1
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Krishna S, Prajapati B, Seth P, Sinha S. Dickopff 1 inhibits cancer stem cell properties and promotes neuronal differentiation of human neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 17:73-82. [PMID: 39021664 PMCID: PMC11253693 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastomas are pediatric tumors arising from undifferentiated cells of neural crest origin with stem cell-like characteristics. Dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been shown to be linked to the development of various tumors. Activated Wnt signaling results in β-catenin accumulation in the nucleus to support pro-neoplastic traits. DKK1, a secreted glycoprotein, is an inhibitor of Wnt signaling, and the addition of DKKI to the culture medium has been used to suppress the Wnt pathway. This study aimed to analyze the role of Dickopff-1 as a potential differentiating agent for the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y and neurospheres derived from it. The treatment of SH-5Y5Y derived neurospheres by DKK1 resulted in their disintegration and reduced proliferation markers like Ki67, PCNA. DKK1 treatment to the neurospheres also resulted in the loss of cancer stem cell markers like CD133, KIT and pluripotency markers like SOX2, OCT4, NANOG. DKK1 treatment caused reduction in mRNA expression of β-catenin and TCF genes like TCF4, TCF12. When the SH-SY5Y cancer cells were grown under differentiating conditions, DKKI caused neuronal differentiation by itself, and in synergy with retinoic acid. This was verified by the expression of markers like MAPT, DCX, GAP43, ENO2 and also with changes in neurite length. We concluded that Wnt inhibition, as exemplified by DKK1 treatment, is therefore a possible differentiating condition and also suppresses the proliferative and cancer stemness related properties of SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bharat Prajapati
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurugram, India
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Biomedicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pankaj Seth
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurugram, India
| | - Subrata Sinha
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Gurugram, India
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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2
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Tu J, Toh Y, Aldana AM, Wen JJ, Wu L, Jacob J, Li L, Pan S, Carmon KS, Liu QJ. Antitumor Activity of a Pyrrolobenzodiazepine Antibody-Drug Conjugate Targeting LGR5 in Preclinical Models of Neuroblastoma. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:943. [PMID: 39065640 PMCID: PMC11279891 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16070943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a cancer of the peripheral nervous system found in children under 15 years of age. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer during infancy, accounting for ~12% of all cancer-related deaths in children. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is a membrane receptor that is associated with the primary tumor formation and metastasis of cancers in the gastrointestinal system. Remarkably, high levels of LGR5 are found in NB tumor cells, and high LGR5 expression is strongly correlated with poor survival. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are monoclonal antibodies that are covalently linked to cell-killing cytotoxins to deliver the payloads into cancer cells. We generated an ADC with an anti-LGR5 antibody and pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) dimer-based payload SG3199 using a chemoenzymatic conjugation method. The resulting anti-LGR5 ADC was able to inhibit the growth of NB cells expressing LGR5 with high potency and specificity. Importantly, the ADC was able to completely inhibit the growth of NB xenograft tumors in vivo at a clinically relevant dose for the PBD class of ADCs. The findings support the potential of targeting LGR5 using the PBD class of payload for the treatment of high-risk NBs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Qingyun J. Liu
- The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, Center for Translational Cancer Research, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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3
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Zhang J, Shang J, Ding H, Li W, Li Z, Yuan Z, Zheng H, Lou Y, Wei Z, Zhou H, Feng S, Kong X, Ran N. Nicotinamide Riboside Promotes the Proliferation of Endogenous Neural Stem Cells to Repair Spinal Cord Injury. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024:10.1007/s12015-024-10747-x. [PMID: 38941038 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10747-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Activation of endogenous neural stem cells (NSC) is one of the most potential measures for neural repair after spinal cord injury. However, methods for regulating neural stem cell behavior are still limited. Here, we investigated the effects of nicotinamide riboside promoting the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells to repair spinal cord injury. Nicotinamide riboside promotes the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells and regulates their differentiation into neurons. In addition, nicotinamide riboside significantly restored lower limb motor dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury. Nicotinamide riboside plays its role in promoting the proliferation of neural stem cells by activating the Wnt signaling pathway through the LGR5 gene. Knockdown of the LGR5 gene by lentivirus eliminates the effect of nicotinamide riboside on the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells. In addition, administration of Wnt pathway inhibitors also eliminated the proliferative effect of nicotinamide riboside. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that nicotinamide promotes the proliferation of neural stem cells by targeting the LGR5 gene to activate the Wnt pathway, which provides a new way to repair spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
- Institute of Orthopaedic & Musculoskeletal Science, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London, HA7 4LP, UK
| | - Jun Shang
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The Second Hospital & Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Han Ding
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenxiang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zonghao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhongze Yuan
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Han Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - YongFu Lou
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The Second Hospital & Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhijian Wei
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hengxing Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shiqing Feng
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The Second Hospital & Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Spine and Spinal Cord, National Spinal Cord Injury International Cooperation Base, Department of Orthopedics, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
- Department of Orthopedics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Xiaohong Kong
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The Second Hospital & Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Ning Ran
- Institute of Medical Sciences, The Second Hospital & Orthopedic Research Center of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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4
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Abu-El-Haija A, Dillahunt K, Safina N, Aldeeri A, Glavan T, Mihalek I, Shinawi M. Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis as a cancer predisposition syndrome: The first report of neuroblastoma and review of all cancers in OSCS. Am J Med Genet A 2024:e63709. [PMID: 38801192 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63709] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Osteopathia Striata with Cranial Sclerosis (OSCS) is a rare genetic condition primarily characterized by metaphyseal striations of long bones, bone sclerosis, macrocephaly, and other congenital anomalies. It is caused by pathogenic variants in AMER1, a tumor suppressor and a WNT signaling repressor gene with key roles in tissue regeneration, neurodevelopment, tumorigenesis, and other developmental processes. While somatic AMER1 pathogenic variants have frequently been identified in several tumor types (e.g., Wilms tumor and colorectal cancer), whether OSCS (i.e., with AMER1 germline variants) is a tumor predisposition syndrome is not clear, with only nine cases reported with tumors. We here report the first case of neuroblastoma diagnosed in a male child with OSCS, review all previously reported tumors diagnosed in individuals with OSCS, and discuss potential tumorigenic mechanisms of AMER1. Our report adds to the accumulating evidence suggesting OSCS is a tumor predisposition condition, highlighting the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for the associated tumors when evaluating patients with OSCS. Importantly, Wilms tumor stands out as the most commonly observed tumor in OSCS patients, underscoring the need for regular surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Abu-El-Haija
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Kyle Dillahunt
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Nicole Safina
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, UI Stead Family Children's Hospital, Iowa City, USA
| | - Abdulrahman Aldeeri
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tomislav Glavan
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ivana Mihalek
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marwan Shinawi
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
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Boulos JC, Omer EA, Rigano D, Formisano C, Chatterjee M, Leich E, Klauck SM, Shan LT, Efferth T. Cynaropicrin disrupts tubulin and c-Myc-related signaling and induces parthanatos-type cell death in multiple myeloma. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:2265-2281. [PMID: 37344563 PMCID: PMC10618500 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-023-01117-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of blood malignancies is incurable and has unforeseeable remitting-relapsing paths in response to different treatments. Cynaropicrin, a natural sesquiterpene lactone from the edible parts of the artichoke plant, has gained increased attention as a chemotherapeutic agent. In this study, we investigated the effects of cynaropicrin against multiple myeloma (MM) cells in vitro and assessed its in vivo effectiveness in a xenograft tumor zebrafish model. We showed that cynaropicrin exerted potent cytotoxicity against a panel of nine MM cell lines and two leukemia cell lines with AMO1 being the most sensitive cell line (IC50 = 1.8 ± 0.3 µM). Cynaropicrin (0.8, 1.9, 3.6 µM) dose-dependently reduced c-Myc expression and transcriptional activity in AMO1 cells that was associated with significant downregulation of STAT3, AKT, and ERK1/2. Cell cycle analysis showed that cynaropicrin treatment arrested AMO1 cells in the G2M phase along with an increase in the sub-G0G1 phase after 24 h. With prolonged treatment times, cells accumulated more in the sub-G0G1 phase, implying cell death. Using confocal microscopy, we revealed that cynaropicrin disrupted the microtubule network in U2OS cells stably expressing α-tubulin-GFP. Furthermore, we revealed that cynaropicrin promoted DNA damage in AMO1 cells leading to PAR polymer production by PARP1 hyperactivation, resulting in AIF translocation from the mitochondria to the nucleus and subsequently to a novel form of cell death, parthanatos. Finally, we demonstrated that cynaropicrin (5, 10 µM) significantly reduced tumor growth in a T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) xenograft zebrafish model. Taken together, these results demonstrate that cynaropicrin causes potent inhibition of hematopoietic tumor cells in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joelle C Boulos
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ejlal A Omer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniela Rigano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Formisano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Manik Chatterjee
- University Hospital Würzburg, Translational Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ellen Leich
- Julius Maximilian University, Institute of Pathology, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, Translational Oncology, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabine M Klauck
- Division of Cancer Genome Research, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Le-Tian Shan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
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Toh Y, Wu L, Park S, Wang A, Tu J, Yu W, Zuo M, Carmon KS, Liu QJ. LGR4 and LGR5 form distinct homodimers that only LGR4 complexes with RNF43/ZNRF3 to provide high affinity binding of R-spondin ligands. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10796. [PMID: 37402772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37856-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
LGR4 and LGR5 are two homologous receptors that potentiate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in response to R-spondin (RSPO) ligands. The RSPO and LGR4 complex binds to and inhibits activities of two related E3 ubiquitin ligases, RNF43 and ZNRF3, and thus protects Wnt receptors from the E3 ligase-mediated degradation. The RSPO and LGR5 complex, however, does not interact with the E3 ligases, and the structural basis of this difference remained unknown. Here we examined the affinities of monovalent and bivalent RSPO ligands in binding to LGR4, RNF43/ZNRF3, and LGR5 in whole cells and found unique features among the receptors and E3 ligases. Monovalent RSPO2 furin domain had much lower affinity in binding to LGR4 or RNF43/ZNRF3 than the bivalent form. In contrast, monovalent and bivalent forms had nearly identical affinity in binding to LGR5. Co-expression of ZNRF3 with LGR4 led to much higher binding affinity of the monovalent form whereas co-expression of ZNRF3 with LGR5 had no effect on the affinity. These results suggest that LGR4 and RNF43/ZNRF3 form a 2:2 dimer that accommodates bivalent binding of RSPO whereas LGR5 forms a homodimer that does not. Structural models are proposed to illustrate how RSPOs bind to LGR4, RNF43/ZNRF3, and LGR5 in whole cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukimatsu Toh
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ling Wu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Soohyun Park
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Allison Wang
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jianghua Tu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Wangsheng Yu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mingxin Zuo
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kendra S Carmon
