In addition, TG2 loss is associated with reduced expression of stemness, and epithelial mesenchymal transition markers, and enhanced apoptosis. These studies indicate that TG2 is an important MCS cell survival protein and suggest that TG2 may serve as a mesothelioma cancer stem cell therapy target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Adhikary
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Daniel Grun
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - H. Richard Alexander
- 7 Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Joseph S. Friedberg
- 4 Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,5 Department of Surgery and Division of General and Surgical Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wen Xu
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Sivaveera Kandasamy
- 5 Department of Surgery and Division of General and Surgical Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- 1 Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,2 Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,3 Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,4 Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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32
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Fuja DG, Rainusso NC, Shuck RL, Kurenbekova L, Donehower LA, Yustein JT. Transglutaminase-2 promotes metastatic and stem-like phenotypes in osteosarcoma. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:1752-1763. [PMID: 30323968 PMCID: PMC6176192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive mesenchymal malignancy and the most common primary bone tumor in the pediatric population. OS frequently presents with or develops distal metastases. Patients with metastatic disease have extremely poor survival rates, thus necessitating improved molecular insights into OS metastatic biology. Utilizing our previously characterized genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of metastatic OS, we identified enhanced differential expression of Transglutaminase-2 (TGM2) in metastatic OS. However, the role of TGM2 in sarcoma development and metastatic progression remains largely undefined. To further investigate the role of TGM2 in OS metastasis, we performed both gain- and loss-of-function studies for TGM2 in human and mouse OS cell lines. Our data provide evidence that enhanced expression of TGM2 in metastatic OS contributes to migratory and invasive phenotypes. Besides the effects on metastatic phenotypes, we also observed that TGM2 contributes to OS stem-like properties. In addition, treatment with transglutaminase inhibitors had analogous effects on proliferation and migration to TGM2 knockdown. Finally, in vivo xenograft studies demonstrated that TGM2 functionally alters metastatic potential and survival outcome. Together, these data highlight TGM2 as a pro-metastatic factor in OS and a potential avenue for future therapeutic intervention to inhibit metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Fuja
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
- Integrative Molecular and Biological Sciences Program, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
| | - Nino C Rainusso
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
| | - Ryan L Shuck
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
| | - Lyazat Kurenbekova
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
| | - Lawrence A Donehower
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
- Integrative Molecular and Biological Sciences Program, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology & Microbiology, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
| | - Jason T Yustein
- Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers and The Faris D. Virani Ewing Sarcoma Center, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
- Integrative Molecular and Biological Sciences Program, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of MedicineHouston 77030, Texas, USA
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33
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Grun D, Adhikary G, Eckert RL. NRP-1 interacts with GIPC1 and α6/β4-integrins to increase YAP1/∆Np63α-dependent epidermal cancer stem cell survival. Oncogene 2018; 37:4711-4722. [PMID: 29755126 PMCID: PMC6381998 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0290-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We have identified an epidermal cancer stem (ECS) cell population that drives formation of rapidly growing and highly invasive and vascularized tumors. VEGF-A and neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) are highly expressed in ECS cell tumors and VEGF-A/NRP-1 interaction is required for ECS cell survival and tumor vascularization. We now identify a novel signaling cascade that is triggered by VEGF-A/NRP-1. We show that NRP-1 forms a complex with GIPC1 and α6/β4-integrin to activate FAK/Src signaling, which leads to stabilization of a YAP1/∆Np63α to enhance ECS cell survival, invasion, and angiogenesis. Loss of NRP-1, GIPC1, α6/β4-integrins, YAP1, or ∆Np63α reduces these responses. Moreover, restoration of constituently active YAP1 or ∆Np63α in NRP-1 null cells restores the ECS cell phenotype. Tumor xenograft experiments show that NRP-1 knockout ECS cells form small tumors characterized by reduced vascularization as compared to wild-type cells. The NRP-1 knockout tumors display signaling changes consistent with a role for the proposed signaling cascade. These studies suggest that VEGF-A interacts with NRP-1 and GIPC1 to regulate α6/β4-integrin, FAK, Src, PI3K/PDK1, LATS1 signaling to increase YAP1/∆Np63α accumulation to drive ECS cell survival, angiogenesis, and tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Grun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA. .,Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA. .,Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA. .,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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Wodtke R, Hauser C, Ruiz-Gómez G, Jäckel E, Bauer D, Lohse M, Wong A, Pufe J, Ludwig FA, Fischer S, Hauser S, Greif D, Pisabarro MT, Pietzsch J, Pietsch M, Löser R. Nε-Acryloyllysine Piperazides as Irreversible Inhibitors of Transglutaminase 2: Synthesis, Structure–Activity Relationships, and Pharmacokinetic Profiling. J Med Chem 2018; 61:4528-4560. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robert Wodtke
