1
|
Parida P, Lewis S, Sharan K, Kamal MV, Kumar NAN, Godkhindi VM, Varambally S, Rangnekar VM, Rao M, Damerla RR. Increased Gene Expression of C1orf74 Is Associated with Poor Prognosis in Cervical Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2530. [PMID: 37947608 PMCID: PMC10649411 DOI: 10.3390/cells12212530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
C1orf74, also known as URCL4, has been reported to have higher expression and be associated with poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma patients, and its role in regulation of the EGFR/AKT/mTORC1 pathway has been recently elucidated. In the current study, we used publicly available data and experimental validation of C1orf74 gene expression and its association with prognosis in cervical cancer patients. qRT-PCR was performed using RNA from cervical cancer cell lines and twenty-five cervical cancer patients. Data from TNMplot revealed that mRNA expression of the C1orf74 gene in primary tumor tissues, as well as metastatic tissues from cervical cancer patients, was significantly higher compared to normal cervical tissues. HPV-positive tumors had higher expression of this gene compared to HPV-negative tumors. qPCR analysis also demonstrated higher expression of C1orf74 in HPV-positive cervical cancer cell lines and most cervical cancer patients. The promoter methylation levels of the C1orf74 gene in cervical cancer tissues were lower compared to normal cervical tissues (p < 0.05). Collectively, our study indicates that higher expression of the C1orf74 gene caused by hypomethylation of its promoter is associated with poor overall survival in cervical cancer patients. Thus, C1orf74 is a novel prognostic marker in cervical cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preetiparna Parida
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India;
| | - Shirley Lewis
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India; (S.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Krishna Sharan
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India; (S.L.); (K.S.)
| | - Mehta Vedant Kamal
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India; (M.V.K.); (N.A.N.K.)
| | - Naveena A. N. Kumar
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India; (M.V.K.); (N.A.N.K.)
| | - Vishwapriya M. Godkhindi
- Department of Pathology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India;
| | - Sooryanarayana Varambally
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA;
- O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Vivek M. Rangnekar
- Department of Radiation Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA;
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Mahadev Rao
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Center for Translational Research, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Rama Rao Damerla
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India;
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mahmood HTNA, Tomas Bort E, Walker AJ, Grose RP, Chioni AM. FGF signalling facilitates cervical cancer progression. FEBS J 2021; 289:3440-3456. [PMID: 34951738 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in women worldwide. While cervical cancer is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), not all females infected with HPV develop the disease, suggesting that other factors might facilitate its progression. Growing evidence supports the involvement of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) axis in several cancers, including gynecological. However, for cervical cancer, the molecular mechanisms that underpin the disease remain poorly understood, including the role of FGFR signaling. The aim of this study was to investigate FGF(R) signaling in cervical cancer through bioinformatic analysis of cell line and patient data and through detailed expression profiling, manipulation of the FGFR axis, and downstream phenotypic analysis in cell lines (HeLa, SiHa, and CaSki). Expression (protein and mRNA) analysis demonstrated that FGFR1b/c, FGFR2b/c, FGFR4, FGF2, FGF4, and FGF7 were expressed in all three lines. Interestingly, FGFR1 and 2 localized to the nucleus, supporting that nuclear FGFRs could act as transcription factors. Importantly, 2D and 3D cell cultures demonstrated that FGFR activation can facilitate cell functions correlated with invasive disease. Collectively, this study supports an association between FGFR signaling and cervical cancer progression, laying the foundations for the development of therapeutic approaches targeting FGFR in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Tomas Bort
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Anthony J Walker
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK
| | - Richard P Grose
- Centre for Tumour Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Athina-Myrto Chioni
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Kingston University, Kingston upon Thames, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gargan S, Stevenson NJ. Unravelling the Immunomodulatory Effects of Viral Ion Channels, towards the Treatment of Disease. Viruses 2021; 13:2165. [PMID: 34834972 PMCID: PMC8618147 DOI: 10.3390/v13112165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for the research community to develop a better understanding of viruses, in particular their modes of infection and replicative lifecycles, to aid in the development of novel vaccines and much needed anti-viral therapeutics. Several viruses express proteins capable of forming pores in host cellular membranes, termed "Viroporins". They are a family of small hydrophobic proteins, with at least one amphipathic domain, which characteristically form oligomeric structures with central hydrophilic domains. Consequently, they can facilitate the transport of ions through the hydrophilic core. Viroporins localise to host membranes such as the endoplasmic reticulum and regulate ion homeostasis creating a favourable environment for viral infection. Viroporins also contribute to viral immune evasion via several mechanisms. Given that viroporins are often essential for virion assembly and egress, and as their structural features tend to be evolutionarily conserved, they are attractive targets for anti-viral therapeutics. This review discusses the current knowledge of several viroporins, namely Influenza A virus (IAV) M2, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 Viral protein U (Vpu), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) p7, Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-16 E5, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) Open Reading Frame (ORF)3a and Polyomavirus agnoprotein. We highlight the intricate but broad immunomodulatory effects of these viroporins and discuss the current antiviral therapies that target them; continually highlighting the need for future investigations to focus on novel therapeutics in the treatment of existing and future emergent viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Gargan