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Qingyun J Liu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1825 Pressler St., Suite 330E, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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7
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Clark-Corrigall J, Myssina S, Michaelis M, Cinatl J, Ahmed S, Carr-Wilkinson J, Carr-Wilkinson J. Elevated Expression of LGR5 and WNT Signaling Factors in Neuroblastoma Cells With Acquired Drug Resistance. Cancer Invest 2023; 41:173-182. [PMID: 36318235 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2022.2136682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric solid cancer with high fatality, relapses, and acquired resistance to chemotherapy, that requires new therapeutic approaches to improve survival. LGR5 is a receptor that potentiates WNT/signaling pathway and has been reported to promote development and survival in several adult cancers. In this study we investigated LGR5 expression in a panel of NB cell lines with acquired resistance to vincristine or doxorubicin. We show LGR5-LRP6 cooperation with enhanced expression in drug resistant NB cell lines compared to parental cells, suggesting a role for LGR5 in the emergence of drug resistance, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Clark-Corrigall
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
| | - Svetlana Myssina
- School of Nursing and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
| | - Martin Michaelis
- School of Biosciences and Industrial Biotechnology Centre, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institut für Medizinische Virologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Shafiq Ahmed
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
| | - Jane Carr-Wilkinson
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, Sunderland, UK
| | - Jane Carr-Wilkinson
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Sunderland, United Kingdom
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8
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Zhou X, Wang X, Li N, Guo Y, Yang X, Lei Y. Therapy resistance in neuroblastoma: Mechanisms and reversal strategies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1114295. [PMID: 36874032 PMCID: PMC9978534 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1114295] [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: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the most common pediatric solid tumors that threaten the health of children, accounting for about 15% of childhood cancer-related mortality in the United States. Currently, multiple therapies have been developed and applied in clinic to treat neuroblastoma including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. However, the resistance to therapies is inevitable following long-term treatment, leading to treatment failure and cancer relapse. Hence, to understand the mechanisms of therapy resistance and discover reversal strategies have become an urgent task. Recent studies have demonstrated numerous genetic alterations and dysfunctional pathways related to neuroblastoma resistance. These molecular signatures may be potential targets to combat refractory neuroblastoma. A number of novel interventions for neuroblastoma patients have been developed based on these targets. In this review, we focus on the complicated mechanisms of therapy resistance and the potential targets such as ATP-binding cassette transporters, long non-coding RNAs, microRNAs, autophagy, cancer stem cells, and extracellular vesicles. On this basis, we summarized recent studies on the reversal strategies to overcome therapy resistance of neuroblastoma such as targeting ATP-binding cassette transporters, MYCN gene, cancer stem cells, hypoxia, and autophagy. This review aims to provide novel insight in how to improve the therapy efficacy against resistant neuroblastoma, which may shed light on the future directions that would enhance the treatment outcomes and prolong the survival of patients with neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhou
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaokang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Longhua District Central Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Research and Development of Natural Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China.,The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Nan Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhe Lei
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
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9
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Yu Y, Zhao Y, Choi J, Shi Z, Guo L, Elizarraras J, Gu A, Cheng F, Pei Y, Lu D, Fabbri M, Agarwal S, Zhang C, Jung SY, Foster JH, Yang J. ERK Inhibitor Ulixertinib Inhibits High-Risk Neuroblastoma Growth In Vitro and In Vivo. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225534. [PMID: 36428626 PMCID: PMC9688897 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a pediatric tumor of the peripheral nervous system. Approximately 80% of relapsed NB show RAS-MAPK pathway mutations that activate ERK, resulting in the promotion of cell proliferation and drug resistance. Ulixertinib, a first-in-class ERK-specific inhibitor, has shown promising antitumor activity in phase 1 clinical trials for advanced solid tumors. Here, we show that ulixertinib significantly and dose-dependently inhibits cell proliferation and colony formation in different NB cell lines, including PDX cells. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that ulixertinib extensively inhibits different oncogenic and neuronal developmental pathways, including EGFR, VEGF, WNT, MAPK, NGF, and NTRK1. The proteomic analysis further revealed that ulixertinib inhibits the cell cycle and promotes apoptosis in NB cells. Additionally, ulixertinib treatment significantly sensitized NB cells to the conventional chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin. Furthermore, ulixertinib potently inhibited NB tumor growth and prolonged the overall survival of the treated mice in two different NB mice models. Our preclinical study demonstrates that ulixertinib, either as a single agent or in combination with current therapies, is a novel and practical therapeutic approach for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jongmin Choi
- Advanced Technology Cores/Office of Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhongcheng Shi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77003, USA
| | - Linjie Guo
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John Elizarraras
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Andy Gu
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Feng Cheng
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Yanxin Pei
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Dai Lu
- Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Muller Fabbri
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, Queens, NY 11439, USA
| | - Chunchao Zhang
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sung Yun Jung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77003, USA
| | - Jennifer H. Foster
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Correspondence: (J.H.F.); (J.Y.); Tel.: +1-832-822-4556 (J.H.F.); +1-202-476-5772 (J.Y.)
| | - Jianhua Yang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children’s National Research Institute, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20010, USA
- Correspondence: (J.H.F.); (J.Y.); Tel.: +1-832-822-4556 (J.H.F.); +1-202-476-5772 (J.Y.)
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10
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Pavlaki I, Shapiro M, Pisignano G, Jones SME, Telenius J, Muñoz-Descalzo S, Williams RJ, Hughes JR, Vance KW. Chromatin interaction maps identify Wnt responsive cis-regulatory elements coordinating Paupar-Pax6 expression in neuronal cells. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010230. [PMID: 35709096 PMCID: PMC9202886 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system-expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are often located in the genome close to protein coding genes involved in transcriptional control. Such lncRNA-protein coding gene pairs are frequently temporally and spatially co-expressed in the nervous system and are predicted to act together to regulate neuronal development and function. Although some of these lncRNAs also bind and modulate the activity of the encoded transcription factors, the regulatory mechanisms controlling co-expression of neighbouring lncRNA-protein coding genes remain unclear. Here, we used high resolution NG Capture-C to map the cis-regulatory interaction landscape of the key neuro-developmental Paupar-Pax6 lncRNA-mRNA locus. The results define chromatin architecture changes associated with high Paupar-Pax6 expression in neurons and identify both promoter selective as well as shared cis-regulatory-promoter interactions involved in regulating Paupar-Pax6 co-expression. We discovered that the TCF7L2 transcription factor, a regulator of chromatin architecture and major effector of the Wnt signalling pathway, binds to a subset of these candidate cis-regulatory elements to coordinate Paupar and Pax6 co-expression. We describe distinct roles for Paupar in Pax6 expression control and show that the Paupar DNA locus contains a TCF7L2 bound transcriptional silencer whilst the Paupar transcript can act as an activator of Pax6. Our work provides important insights into the chromatin interactions, signalling pathways and transcription factors controlling co-expression of adjacent lncRNAs and protein coding genes in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Pavlaki
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Shapiro
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppina Pisignano
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jelena Telenius
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Muñoz-Descalzo
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Instituto Universitario de Investigaciones Biomédicas y Sanitarias, Universidad Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Robert J. Williams
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Jim R. Hughes
- MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Keith W. Vance
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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11
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Nagano K, Yamana K, Saito H, Kiviranta R, Pedroni AC, Raval D, Niehrs C, Gori F, Baron R. R-spondin 3 deletion induces Erk phosphorylation to enhance Wnt signaling and promote bone formation in the appendicular skeleton. eLife 2022; 11:84171. [PMID: 36321691 PMCID: PMC9681208 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of Wnt signaling leads to high bone density. The R-spondin family of four secreted glycoproteins (Rspo1-4) amplifies Wnt signaling. In humans, RSPO3 variants are strongly associated with bone density. Here, we investigated the role of Rspo3 in skeletal homeostasis in mice. Using a comprehensive set of mouse genetic and mechanistic studies, we show that in the appendicular skeleton, Rspo3 haplo-insufficiency and Rspo3 targeted deletion in Runx2+ osteoprogenitors lead to an increase in trabecular bone mass, with increased number of osteoblasts and bone formation. In contrast and highlighting the complexity of Wnt signaling in the regulation of skeletal homeostasis, we show that Rspo3 deletion in osteoprogenitors results in the opposite phenotype in the axial skeleton, i.e., low vertebral trabecular bone mass. Mechanistically, Rspo3 deficiency impairs the inhibitory effect of Dkk1 on Wnt signaling activation and bone mass. We demonstrate that Rspo3 deficiency leads to activation of Erk signaling which in turn, stabilizes β-catenin and Wnt signaling activation. Our data demonstrate that Rspo3 haplo-insufficiency/deficiency boosts canonical Wnt signaling by activating Erk signaling, to favor osteoblastogenesis, bone formation, and bone mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Nagano
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Kei Yamana
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Riku Kiviranta
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | | | - Dhairya Raval
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Christof Niehrs
- German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ-ZMBH AllianceHeidelbergGermany,Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB)MainzGermany
| | - Francesca Gori
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Roland Baron
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States,Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
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12
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Farina AR, Cappabianca LA, Zelli V, Sebastiano M, Mackay AR. Mechanisms involved in selecting and maintaining neuroblastoma cancer stem cell populations, and perspectives for therapeutic targeting. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:685-736. [PMID: 34367474 PMCID: PMC8316860 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i7.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pediatric neuroblastomas (NBs) are heterogeneous, aggressive, therapy-resistant embryonal tumours that originate from cells of neural crest (NC) origin and in particular neuroblasts committed to the sympathoadrenal progenitor cell lineage. Therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and subsequent metastatic NB progression are driven primarily by cancer stem cell (CSC)-like subpopulations, which through their self-renewing capacity, intermittent and slow cell cycles, drug-resistant and reversibly adaptive plastic phenotypes, represent the most important obstacle to improving therapeutic outcomes in unfavourable NBs. In this review, dedicated to NB CSCs and the prospects for their therapeutic eradication, we initiate with brief descriptions of the unique transient vertebrate embryonic NC structure and salient molecular protagonists involved NC induction, specification, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and migratory behaviour, in order to familiarise the reader with the embryonic cellular and molecular origins and background to NB. We follow this by introducing NB and the potential NC-derived stem/progenitor cell origins of NBs, before providing a comprehensive review of the salient molecules, signalling pathways, mechanisms, tumour microenvironmental and therapeutic conditions involved in promoting, selecting and maintaining NB CSC subpopulations, and that underpin their therapy-resistant, self-renewing metastatic behaviour. Finally, we review potential therapeutic strategies and future prospects for targeting and eradication of these bastions of NB therapeutic resistance, post-therapeutic relapse and metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Rosella Farina
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Lucia Annamaria Cappabianca
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Veronica Zelli
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Michela Sebastiano
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy
| | - Andrew Reay Mackay
- Department of Applied Clinical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, AQ, Italy.