- Institut für Radiopharmazeutische Krebsforschung, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Fakultät Natur- und Umweltwissenschaften, Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz, Theodor-Körner-Allee 16, 02763 Zittau, Germany
- Fakultät Chemie und Lebensmittelchemie, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christoph Hauser
- Zentrum für Pharmakologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität zu Köln, Gleueler Straße 24, 50931 Köln, Germany
| | - Gloria Ruiz-Gómez
- Structural Bioinformatics, BIOTEC, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Jäckel
- Institut für Radiopharmazeutische Krebsforschung, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Fakultät Natur- und Umweltwissenschaften, Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz, Theodor-Körner-Allee 16, 02763 Zittau, Germany
| | - David Bauer
- Institut für Radiopharmazeutische Krebsforschung, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Fakultät Chemie und Lebensmittelchemie, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Lohse
- Institut für Radiopharmazeutische Krebsforschung, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Fakultät Natur- und Umweltwissenschaften, Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz, Theodor-Körner-Allee 16, 02763 Zittau, Germany
| | - Alan Wong
- Institut für Radiopharmazeutische Krebsforschung, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Johanna Pufe
- Institut für Radiopharmazeutische Krebsforschung, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Friedrich-Alexander Ludwig
- Institut für Radiopharmazeutische Krebsforschung, Forschungsstelle Leipzig, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffen Fischer
- Institut für Radiopharmazeutische Krebsforschung, Forschungsstelle Leipzig, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Permoserstraße 15, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sandra Hauser
- Institut für Radiopharmazeutische Krebsforschung, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dieter Greif
- Fakultät Natur- und Umweltwissenschaften, Hochschule Zittau/Görlitz, Theodor-Körner-Allee 16, 02763 Zittau, Germany
| | - M. Teresa Pisabarro
- Structural Bioinformatics, BIOTEC, Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Institut für Radiopharmazeutische Krebsforschung, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Fakultät Chemie und Lebensmittelchemie, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Markus Pietsch
- Zentrum für Pharmakologie, Medizinische Fakultät, Universität zu Köln, Gleueler Straße 24, 50931 Köln, Germany
| | - Reik Löser
- Institut für Radiopharmazeutische Krebsforschung, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
- Fakultät Chemie und Lebensmittelchemie, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01062 Dresden, Germany
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Karicheva O, Rodriguez-Vargas JM, Wadier N, Martin-Hernandez K, Vauchelles R, Magroun N, Tissier A, Schreiber V, Dantzer F. PARP3 controls TGFβ and ROS driven epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stemness by stimulating a TG2-Snail-E-cadherin axis. Oncotarget 2018; 7:64109-64123. [PMID: 27579892 PMCID: PMC5325429 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Several members of the Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) family are essential regulators of genome integrity, actively prospected as drug targets for cancer therapy. Among them, PARP3 is well characterized for its functions in double-strand break repair and mitotis. Here we report that PARP3 also plays an integral role in TGFβ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) dependent epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem-like cell properties in human mammary epithelial and breast cancer cells. PARP3 expression is higher in breast cancer cells of the mesenchymal phenotype and correlates with the expression of the mesenchymal marker Vimentin while being in inverse correlation with the epithelial marker E-cadherin. Furthermore, PARP3 expression is significantly upregulated during TGFβ-induced EMT in various human epithelial cells. In line with this observation, PARP3 depletion alters TGFβ-dependent EMT of mammary epithelial cells by preventing the induction of the Snail-E-cadherin axis, the dissolution of cell junctions, the acquisition of cell motility and chemoresistance. PARP3 responds to TGFβ-induced ROS to promote a TG2-Snail-E-cadherin axis during EMT. Considering the link between EMT and cancer stem cells, we show that PARP3 promotes stem-like cell properties in mammary epithelial and breast cancer cells by inducing the expression of the stem cell markers SOX2 and OCT4, by increasing the proportion of tumor initiating CD44high/CD24low population and the formation of tumor spheroid bodies, and by promoting stem cell self-renewal. These findings point to a novel role of PARP3 in the control of TGFβ-induced EMT and acquisition of stem-like cell features and further motivate efforts to identify PARP3 specific inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Karicheva
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, 67412 Illkirch, France
| | - José Manuel Rodriguez-Vargas
