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Mahmood N, Arakelian A, Szyf M, Rabbani SA. Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 (Mbd2) drives breast cancer progression through the modulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:959-974. [PMID: 38556549 PMCID: PMC11058268 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01205-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 (Mbd2), a reader of DNA methylation, has been implicated in different types of malignancies, including breast cancer. However, the exact role of Mbd2 in various stages of breast cancer growth and progression in vivo has not been determined. To test whether Mbd2 plays a causal role in mammary tumor growth and metastasis, we performed genetic knockout (KO) of Mbd2 in MMTV-PyMT transgenic mice and compared mammary tumor progression kinetics between the wild-type (PyMT-Mbd2+/+) and KO (PyMT-Mbd2-/-) groups. Our results demonstrated that deletion of Mbd2 in PyMT mice impedes primary tumor growth and lung metastasis at the experimental endpoint (postnatal week 20). Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of primary tumors revealed that Mbd2 deletion abrogates the expression of several key determinants involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, such as neural cadherin (N-cadherin) and osteopontin. Importantly, loss of the Mbd2 gene impairs the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, which is required for PyMT-mediated oncogenic transformation, growth, and survival of breast tumor cells. Taken together, the results of this study provide a rationale for further development of epigenetic therapies targeting Mbd2 to inhibit the progression of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niaz Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3A1A3, Canada
| | - Ani Arakelian
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Shafaat A Rabbani
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada.
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Braune EB, Geist F, Tang X, Kalari K, Boughey J, Wang L, Leon-Ferre RA, D'Assoro AB, Ingle JN, Goetz MP, Kreis J, Wang K, Foukakis T, Seshire A, Wienke D, Lendahl U. Identification of a Notch transcriptomic signature for breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res 2024; 26:4. [PMID: 38172915 PMCID: PMC10765899 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01757-7] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulated Notch signalling contributes to breast cancer development and progression, but validated tools to measure the level of Notch signalling in breast cancer subtypes and in response to systemic therapy are largely lacking. A transcriptomic signature of Notch signalling would be warranted, for example to monitor the effects of future Notch-targeting therapies and to learn whether altered Notch signalling is an off-target effect of current breast cancer therapies. In this report, we have established such a classifier. METHODS To generate the signature, we first identified Notch-regulated genes from six basal-like breast cancer cell lines subjected to elevated or reduced Notch signalling by culturing on immobilized Notch ligand Jagged1 or blockade of Notch by γ-secretase inhibitors, respectively. From this cadre of Notch-regulated genes, we developed candidate transcriptomic signatures that were trained on a breast cancer patient dataset (the TCGA-BRCA cohort) and a broader breast cancer cell line cohort and sought to validate in independent datasets. RESULTS An optimal 20-gene transcriptomic signature was selected. We validated the signature on two independent patient datasets (METABRIC and Oslo2), and it showed an improved coherence score and tumour specificity compared with previously published signatures. Furthermore, the signature score was particularly high for basal-like breast cancer, indicating an enhanced level of Notch signalling in this subtype. The signature score was increased after neoadjuvant treatment in the PROMIX and BEAUTY patient cohorts, and a lower signature score generally correlated with better clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS The 20-gene transcriptional signature will be a valuable tool to evaluate the response of future Notch-targeting therapies for breast cancer, to learn about potential effects on Notch signalling from conventional breast cancer therapies and to better stratify patients for therapy considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eike-Benjamin Braune
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Xiaojia Tang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Krishna Kalari
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Judy Boughey
- Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Liewei Wang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - James N Ingle
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Matthew P Goetz
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Kang Wang
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Theodoros Foukakis
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Urban Lendahl
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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3
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Samanta A, Saha P, Johnson O, Bishayee A, Sinha D. Dysregulation of delta Np63 alpha in squamous cell carcinoma and its therapeutic targeting. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189034. [PMID: 38040268 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
The gene p63 has two isoforms -a full length transactivated isoform (TA) p63 and an amino-terminally truncated isoform, ∆Np63. DeltaNp63 alpha (∆Np63α) is the predominant splice variant of the isoform, ∆Np63 and is expressed in the basal layer of stratified epithelia. ∆Np63α that is normally essential for the epithelial lineage maintenance may be dysregulated in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). The pro-tumorigenic or antitumorigenic role of ∆Np63 is a highly contentious arena. ∆Np63α may act as a double-edged sword. It may either promote tumor progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, chemoresistance, and immune-inflammatory responses, or inhibit the aforementioned phenomena depending upon cell type and tumor microenvironment. Several signaling pathways, transforming growth factor-β, Wnt and Notch, as well as epigenetic alterations involving microRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs are regulated by ∆Np63α. This review has attempted to provide an in-depth insight into the role of ∆Np63α in the development of SCCs during different stages of tumor formation and how it may be targeted for therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurima Samanta
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata 700 026, West Bengal, India
| | - Priyanka Saha
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata 700 026, West Bengal, India
| | - Olivia Johnson
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL 34211, USA.