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13
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Yu W, Xie CR, Chen FC, Cheng P, Yang L, Pan XY. LGR5 enhances the osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:889. [PMID: 34194567 PMCID: PMC8237272 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is a Wnt-associated gene that contributes to cell proliferation and self-renewal in various organs. LGR5 is expressed in Ewing sarcoma, and LGR5-overexpressing mesenchymal stem cells promote fracture healing. However, the effects of LGR5 on osteoblastic differentiation remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the function of LGR5 in osteoblastic differentiation. LGR5 was overexpressed or knocked down in the MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cell line via lentiviral transfection and its function in osteoblastic differentiation was investigated. The mRNA expression levels of the osteoblast differentiation markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin and collagen type I a1 were determined, and ALP and Alizarin red staining were performed. In addition, the effects of LGR5 modulation on β-catenin and the expression of target genes in the Wnt pathway were investigated. The results revealed that the overexpression of LGR5 promoted osteoblastic differentiation. This was associated with enhancement of the stability of β-catenin and its levels in the cell nucleus, which enabled it to activate Wnt signaling. By contrast, the inhibition of LGR5 decreased the osteogenic capacity of MC3T3-E1 cells. These results indicate that LGR5 is a positive regulator of osteoblastic differentiation, whose effects are mediated through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This suggests suggesting that the regulation of LGR5/Wnt/β-catenin signaling has potential as a therapy for osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Chao-Ran Xie
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Fan-Cheng Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Pei Cheng
- Institute of Advanced Materials for Nano-Bio Applications, School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Yang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Yun Pan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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14
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Park S, Wu L, Tu J, Yu W, Toh Y, Carmon KS, Liu QJ. Unlike LGR4, LGR5 potentiates Wnt-β-catenin signaling without sequestering E3 ligases. Sci Signal 2020; 13:13/660/eaaz4051. [PMID: 33262293 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaz4051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
LGR4 and LGR5 encode two homologous receptors with critical, yet distinct, roles in organ development and adult stem cell survival. Both receptors are coexpressed in intestinal crypt stem cells, bind to R-spondins (RSPOs) with high affinity, and potentiate Wnt-β-catenin signaling, presumably by the same mechanism: forming RSPO-bridged complexes with the E3 ligases RNF43 and ZNRF3 to inhibit ubiquitylation of Wnt receptors. However, direct evidence for RSPO-bound, full-length LGR5 interacting with these E3 ligases in whole cells has not been reported, and only LGR4 is essential for the self-renewal of intestinal stem cells. Here, we examined the mechanisms of action of LGR4 and LGR5 in parallel using coimmunoprecipitation, proximity ligation, competition binding, and time-resolved FRET assays in whole cells. Full-length LGR4 formed a tight complex with ZNRF3 and RNF43 even without RSPO, whereas LGR5 did not interact with either E3 ligase with or without RSPO. Domain-swapping experiments with LGR4 and LGR5 revealed that the seven-transmembrane domain of LGR4 conferred interaction with the E3 ligases. Native LGR4 and LGR5 existed as dimers on the cell surface, and LGR5 interacted with both FZD and LRP6 of the Wnt signalosome to enhance LRP6 phosphorylation and potentiate Wnt-β-catenin signaling. These findings provide a molecular basis for the weaker activity of LGR5 in the potentiation of Wnt signaling that may underlie the distinct roles of LGR4 and LGR5 in organ development, as well as the self-renewal and fitness of adult stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyun Park
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ling Wu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianghua Tu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Wangsheng Yu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yukimatsu Toh
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kendra S Carmon
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Qingyun J Liu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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15
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Giwa A, Fatai A, Gamieldien J, Christoffels A, Bendou H. Identification of novel prognostic markers of survival time in high-risk neuroblastoma using gene expression profiles. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4293-4305. [PMID: 33245713 PMCID: PMC7679032 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in childhood. Patients in high-risk group often have poor outcomes with low survival rates despite several treatment options. This study aimed to identify a genetic signature from gene expression profiles that can serve as prognostic indicators of survival time in patients of high-risk neuroblastoma, and that could be potential therapeutic targets. RNA-seq count data was downloaded from UCSC Xena browser and samples grouped into Short Survival (SS) and Long Survival (LS) groups. Differential gene expression (DGE) analysis, enrichment analyses, regulatory network analysis and machine learning (ML) prediction of survival group were performed. Forty differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified including genes involved in molecular function activities essential for tumor proliferation. DEGs used as features for prediction of survival groups included EVX2, NHLH2, PRSS12, POU6F2, HOXD10, MAPK15, RTL1, LGR5, CYP17A1, OR10AB1P, MYH14, LRRTM3, GRIN3A, HS3ST5, CRYAB and NXPH3. An accuracy score of 82% was obtained by the ML classification models. SMIM28 was revealed to possibly have a role in tumor proliferation and aggressiveness. Our results indicate that these DEGs can serve as prognostic indicators of survival in high-risk neuroblastoma patients and will assist clinicians in making better therapeutic and patient management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulazeez Giwa
- SAMRC Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Azeez Fatai
- Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Junaid Gamieldien
- SAMRC Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Alan Christoffels
- SAMRC Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Hocine Bendou
- SAMRC Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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16
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Takamori M. Myasthenia Gravis: From the Viewpoint of Pathogenicity Focusing on Acetylcholine Receptor Clustering, Trans-Synaptic Homeostasis and Synaptic Stability. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:86. [PMID: 32547365 PMCID: PMC7272578 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disease of the postsynaptic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) where nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (AChRs) are targeted by autoantibodies. Search for other pathogenic antigens has detected the antibodies against muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) and low-density lipoprotein-related protein 4 (Lrp4), both causing pre- and post-synaptic impairments. Agrin is also suspected as a fourth pathogen. In a complex NMJ organization centering on MuSK: (1) the Wnt non-canonical pathway through the Wnt-Lrp4-MuSK cysteine-rich domain (CRD)-Dishevelled (Dvl, scaffold protein) signaling acts to form AChR prepatterning with axonal guidance; (2) the neural agrin-Lrp4-MuSK (Ig1/2 domains) signaling acts to form rapsyn-anchored AChR clusters at the innervated stage of muscle; (3) adaptor protein Dok-7 acts on MuSK activation for AChR clustering from “inside” and also on cytoskeleton to stabilize AChR clusters by the downstream effector Sorbs1/2; (4) the trans-synaptic retrograde signaling contributes to the presynaptic organization via: (i) Wnt-MuSK CRD-Dvl-β catenin-Slit 2 pathway; (ii) Lrp4; and (iii) laminins. The presynaptic Ca2+ homeostasis conditioning ACh release is modified by autoreceptors such as M1-type muscarinic AChR and A2A adenosine receptors. The post-synaptic structure is stabilized by: (i) laminin-network including the muscle-derived agrin; (ii) the extracellular matrix proteins (including collagen Q/perlecan and biglycan which link to MuSK Ig1 domain and CRD); and (iii) the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex. The study on MuSK ectodomains (Ig1/2 domains and CRD) recognized by antibodies suggested that the MuSK antibodies were pathologically heterogeneous due to their binding to multiple functional domains. Focussing one of the matrix proteins, biglycan which functions in the manner similar to collagen Q, our antibody assay showed the negative result in MG patients. However, the synaptic stability may be impaired by antibodies against MuSK ectodomains because of the linkage of biglycan with MuSK Ig1 domain and CRD. The pathogenic diversity of MG is discussed based on NMJ signaling molecules.
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17
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A Wnt-BMP4 Signaling Axis Induces MSX and NOTCH Proteins and Promotes Growth Suppression and Differentiation in Neuroblastoma. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030783. [PMID: 32210188 PMCID: PMC7140810 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathways are known to be crucial in the development of neural crest lineages, including the sympathetic nervous system. Surprisingly, their role in paediatric neuroblastoma, the prototypic tumor arising from this lineage, remains relatively uncharacterised. We previously demonstrated that Wnt/b-catenin signaling can have cell-type-specific effects on neuroblastoma phenotypes, including growth inhibition and differentiation, and that BMP4 mRNA and protein were induced by Wnt3a/Rspo2. In this study, we characterised the phenotypic effects of BMP4 on neuroblastoma cells, demonstrating convergent induction of MSX homeobox transcription factors by Wnt and BMP4 signaling and BMP4-induced growth suppression and differentiation. An immunohistochemical analysis of BMP4 expression in primary neuroblastomas confirms a striking absence of BMP4 in poorly differentiated tumors, in contrast to a high expression in ganglion cells. These results are consistent with a tumor suppressive role for BMP4 in neuroblastoma. RNA sequencing following BMP4 treatment revealed induction of Notch signaling, verified by increases of Notch3 and Hes1 proteins. Together, our data demonstrate, for the first time, Wnt-BMP-Notch signaling crosstalk associated with growth suppression of neuroblastoma.
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18
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A1CF-promoted colony formation and proliferation of RCC depends on DKK1-MEK/ERK signal axis. Gene 2019; 730:144299. [PMID: 31881249 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.144299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 12/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The function and mechanism of RNA editing proteins have been extensively studied, but its association with cellular processes and signaling pathways remained unaddressed. Here, we explored the function of RNA editing complementary protein- Apobec-1 Complementation Factor (A1CF) in the proliferation and colony formation of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells. Decreased A1CF expression inhibits the proliferation and colony formation of 786-O cells; and further signaling pathway screening demonstrated that A1CF increases ERK activation and DKK1 expression. Moreover, knockdown of DKK1 has similar phenotypes with A1CF deficiency in 786-O cells on cell proliferation and colony formation and ERK activation. Decreasing of DKK1 expression reduces the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and MEK1/2 increased by A1CF overexpression; further, inhibiting of the phosphorylation of MEK1/2 by U0126 also decreases the ERK activation upregulated by A1CF overexpression. Deficiency of DKK1 or U0126 treatment suppresses the cell proliferation promoted by A1CF overexpression in 786-O cells; furthermore, U0126 treatment inhibits DKK1-increased cell proliferation in 786-O cells. Our results reveal that DKK1 mediates A1CF to activate ERK in promotion renal carcinoma cell proliferation and colony formation. For the important function of ERK signaling pathway in tumor metastasis and key position of DKK1 in Wnt signaling pathway, we associate RNA editing protein-A1CF with multiple cellular processes and signaling pathways through DKK1, and the key node of A1CF-DKK1-MEK/ERK axis is a potential targeting site for RCC therapy.