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, 67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Nadège Wadier
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, 67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Kathline Martin-Hernandez
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, 67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Romain Vauchelles
- Laboratoire de Biophotonique et Pharmacologie, UMR7213, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Najat Magroun
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, 67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Agnès Tissier
- EMT and Cancer Cell Plasticity, Laboratoire d'Excellence DevWeCan, Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie, UMR INSERM 1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, F-69008 Lyon, France
| | - Valérie Schreiber
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, 67412 Illkirch, France
| | - Françoise Dantzer
- Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and Genome Integrity, Laboratoire d'Excellence Medalis, UMR7242, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique/Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Recherche de l'Ecole de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, 67412 Illkirch, France
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36
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Lee HT, Huang CH, Chen WC, Tsai CS, Chao YL, Liu SH, Chen JH, Wu YY, Lee YJ. Transglutaminase 2 Promotes Migration and Invasion of Lung Cancer Cells. Oncol Res 2018; 26:1175-1182. [PMID: 29301592 PMCID: PMC7844758 DOI: 10.3727/096504018x15149761920868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Given that the major threat of cancer is metastasis, delineation of the molecular mechanism underlying it would help devise therapeutic strategies. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2), belonging to the transglutaminase superfamily, is a versatile protein with enzymatic and nonenzymatic functions. It mainly localizes inside the cell, but also appears extracellularly. Recent findings have demonstrated the involvement of TG2 in cancer development. Here we examine the role of TG2 in metastasis of lung cancer using a lung cancer cell line CL1-0, which exhibits low invasiveness, and its invasive subline CL1-5. Our results show that CL1-5 cells express a higher amount of TG2 than CL1-0 cells. Overexpression of TG2 in CL1-0 enhances cell migration and invasion, and lowering TG2 expression in CL1-5 cells reduces their ability to do so. The transamidase activity of TG2 is not required since cells expressing the inactive TG2 mutant or treated with a TG2 inhibitor are still able to migrate and invade. TG2-stimulated migration and invasion are, at least in part, mediated by Rac, as inhibition of Rac activity suppresses cell migration and invasion. Lastly, exogenous application of recombinant TG2 protein to CL1-0 cells substantially augments cell migration and invasion, suggesting the significance of extracellular TG2 in promoting these events. Collectively, our results show that TG2 plays a positive role in cell migration and invasion, and this might help metastasis of lung cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Tsung Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Antai Tian-Sheng Memorial Hospital, Pingtung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Cheng-Hsieh Huang
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wuan-Chun Chen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chi-Shan Tsai
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Lin Chao
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Szu-Han Liu
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jun-Hong Chen
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ying Wu
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ju Lee
- Institute of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
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37
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Tissue transglutaminase induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal-Transition and the acquisition of stem cell like characteristics in colorectal cancer cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:20025-20041. [PMID: 28223538 PMCID: PMC5386741 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human colon cancer cell lines (CRCs) RKO, SW480 and SW620 were investigated for TG2 involvement in tumour advancement and aggression. TG2 expression correlated with tumour advancement and expression of markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The metastatic cell line SW620 showed high TG2 expression compared to the primary tumour cell lines SW480 and RKO and could form tumour spheroids under non- adherent conditions. TG2 manipulation in the CRCs by shRNA or TG2 transduction confirmed the relationship between TG2 and EMT. TGFβ1 expression in CRC cells, and its level in the cell medium and extracellular matrix was increased in primary tumour CRCs overexpressing TG2 and could regulate TG2 expression and EMT by both canonical (RKO) and non-canonical (RKO and SW480) signalling. TGFβ1 regulation was not observed in the metastatic SW620 cell line, but TG2 knockdown or inhibition in SW620 reversed EMT. In SW620, TG2 expression and EMT was associated with increased presence of nuclear β-catenin which could be mediated by association of TG2 with the Wnt signalling co-receptor LRP5. TG2 inhibition/knockdown increased interaction between β-catenin and ubiquitin shown by co-immunoprecipitation, suggesting that TG2 could be important in β-catenin regulation. β-Catenin and TG2 was also upregulated in SW620 spheroid cells enriched with cancer stem cell marker CD44 and TG2 inhibition/knockdown reduced the spheroid forming potential of SW620 cells. Our data suggests that TG2 could hold both prognostic and therapeutic significance in colon cancer.