| | - Dona Sinha
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata 700 026, West Bengal, India.
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4
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Wang X, Kutschat AP, Aggrey-Fynn J, Hamdan FH, Graham RP, Wixom AQ, Souto Y, Ladigan-Badura S, Yonkus JA, Abdelrahman AM, Alva-Ruiz R, Gaedcke J, Ströbel P, Kosinsky RL, Wegwitz F, Hermann P, Truty MJ, Siveke JT, Hahn SA, Hessmann E, Johnsen SA, Najafova Z. Identification of a ΔNp63-Dependent Basal-Like A Subtype-Specific Transcribed Enhancer Program (B-STEP) in Aggressive Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:881-891. [PMID: 37279184 PMCID: PMC10542885 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0916] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A major hurdle to the application of precision oncology in pancreatic cancer is the lack of molecular stratification approaches and targeted therapy for defined molecular subtypes. In this work, we sought to gain further insight and identify molecular and epigenetic signatures of the Basal-like A pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) subgroup that can be applied to clinical samples for patient stratification and/or therapy monitoring. We generated and integrated global gene expression and epigenome mapping data from patient-derived xenograft models to identify subtype-specific enhancer regions that were validated in patient-derived samples. In addition, complementary nascent transcription and chromatin topology (HiChIP) analyses revealed a Basal-like A subtype-specific transcribed enhancer program in PDAC characterized by enhancer RNA (eRNA) production that is associated with more frequent chromatin interactions and subtype-specific gene activation. Importantly, we successfully confirmed the validity of eRNA detection as a possible histologic approach for PDAC patient stratification by performing RNA-ISH analyses for subtype-specific eRNAs on pathologic tissue samples. Thus, this study provides proof-of-concept that subtype-specific epigenetic changes relevant for PDAC progression can be detected at a single-cell level in complex, heterogeneous, primary tumor material. IMPLICATIONS Subtype-specific enhancer activity analysis via detection of eRNAs on a single-cell level in patient material can be used as a potential tool for treatment stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ana P. Kutschat
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Joana Aggrey-Fynn
- Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
- Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Feda H. Hamdan
- Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Alexander Q. Wixom
- Gene Regulatory Mechanisms and Molecular Epigenetics Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yara Souto
- Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Jennifer A. Yonkus
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Amro M. Abdelrahman
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Roberto Alva-Ruiz
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jochen Gaedcke
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Clinical Research Unit 5002, KFO5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Philipp Ströbel
- Clinical Research Unit 5002, KFO5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Robyn Laura Kosinsky
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Florian Wegwitz
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Mark J. Truty
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jens T. Siveke
- Bridge Institute of Experimental Tumor Therapy, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Division of Solid Tumor Translational Oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner site University Hospital Essen, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan A. Hahn
- Department of Molecular Gastrointestinal Oncology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Hessmann
- Clinical Research Unit 5002, KFO5002, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Zeynab Najafova
- Department of General, Visceral and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
- Robert Bosch Center for Tumor Diseases, Stuttgart, Germany
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Fisher ML, Balinth S, Mills AA. ΔNp63α in cancer: importance and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Cell Biol 2023; 33:280-292. [PMID: 36115734 PMCID: PMC10011024 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of cancer and the key pathways that drive cancer survival has expanded rapidly over the past several decades. However, there are still important challenges that continue to impair patient survival, including our inability to target cancer stem cells (CSCs), metastasis, and drug resistance. The transcription factor p63 is a p53 family member with multiple isoforms that carry out a wide array of functions. Here, we discuss the critical importance of the ΔNp63α isoform in cancer and potential therapeutic strategies to target ΔNp63α expression to impair the CSC population, as well as to prevent metastasis and drug resistance to improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Fisher
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Seamus Balinth
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA; Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Alea A Mills
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