- Viral Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Nigel J. Stevenson
- Viral Immunology Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland;
- Viral Immunology Group, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain, Manama 15503, Bahrain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Expression of the E5 Oncoprotein of HPV16 Impacts on the Molecular Profiles of EMT-Related and Differentiation Genes in Ectocervical Low-Grade Lesions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126534. [PMID: 34207106 PMCID: PMC8235634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) is one of the major risk factors for the development of cervical cancer. Our previous studies have demonstrated the involvement of the early oncoprotein E5 of HPV16 (16E5) in the altered isoform switch of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and the consequent expression in human keratinocytes of the mesenchymal FGFR2c isoform, whose aberrant signaling leads to EMT, invasiveness, and dysregulated differentiation. Here, we aimed to establish the possible direct link between these pathological features or the appearance of FGFR2c and the expression of 16E5 in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs). Molecular analysis showed that the FGFR2c expression displayed a statistically significant positive correlation with that of the viral oncoprotein, whereas the expression values of the epithelial FGR2b variant, as well as those of the differentiation markers keratin 10 (K10), loricrin (LOR) and involucrin (INV), were inversely linked to the 16E5 expression. In contrast, the expression of EMT-related transcription factors Snail1 and ZEB1 overlapped with that of 16E5, becoming a statistically significant positive correlation in the case of Snail2. Parallel analysis performed in human cervical LSIL-derived W12 cells, containing episomal HPV16, revealed that the depletion of 16E5 by siRNA was able to counteract these molecular events, proving to represent an effective strategy to identify the specific role of this viral oncoprotein in determining LSIL oncogenic and more aggressive profiles. Overall, coupling in vitro approaches to the molecular transcript analysis in ectocervical early lesions could significantly contribute to the characterization of specific gene expression profiles prognostic for those LSILs with a greater probability of direct neoplastic progression.
Collapse
|
5
|
Morgan EL, Scarth JA, Patterson MR, Wasson CW, Hemingway GC, Barba-Moreno D, Macdonald A. E6-mediated activation of JNK drives EGFR signalling to promote proliferation and viral oncoprotein expression in cervical cancer. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:1669-1687. [PMID: 33303976 PMCID: PMC8166842 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00693-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a major cause of malignancy worldwide, contributing to ~5% of all human cancers including almost all cases of cervical cancer and a growing number of ano-genital and oral cancers. HPV-induced malignancy is primarily driven by the viral oncogenes, E6 and E7, which manipulate host cellular pathways to increase cell proliferation and enhance cell survival, ultimately predisposing infected cells to malignant transformation. Consequently, a more detailed understanding of viral-host interactions in HPV-associated disease offers the potential to identify novel therapeutic targets. Here, we identify that the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signalling pathway is activated in cervical disease and in cervical cancer. The HPV E6 oncogene induces JNK1/2 phosphorylation in a manner that requires the E6 PDZ binding motif. We show that blockade of JNK1/2 signalling using small molecule inhibitors, or knockdown of the canonical JNK substrate c-Jun, reduces cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. We further demonstrate that this phenotype is at least partially driven by JNK-dependent activation of EGFR signalling via increased expression of EGFR and the EGFR ligands EGF and HB-EGF. JNK/c-Jun signalling promoted the invasive potential of cervical cancer cells and was required for the expression of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated transcription factor Slug and the mesenchymal marker Vimentin. Furthermore, JNK/c-Jun signalling is required for the constitutive expression of HPV E6 and E7, which are essential for cervical cancer cell growth and survival. Together, these data demonstrate a positive feedback loop between the EGFR signalling pathway and HPV E6/E7 expression, identifying a regulatory mechanism in which HPV drives EGFR signalling to promote proliferation, survival and EMT. Thus, our study has identified a novel therapeutic target that may be beneficial for the treatment of cervical cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ethan L. Morgan
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK ,grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK ,grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Present Address: Tumor Biology Section, Head and Neck Surgery Branch, National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - James A. Scarth
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK ,grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK
| | - Molly R. Patterson
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK ,grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK
| | - Christopher W. Wasson
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK ,grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403Present Address: Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Leeds, St-James University Teaching Hospital, Leeds, West Yorkshire UK
| | - Georgia C. Hemingway
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK
| | - Diego Barba-Moreno
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK ,grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK
| | - Andrew Macdonald
- grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK ,grid.9909.90000 0004 1936 8403Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS2 9JT UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ranieri D, Nanni M, Guttieri L, Torrisi MR, Belleudi F. The aberrant expression in epithelial cells of the mesenchymal isoform of FGFR2 controls the negative crosstalk between EMT and autophagy. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:4166-4172. [PMID: 33609078 PMCID: PMC8051744 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signalling of the epithelial splicing variant of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2b) triggers both differentiation and autophagy, while the aberrant expression of the mesenchymal FGFR2c isoform in epithelial cells induces impaired differentiation, inhibition of autophagy as well as the induction of the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). In light of the widely proposed negative loop linking autophagy and EMT in the early steps of carcinogenesis, here we investigated the possible involvement of FGFR2c aberrant expression and signalling in orchestrating this crosstalk in human keratinocytes. Biochemical, molecular, quantitative immunofluorescence analysis and in vitro invasion assays, coupled to the use of specific substrate inhibitors and transient or stable silencing approaches, showed that AKT/MTOR and PKCε are the two hub signalling pathways, downstream FGFR2c, intersecting with each other in the control of both the inhibition of autophagy and the induction of EMT and invasive behaviour. These results indicate that the expression of FGFR2c, possibly resulting from FGFR2 isoform switch, could represent a key upstream event responsible for the establishment of a negative interplay between autophagy and EMT, which contributes to the assessment of a pathological oncogenic profile in epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Ranieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Nanni
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Surgery, University Children's Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luisa Guttieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Torrisi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,S. Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Belleudi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gutierrez-Xicotencatl L, Pedroza-Saavedra A, Chihu-Amparan L, Salazar-Piña A, Maldonado-Gama M, Esquivel-Guadarrama F. Cellular Functions of HPV16 E5 Oncoprotein during Oncogenic Transformation. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 19:167-179. [PMID: 33106372 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as the main etiologic agent associated with cervical cancer. HPVs are epitheliotropic, and the ones that infect the mucous membranes are classified into low-risk (LR) and high-risk (HR) types. LR-HPVs produce benign lesions, whereas HR-HPVs produce lesions that may progress to cancer. HR-HPV types 16 and 18 are the most frequently found in cervical cancer worldwide. E6 and E7 are the major HPV oncogenic proteins, and they have been profusely studied. Moreover, it has been shown that the HPV16 E5 (16E5) oncoprotein generates transformation, although the molecular mechanisms through which it carries out its activity have not been well defined. In contrast to E6 and E7, the E5 open reading frame is lost during the integration of the episomal HPV DNA into the cellular genome. This suggests that E5 acts at the early stages of the transformation process. In this review, we focused on the biochemical characteristics and functions of the HPV E5 oncoprotein, mainly on its association with growth factor receptors and other cellular proteins. Knowledge of the HPV E5 biology is important to understand the role of this oncoprotein in maintaining the viral cycle through the modulation of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as the alteration of other processes, such as survival, adhesion, migration, and invasion during early carcinogenesis. Finally, we summarized recent research that uses the E5 oncoprotein as a therapeutic target, promising a novel approach to the treatment of cervical cancer in its early stages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Gutierrez-Xicotencatl
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico.
| | - Adolfo Pedroza-Saavedra
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Lilia Chihu-Amparan
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Azucena Salazar-Piña
- Facultad de Nutrición, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Minerva Maldonado-Gama
- Centro de Investigación Sobre Enfermedades Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Aranda-Rivera AK, Cruz-Gregorio A, Briones-Herrera A, Pedraza-Chaverri J. Regulation of autophagy by high- and low-risk human papillomaviruses. Rev Med Virol 2020; 31:e2169. [PMID: 33590566 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
While high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is related to the development of cervical, vulvar, anal, penile and oropharyngeal cancer, low-risk human papillomavirus (LR-HPV) infection is implicated in about 90% of genital warts, which rarely progress to cancer. The carcinogenic role of HR-HPV is due to the overexpression of HPV E5, E6 and E7 oncoproteins which target and modify cellular proteins implicated in cell proliferation, apoptosis and immortalization. LR-HPV proteins also target and modify some of these processes; however, their oncogenic potential is lower than that of HR-HPV. HR-HPVs have substantial differences with LR-HPVs such as viral integration into the cell genome, induction of p53 and retinoblastoma protein degradation, alternative splicing in HR-HPV E6-E7 open reading frames, among others. In addition, LR-HPV can activate the autophagy process in infected cells while HR-HPV infection deactivates it. However, in cancer HR-HPV might reactivate autophagy in advance stages. Autophagy is a catabolic process that maintains cell homoeostasis by lysosomal degradation and recycling of damaged macromolecules and organelles; nevertheless, depending upon cellular context autophagy may also induce cell death. Therefore, autophagy can contribute either as a promotor or as a suppressor of tumours. In this review, we focus on the role of HR-HPV and LR-HPV in autophagy during viral infection and cancer development. Additionally, we review key regulatory molecules such as microRNAs in HPV present during autophagy, and we emphasize the potential use of cancer treatments associated with autophagy in HPV-related cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Karina Aranda-Rivera
- Laboratorio 315, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México.,Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, México
| | - Alfredo Cruz-Gregorio
- Laboratorio 225, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México
| | - Alfredo Briones-Herrera
- Laboratorio 315, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México.,Programa de Maestría y Doctorado en Ciencias Bioquímicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, México