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38
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Lagunas AM, Wu J, Crowe DL. Telomere DNA damage signaling regulates cancer stem cell evolution, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:80139-80155. [PMID: 29113290 PMCID: PMC5655185 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome ends are protected by telomeres that prevent DNA damage response and degradation. When telomeres become critically short, the DNA damage response is activated at chromosome ends which induces cellular senescence or apoptosis. Telomeres are protected by the double stranded DNA binding protein TRF2 and maintained by telomerase or a recombination based mechanism known as alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Telomerase is expressed in the basal layer of the epidermis, and stem cells in epidermis have longer telomeres than proliferating populations. Stem cell expansion has been associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer. EMT is a critical process in cancer progression in which cells acquire spindle morphology, migrate from the primary tumor, and spread to distant anatomic sites. Our previous study demonstrated that loss of TRF2 expression observed in human squamous cell carcinomas expanded metastatic cancer stem cells during mouse skin carcinogenesis. To determine if telomerase inhibition could block the TRF2-null mediated expansion of metastatic clones, we characterized skin carcinogenesis in a conditional TRF2/Terc double null mutant mouse. Loss of TRF2 and Terc expression resulted in telomere DNA damage, severely depleted CD34 + and Lgr6+ cancer stem cells, and induced terminal differentiation of metastatic cancer cells. However a novel cancer stem cell population evolved in primary tumors exhibiting genomic instability, ALT, and EMT. Surprisingly we discovered that metastatic clones evolved prior to histopathologic onset of primary tumors. These results have important implications for understanding the evolution and treatment of metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jianchun Wu
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David L Crowe
- University of Illinois Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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39
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Akbar A, McNeil NMR, Albert MR, Ta V, Adhikary G, Bourgeois K, Eckert RL, Keillor JW. Structure-Activity Relationships of Potent, Targeted Covalent Inhibitors That Abolish Both the Transamidation and GTP Binding Activities of Human Tissue Transglutaminase. J Med Chem 2017; 60:7910-7927. [PMID: 28858494 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.7b01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human tissue transglutaminase (hTG2) is a multifunctional enzyme. It is primarily known for its calcium-dependent transamidation activity that leads to formation of an isopeptide bond between glutamine and lysine residues found on the surface of proteins, but it is also a GTP binding protein. Overexpression and unregulated hTG2 activity have been associated with numerous human diseases, including cancer stem cell survival and metastatic phenotype. Herein, we present a series of targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs) based on our previously reported Cbz-Lys scaffold. From this structure-activity relationship (SAR) study, novel irreversible inhibitors were identified that block the transamidation activity of hTG2 and allosterically abolish its GTP binding ability with a high degree of selectivity and efficiency (kinact/KI > 105 M-1 min-1). One optimized inhibitor (VA4) was also shown to inhibit epidermal cancer stem cell invasion with an EC50 of 3.9 μM, representing a significant improvement over our previously reported "hit" NC9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Akbar
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Nicole M R McNeil
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Marie R Albert
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Viviane Ta
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Karine Bourgeois
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine , Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa , 10 Marie-Curie, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
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40
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Kerr C, Adhikary G, Grun D, George N, Eckert RL. Combination cisplatin and sulforaphane treatment reduces proliferation, invasion, and tumor formation in epidermal squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Carcinog 2017; 57:3-11. [PMID: 28796401 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Epidermal squamous cell carcinoma is an extremely common type of cancer. Early tumors can be successfully treated by surgery, but recurrent disease is aggressive and resistant to therapy. Cisplatin is often used as a treatment, but the outcome is rarely satisfactory. For this reason new strategies are required. Sulforaphane is a diet-derived cancer prevention agent that is effective in suppressing tumor growth in animal models of skin cancer. We monitored the efficacy of sulforaphane and cisplatin as a combined therapy for squamous cell carcinoma. Both agents suppress cell proliferation, growth of cancer stem cell spheroids, matrigel invasion and migration of SCC-13 and HaCaT cells, and combination treatment is more efficient. In addition, SCC-13 cell derived cancer stem cells are more responsive to these agents than non-stem cancer cells. Both agents suppress tumor formation, but enhanced suppression is observed with combined treatment. Moreover, both agents reduce the number of tumor-resident cancer stem cells. SFN treatment of cultured cells or tumors increases apoptosis and p21Cip1 level, and both agents increase tumor apoptosis. We suggest that combined therapy with sulforaphane and cisplatin is efficient in suppressing tumor formation and may be a treatment option for advanced epidermal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace Kerr