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19
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Aravindan N, Jain D, Somasundaram DB, Herman TS, Aravindan S. Cancer stem cells in neuroblastoma therapy resistance. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2019; 2:948-967. [PMID: 31867574 PMCID: PMC6924637 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common cancer of infancy and accounts for nearly one tenth of pediatric cancer deaths. This mortality rate has been attributed to the > 50% frequency of relapse despite intensive, multimodal clinical therapy in patients with progressive NB. Given the disease’s heterogeneity and developed resistance, attaining a cure after relapse of progressive NB is highly challenging. A rapid decrease in the timeline between successive recurrences is likely due to the ongoing acquisition of genetic rearrangements in undifferentiated NB-cancer stem cells (CSCs). In this review, we present the current understanding of NB-CSCs, their intrinsic role in tumorigenesis, their function in disease progression, and their influence on acquired therapy resistance and tumor evolution. In particular, this review focus on the intrinsic involvement of stem cells and signaling in the genesis of NB, the function of pre-existing CSCs in NB progression and therapy response, the formation and influence of induced CSCs (iCSCs) in drug resistance and tumor evolution, and the development of a CSC-targeted therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natarajan Aravindan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Pathology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Drishti Jain
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Dinesh Babu Somasundaram
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
| | - Terence S Herman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.,Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA
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20
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Hwang M, Han MH, Park HH, Choi H, Lee KY, Lee YJ, Kim JM, Cheong JH, Ryu JI, Min KW, Oh YH, Ko Y, Koh SH. LGR5 and Downstream Intracellular Signaling Proteins Play Critical Roles in the Cell Proliferation of Neuroblastoma, Meningioma and Pituitary Adenoma. Exp Neurobiol 2019; 28:628-641. [PMID: 31698554 PMCID: PMC6844835 DOI: 10.5607/en.2019.28.5.628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) has been reported to play critical roles in the proliferation of various cancer cells. However, the roles of LGR5 in brain tumors and the specific intracellular signaling proteins directly associated with it remain unknown. Expression of LGR5 was first measured in normal brain tissue, meningioma, and pituitary adenoma of humans. To identify the downstream signaling pathways of LGR5, siRNA-mediated knockdown of LGR5 was performed in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells followed by proteomics analysis with 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE). In addition, the expression of LGR5-associated proteins was evaluated in LGR5-inhibited neuroblastoma cells and in human normal brain, meningioma, and pituitary adenoma tissue. Proteomics analysis showed 12 protein spots were significantly different in expression level (more than two-fold change) and subsequently identified by peptide mass fingerprinting. A protein association network was constructed from the 12 identified proteins altered by LGR5 knockdown. Direct and indirect interactions were identified among the 12 proteins. HSP 90-beta was one of the proteins whose expression was altered by LGR5 knockdown. Likewise, we observed decreased expression of proteins in the hnRNP subfamily following LGR5 knockdown. In addition, we have for the first time identified significantly higher hnRNP family expression in meningioma and pituitary adenoma compared to normal brain tissue. Taken together, LGR5 and its downstream signaling play critical roles in neuroblastoma and brain tumors such as meningioma and pituitary adenoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Hwang
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Myung-Hoon Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Hyun-Hee Park
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Hojin Choi
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Kyu-Yong Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Young Joo Lee
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Jae Min Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Jin Hwan Cheong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Je Il Ryu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Kyueng-Whan Min
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Young-Ha Oh
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea
| | - Yong Ko
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Seong-Ho Koh
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Guri 11923, Korea.,Department of Translational Medicine, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Seoul 04763, Korea
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Xu L, Lin W, Wen L, Li G. Lgr5 in cancer biology: functional identification of Lgr5 in cancer progression and potential opportunities for novel therapy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:219. [PMID: 31358061 PMCID: PMC6664754 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1288-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the leading lethal diseases worldwide. Identifying biomarkers of cancers might provide insights into the strategies for the development of novel targeted anti-cancer therapies. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) has been recently discovered as a candidate marker of cancer stem cell populations. Aberrant increased expression of Lgr5 may represent one of the most common molecular alterations in some human cancers, leading to long-term potentiation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. On the other hand, however, Lgr5-mediated suppression in canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling has also been reported in certain cancers, such as B cell malignancies. Until now, therapeutic approaches targeting Lgr5-associated signaling axis are not yet clinically available. Increasing evidence have indicated that endogenous Lgr5+ cell population is implicated in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. This review is to summarize our current knowledge about the importance of Lgr5 in cancer biology and the underlying molecular mechanisms of Lgr5-mediated tumor-promoting/suppressive activities, as well as potentially useful preventive strategies in treating tumor. Therefore, targeted therapeutic modulation of Lgr5+ cancer cell population by targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling through targeted drug delivery system or targeted genome editing might be promising for potential novel anti-cancer treatments. Simultaneously, combination of therapeutics targeting both Lgr5+ and Lgr5- cancer cells may deserve further consideration considering the plasticity of cancer cells. Also, a more specific targeting of cancer cells using double biomarkers may be much safer and more effective for anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Lingnan Medical Research Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weiping Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR PRC
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR PRC
| | - Longping Wen
- Nanobio Laboratory, Institute of Life Sciences, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR PRC
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Lui Che Woo Institute of Innovative Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR PRC
- The CUHK-ACC Space Medicine Centre on Health Maintenance of Musculoskeletal System, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
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Becker J, Wilting J. WNT Signaling in Neuroblastoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071013. [PMID: 31331081 PMCID: PMC6679057 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The term WNT (wingless-type MMTV integration site family) signaling comprises a complex molecular pathway consisting of ligands, receptors, coreceptors, signal transducers and transcriptional modulators with crucial functions during embryonic development, including all aspects of proliferation, morphogenesis and differentiation. Its involvement in cancer biology is well documented. Even though WNT signaling has been divided into mainly three distinct branches in the past, increasing evidence shows that some molecular hubs can act in various branches by exchanging interaction partners. Here we discuss developmental and clinical aspects of WNT signaling in neuroblastoma (NB), an embryonic tumor with an extremely broad clinical spectrum, ranging from spontaneous differentiation to fatal outcome. We discuss implications of WNT molecules in NB onset, progression, and relapse due to chemoresistance. In the light of the still too high number of NB deaths, new pathways must be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juergen Becker
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Goettingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Goettingen, Germany.
| | - Joerg Wilting
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Goettingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
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Xu CF, Liu YJ, Wang Y, Mao YF, Xu DF, Dong WW, Zhu XY, Jiang L. Downregulation of R-Spondin1 Contributes to Mechanical Stretch-Induced Lung Injury. Crit Care Med 2019; 47:e587-e596. [PMID: 31205087 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0000000000003767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The R-spondin family attenuates tissue damage via tightening endothelium and preventing vascular leakage. This study aims to investigate whether R-spondins protect against mechanical stretch-induced endothelial dysfunction and lung injury and to reveal the underlying mechanisms. DESIGN Randomized controlled study. SETTING University research laboratory. SUBJECTS Patients scheduled to undergo surgery with mechanical ventilation support. Adult male Institute of Cancer Research mice. Primary cultured mouse lung vascular endothelial cells. INTERVENTIONS Patients underwent a surgical procedure with mechanical ventilation support of 3 hours or more. Mice were subjected to mechanical ventilation (6 or 30 mL/kg) for 0.5-4 hours. Another group of mice were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide, and 12 hours later subjected to mechanical ventilation (10 mL/kg) for 4 hours. Mouse lung vascular endothelial cells were subjected to cyclic stretch for 4 hours. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS R-spondin1 were downregulated in both surgical patients and experimental animals exposed to mechanical ventilation. Intratracheal instillation of R-spondin1 attenuated, whereas knockdown of pulmonary R-spondin1 exacerbated ventilator-induced lung injury and mechanical stretch-induced lung vascular endothelial cell apoptosis. The antiapoptotic effect of R-spondin1 was mediated through the leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 in cyclic stretched mouse lung vascular endothelial cells. We identified apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 2 as the intracellular signaling protein interacted with leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor 5. R-spondin1 treatment decreased the interaction of apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 2 with p53 while increased the binding of apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 2 to leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor 5, therefore resulting in inactivation of p53-mediated proapoptotic pathway in cyclic stretched mouse lung vascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Mechanical ventilation leads to down-regulation of R-spondin1. R-spondin1 may enhance the interaction of leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor 5 and apoptosis-stimulating protein of p53 2, thus inactivating p53-mediated proapoptotic pathway in cyclic stretched mouse lung vascular endothelial cells. R-spondin1 may have clinical benefit in alleviating mechanical ventilator-induced lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Fan Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Kinesiology, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Jian Liu
- School of Kinesiology, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Fei Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dun-Feng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Kinesiology, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Wen Dong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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El-Shazly SS, Hassan NM, Abdellateif MS, El Taweel MA, Abd-Elwahab N, Ebeid EN. The role of β-catenin and paired-like homeobox 2B (PHOX2B) expression in neuroblastoma patients; predictive and prognostic value. Exp Mol Pathol 2019; 110:104272. [PMID: 31220430 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2019.104272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expression of β-catenin and paired-like homeobox 2B (PHOX2B) expression were assessed in Neuroblastoma (NB) patients as a diagnostic, prognostic and/or predictive markers. METHODS Bone marrow (BM) samples of 52 NB patients were assessed for the expression of β-catenin by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and PHOX2B by real time PCR (RT-PCR), compared to 12 healthy normal controls (NC). The data were correlated to the clinic-pathological features of the patients, response to treatment and disease relapse. RESULTS β-catenin was expressed in 40 (76.92%) patients (P < .001). While PHOX2B was expressed in 32/52 (61.5%) patients, with a fold change of 0.29 (0.01-40.0, P = .096). β-catenin expression associated significantly with advanced tumor stage, high risk, positive results by MIBG and bone scan (P = .002, P < .001, P = .006, P = .013; respectively). Also it associated significantly with synaptophysin expression in the BM biopsy (P < .001), with a significant concordance (K = 0.519, P < .001). The expression of β-catenin associated significantly with PHOX2B gene expression [28/32 (87.5%), P = .04], and its fold change (P = .027), with a significant measure of agreement (K = 0.297, P = .022). The fold change of PHOX2B gene expression associated significantly with the high risk of the patients (P = .04). Poor response to treatment associated significantly with the expression of neuron specific enolase (NSE), β-catenin and PHOX2B in NB patients (P = .021, P = .019 and P = .040; respectively). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of synaptophysin for the diagnosis of BM metastasis in NB patients were (69%, 65.2%, 71.4%, 62.5%; respectively, P = .024). While with β-catenin (93.1%, 43.5%, 67.5%, 83.3%; respectively, P = .003), and PHOX2B expression (65.5%, 34.5%, 59.4%, 50%; respectively, P = .574). CONCLUSION β-Catenin could be used as a sensitive and reliable marker for detection of BM metastasis and also a good predictor for resistance to treatment in NB patients. While, PHOX2B gene expression in BM aspirate could be a marker for high risk patients and poor response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar S El-Shazly
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11976, Egypt
| | - Naglaa M Hassan
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11976, Egypt
| | - Mona S Abdellateif
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11976, Egypt.
| | - Maha A El Taweel
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11976, Egypt
| | - Nahed Abd-Elwahab
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11976, Egypt
| | - Emad N Ebeid
- Pediatric Oncology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo 11976, Egypt
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Salaroglio IC, Mungo E, Gazzano E, Kopecka J, Riganti C. ERK is a Pivotal Player of Chemo-Immune-Resistance in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102505. [PMID: 31117237 PMCID: PMC6566596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular signal-related kinases (ERKs) act as pleiotropic molecules in tumors, where they activate pro-survival pathways leading to cell proliferation and migration, as well as modulate apoptosis, differentiation, and senescence. Given its central role as sensor of extracellular signals, ERK transduction system is widely exploited by cancer cells subjected to environmental stresses, such as chemotherapy and anti-tumor activity of the host immune system. Aggressive tumors have a tremendous ability to adapt and survive in stressing and unfavorable conditions. The simultaneous resistance to chemotherapy and immune system responses is common, and ERK signaling plays a key role in both types of resistance. In this review, we dissect the main ERK-dependent mechanisms and feedback circuitries that simultaneously determine chemoresistance and immune-resistance/immune-escape in cancer cells. We discuss the pros and cons of targeting ERK signaling to induce chemo-immune-sensitization in refractory tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris C Salaroglio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Mungo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Elena Gazzano
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Joanna Kopecka
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, via Santena 5/bis, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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Yu F, Pang G, Zhao G. RETRACTED: ANRIL acts as onco-lncRNA by regulation of microRNA-24/c-Myc, MEK/ERK and Wnt/β-catenin pathway in retinoblastoma. Int J Biol Macromol 2019; 128:583-592. [PMID: 30703428 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.01.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Authors. Current research findings in the authors' laboratory are in conflict with previous experimental results published in this paper. It was found that the data reported in figures 4 and 5 were not able to be replicated and so therefore the authors have decided that it is best for the scientific record to retract this paper. All the authors agree with the retraction. The authors apologise for any confusion this paper might have caused readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Qingdao Hiser Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266033, Shandong, China
| | - Guolong Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Guiqiu Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, Shandong, China.