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Laboratorio 315, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, México
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Role of PKCε in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition induced by FGFR2 isoform switch. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:76. [PMID: 32429937 PMCID: PMC7238605 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00582-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The epithelial isoform of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2b) controls the entire program of keratinocyte differentiation via the sequential involvement of protein kinase C (PKC) δ and PKCα. In contrast, the FGFR2 isoform switch and the aberrant expression of the mesenchymal FGFR2c isoform leads to impairment of differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumorigenic features. Aim of our present study was to contribute in clarifying the complex network of signaling pathways involved in the FGFR2c-mediated oncogenic outcomes focusing on PKCε, which appears to be involved in the induction of EMT and tumorigenesis in several epithelial contexts. Methods Biochemical and molecular analysis, as well as in vitro invasion assays, combined with the use of specific small interfering RNA (siRNA), were performed in human keratinocytes stably expressing FGFR2c or FGFR2b isoforms. Results Our results showed that aberrant expression and signaling of FGFR2c, but not those of FGFR2b, in human keratinocytes induced a strong phosphorylation/activation of PKCε. The use of siRNA approach showed that PKCε is the hub signaling downstream FGFR2c responsible for the modulation of EMT markers and for the induction of the EMT-related transcription factors STAT3, Snail1 and FRA1, as well as for the acquisition of the invasive behavior. Moreover, experiments of depletion of ESRP1, responsible for FGFR2 splicing in epithelial cells, indicated that the activation of PKCε is the key molecular event triggered by FGFR2 isoform switch and underlying EMT induction. Conclusions Overall, our results point to the identification of the downstream PKC isoform responsible for the FGFR signaling deregulation occurring in epithelial tissues from the physiological oncosoppressive to the pathological oncogenic profile. Video Abstract
Graphical abstract ![]()
Collapse
|
10
|
Suppression of Stromal Interferon Signaling by Human Papillomavirus 16. J Virol 2019; 93:JVI.00458-19. [PMID: 31292244 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00458-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) infect squamous epithelia and cause several important cancers. Immune evasion is critical for viral persistence. Fibroblasts in the stromal microenvironment provide growth signals and cytokines that are required for proper epithelial differentiation, maintenance, and immune responses and are critical in the development of many cancers. In this study, we examined the role of epithelial-stromal interactions in the HPV16 life cycle using organotypic (raft) cultures as a model. Rafts were created using uninfected human foreskin keratinocytes (HFKs) and HFKs containing either wild-type HPV16 or HPV16 with a stop mutation to prevent the expression of the viral oncogene E5. Microarray analysis revealed significant changes in gene expression patterns in the stroma in response to HPV16, some of which were E5 dependent. Interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) and extracellular matrix remodeling genes were suppressed, the most prominent pathways affected. STAT1, IFNAR1, IRF3, and IRF7 were knocked down in stromal fibroblasts using lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA) transduction. HPV late gene expression and viral copy number in the epithelium were increased when the stromal IFN pathway was disrupted, indicating that the stroma helps control the late phase of the HPV life cycle in the epithelium. Increased late gene expression correlated with increased late keratinocyte differentiation but not decreased IFN signaling in the epithelium. These studies show HPV16 has a paracrine effect on stromal innate immunity, reveal a new role for E5 as a stromal innate immune suppressor, and suggest that stromal IFN signaling may influence keratinocyte differentiation.IMPORTANCE The persistence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infections is the key risk factor for developing HPV-associated cancers. The ability of HPV to evade host immunity is a critical component of its ability to persist. The environment surrounding a tumor is increasingly understood to be critical in cancer development, including immune evasion. Our studies show that HPV can suppress the expression of immune-related genes in neighboring fibroblasts in a three-dimensional (3D) model of human epithelium. This finding is significant, because it indicates that HPV can control innate immunity not only in the infected cell but also in the microenvironment. In addition, the ability of HPV to regulate stromal gene expression depends in part on the viral oncogene E5, revealing a new function for this protein as an immune evasion factor.
Collapse
|
11
|
Young JM, Zine El Abidine A, Gómez-Martinez RA, Ozbun MA. The Known and Potential Intersections of Rab-GTPases in Human Papillomavirus Infections. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:139. [PMID: 31475144 PMCID: PMC6702953 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Papillomaviruses (PVs) were the first viruses recognized to cause tumors and cancers in mammalian hosts by Shope, nearly a century ago (Shope and Hurst, 1933). Over 40 years ago, zur Hausen (1976) first proposed that human papillomaviruses (HPVs) played a role in cervical cancer; in 2008, he shared the Nobel Prize in Medicine for his abundant contributions demonstrating the etiology of HPVs in genital cancers. Despite effective vaccines and screening, HPV infection and morbidity remain a significant worldwide burden, with HPV infections and HPV-related cancers expected increase through 2040. Although HPVs have long-recognized roles in tumorigenesis and cancers, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which these viruses interact with cells and usurp cellular processes to initiate infections and produce progeny virions is limited. This is due to longstanding challenges in both obtaining well-characterized infectious virus stocks and modeling tissue-based infection and the replicative cycles in vitro. In the last 20 years, the development of methods to produce virus-like particles (VLPs) and pseudovirions (PsV) along with more physiologically relevant cell- and tissue-based models has facilitated progress in this area. However, many questions regarding HPV infection remain difficult to address experimentally and are, thus, unanswered. Although an obligatory cellular uptake receptor has yet to be identified for any PV species, Rab-GTPases contribute to HPV uptake and transport of viral genomes toward the nucleus. Here, we provide a general overview of the current HPV infection paradigm, the epithelial differentiation-dependent HPV replicative cycle, and review the specifics of how HPVs usurp Rab-related functions during infectious entry. We also suggest other potential interactions based on how HPVs alter cellular activities to complete their replicative-cycle in differentiating epithelium. Understanding how HPVs interface with Rab functions during their complex replicative cycle may provide insight for the development of therapeutic interventions, as current viral counter-measures are solely prophylactic and therapies for HPV-positive individuals remain archaic and limited.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jesse M. Young