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel Grun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nicholas George
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Dermatology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of The Reproductive Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,The Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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41
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Szondy Z, Korponay-Szabó I, Király R, Sarang Z, Tsay GJ. Transglutaminase 2 in human diseases. Biomedicine (Taipei) 2017; 7:15. [PMID: 28840829 PMCID: PMC5571667 DOI: 10.1051/bmdcn/2017070315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is an inducible transamidating acyltransferase that catalyzes Ca(2+)-dependent protein modifications. In addition to being an enzyme, TG2 also serves as a G protein for several seven transmembrane receptors and acts as a co-receptor for integrin β1 and β3 integrins distinguishing it from other members of the transglutaminase family. TG2 is ubiquitously expressed in almost all cell types and all cell compartments, and is also present on the cell surface and gets secreted to the extracellular matrix via non-classical mechanisms. TG2 has been associated with various human diseases including inflammation, cancer, fibrosis, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative diseases, celiac disease in which it plays either a protective role, or contributes to the pathogenesis. Thus modulating the biological activities of TG2 in these diseases will have a therapeutic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Szondy
- Dental Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen 4010, Hungary
| | - Ilma Korponay-Szabó
- Department of Pediatrics and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen 4010, Hungary - Celiac Disease Center, Heim Pál Children's Hospital, Budapest 1089, Hungary
| | - Robert Király
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen 4010, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Sarang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen 4010, Hungary
| | - Gregory J Tsay
- Division of Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan - School of medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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42
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Fisher ML, Adhikary G, Kerr C, Grun D, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase 2 Is a Direct Target Gene of YAP-TAZ-Response. Cancer Res 2017; 77:4736. [PMID: 28811329 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Fisher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Candace Kerr
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Daniel Grun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland. .,Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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43
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Kerr C, Szmacinski H, Fisher ML, Nance B, Lakowicz JR, Akbar A, Keillor JW, Wong TL, Godoy-Ruiz R, Toth EA, Weber DJ, Eckert RL. Transamidase site-targeted agents alter the conformation of the transglutaminase cancer stem cell survival protein to reduce GTP binding activity and cancer stem cell survival. Oncogene 2017; 36:2981-2990. [PMID: 27941875 PMCID: PMC5444990 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 transglutaminase (TG2) is an important cancer stem cell survival protein that exists in open and closed conformations. The major intracellular form is the closed conformation that functions as a GTP-binding GTPase and is required for cancer stem cell survival. However, at a finite rate, TG2 transitions to an open conformation that exposes the transamidase catalytic site involved in protein-protein crosslinking. The activities are mutually exclusive, as the closed conformation has GTP binding/GTPase activity, and the open conformation transamidase activity. We recently showed that GTP binding, but not transamidase activity, is required for TG2-dependent cancer stem cell invasion, migration and tumour formation. However, we were surprised that transamidase site-specific inhibitors reduce cancer stem cell survival. We now show that compounds NC9, VA4 and VA5, which react exclusively at the TG2 transamidase site, inhibit both transamidase and GTP-binding activities. Transamidase activity is inhibited by direct inhibitor binding at the transamidase site, and GTP binding is blocked because inhibitor interaction at the transamidase site locks the protein in the extended/open conformation to disorganize/inactivate the GTP binding/GTPase site. These findings suggest that transamidase site-specific inhibitors can inhibit GTP binding/signalling by driving a conformation change that disorganizes the TG2 GTP binding to reduce TG2-dependent signalling, and that drugs designed to target this site may be potent anti-cancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace Kerr
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Henryk Szmacinski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Matthew L. Fisher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Bailey Nance
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Joseph R. Lakowicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
| | - Abdullah Akbar
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Jeffrey W. Keillor
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario
| | - Tin Lok Wong
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, and Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Raquel Godoy-Ruiz
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, and Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Eric A. Toth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, and Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, Rockville, Maryland