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Szemes M, Greenhough A, Malik K. Wnt Signaling Is a Major Determinant of Neuroblastoma Cell Lineages. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:90. [PMID: 31040767 PMCID: PMC6476918 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The neural crest (NC), which has been referred to as the fourth germ layer, comprises a multipotent cell population which will specify diverse cells and tissues, including craniofacial cartilage and bones, melanocytes, the adrenal medulla and the peripheral nervous system. These cell fates are known to be determined by gene regulatory networks (GRNs) acting at various stages of NC development, such as induction, specification, and migration. Although transcription factor hierarchies and some of their interplay with morphogenetic signaling pathways have been characterized, the full complexity of activities required for regulated development remains uncharted. Deregulation of these pathways may contribute to tumorigenesis, as in the case of neuroblastoma, a frequently lethal embryonic cancer thought to arise from the sympathoadrenal lineage of the NC. In this “Hypothesis and Theory” article, we utilize the next generation sequencing data from neuroblastoma cells and tumors to evaluate the possible influences of Wnt signaling on NC GRNs and on neuroblastoma cell lineages. We propose that Wnt signaling is a major determinant of regulatory networks that underlie mesenchymal/neural crest cell (NCC)-like cell identities through PRRX1 and YAP/TAZ transcription factors. Furthermore, Wnt may also co-operate with Hedgehog signaling in driving proneural differentiation programmes along the adrenergic (ADRN) lineage. Elucidation of Signaling Regulatory Networks can augment and complement GRNs in characterizing cell identities, which may in turn contribute to the design of improved therapeutics tailored to primary and relapsing neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Szemes
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Greenhough
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Karim Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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28
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Rot S, Kaune T, Taubert H, Greither T, Kotrba J, Güttler A, Wichmann H, Bilkenroth U, Wienke A, Al-Nawas B, Bache M, Vordermark D, Wickenhauser C, Bethmann D, Eckert AW, Kappler M. Prognostic impact of mRNA levels of LGR5 transcript variants in OSCC patients. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:155. [PMID: 30770730 PMCID: PMC6377725 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5327-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The human leucine-rich, repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is a stem cell marker in numerous adult tissues and is overexpressed in a large number of human carcinoma including colon cancer, breast cancer and oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). The role of the full length transcript (LGR5FL) in progression and prognosis of several cancers was reported. However, the biological function of three splice variants of LGR5 (LGR5Δ5, LGR5Δ8 and LGR5Δ5–8) has yet to be thoroughly investigated. Methods Seventy-eight frozen tumor samples from adult OSCC patients were studied using quantitative real-time TaqMan™ PCR analysis. The mRNA levels of full length LGR5, the splice variant of LGR5 lacking exon 5 (LGR5Δ5), the splice variant of LGR5 lacking exon 8 (LGR5Δ8) and the mRNA level of all known transcript variants together (LGR5all) were quantified and correlated to overall and disease-specific survival of OSCC patients, clinical parameters and the mRNA level of different tumor-associated markers. Results An elevated level of tumoral LGR5Δ5 mRNA, but not LGR5FL, LGR5Δ8 or LGR5all mRNA was significantly associated with a poor prognosis for the overall and disease-specific survival of OSCC patients (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.0; p = 0.02; 95% CI: 1.1–3.7; HR = 3.2; p = 0.01; 95% CI: 1.3–8.0; multivariable Cox regression), respectively. Additionally, a higher tumoral level of LGR5Δ5 mRNA in primary tumors was associated with the occurrence of regional lymph node metastases in OSCC patients (odds ratio (OR) = 3.1; p = 0.022; 95% CI: 1.2–7.9; binary logistic regression). Furthermore, the mRNA levels of all investigated LGR5 transcript variants were significantly correlated with the mRNA expression of Wnt-target genes and markers of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conclusion The mRNA level of the LGR5 splice variant LGR5Δ5 is an independent negative prognostic marker for overall and disease-specific survival and metastasis in OSCC patients. Additionally, we suggest, all LGR5 transcript variants are involved in the EMT process mainly through activating the Wnt-signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swetlana Rot
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str, 40 06097, Halle/Saale, Germany.
| | - Tom Kaune
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str, 40 06097, Halle/Saale, Germany.,Present address: Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Helge Taubert
- Clinic of Urology and Pediatric Urology, FA University Hospital Erlangen, FA University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thomas Greither
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Johanna Kotrba
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str, 40 06097, Halle/Saale, Germany.,Present address: Institute of Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Antje Güttler
- Department of Radiotherapy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Henri Wichmann
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str, 40 06097, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Wienke
- Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Informatics, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bilal Al-Nawas
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str, 40 06097, Halle/Saale, Germany.,Present address: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bache
- Department of Radiotherapy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Dirk Vordermark
- Department of Radiotherapy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Claudia Wickenhauser
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Bethmann
- Institute of Pathology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alexander W Eckert
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str, 40 06097, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Matthias Kappler
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Plastic Surgery, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str, 40 06097, Halle/Saale, Germany
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SYK Inhibition Potentiates the Effect of Chemotherapeutic Drugs on Neuroblastoma Cells in Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020202. [PMID: 30744170 PMCID: PMC6406899 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a malignancy arising from the developing sympathetic nervous system and the most common and deadly cancer of infancy. New therapies are needed to improve the prognosis for high-risk patients and to reduce toxicity and late effects. Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) has previously been identified as a promising drug target in various inflammatory diseases and cancers but has so far not been extensively studied as a potential therapeutic target in neuroblastoma. In this study, we observed elevated SYK gene expression in neuroblastoma compared to neural crest and benign neurofibroma. While SYK protein was detected in the majority of examined neuroblastoma tissues it was less frequently observed in neuroblastoma cell lines. Depletion of SYK by siRNA and the use of small molecule SYK inhibitors significantly reduced the cell viability of neuroblastoma cell lines expressing SYK protein. Moreover, SYK inhibition decreased ERK1/2 and Akt phosphorylation. The SYK inhibitor BAY 61-3606 enhanced the effect of different chemotherapeutic drugs. Transient expression of a constitutive active SYK variant increased the viability of neuroblastoma cells independent of endogenous SYK levels. Collectively, our findings suggest that targeting SYK in combination with conventional chemotherapy should be further evaluated as a treatment option in neuroblastoma.
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Xie G, Wu H, Cai W, Chen M, Huang W, Yan W, Chang Y. RDM1 promotes neuroblastoma growth through the RAS-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway. FEBS Open Bio 2019; 9:490-497. [PMID: 30868057 PMCID: PMC6396142 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.12586] [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: 09/17/2018] [Revised: 12/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an aggressive cancer that originates in the sympathetic nervous system and primarily affects children. Here, we show that high levels of RAD52 motif containing 1 (RDM1; a protein with similarities to RAD52, which is important for double-strand DNA repair) are associated with poor clinical outcomes for NB. In addition, RDM1-/- cells exhibited increased sensitivity to cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug, and disruption of RDM1 suppressed NB cell proliferation. We also report that loss of RDM1 augmented cell apoptosis and induced cell cycle arrest, and that stable knockdown of RDM1 significantly inhibited NB tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Importantly, we identified that RDM1 promoted cell proliferation via the RAS-Raf-mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates a correlation between DNA damage regulator RDM1 and the oncogenic RAS-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway in NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guojin Xie
- Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Jiangsu China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Jiangsu China
| | - Weiluo Cai
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Shanghai Cancer Center Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Shanghai Cancer Center Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Wending Huang
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Shanghai Cancer Center Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Wangjun Yan
- Department of Musculoskeletal Tumor Shanghai Cancer Center Fudan University Shanghai China
| | - Yong Chang
- Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Jiangsu China
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Activation of microglia synergistically enhances neurodegeneration caused by MPP + in human SH-SY5Y cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 850:64-74. [PMID: 30684467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
While MPP+ may not directly activate microglia, the initial neuronal damage inflicted by the toxin may trigger microglia, possibly leading to synergistic pro-apoptotic interaction between neuro-inflammation and toxin-induced neurotoxicity, which may further aggravate neurodegeneration. However, what molecular targets are synergistically up or downregulated during this interaction is not well understood. Here, we addressed this by co-culturing fully differentiated human SH-SY5Y cells treated with parkinsonian toxin 1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+), with endotoxin-activated microglial cell line EOC 20 to determine how this interaction affects pro-apoptotic (p38, JNK, and bax:bcl2 ratios) and pro-survival (NF-κB, MEK1) signaling at both mRNA and protein levels. Concurrent MPP+ and endotoxin-treatment aggravated a decrease in SH-SY5Y cell viability and caused strong synergistic increases in the bax:bcl2 ratio, but also NF-κB and JNK signaling. These effects were attenuated by microglia inhibitor minocycline. Altogether, these data provide further molecular insights into the important role or even conditional requirement of microglia activation in the progressive neurodegenerative nature of PD.