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Amira Zine El Abidine
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Ricardo A. Gómez-Martinez
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Michelle A. Ozbun
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, UNM Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Nanni M, Ranieri D, Persechino F, Torrisi MR, Belleudi F. The Aberrant Expression of the Mesenchymal Variant of FGFR2 in the Epithelial Context Inhibits Autophagy. Cells 2019; 8:cells8070653. [PMID: 31261937 PMCID: PMC6678203 DOI: 10.3390/cells8070653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Signaling of the epithelial splice variant of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2b) triggers both differentiation and autophagy, while the aberrant expression of the mesenchymal FGFR2c isoform in epithelial cells induces impaired differentiation, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumorigenic features. Here we analyzed in the human keratinocyte cell line, as well as in primary cultured cells, the possible impact of FGFR2c forced expression on the autophagic process. Biochemical and quantitative immunofluorescence analysis, coupled to the use of autophagic flux sensors, specific substrate inhibitors or silencing approaches, showed that ectopic expression and the activation of FGFR2c inhibit the autophagosome formation and that AKT/MTOR is the downstream signaling mainly involved. Interestingly, the selective inhibition of AKT or MTOR substrates caused a reversion of the effects of FGFR2c on autophagy, which could also arise from the imbalance of the interplay between AKT/MTOR pathway and JNK1 signaling in favor of JNK1 activation, BCL-2 phosphorylation and possibly phagophore nucleation. Finally, silencing experiments of depletion of ESRP1, responsible for FGFR2 splicing and consequent FGFR2b expression, indicated that the switching from FGFR2b to FGFR2c isoform could represent the key event underlying the inhibition of the autophagic process in the epithelial context. Our results provide the first evidence of a negative impact of the out-of-context expression of FGFR2c on autophagy, suggesting a possible role of this receptor in the modulation of the recently proposed negative loop between autophagy and EMT during carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Nanni
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Ranieri
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Persechino
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Torrisi
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
- S. Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Belleudi
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia - Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Papillomaviruses and Endocytic Trafficking. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092619. [PMID: 30181457 PMCID: PMC6163501 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocytic trafficking plays a major role in transport of incoming human papillomavirus (HPVs) from plasma membrane to the trans Golgi network (TGN) and ultimately into the nucleus. During this infectious entry, several cellular sorting factors are recruited by the viral capsid protein L2, which plays a critical role in ensuring successful transport of the L2/viral DNA complex to the nucleus. Later in the infection cycle, two viral oncoproteins, E5 and E6, have also been shown to modulate different aspects of endocytic transport pathways. In this review, we highlight how HPV makes use of and perturbs normal endocytic transport pathways, firstly to achieve infectious virus entry, secondly to produce productive infection and the completion of the viral life cycle and, finally, on rare occasions, to bring about the development of malignancy.
Collapse
|
14
|
Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2b in the Cross Talk between Autophagy and Differentiation: Involvement of Jun N-Terminal Protein Kinase Signaling. Mol Cell Biol 2018; 38:MCB.00119-18. [PMID: 29685904 PMCID: PMC6002692 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00119-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b) is a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed exclusively in epithelial cells. We previously demonstrated that FGFR2b induces autophagy and that this process is required for the triggering of FGFR2b-mediated early differentiation of keratinocytes. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating this interplay remain to be elucidated. Since we have also recently shown that Jun N-terminal protein kinase 1 (JNK1) signaling is involved in FGFR2b-induced autophagy and a possible role of the JNK pathway in epidermal differentiation has been suggested (though it is still debated), we investigated here the cross talk between FGFR2b-mediated autophagy and differentiation, focusing on the downstream JNK signaling. Biochemical, molecular, and immunofluorescence approaches in 2-dimensional (2-D) keratinocyte cultures and three-dimensional (3-D) organotypic skin equivalents confirmed that FGFR2b overexpression increased both autophagy and early differentiation. The use of FGFR2b substrate inhibitors and the silencing of JNK1 highlighted that this signaling is required not only for autophagy but also for the triggering of early differentiation. In contrast, the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathway did not appear to be involved in the two processes, and AKT signaling, whose activation contributes to the FGFR2b-mediated onset of keratinocyte differentiation, was not required for the triggering of autophagy. Overall, our results point to JNK1 as a signaling hub that regulates the interplay between FGFR2b-induced autophagy and differentiation.