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6
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Glathar AR, Oyelakin A, Nayak KB, Sosa J, Romano RA, Sinha S. A Systemic and Integrated Analysis of p63-Driven Regulatory Networks in Mouse Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:446. [PMID: 36672394 PMCID: PMC9856320 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15020446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity and is linked to tobacco exposure, alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus infection. Despite therapeutic advances, a lack of molecular understanding of disease etiology, and delayed diagnoses continue to negatively affect survival. The identification of oncogenic drivers and prognostic biomarkers by leveraging bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing datasets of OSCC can lead to more targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes. However, the generation, analysis, and continued utilization of additional genetic and genomic tools are warranted. Tobacco-induced OSCC can be modeled in mice via 4-nitroquinoline 1-oxide (4NQO), which generates a spectrum of neoplastic lesions mimicking human OSCC and upregulates the oncogenic master transcription factor p63. Here, we molecularly characterized established mouse 4NQO treatment-derived OSCC cell lines and utilized RNA and chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing to uncover the global p63 gene regulatory and signaling network. We integrated our p63 datasets with published bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing of mouse 4NQO-treated tongue and esophageal tumors, respectively, to generate a p63-driven gene signature that sheds new light on the role of p63 in murine OSCC. Our analyses reveal known and novel players, such as COTL1, that are regulated by p63 and influence various oncogenic processes, including metastasis. The identification of new sets of potential biomarkers and pathways, some of which are functionally conserved in human OSCC and can prognosticate patient survival, offers new avenues for future mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Ruth Glathar
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Akinsola Oyelakin
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Kasturi Bala Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Jennifer Sosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Rose-Anne Romano
- Department of Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Satrajit Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
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7
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Canciello A, Cerveró-Varona A, Peserico A, Mauro A, Russo V, Morrione A, Giordano A, Barboni B. "In medio stat virtus": Insights into hybrid E/M phenotype attitudes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1038841. [PMID: 36467417 PMCID: PMC9715750 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1038841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) refers to the ability of cells to dynamically interconvert between epithelial (E) and mesenchymal (M) phenotypes, thus generating an array of hybrid E/M intermediates with mixed E and M features. Recent findings have demonstrated how these hybrid E/M rather than fully M cells play key roles in most of physiological and pathological processes involving EMT. To this regard, the onset of hybrid E/M state coincides with the highest stemness gene expression and is involved in differentiation of either normal and cancer stem cells. Moreover, hybrid E/M cells are responsible for wound healing and create a favorable immunosuppressive environment for tissue regeneration. Nevertheless, hybrid state is responsible of metastatic process and of the increasing of survival, apoptosis and therapy resistance in cancer cells. The present review aims to describe the main features and the emerging concepts regulating EMP and the formation of E/M hybrid intermediates by describing differences and similarities between cancer and normal hybrid stem cells. In particular, the comprehension of hybrid E/M cells biology will surely advance our understanding of their features and how they could be exploited to improve tissue regeneration and repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Canciello
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Adrián Cerveró-Varona
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessia Peserico
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Annunziata Mauro
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Valentina Russo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Andrea Morrione
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO), Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Barboni
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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8