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Ogorodnikov A, Levin M, Tattikota S, Tokalov S, Hoque M, Scherzinger D, Marini F, Poetsch A, Binder H, Macher-Göppinger S, Probst HC, Tian B, Schaefer M, Lackner KJ, Westermann F, Danckwardt S. Transcriptome 3'end organization by PCF11 links alternative polyadenylation to formation and neuronal differentiation of neuroblastoma. Nat Commun 2018; 9:5331. [PMID: 30552333 PMCID: PMC6294251 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-07580-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Diversification at the transcriptome 3'end is an important and evolutionarily conserved layer of gene regulation associated with differentiation and dedifferentiation processes. Here, we identify extensive transcriptome 3'end-alterations in neuroblastoma, a tumour entity with a paucity of recurrent somatic mutations and an unusually high frequency of spontaneous regression. Utilising extensive RNAi-screening we reveal the landscape and drivers of transcriptome 3'end-diversification, discovering PCF11 as critical regulator, directing alternative polyadenylation (APA) of hundreds of transcripts including a differentiation RNA-operon. PCF11 shapes inputs converging on WNT-signalling, and governs cell cycle, proliferation, apoptosis and neurodifferentiation. Postnatal PCF11 down-regulation induces a neurodifferentiation program, and low-level PCF11 in neuroblastoma associates with favourable outcome and spontaneous tumour regression. Our findings document a critical role for APA in tumorigenesis and describe a novel mechanism for cell fate reprogramming in neuroblastoma with potentially important clinical implications. We provide an interactive data repository of transcriptome-wide APA covering > 170 RNAis, and an APA-network map with regulatory hubs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Ogorodnikov
- Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation, Cancer Research and Experimental Haemostasis, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (CTH), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- McManus Laboratory, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Michal Levin
- Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation, Cancer Research and Experimental Haemostasis, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (CTH), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Surendra Tattikota
- Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation, Cancer Research and Experimental Haemostasis, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (CTH), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Sergey Tokalov
- Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation, Cancer Research and Experimental Haemostasis, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (CTH), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Mainul Hoque
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Denise Scherzinger
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Federico Marini
- Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (CTH), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Ansgar Poetsch
- Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Bad Nauheim, 61231, Germany
- Institute for Plant Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, 44801, Germany
- School of Biomedical & Healthcare Sciences, Plymouth University, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom
| | - Harald Binder
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Freiburg, 79104, Germany
| | | | - Hans Christian Probst
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Bin Tian
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Michael Schaefer
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Research Centre Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Karl J Lackner
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Sven Danckwardt
- Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation, Cancer Research and Experimental Haemostasis, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany.
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany.
- Centre for Thrombosis and Haemostasis (CTH), University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, 55131, Germany.
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Mainz, 55131, Germany.
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Samadani AA, Norollahi SE, Rashidy-Pour A, Mansour-Ghanaei F, Nemati S, Joukar F, Afshar AM, Ghazanfari S, Safizadeh M, Rostami P, Gatei M. Cancer signaling pathways with a therapeutic approach: An overview in epigenetic regulations of cancer stem cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:590-599. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Luo G, Feng R, Sun Y, Zheng L, Wang Y, Chen Y, Wen T. Dendritic cell factor 1 inhibits proliferation and migration and induces apoptosis of neuroblastoma cells by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2018; 41:103-112. [PMID: 30365123 PMCID: PMC6278510 DOI: 10.3892/or.2018.6796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid tumor that affects mainly children and has extremely high mortality and recurrence rates. A previous study revealed that dendritic cell factor 1 (DCF1), also called transmembrane protein 59, could activate apoptosis in glioma cells. In the present study, we applied immunofluorescence, western blot analysis, flow cytometry and cell tumorigenicity to investigate the DCF1 mechanisms involved in NB apoptosis. DCF1 was overexpressed in Neuro-2a and SK-N-SH cells through instantaneous transfection. The data revealed that overexpression of DCF1 could inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion and promote cell apoptosis in vitro, and suppress NB growth in vivo. The ERK1/2 signaling pathway, which promotes cell survival, was the target of DCF1 in neuroblastoma cells. All the results indicated that DCF1 could be a potential therapeutic target for the understanding and treatment of NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghong Luo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China
| | - Ruili Feng
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China
| | - Yangyang Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China
| | - Lili Zheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China
| | - Yajiang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China
| | - Yanlu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China
| | - Tieqiao Wen
- Laboratory of Molecular Neural Biology, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P.R. China
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Shi S, Chen X, Liu H, Yu K, Bao Y, Chai J, Gao H, Zou L. LGR5 acts as a target of miR-340-5p in the suppression of cell progression and drug resistance in breast cancer via Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Gene 2018; 683:47-53. [PMID: 30300682 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors among females. Recent studies demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) played an important role in the regulation of tumor progression. In our present study, we firstly detected miR-340-5p expression in breast cancer cell lines and found lower expression of miR-340-5p in breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, BT-549, ZR-75-1) through qRT-PCR. Overexpressed miR-340-5p inhibited cell proliferation and drug resistance to docetaxel with enhanced cell apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Through bioinformatic prediction, we found that LGR5 was a potential target of miR-340-5p. LGR5 was highly expressed in breast cancer cells. Relative expression of LGR5 was negatively regulated by miR-340-5p. Knockdown of LGR5 also inhibited cell proliferation and drug resistance to docetaxel with enhanced cell apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown of LGR5 decreased the expression of β-catenin, c-myc, Survivin. The activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway contracted the effects of LGR5 siRNA, indicating that LGR5 siRNA inhibited cell proliferation and drug resistance with induced apoptosis via suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in breast cancer. Taken together, our study demonstrated that overexpressed miR-340-5p inhibited cell proliferation and drug resistance with increased apoptosis of breast cancer cells through down-regulating LGR5 expression via Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The miR-340-5p/LGR5 axis may provide a new perspective for treatment for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Shi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jinhua People's Hospital, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua People's Hospital Joint Center for Biomedical Research, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jinhua People's Hospital, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jinhua People's Hospital, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua People's Hospital Joint Center for Biomedical Research, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Keda Yu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jinhua People's Hospital, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yun Bao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jinhua People's Hospital, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Juan Chai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jinhua People's Hospital, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Gao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jinhua People's Hospital, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Libo Zou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Jinhua People's Hospital, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China; Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua People's Hospital Joint Center for Biomedical Research, Jinhua 321000, Zhejiang, China.
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Zhang J, Cai H, Sun L, Zhan P, Chen M, Zhang F, Ran Y, Wan J. LGR5, a novel functional glioma stem cell marker, promotes EMT by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and predicts poor survival of glioma patients. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:225. [PMID: 30208924 PMCID: PMC6136228 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0864-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Tumor recurrence, the chief reason for poor prognosis of glioma, is largely attributed to glioma stem cells (GSCs) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, the mechanisms among them remain unknown. Here, we determined whether leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), known as a stem cell marker for colon cancer and gastric cancer, can serve as a novel GSC marker involved in EMT and a therapeutic target in glioma. Methods Stemness properties were examined in FACS-isolated LGR5+/LGR5− cells. Reported stem cell markers, EMT and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were examined in stable LGR5 knockdown or overexpressed GSCs by Western Blot. The treatment experiment was performed in an intracranial orthotopic xenograft model by knockdown of LGR5 or by using the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor Wnt-C59. LGR5 expression was determined in 268 glioma specimens by immunohistochemistry. Results LGR5+ cells possessed stronger stemness properties compared to LGR5− cells. The expression of SOX2, Nanog, CD133, CD44, CD24 and EpCAM was modulated by LGR5. Both LGR5 knockdown and Wnt-C59 reduced tumor invasion and migration and blocked EMT by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in vitro and suppressed the intracranial orthotopic xenograft growth and prolonged the survival of xenograft mice in vivo. Moreover, LGR5 was positively correlated with Ki67, N-cadherin and WHO grade and negatively correlated with IDH1. Glioma patients with high expression of LGR5 showed significantly poorer prognosis. Conclusions LGR5 is a new functional GSC marker and prognostic indicator that can promote EMT by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and would thus be a novel therapeutic target for glioma. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0864-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Hongqing Cai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Lixin Sun
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Panpan Zhan
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Meng Chen
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yuliang Ran
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Jinghai Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Aberrant miRNAs Regulate the Biological Hallmarks of Glioblastoma. Neuromolecular Med 2018; 20:452-474. [PMID: 30182330 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-018-8507-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
GBM is the highest incidence in primary intracranial malignancy, and it remains poor prognosis even though the patient is gave standard treatment. Despite decades of intense research, the complex biology of GBM remains elusive. In view of eight hallmarks of cancer which were proposed in 2011, studies related to the eight biological capabilities in GBM have made great progress. From these studies, it can be inferred that miRs, as a mode of post-transcriptional regulation, are involved in regulating these malignant biological hallmarks of GBM. Herein, we discuss state-of-the-art research on how aberrant miRs modulate the eight hallmarks of GBM. The upregulation of 'oncomiRs' or the genetic loss of tumor suppressor miRs is associated with these eight biological capabilities acquired during GBM formation. Furthermore, we also discuss the applicable clinical potential of these research results. MiRs may aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of GBM. Moreover, miRs are also therapeutic targets of GBM. These studies will develop and improve precision medicine for GBM in the future.