Collapse
|
15
|
Rosato B, Ranieri D, Nanni M, Torrisi MR, Belleudi F. Role of FGFR2b expression and signaling in keratinocyte differentiation: sequential involvement of PKCδ and PKCα. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:565. [PMID: 29752438 PMCID: PMC5948219 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0509-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor epithelial isoform of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2b) induces human keratinocyte early differentiation. Moreover, protein kinases C (PKCs) are known to regulate the differentiation program in several cellular contexts, including keratinocytes. Therefore, in this paper we propose to clarify if FGFR2b could play a role also in the late steps of keratinocyte differentiation and to assess if this receptor-induced process would sequentially involve PKCδ and PKCα isoforms. Immunofluorescence, biochemical, and molecular approaches, performed on 2D cultures or 3D organotypic rafts of human keratinocytes overexpressing FGFR2b by stable transduction, showed that receptor signaling induced the precocious onset and an accelerated progression of keratinocyte differentiation, indicating that FGFR2b is a crucial regulator of the entire program of keratinocyte differentiation. In addition, the use of specific inhibitors and gene silencing approaches through specific siRNA demonstrated that PKCδ controls the onset of FGFR2b-triggered differentiation, while PKCα plays a role restricted to the terminal stages of the process. Molecular analysis revealed that the two PKC isoforms sequentially act via induction of KLF4 and DLX3, two transcription factors linked by negative loops to p63, suggesting that p63 would represent the hub molecule at the crossroad of an intricate signaling network downstream FGFR2b, involving multiple PKC-induced transcription factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Rosato
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine,Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Danilo Ranieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine,Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Monica Nanni
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine,Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Torrisi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine,Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy.,S. Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Belleudi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine,Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li L, Chen X, Gu H. The signaling involved in autophagy machinery in keratinocytes and therapeutic approaches for skin diseases. Oncotarget 2018; 7:50682-50697. [PMID: 27191982 PMCID: PMC5226613 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is responsible for the lysosomal degradation of proteins, organelles, microorganisms and exogenous particles. Epidermis primarily consists of keratinocytes which functions as an extremely important barrier. Investigation on autophagy in keratinocytes has been continuously renewing, but is not so systematic due to the complexity of the autophagy machinery. Here we reviewed recent studies on the autophagy in keratinocyte with a focus on interplay between autophagy machinery and keratinocytes biology, and novel autophagy regulators identified in keratinocytes. In this review, we discussed the roles of autophagy in apoptosis, differentiation, immune response, survival and melanin metabolism, trying to reveal the possible involvement of autophagy in skin aging, skin disorders and skin color formation. Since autophagy routinely plays a double-edged sword role in various conditions, its functions in skin homeostasis and potential application as a therapeutic target for skin diseases remains to be clarified. Furthermore, more investigations are needed on optimizing designed strategies to inhibit or enhance autophagy for clinical efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Xu Chen
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Gu
- Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Skin Diseases and STIs, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ranieri D, Rosato B, Nanni M, Belleudi F, Torrisi MR. Expression of the FGFR2c mesenchymal splicing variant in human keratinocytes inhibits differentiation and promotes invasion. Mol Carcinog 2017; 57:272-283. [PMID: 29068468 PMCID: PMC5813158 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The altered isoform switching of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) and aberrant expression of the mesenchymal FGFR2c isoform in epithelial cells is involved in cancer progression. We have recently described that the ectopic expression of FGFR2c in normal human keratinocytes induces epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and leads to invasiveness and anchorage‐independent growth. Here, we extended our analysis to the effects of this FGFR2c forced expression on human keratinocyte differentiation and stratification. Our findings demonstrated that, differently from cells overexpressing the epithelial splicing variant FGFR2b, keratinocytes ectopically expressing FGFR2c are not able to form a monolayer and display decreased expression of early differentiation markers. This impaired ability to enter the differentiation program is related to the up‐modulation of the transcription factor ΔNp63. In addition, FGFR2c‐expressing keratinocytes undergo defective stratification and invasion of the collagen matrix in 3D organotypic cultures, further suggesting their tumorigenic potential. Taken together, our results support the hypothesis that the receptor switching and the consequent appearance of the mesenchymal FGFR2c variant in the epithelial context would drive early steps of carcinogenesis, unbalancing the p63/FGFR interplay, and altering the paracrine response to the microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Ranieri
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Benedetta Rosato
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Monica Nanni
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Francesca Belleudi
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Lazio, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Torrisi
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Roma, Lazio, Italy.,S. Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wasson CW, Morgan EL, Müller M, Ross RL, Hartley M, Roberts S, Macdonald A. Human papillomavirus type 18 E5 oncogene supports cell cycle progression and impairs epithelial differentiation by modulating growth factor receptor signalling during the virus life cycle. Oncotarget 2017; 8:103581-103600. [PMID: 29262586 PMCID: PMC5732752 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of proliferation and differentiation-dependent signalling pathways is a hallmark of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Although the manipulation of these pathways by E6 and E7 has been extensively studied, controversies surround the role of the E5 oncoprotein during a productive virus life cycle. By integrating primary keratinocytes harbouring wild type or E5 knockout HPV18 genomes with pharmacological and gain/loss of function models, this study aimed to provide molecular information about the role of E5 in epithelial proliferation and differentiation. We show that E5 contributes to cell cycle progression and unscheduled host DNA synthesis in differentiating keratinocytes. E5 function correlates with increased EGFR activation in differentiating cells and blockade of this pathway impairs differentiation-dependent cell cycle progression of HPV18 containing cells. Our findings provide a functional requirement of enhanced EGFR signalling for suprabasal cellular DNA synthesis during the virus life cycle. They also reveal an unrecognised contribution of E5 towards the impaired keratinocyte differentiation observed during a productive HPV infection. E5 suppresses a signalling axis consisting of the keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) pathway. Inhibition of this pathway compensates for the loss of E5 in knockout cells and re-instates the delay in differentiation. The negative regulation of KGFR involves suppression by the EGFR pathway. Thus our data reveal an unappreciated role for E5-mediated EGFR signalling in orchestrating the balance between proliferation and differentiation in suprabasal cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W Wasson
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ethan L Morgan