| | - David J. Weber
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, and Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Richard L. Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Department of Dermatology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Department of Reproductive Biology, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, The University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, 21201
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44
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Hernandez-Fernaud JR, Ruengeler E, Casazza A, Neilson LJ, Pulleine E, Santi A, Ismail S, Lilla S, Dhayade S, MacPherson IR, McNeish I, Ennis D, Ali H, Kugeratski FG, Al Khamici H, van den Biggelaar M, van den Berghe PV, Cloix C, McDonald L, Millan D, Hoyle A, Kuchnio A, Carmeliet P, Valenzuela SM, Blyth K, Yin H, Mazzone M, Norman JC, Zanivan S. Secreted CLIC3 drives cancer progression through its glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase activity. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14206. [PMID: 28198360 PMCID: PMC5316871 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The secretome of cancer and stromal cells generates a microenvironment that contributes to tumour cell invasion and angiogenesis. Here we compare the secretome of human mammary normal and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). We discover that the chloride intracellular channel protein 3 (CLIC3) is an abundant component of the CAF secretome. Secreted CLIC3 promotes invasive behaviour of endothelial cells to drive angiogenesis and increases invasiveness of cancer cells both in vivo and in 3D cell culture models, and this requires active transglutaminase-2 (TGM2). CLIC3 acts as a glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase that reduces TGM2 and regulates TGM2 binding to its cofactors. Finally, CLIC3 is also secreted by cancer cells, is abundant in the stromal and tumour compartments of aggressive ovarian cancers and its levels correlate with poor clinical outcome. This work reveals a previously undescribed invasive mechanism whereby the secretion of a glutathione-dependent oxidoreductase drives angiogenesis and cancer progression by promoting TGM2-dependent invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrea Casazza
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | | | - Ellie Pulleine
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK
| | - Alice Santi
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G611BD, UK
| | - Shehab Ismail
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G611BD, UK
| | - Sergio Lilla
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G611BD, UK
| | | | - Iain R. MacPherson
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G611QH, UK
| | - Iain McNeish
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G611QH, UK
| | - Darren Ennis
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G611QH, UK
| | - Hala Ali
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
- Centre for Health Technologies, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | | | - Heba Al Khamici
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
- Centre for Health Technologies, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Laura McDonald
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G611BD, UK
| | - David Millan
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Aoisha Hoyle
- Department of Pathology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Anna Kuchnio
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stella M. Valenzuela
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
- Centre for Health Technologies, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2007, Australia
| | - Karen Blyth
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G611BD, UK
| | - Huabing Yin
- Division of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK
| | - Massimiliano Mazzone
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Angiogenesis, Vesalius Research Center, VIB, Leuven B-3000, Belgium
| | - Jim C. Norman
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G611BD, UK
| | - Sara Zanivan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G611BD, UK
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45
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Tissue transglutaminase (TG2) enables survival of human malignant pleural mesothelioma cells in hypoxia. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2592. [PMID: 28151477 PMCID: PMC5386478 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an aggressive tumor linked to environmental/occupational exposure to asbestos, characterized by the presence of significant areas of hypoxia. In this study, we firstly explored the expression and the role of transglutaminase 2 (TG2) in MPM cell adaptation to hypoxia. We demonstrated that cells derived from biphasic MPM express the full-length TG2 variant at higher levels than cells derived from epithelioid MPM and normal mesothelium. We observed a significant induction of TG2 expression and activity when cells from biphasic MPM were grown as a monolayer in chronic hypoxia or packed in spheroids, where the presence of a hypoxic core was demonstrated. We described that the hypoxic induction of TG2 was HIF-2 dependent. Importantly, TGM2-v1 silencing caused a marked and significant reduction of MPM cell viability in hypoxic conditions when compared with normoxia. Notably, a TG2-selective irreversible inhibitor that reacts with the intracellular active form of TG2, but not a non-cell-permeable inhibitor, significantly compromised cell viability in MPM spheroids. Understanding the expression and function of TG2 in the adaptation to the hypoxic environment may provide useful information for novel promising therapeutic options for MPM treatment.