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38
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STAT3 exacerbates survival of cancer stem-like tumorspheres in EGFR-positive colorectal cancers: RNAseq analysis and therapeutic screening. J Biomed Sci 2018; 25:60. [PMID: 30068339 PMCID: PMC6090986 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-018-0456-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer stem cells are capable of undergoing cell division after surviving cancer therapies, leading to tumor progression and recurrence. Inhibitory agents against cancer stem cells may be therapeutically used for efficiently eradicating tumors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the relevant driver genes that maintain cancer stemness in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-positive colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and to discover effective therapeutic agents against these genes. Methods In this study, EGFR-positive cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) derived from HCT116 and HT29 cells were used as study models for in vitro inductions. To identify the differential genes that maintain CSLCs, RNAseq analysis was conducted followed by bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, a panel containing 172 therapeutic agents targeting the various pathways of stem cells was used to identify effective therapeutics against CSLCs. Results RNAseq analysis revealed that 654 and 840 genes were significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively, in the HCT116 CSLCs. Among these genes, notably, platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGFA) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were relevant according to the cancer pathway analyzed using NetworkAnalyst. Furthermore, therapeutic screening revealed that the agents targeting STAT3 and Wnt signaling pathways were efficient in reducing the cell viabilities of both HCT116 and HT29 cells. Consequently, we discovered that STAT3 inhibition using homoharringtonine and STAT3 knockdown significantly reduced the formation and survival of HT29-derived tumorspheres. We also observed that STAT3 phosphorylation was regulated by epidermal growth factor (EGF) to induce PDGFA and Wnt signaling cascades. Conclusions We identified the potential genes involved in tumorsphere formation and survival in selective EGFR-positive CRCs. The results reveal that the EGF-STAT3 signaling pathway promotes and maintains CRC stemness. In addition, a crosstalk between STAT3 and Wnt activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is also responsible for cancer stemness. Thus, STAT3 is a putative therapeutic target for CRC treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12929-018-0456-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Jang BG, Kim HS, Chang WY, Bae JM, Kim WH, Kang GH. Expression Profile of LGR5 and Its Prognostic Significance in Colorectal Cancer Progression. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:2236-2250. [PMID: 30036518 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the expression profile of leucine-rich, repeat-containing, G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) during colorectal cancer (CRC) progression and determined the prognostic impact of LGR5 in a large cohort of CRC samples. LGR5 expression was higher in CRCs than in normal mucosa, and was not associated with other cancer stem cell markers. LGR5 positivity was observed in 68% of 788 CRCs and was positively correlated with older age, moderately to well-differentiated cells, and nuclear β-catenin expression. Enhanced LGR5 expression remained persistent during the adenoma-carcinoma transition, but markedly declined in the budding cancer cells at the invasive fronts, which was not due to altered wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family (Wnt) or epithelial-mesenchymal transition signaling. LGR5 showed negative correlations with microsatellite instability and CpG island methylator phenotype, and was not associated with KRAS or BRAF mutation. Notably, LGR5 positivity was an independent prognostic marker for better clinical outcomes in CRC patients. LGR5 overexpression attenuated tumor growth by decreasing ERK phosphorylation along with decreased colony formation and migration abilities in DLD1 cells. Likewise, knockdown of LGR5 expression resulted in a decline in the colony-forming and migration capacities in LoVo cells. Taken together, our data suggest a suppressive role of LGR5 in CRC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Gun Jang
- Department of Pathology, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Sung Kim
- Department of Pathology, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Weon Young Chang
- Department of General Surgery, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Mo Bae
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Epigenetics, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Ho Kim
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeong Hoon Kang
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Laboratory of Epigenetics, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Liu W, Zhang J, Gan X, Shen F, Yang X, Du N, Xia D, Liu L, Qiao L, Pan J, Sun Y, Xi X. LGR5 promotes epithelial ovarian cancer proliferation, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition through the Notch1 signaling pathway. Cancer Med 2018; 7:3132-3142. [PMID: 29777575 PMCID: PMC6051213 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) plays a vital role in the development of malignant tumors; however, its biological role and underlying mechanism in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biological function and clinical significance of LGR5 in human EOC. We evaluated LGR5 expression in EOC cell lines and tissues from ovarian cancer patients by qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemical analysis. Cell proliferation, colony formation, transwell invasion assay, and scratch-wound assays were conducted to evaluate the expansion and invasion abilities of EOC cells. Tumor xenograft experiments were performed in female BALB/c athymic nude mice to test cell proliferation in vivo. Western blot analysis was performed to confirm the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature proteins and their association with Notch1 signaling. The results demonstrated that LGR5 was overexpressed in EOC tissues and cell lines. Aberrant expression of LGR5 was significantly associated with patient age (P = 0.006), tumor histologic type (P < 0.001), and distant metastasis (P = 0.025). Consistent with these findings, suppression of LGR5 expression led to decreased proliferation and metastasis of EOC cell lines. Furthermore, LGR5 could induce EMT and regulate the Notch1 signaling pathway. Taken together,LGR5 may have an important role in the promotion of tumorigenesis and metastasis of EOC and is a potential therapeutic target for EOC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxue Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The International Peace Maternity & Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xupei Gan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Fangqian Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Na Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Dandan Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Lianqiao Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Jufang Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Yunyan Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
| | - Xiaowei Xi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200080, China
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Targeting LGR5 in Colorectal Cancer: therapeutic gold or too plastic? Br J Cancer 2018; 118:1410-1418. [PMID: 29844449 PMCID: PMC5988707 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0118-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor (LGR5 or GPR49) potentiates canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling and is a marker of normal stem cells in several tissues, including the intestine. Consistent with stem cell potential, single isolated LGR5+ cells from the gut generate self-organising crypt/villus structures in vitro termed organoids or 'mini-guts', which accurately model the parent tissue. The well characterised deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling that occurs during the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in colorectal cancer (CRC) renders LGR5 an interesting therapeutic target. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrating that CRC tumours contain LGR5+ subsets and retain a degree of normal tissue architecture has heightened translational interest. Such reports fuel hope that specific subpopulations or molecules within a tumour may be therapeutically targeted to prevent relapse and induce long-term remissions. Despite these observations, many studies within this field have produced conflicting and confusing results with no clear consensus on the therapeutic value of LGR5. This review will recap the various oncogenic and tumour suppressive roles that have been described for the LGR5 molecule in CRC. It will further highlight recent studies indicating the plasticity or redundancy of LGR5+ cells in intestinal cancer progression and assess the overall merit of therapeutically targeting LGR5 in CRC.
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Wang Y, Gao S, Wang W, Xia Y, Liang J. Downregulation of N‑Myc inhibits neuroblastoma cell growth via the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:377-384. [PMID: 29749516 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma, one of the most common types of cancer in childhood, is commonly treated with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. However, prognosis and survival remain poor for children with high‑risk neuroblastoma. Therefore, the identification of novel, effective therapeutic targets is necessary. N‑Myc, a proto‑oncogene protein encoded by the v‑myc avial myelocytomatosis viral oncogene neuroblastoma derived homolog (MYCN) gene, is associated with tumorigenesis. In the present study, the effect of N‑Myc silencing on MYCN‑amplified CHP134 and BE‑2C neuroblastoma cells was evaluated, and the underlying molecular mechanism was investigated. N‑Myc was successfully knocked down using an N‑Myc‑specific small interfering RNA, the efficacy of interference efficiency confirmed by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay and apoptosis was measured by ELISA assay. The results indicated that MYCN silencing significantly decreased cell viability and promoted apoptosis. Subsequently, the expression levels of key Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway proteins were detected by western blotting, and MYCN silencing was demonstrated to inhibit Wnt/β‑catenin signaling, decreasing the expression ofanti‑apoptosis proteins and increasing the expression of pro‑apoptosis protein. This suggested that N‑Myc regulated survival and growth of CHP134 and BE‑2C neuroblastoma cells, potentially through Wnt/β‑catenin signaling. Furthermore, associated proteins, N‑Myc and STAT interactor and dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor 1, were demonstrated to be involved in this regulation. Therefore, N‑Myc and its downstream targets may provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingge Wang
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Weiguang Wang
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital of Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, Heilongjiang 154003, P.R. China
| | - Yuting Xia
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
| | - Jingyan Liang
- Research Center for Vascular Biology, College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225001, P.R. China
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43
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Szemes M, Greenhough A, Melegh Z, Malik S, Yuksel A, Catchpoole D, Gallacher K, Kollareddy M, Park JH, Malik K. Wnt Signalling Drives Context-Dependent Differentiation or Proliferation in Neuroblastoma. Neoplasia 2018; 20:335-350. [PMID: 29505958 PMCID: PMC5909736 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is one of the commonest and deadliest solid tumours of childhood, and is thought to result from disrupted differentiation of the developing sympathoadrenergic lineage of the neural crest. Neuroblastoma exhibits intra- and intertumoural heterogeneity, with high risk tumours characterised by poor differentiation, which can be attributable to MYCN-mediated repression of genes involved in neuronal differentiation. MYCN is known to co-operate with oncogenic signalling pathways such as Alk, Akt and MEK/ERK signalling, and, together with c-MYC has been shown to be activated by Wnt signalling in various tissues. However, our previous work demonstrated that Wnt3a/Rspo2 treatment of some neuroblastoma cell lines can, paradoxically, decrease c-MYC and MYCN proteins. This prompted us to define the neuroblastoma-specific Wnt3a/Rspo2-driven transcriptome using RNA sequencing, and characterise the accompanying changes in cell biology. Here we report the identification of ninety Wnt target genes, and show that Wnt signalling is upstream of numerous transcription factors and signalling pathways in neuroblastoma. Using live-cell imaging, we show that Wnt signalling can drive differentiation of SK-N-BE(2)-C and SH-SY5Y cell-lines, but, conversely, proliferation of SK-N-AS cells. We show that cell-lines that differentiate show induction of pro-differentiation BMP4 and EPAS1 proteins, which is not apparent in the SK-N-AS cells. In contrast, SK-N-AS cells show increased CCND1, phosphorylated RB and E2F1 in response to Wnt3a/Rspo2, consistent with their proliferative response, and these proteins are not increased in differentiating lines. By meta-analysis of the expression of our 90 genes in primary tumour gene expression databases, we demonstrate discrete expression patterns of our Wnt genes in patient cohorts with different prognosis. Furthermore our analysis reveals interconnectivity within subsets of our Wnt genes, with one subset comprised of novel putative drivers of neuronal differentiation repressed by MYCN. Assessment of β-catenin immunohistochemistry shows high levels of β-catenin in tumours with better differentiation, further supporting a role for canonical Wnt signalling in neuroblastoma differentiation.