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Marietta Müller
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Rebecca L Ross
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Margaret Hartley
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sally Roberts
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew Macdonald
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Astbury Centre for Structural and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ranieri D, Rosato B, Nanni M, Magenta A, Belleudi F, Torrisi MR. Expression of the FGFR2 mesenchymal splicing variant in epithelial cells drives epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Oncotarget 2016; 7:5440-60. [PMID: 26713601 PMCID: PMC4868697 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The FGFRs are receptor tyrosine kinases expressed by tissue-specific alternative splicing in epithelial IIIb or mesenchymal IIIc isoforms. Deregulation of FGF/FGFR signaling unbalances the epithelial-stromal homeostasis and may lead to cancer development. In the epithelial-context, while FGFR2b/KGFR acts as tumor suppressor, FGFR2c appears to play an oncogenic role. Based on our recent observation that the switching of FGFR2b versus FGFR2c induces EMT, here we investigated the biological outcome of the ectopic expression of FGFR2c in normal human keratinocytes. Morphological analysis showed that, differently from FGFR2b overexpression, the forced expression and activation of FGFR2c drive the epithelial cells to acquire a mesenchymal-like shape and actin reorganization. Moreover, the appearance of invasiveness and anchorage-independent growth ability in FGFR2c transfected keratinocytes was consistent with the potential tumorigenic role proposed for this receptor variant. Biochemical and molecular approaches revealed that the observed phenotypic changes were accompanied by modulation of EMT biomarkers and indicated the involvement of EMT transcription factors and miRs. Finally, the analysis of the expression pattern of discriminating markers strongly suggested that activation of FGFR2c triggers a process corresponding to the initiation of the pathological type III EMT, but not to the more physiological type II EMT occurring during FGFR2b-mediated wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Ranieri
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Rosato
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Nanni
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Magenta
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Belleudi
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Torrisi
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliera S. Andrea, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Woodby B, Scott M, Bodily J. The Interaction Between Human Papillomaviruses and the Stromal Microenvironment. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 144:169-238. [PMID: 27865458 PMCID: PMC5727914 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are small, double-stranded DNA viruses that replicate in stratified squamous epithelia and cause a variety of malignancies. Current efforts in HPV biology are focused on understanding the virus-host interactions that enable HPV to persist for years or decades in the tissue. The importance of interactions between tumor cells and the stromal microenvironment has become increasingly apparent in recent years, but how stromal interactions impact the normal, benign life cycle of HPVs, or progression of lesions to cancer is less understood. Furthermore, how productively replicating HPV impacts cells in the stromal environment is also unclear. Here we bring together some of the relevant literature on keratinocyte-stromal interactions and their impacts on HPV biology, focusing on stromal fibroblasts, immune cells, and endothelial cells. We discuss how HPV oncogenes in infected cells manipulate other cells in their environment, and, conversely, how neighboring cells may impact the efficiency or course of HPV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Woodby
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - M Scott
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - J Bodily
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Shreveport, LA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Belleudi F, Nanni M, Raffa S, Torrisi MR. HPV16 E5 deregulates the autophagic process in human keratinocytes. Oncotarget 2016; 6:9370-86. [PMID: 25826082 PMCID: PMC4496223 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy plays key roles during host defense against pathogens, but viruses have evolved strategies to block the process or to exploit it for replication and successful infection. The E5 oncoprotein of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16 E5) perturbs epithelial homeostasis down-regulating the expression of the keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR/FGFR2b), whose signaling induces autophagy. Here we investigated the possible effects of 16E5 on autophagy in human keratinocytes expressing the viral protein. The 16E5 presence strongly inhibited the autophagic process, while forced expression and activation of KGFR counteracted this effect, demonstrating that the viral protein and the receptor exert opposite and interplaying roles not only on epithelial differentiation, but also in the control of autophagy. In W12 cells, silencing of the 16E5 gene in the context of the viral full length genome confirmed its role on autophagy inhibition. Finally, molecular approaches showed that the viral protein interferes with the transcriptional regulation of autophagy also through the impairment of p53 function, indicating that 16E5 uses parallel mechanisms for autophagy impairment. Overall our results further support the hypothesis that a transcriptional crosstalk among 16E5 and KGFR might be the crucial molecular driver of epithelial deregulation during early steps of HPV infection and transformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Belleudi
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Nanni
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Raffa
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliera S. Andrea, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Torrisi
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Azienda Ospedaliera S. Andrea, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhang L, Wu J, Ling MT, Zhao L, Zhao KN. The role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway in human cancers induced by infection with human papillomaviruses. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:87. [PMID: 26022660 PMCID: PMC4498560 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) leads to the development of a wide-range of cancers, accounting for 5% of all human cancers. A prominent example is cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer death in women worldwide. It has been well established that tumor development and progression induced by HPV infection is driven by the sustained expression of two oncogenes E6 and E7. The expression of E6 and E7 not only inhibits the tumor suppressors p53 and Rb, but also alters additional signalling pathways that may be equally important for transformation. Among these pathways, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling cascade plays a very important role in HPV-induced carcinogenesis by acting through multiple cellular and molecular events. In this review, we summarize the frequent amplification of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signals in HPV-induced cancers and discuss how HPV oncogenes E6/E7/E5 activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway to modulate tumor initiation and progression and affect patient outcome. Improvement of our understanding of the mechanism by which the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signalling pathway contributes to the immortalization and carcinogenesis of HPV-transduced cells will assist in devising novel strategies for preventing and treating HPV-induced cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035 , Zhejiang, PR China.
| | - Jianhong Wu
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, 4102, QLD, Australia.
- Current address: Department of Gastric Cancer and Soft Tissue Sarcomas Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
| | - Ming Tat Ling
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, 4102, QLD, Australia.
| | - Liang Zhao
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4072, QLD, Australia.
| | - Kong-Nan Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035 , Zhejiang, PR China.