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46
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Fisher ML, Kerr C, Adhikary G, Grun D, Xu W, Keillor JW, Eckert RL. Transglutaminase Interaction with α6/β4-Integrin Stimulates YAP1-Dependent ΔNp63α Stabilization and Leads to Enhanced Cancer Stem Cell Survival and Tumor Formation. Cancer Res 2016; 76:7265-7276. [PMID: 27780825 PMCID: PMC5161627 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-2032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Revised: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) expression is required for epidermal squamous cell carcinoma cancer stem cell survival. However, the molecular signaling mechanisms triggered by TG2 that mediate this survival action are not well understood. Here we show that TG2 is constitutively expressed in ECS cells, where it interacts with α6/β4 integrin to stimulate FAK and Src signaling, leading to PI3K activation of phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 1 (PDK1). PDK1 inhibits Hippo signaling, leading to enhanced nuclear accumulation of YAP1, which interacted with and stabilized ΔNp63α to enhance epidermal squamous cell carcinoma spheroid formation, invasion, and migration. Overall, these findings suggest that constitutive TG2 expression results in stabilization of ΔNp63α, leading to maintenance of cancer stem cell properties and enhanced tumor formation. Cancer Res; 76(24); 7265-76. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Fisher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Candace Kerr
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dan Grun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey W Keillor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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47
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Fisher ML, Adhikary G, Grun D, Kaetzel DM, Eckert RL. The Ezh2 polycomb group protein drives an aggressive phenotype in melanoma cancer stem cells and is a target of diet derived sulforaphane. Mol Carcinog 2016; 55:2024-2036. [PMID: 26693692 PMCID: PMC4919248 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a metastatic cancer associated with poor survival. Here, we study a subpopulation of melanoma cancer cells displaying melanoma cancer stem cell (MCS cells) properties including elevated expression of stem cell markers, increased ability to survive as spheroids, and enhanced cell migration and invasion. We show that the Ezh2 stem cell survival protein is enriched in MCS cells and that Ezh2 knockdown or treatment with small molecule Ezh2 inhibitors, GSK126 or EPZ-6438, reduces Ezh2 activity. This reduction is associated with a reduced MCS cell spheroid formation, migration, and invasion. Moreover, the diet-derived cancer prevention agent, sulforaphane (SFN), suppresses MCS cell survival and this is associated with loss of Ezh2. Forced expression of Ezh2 partially reverses SFN suppression of MCS cell spheroid formation, migration, and invasion. A375 melanoma cell-derived MCS cells form rapidly growing tumors in immune-compromised mice and SFN treatment of these tumors reduces tumor growth and this is associated with reduced Ezh2 level and H3K27me3 formation, reduced matrix metalloproteinase expression, increased TIMP3 expression and increased apoptosis. These studies identify Ezh2 as a MCS cell marker and cancer stem cell prevention target, and suggest that SFN acts to reduce melanoma tumor formation via a mechanism that includes suppression of Ezh2 function. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Fisher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dan Grun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David M Kaetzel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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48
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Li H, Yao Z, He W, Gao H, Bai Y, Yang S, Zhang L, Zhan R, Tan J, Zhou J, Takata M, Wu J, Luo G. P311 induces the transdifferentiation of epidermal stem cells to myofibroblast-like cells by stimulating transforming growth factor β1 expression. Stem Cell Res Ther 2016; 7:175. [PMID: 27906099 PMCID: PMC5131552 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-016-0421-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial to mesenchymal transition, especially to myofibroblasts, plays an important role in wound healing, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis. Epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) are responsible for epidermal renewal and wound re-epithelialization. However, it remains unclear whether and how EpSCs transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts or myofibroblast-like cells (MFLCs). Here, we provide the first evidence showing that P311 induces EpSC to MFLC transdifferentiation (EpMyT) via TGFβ1/Smad signaling. Methods Wound healing and mesenchymal features were observed in the P311 KO and P311 WT mouse model of superficial second-degree burns. After the primary human or mouse EpSCs were forced to highly express P311 using an adenoviral vector, EpMyT was observed by immunofluorescence, real-time PCR, and western blot. The activity of TGFβ1 and Smad2/3 in EpSCs with different P311 levels was observed by western blot. The TβRI/II inhibitor LY2109761 and Smad3 siRNA were applied to block the EpMyT in P311-overexpressing EpSCs and exogenous TGFβ1 was to restore the EpMyT in P311 KO EpSCs. Furthermore, the mechanism of P311 regulating TGFβ1 was investigated by bisulfite sequencing PCR, luciferase activity assay, and real-time PCR. Results P311 KO mouse wounds showed delayed re-epithelialization and reduced mesenchymal features. The human or mouse EpSCs with overexpressed P311 exhibited fusiform morphological changes, upregulated expression of myofibroblast markers (α-SMA and vimentin), and downregulated expression of EpSC markers (β1-integrin and E-cadherin). P311-expressing EpSCs showed decreased TGFβ1 mRNA and increased TGFβ1 protein, TβRI/II mRNA, and activated Smad2/3. Moreover, LY2109761 and Smad3 siRNA reversed P311-induced EpMyT. Under the stimulation of exogenous TGFβ1, the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 in P311 KO EpSCs was significantly lower than that in P311 WT EpSCs and the EpMyT in P311 KO EpSCs was restored. Furthermore, P311 enhanced the methylation of TGFβ1 promoter and increased activities of TGFβ1 5′/3′ untranslated regions (UTRs) to stimulate TGFβ1 expression. P311+α-SMA+ cells and P311+vimentin+ cells were observed in the epidermis of human burn wounds. Also, P311 was upregulated by IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, and hypoxia. Conclusions P311 is a novel TGFβ1/Smad signaling-mediated regulator of transdifferentiation in EpSCs during cutaneous wound healing. Furthermore, P311 might stimulate TGFβ1 expression by promoting TGFβ1 promoter methylation and by activating the TGFβ1 5′/3′ UTR. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-016-0421-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisheng Li