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Key Words
- alk, anaplastic lymphoma kinase
- atra, all-trans-retinoic acid
- bmp4, bone morphogenetic protein 4
- ccnd1, cyclin d1
- egf, epidermal growth factor
- epas1, endothelial pas domain protein 1
- erk, extracellular signal-regulated kinases
- emt, epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- kegg, kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes
- mapk, mitogen-activated protein kinase
- mek, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase
- pbs, phosphate-buffered saline
- qrt-pcr, quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
- rb, retinoblastoma
- rnaseq, rna sequencing
- rspo2, r-spondin-2
- sds-page, sodium-dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
- tcf/lef, t-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer binding factor
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Szemes
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alexander Greenhough
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zsombor Melegh
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Sally Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Aysen Yuksel
- The Kids Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Westmead NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Daniel Catchpoole
- The Kids Research Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, Westmead NSW, 2145, Australia
| | - Kelli Gallacher
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Madhu Kollareddy
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ji Hyun Park
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Karim Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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44
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Becker J, Wilting J. WNT signaling, the development of the sympathoadrenal-paraganglionic system and neuroblastoma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1057-1070. [PMID: 29058015 PMCID: PMC5814469 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2685-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a tumor of the sympathoadrenal system arising in children under 15 years of age. In Germany, NB accounts for 7% of childhood cancer cases, but 11% of cancer deaths. It originates from highly migratory progenitor cells that leave the dorsal neural tube and contribute neurons and glial cells to sympathetic ganglia, and chromaffin and supportive cells to the adrenal medulla and paraganglia. Clinically, histologically and molecularly, NBs present as extremely heterogeneous, ranging from very good to very poor prognosis. The etiology of NB still remains unclear and needs to be elucidated, however, aberrant auto- and paracrine embryonic cell communications seem to be likely candidates to initiate or facilitate the emergence, progression and regression of NB. The wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) family of proteins represents an evolutionary highly conserved signaling system that orchestrates embryogenesis. At least 19 ligands in the human, numerous receptors and co-receptors are known, which control not only proliferation, but also cell polarity, migration and differentiation. Here we seek to interconnect aspects of WNT signaling with sympathoadrenal and paraganglionic development to define new WNT signaling cues in the etiology and progression of NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Becker
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Jörg Wilting
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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45
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Duffy DJ, Krstic A, Schwarzl T, Halasz M, Iljin K, Fey D, Haley B, Whilde J, Haapa-Paananen S, Fey V, Fischer M, Westermann F, Henrich KO, Bannert S, Higgins DG, Kolch W. Wnt signalling is a bi-directional vulnerability of cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:60310-60331. [PMID: 27531891 PMCID: PMC5312386 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signalling is involved in the formation, metastasis and relapse of a wide array of cancers. However, there is ongoing debate as to whether activation or inhibition of the pathway holds the most promise as a therapeutic treatment for cancer, with conflicting evidence from a variety of tumour types. We show that Wnt/β-catenin signalling is a bi-directional vulnerability of neuroblastoma, malignant melanoma and colorectal cancer, with hyper-activation or repression of the pathway both representing a promising therapeutic strategy, even within the same cancer type. Hyper-activation directs cancer cells to undergo apoptosis, even in cells oncogenically driven by β-catenin. Wnt inhibition blocks proliferation of cancer cells and promotes neuroblastoma differentiation. Wnt and retinoic acid co-treatments synergise, representing a promising combination treatment for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. Additionally, we report novel cross-talks between MYCN and β-catenin signalling, which repress normal β-catenin mediated transcriptional regulation. A β-catenin target gene signature could predict patient outcome, as could the expression level of its DNA binding partners, the TCF/LEFs. This β-catenin signature provides a tool to identify neuroblastoma patients likely to benefit from Wnt-directed therapy. Taken together, we show that Wnt/β-catenin signalling is a bi-directional vulnerability of a number of cancer entities, and potentially a more broadly conserved feature of malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Duffy
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,Current address: The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, Florida, USA
| | - Aleksandar Krstic
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas Schwarzl
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,Current address: European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melinda Halasz
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Dirk Fey
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bridget Haley
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jenny Whilde
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Vidal Fey
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Division of NB Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai-Oliver Henrich
- Division of NB Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Bannert
- Division of NB Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Desmond G Higgins
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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46
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Zins K, Schäfer R, Paulus P, Dobler S, Fakhari N, Sioud M, Aharinejad S, Abraham D. Frizzled2 signaling regulates growth of high-risk neuroblastomas by interfering with β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent signaling pathways. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46187-46202. [PMID: 27323822 PMCID: PMC5216790 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Frizzled2 (FZD2) is a receptor for Wnts and may activate both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways in cancer. However, no studies have reported an association between FZD2 signaling and high-risk NB so far. Here we report that FZD2 signaling pathways are critical to NB growth in MYCN-single copy SK-N-AS and MYCN-amplified SK-N-DZ high-risk NB cells. We demonstrate that stimulation of FZD2 by Wnt3a and Wnt5a regulates β-catenin-dependent and -independent Wnt signaling factors. FZD2 blockade suppressed β-catenin-dependent signaling activity and increased phosphorylation of PKC, AKT and ERK in vitro, consistent with upregulation of β-catenin-independent signaling activity. Finally, FZD2 small interfering RNA knockdown suppressed tumor growth in murine NB xenograft models associated with suppressed β-catenin-dependent signaling and a less vascularized phenotype in both NB xenografts. Together, our study suggests a role for FZD2 in high-risk NB cell growth and provides a potential candidate for therapeutic inhibition in FZD2-expressing NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Zins
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
| | | | - Patrick Paulus
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, A-4040, Austria
| | - Silvia Dobler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, A-4040, Austria
| | - Nazak Fakhari
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
| | - Mouldy Sioud
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo, N-0310, Norway
| | - Seyedhossein Aharinejad
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
| | - Dietmar Abraham
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, A-1090, Austria.,Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
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47
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Nam MO, Hahn S, Jee JH, Hwang TS, Yoon H, Lee DH, Kwon MS, Yoo J. Effects of a small molecule R-spondin-1 substitute RS-246204 on a mouse intestinal organoid culture. Oncotarget 2017; 9:6356-6368. [PMID: 29464078 PMCID: PMC5814218 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Organoids, a multi-cellular and organ-like structure cultured in vitro, can be used in a variety of fields such as disease modeling, drug discovery, or cell therapy development. When organoids derived from Lgr5 stem cells are cultured ex vivo, recombinant R-spondin-1 protein should be added at a high concentration for the initiation and maintenance of the organoids. Because the addition of large amounts of R-spondin-1 greatly increases the cost of organoids, the organoids grown with R-spondin-1 are not practical for large-scale drug screening and for the development of therapeutic agents. In this study, we tried to find a R-spondin-1 substitute compound that is able initiate small intestinal organoids without the use of the R-spondin-1 protein; thus, using organoid media that each included one compound from among an 8,364 compound library instead of R-spondin-1, we observed whether organoids were established from the crypts of the small intestine. As a result, we found one compound that could promote the initial formation and growth of enteroids in the medium without R-spondin-1 and named it RS-246204. The enteroids grown with RS-246204 had a similar differentiation capacity as well as self-renewal capacity as the enteroids grown with R-spondin-1. Furthermore, the RS-246204-derived enteroids could successfully produce the forskolin induced swelling and the organoid based epithelial to mesenchymal transition model. This compound could be used for developing a cost-efficient culturing method for intestinal organoids as well as for exploring Lgr5 signaling, intestinal stem cell physiology and therapeutics for GI tract diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeong-Ok Nam
- Department of Microbiology and School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea
| | - Soojung Hahn
- Department of Microbiology and School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea
| | - Joo Hyun Jee
- Department of Microbiology and School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea
| | - Tae-Sun Hwang
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea
| | - Ho Yoon
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea
| | - Dong Hyeon Lee
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea
| | - Min-Soo Kwon
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea
| | - Jongman Yoo
- Department of Microbiology and School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea.,Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do 13488, South Korea
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48
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Tomolonis JA, Agarwal S, Shohet JM. Neuroblastoma pathogenesis: deregulation of embryonic neural crest development. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 372:245-262. [PMID: 29222693 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2747-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an aggressive pediatric cancer that originates from neural crest tissues of the sympathetic nervous system. NB is highly heterogeneous both from a clinical and a molecular perspective. Clinically, this cancer represents a wide range of phenotypes ranging from spontaneous regression of 4S disease to unremitting treatment-refractory progression and death of high-risk metastatic disease. At a cellular level, the heterogeneous behavior of NB likely arises from an arrest and deregulation of normal neural crest development. In the present review, we summarize our current knowledge of neural crest development as it relates to pathways promoting 'stemness' and how deregulation may contribute to the development of tumor-initiating CSCs. There is an emerging consensus that such tumor subpopulations contribute to the evolution of drug resistance, metastasis and relapse in other equally aggressive malignancies. As relapsed, refractory disease remains the primary cause of death for neuroblastoma, the identification and targeting of CSCs or other primary drivers of tumor progression remains a critical, clinically significant goal for neuroblastoma. We will critically review recent and past evidence in the literature supporting the concept of CSCs as drivers of neuroblastoma pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Tomolonis
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Translational Biology & Molecular Medicine (TBMM) Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jason M Shohet
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Neuroblastoma Research Program, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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49
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Choi Y, Park J, Ko YS, Kim Y, Pyo JS, Jang BG, Kim MA, Lee JS, Chang MS, Lee BL. FOXO1 reduces tumorsphere formation capacity and has crosstalk with LGR5 signaling in gastric cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 493:1349-1355. [PMID: 28970066 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.09.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a major of cause of cancer-related death and is characterized by its heterogeneity and molecular complexity. FOXO1 is a transcription factor that plays a key role in GC growth and metastasis. However, the implication of FOXO1 in GC cell stemness has been elusive. This study, for the first time, demonstrates that FOXO1 regulates GC cell stemness in association with LGR5. FOXO1 expression was significantly lower in GC tumorsphere cells than in adherent GC cells. FOXO1 silencing and overexpression promoted and inhibited the tumorsphere formation capacity of GC cells, respectively. Additionally, there was an inverse correlation between FOXO1 and GC stem cell marker LGR5 in human GC specimens. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that negative crosstalk between these two molecules exists and that LGR5 silencing reversed the FOXO1 shRNA-induced tumorsphere formation even without FOXO1 restoration. Taken together, our results suggest that FOXO1 inhibits the self-renewal capacity of GC cells through interaction with LGR5. Thus, FOXO1/LGR5 signaling pathway may provide a novel targeted therapy for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiseul Choi
- Department of Tumor Biology (Cancer Research Institute), Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Jinju Park
- Department of Tumor Biology (Cancer Research Institute), Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Young San Ko
- Department of Forensic Medicine, National Forensic Service Busan Institute, Yangsan 50612, South Korea
| | - Younghoon Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Jung-Soo Pyo
- Department of Pathology, Eulji University Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon 35233, South Korea
| | - Bo Gun Jang
- Department of Pathology, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju 63241, South Korea
| | - Min A Kim
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Jae-Seon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon 22212, South Korea
| | - Mee Soo Chang
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea
| | - Byung Lan Lee
- Department of Tumor Biology (Cancer Research Institute), Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea; Department of Anatomy, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea; Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, South Korea.
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50
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Kollareddy M, Sherrard A, Park JH, Szemes M, Gallacher K, Melegh Z, Oltean S, Michaelis M, Cinatl J, Kaidi A, Malik K. The small molecule inhibitor YK-4-279 disrupts mitotic progression of neuroblastoma cells, overcomes drug resistance and synergizes with inhibitors of mitosis. Cancer Lett 2017; 403:74-85. [PMID: 28602975 PMCID: PMC5542135 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Revised: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a biologically and clinically heterogeneous pediatric malignancy that includes a high-risk subset for which new therapeutic agents are urgently required. As well as MYCN amplification, activating point mutations of ALK and NRAS are associated with high-risk and relapsing neuroblastoma. As both ALK and RAS signal through the MEK/ERK pathway, we sought to evaluate two previously reported inhibitors of ETS-related transcription factors, which are transcriptional mediators of the Ras-MEK/ERK pathway in other cancers. Here we show that YK-4-279 suppressed growth and triggered apoptosis in nine neuroblastoma cell lines, while BRD32048, another ETV1 inhibitor, was ineffective. These results suggest that YK-4-279 acts independently of ETS-related transcription factors. Further analysis reveals that YK-4-279 induces mitotic arrest in prometaphase, resulting in subsequent cell death. Mechanistically, we show that YK-4-279 inhibits the formation of kinetochore microtubules, with treated cells showing a broad range of abnormalities including multipolar, fragmented and unseparated spindles, together leading to disrupted progression through mitosis. Notably, YK-4-279 does not affect microtubule acetylation, unlike the conventional mitotic poisons paclitaxel and vincristine. Consistent with this, we demonstrate that YK-4-279 overcomes vincristine-induced resistance in two neuroblastoma cell-line models. Furthermore, combinations of YK-4-279 with vincristine, paclitaxel or the Aurora kinase A inhibitor MLN8237/Alisertib show strong synergy, particularly at low doses. Thus, YK-4-279 could potentially be used as a single-agent or in combination therapies for the treatment of high-risk and relapsing neuroblastoma, as well as other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhu Kollareddy
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Alice Sherrard
- Nuclear Dynamics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ji Hyun Park
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Marianna Szemes
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kelli Gallacher
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zsombor Melegh
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sebastian Oltean
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Martin Michaelis
- Centre for Molecular Processing and School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institut für Medizinische Virologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Abderrahmane Kaidi
- Nuclear Dynamics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Karim Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
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