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Wang Z, Xing L, Huang Y, Han P. FAT2 mutation is associated with better prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy in uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma. Cancer Med 2022; 12:3797-3811. [PMID: 36812126 PMCID: PMC9939103 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5119] [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: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma (UCEC) ranks sixth among malignant tumors in women and the mortality is still rising. FAT2 gene has been considered to be related to the survival and prognosis of some certain diseases in previous studies, but the FAT2 mutation status in UCEC and its prognostic value has been rarely studied. Hence, the purpose of our study was to explore the role of FAT2 mutations for predicting prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy in patients with UCEC. METHODS UCEC samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas database were analyzed. We evaluated the impact of FAT2 gene mutation status and clinicopathological characteristics on the prognosis of UCEC patients and used univariate and multivariate Cox analysis risk scores to independently predict patient overall survival (OS). Tumor mutation burden (TMB) values of the FAT2 mutant and non-mutant groups were computed by Wilcoxon rank sum test. The correlation of FAT2 mutation and half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of various anticancer drugs was analyzed. Gene Ontology data and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were employed to examine the differential expression of genes between the two groups. Finally, a single-sample GSEA arithmetic was utilized to measure the abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells in UCEC patients. RESULTS FAT2 mutations suggested better OS (p < 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (p = 0.007) in UCEC. The IC50 values of 18 anticancer drugs were upregulated in FAT2 mutation patients (p < 0.05). The TMB and microsatellite instability values of patients with FAT2 mutations were significantly higher (p < 0.001). Next, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes functional analysis and GSEA revealed the potential mechanism of FAT2 mutation on the tumorigenesis and progression of UCEC. In addition, in reference to the UCEC microenvironment, the infiltration levels of activated CD4/CD8 T cells (p < 0.001/p = 0.001) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (p = 0.006) were upregulated in the non-FAT2 mutation group, and Type 2 T helper cells (p = 0.001) were downregulated in the FAT2 mutation group. CONCLUSIONS UCEC patients with FAT2 mutations have better prognosis and are more likely to respond to immunotherapy. FAT2 mutation may be a valuable predictor for prognosis and responsiveness to immunotherapy in UCEC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Linan Xing
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Huang
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouPeople's Republic of China
| | - Peilin Han
- Department of Gynecology, The First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouPeople's Republic of China
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9
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Wang Q, Cui L, Li P, Wang Y. Somatic Mutation of FAT Family Genes Implicated Superior Prognosis in Patients With Stomach Adenocarcinoma. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:873836. [PMID: 35836939 PMCID: PMC9273734 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.873836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
FAT family genes encode protocadherin, which regulates tumor cell proliferation and migration. Although transcriptional levels of FAT family members had been reported in multiple malignant tumors, the association between mutation and prognosis of the FAT family in stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) has not been investigated. Herein, we performed a multi-omics integrative bioinformatics analysis using genomic and mRNA expression data to explore the role of gene mutations across the FAT family on clinical outcomes of STAD. The results showed that FAT mutations occurred in 174 of 435 (40%) of the samples. Patients with FAT mutations possessed significantly better progression-free survival (P = 0.019) and overall survival (P = 0.034) than those with non-FAT mutations, and FAT mutations exhibited significantly higher tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability. Notably, FAT mutations had a greater effect on somatic single-nucleotide variation than copy number variation and resulted in more abundant DNA damage repair (DDR) mutations. Further investigation demonstrated that FAT mutations contributed to an inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME), as indicated by significantly increased numbers of activated CD4 and CD8 T cells, and significantly decreased numbers of mast cell, plasmacytoid dendritic cell, type 2 T helper cell, and high expression of immune-promoting genes. Moreover, biological process antigen processing and presentation, DNA replication, and DDR-related pathways were significantly upregulated in patients with FAT mutations. Collectively, FAT mutations significantly improved the survival of patients with STAD by enhancing tumor immunogenicity (e.g., TMB and DDR mutations) and an inflamed TME, indicating that the FAT family might be a potential prognostic and therapeutic biomarker for STAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjun Wang
- Department of Clinical Trial, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Liang Cui
- GenePlus-Beijing Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Pansong Li
- GenePlus-Beijing Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Clinical Trial, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yuanyuan Wang,
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10