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhihui Yao
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,People's Liberation Army Hospital 59, Kaiyuan, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Weifeng He
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyan Gao
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sisi Yang
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rixing Zhan
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianglin Tan
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junyi Zhou
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Masao Takata
- Section of Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jun Wu
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Gaoxing Luo
- Institute of Burn Research, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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49
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Altuntas S, Rossin F, Marsella C, D'Eletto M, Hidalgo LD, Farrace MG, Campanella M, Antonioli M, Fimia GM, Piacentini M. The transglutaminase type 2 and pyruvate kinase isoenzyme M2 interplay in autophagy regulation. Oncotarget 2015; 6:44941-54. [PMID: 26702927 PMCID: PMC4792602 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a self-degradative physiological process by which the cell removes worn-out or damaged components. Constant at basal level it may become highly active in response to cellular stress. The type 2 transglutaminase (TG2), which accumulates under stressful cell conditions, plays an important role in the regulation of autophagy and cells lacking this enzyme display impaired autophagy/mitophagy and a consequent shift their metabolism to glycolysis. To further define the molecular partners of TG2 involved in these cellular processes, we analysed the TG2 interactome under normal and starved conditions discovering that TG2 interacts with various proteins belonging to different functional categories. Herein we show that TG2 interacts with pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), a rate limiting enzyme of glycolysis which is responsible for maintaining a glycolytic phenotype in malignant cells and displays non metabolic functions, including transcriptional co-activation and protein kinase activity. Interestingly, the ablation of PKM2 led to the decrease of intracellular TG2's transamidating activity paralleled by an increase of its tyrosine phosphorylation. Along with this, a significant decrease of ULK1 and Beclin1 was also recorded, thus suggesting a block in the upstream regulation of autophagosome formation. These data suggest that the PKM2/TG2 interplay plays an important role in the regulation of autophagy in particular under cellular stressful conditions such as those displayed by cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Altuntas
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Rossin
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Marsella
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela D'Eletto
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Michelangelo Campanella
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College London and UCL Consortium for Mitochondrial Research, London, UK
| | - Manuela Antonioli
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Fimia
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology (Di.S.Te.B.A.), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Mauro Piacentini
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, IRCCS “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Rome, Italy
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50
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Eckert RL, Fisher ML, Grun D, Adhikary G, Xu W, Kerr C. Transglutaminase is a tumor cell and cancer stem cell survival factor. Mol Carcinog 2015; 54:947-58. [PMID: 26258961 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that cancer cells express elevated levels of type II transglutaminase (TG2), and that expression is further highly enriched in cancer stem cells derived from these cancers. Moreover, elevated TG2 expression is associated with enhanced cancer stem cell marker expression, survival signaling, proliferation, migration, invasion, integrin-mediated adhesion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and drug resistance. TG2 expression is also associated with formation of aggressive and metastatic tumors that are resistant to conventional therapeutic intervention. This review summarizes the role of TG2 as a cancer cell survival factor in a range of tumor types, and as a target for preventive and therapeutic intervention. The literature supports the idea that TG2, in the closed/GTP-binding/signaling conformation, drives cancer cell and cancer stem cell survival, and that TG2, in the open/crosslinking conformation, is associated with cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Eckert
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Dermatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Reproductive Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,The Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Matthew L Fisher
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dan Grun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gautam Adhikary
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Wen Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Candace Kerr
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,The Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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