- Centre for Kidney Disease Research-Venomics Research, The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, 37 Kent Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, 4102, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Müller M, Prescott EL, Wasson CW, Macdonald A. Human papillomavirus E5 oncoprotein: function and potential target for antiviral therapeutics. Future Virol 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.14.99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Mucosal human papillomaviruses express a small, hydrophobic, protein called E5, which plays an important role in the HPV life cycle by delaying normal epithelial cell differentiation while maintaining cell cycle progression. In addition, E5 exhibits transforming abilities in a number of cell culture systems and transgenic mouse models. Lacking any described enzymatic activity, E5 is thought to function by binding to host proteins and modulating their activities. In particular, members of the growth factor receptor family are known targets for subversion. This review article summarizes our latest understanding of this enigmatic oncoprotein, including its role in the HPV life cycle, interactions with host proteins and contribution toward tumorigenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marietta Müller
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Emma L Prescott
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Christopher W Wasson
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Andrew Macdonald
- School of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS2 9JT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ranieri D, Belleudi F, Magenta A, Torrisi MR. HPV16 E5 expression induces switching from FGFR2b to FGFR2c and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. Int J Cancer 2014; 137:61-72. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Ranieri
- Istituto Pasteur‐Fondazione Cenci BolognettiDipartimento di Medicina Clinica e MolecolareSapienza Università di Roma Italy
| | - Francesca Belleudi
- Istituto Pasteur‐Fondazione Cenci BolognettiDipartimento di Medicina Clinica e MolecolareSapienza Università di Roma Italy
| | - Alessandra Magenta
- Istituto Pasteur‐Fondazione Cenci BolognettiDipartimento di Medicina Clinica e MolecolareSapienza Università di Roma Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Torrisi
- Istituto Pasteur‐Fondazione Cenci BolognettiDipartimento di Medicina Clinica e MolecolareSapienza Università di Roma Italy
- Azienda Ospedaliera S. AndreaRome Italy
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Panneerselvam J, Pickering A, Zhang J, Wang H, Tian H, Zheng J, Fei P. A hidden role of the inactivated FANCD2: upregulating ΔNp63. Oncotarget 2014; 4:1416-26. [PMID: 23965832 PMCID: PMC3824532 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A compromised Fanconi Anemia (FA) signaling pathway, often resulting from an inactivated FANCD2, was recently recognized to contribute to the development of non-FA human tumors. However, it is largely unknown as to how an impaired FA pathway or an inactivated FANCD2 promotes tumorigenesis. Here we unexpectedly found that ΔNp63 mRNA was expressed at high levels in human cancer cells carrying an impaired FA pathway compared to the corresponding control cells carrying an intact FA pathway. This observation was recapitulated upon conditionally managing the status of FANCD2 monoubiquitination /activation in 293T cells. Importantly, ΔNp63 elevation upon FANCD2 inactivation was confirmed in human fibroblasts derived from FA patients. Moreover, we have identified a 189 bp DNA fragment downstream of the ΔNp63 promoter (P2) that can mediate the upregulation of ΔNp63 by an inactivated FANCD2, and determined that elevated ΔNp63 is high enough to promote cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. In vivo, the elevation of FAVL, a tumor promotion factor that inhibits FANCD2 activation, was found to be positively associated with ΔNp63 expression in human cancer tissues. Collectively, these results document a novel role of an inactivated FANCD2 in upregulating ΔNp63, advancing our understanding of how an impaired FA pathway contributes to the pathogenesis of human cancer.
Collapse
|
26
|
Belleudi F, Purpura V, Caputo S, Torrisi MR. FGF7/KGF regulates autophagy in keratinocytes: A novel dual role in the induction of both assembly and turnover of autophagosomes. Autophagy 2014; 10:803-21. [PMID: 24577098 PMCID: PMC5119059 DOI: 10.4161/auto.28145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a degradative pathway through which cells overcome stressful conditions and rapidly change their phenotype during differentiation. Despite its protective role, when exacerbated, autophagy may lead to cell death. Several growth factors involved in cell survival and in preventing differentiation are able to inhibit autophagy. Here we investigated the autophagic role of FGF7/KGF, an important player in epithelial cell protection and differentiation. Biochemical and quantitative fluorescence approaches showed that FGF7 and its signaling induce autophagy in human keratinocytes and the use of specific inhibitors indicated that this effect is independent of the PI3K-AKT-MTOR pathway. The selective block of autophagosome-to-lysosome fusion clarified that FGF7 induces autophagy stimulating autophagosome formation. However, quantitative fluorescence approaches also indicated that, upon a prolonged autophagic stimulus, FGF7 is able to accelerate autophagosome turnover. Moreover, in differentiating keratinocytes, the use of the autophagic inhibitor 3-MA as well as the depletion of BECN1 and ATG5, 2 essential regulators of the process, counteracted the FGF7-induced increase of the differentiation marker KRT1/K1, suggesting that autophagy is required for the FGF7-mediated early differentiation. These results provide the first evidence of a role of FGF7 in the regulation of sequential steps of the autophagic process and strengthen the hypothesis of a direct interplay between autophagy and differentiation. On the other hand, the ability of FGF7 to accelerate autophagosome turnover, preventing their dangerous accumulation, is consistent with the well-established protective role played by the growth factor in epithelial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Belleudi
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare; Sapienza Università di Roma; Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Purpura
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare; Sapienza Università di Roma; Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Caputo
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare; Sapienza Università di Roma; Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Torrisi
- Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti; Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Molecolare; Sapienza Università di Roma; Rome, Italy; Azienda Ospedaliera S. Andrea; Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|