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Feng Z, Yin Y, Liu B, Zheng Y, Shi D, Zhang H, Qin J. Prognostic and Immunological Role of FAT Family Genes in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Control 2022; 29:10732748221076682. [PMID: 35212236 PMCID: PMC8891876 DOI: 10.1177/10732748221076682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The FAT atypical cadherin 1/2/3/4 (FAT1/2/3/4) has been linked to the occurrence and development of various cancers. However, the prognostic and immunological role of FAT1/2/3/4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been clarified. Methods The association of FAT1/2/3/4 mutations with tumor mutation burden (TMB), tumor immunity in the microenvironment, and response to ICIs in NSCLC was investigated. Whole-exome sequencing data of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) samples from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and an immunotherapy data set comprising mutation and survival data of 75 NSCLC patients were analyzed. Two independent pan-cancer cohorts with large samples were used to validate the prognostic value of FAT1/2/3/4 mutations in immunotherapy. Results A high mutation rate of FAT1/2/3/4 (57.3%, 603/1052) was observed in NSCLC patients. TMB was significantly higher in samples with mutated FAT1/2/3/4 compared to samples with wildtype FAT1/2/3/4 (P < .05). FAT2 mutation was found to be an independent prognostic biomarker in LUAD. FAT1/2/3/4 were aberrantly expressed in LUAD and LUSC, and high FAT2 expression strongly correlated with high PD-L1 levels in LUAD. Moreover, LUAD patients with FAT1 mutations showed significantly high activated dendritic cells infiltration, whereas those with FAT2/3/4 mutations had high infiltration of CD8+ T-cells, M1 macrophages, activated memory CD4+ T-cells, and helper follicular T-cells. It was also observed that FAT1/2/4 mutations were significantly associated with better enhanced objective response and durable clinical benefit, whereas FAT1/2/3 mutations correlated with longer progression-free survival in ICI-treated NSCLC cohort. FAT1/4 mutations were related to better overall survival in pan-cancer patients treated with ICIs. Conclusions FAT family genes are potential prognostic and immunological biomarkers and correlate with response to ICIs in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenxing Feng
- Department of Radiology, 499773Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Yan Yin
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 499773Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 499773Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Yafang Zheng
- Department of Radiology, 499773Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Dongsheng Shi
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 499773Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Radiology, 499773Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, Tianjin 300222, China
| | - Jianwen Qin
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 499773Tianjin Chest Hospital, Tianjin Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute, Tianjin 300222, China
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11
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Subbalakshmi AR, Ashraf B, Jolly MK. Biophysical and biochemical attributes of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypes. Phys Biol 2022; 19. [PMID: 34986465 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ac482c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a biological phenomenon associated with explicit phenotypic and molecular changes in cellular traits. Unlike the earlier-held popular belief of it being a binary process, EMT is now thought of as a landscape including diverse hybrid E/M phenotypes manifested by varying degrees of the transition. These hybrid cells can co-express both epithelial and mesenchymal markers and/or functional traits, and can possess the property of collective cell migration, enhanced tumor-initiating ability, and immune/targeted therapy-evasive features, all of which are often associated with worse patient outcomes. These characteristics of the hybrid E/M cells have led to a surge in studies that map their biophysical and biochemical hallmarks that can be helpful in exploiting their therapeutic vulnerabilities. This review discusses recent advances made in investigating hybrid E/M phenotype(s) from diverse biophysical and biochemical aspects by integrating live cell-imaging, cellular morphology quantification and mathematical modelling, and highlights a set of questions that remain unanswered about the dynamics of hybrid E/M states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayalur Raghu Subbalakshmi
- Indian Institute of Science, Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Bangalore, 560012, INDIA
| | - Bazella Ashraf
- Central University of Kashmir, Department of Biotechnology, Ganderbal, Jammu and Kashmir, 191201, INDIA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Indian Institute of Science, Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Bangalore, 560012, INDIA
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12
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Anuraga G, Wang WJ, Phan NN, An Ton NT, Ta HDK, Berenice Prayugo F, Minh Xuan DT, Ku SC, Wu YF, Andriani V, Athoillah M, Lee KH, Wang CY. Potential Prognostic Biomarkers of NIMA (Never in Mitosis, Gene A)-Related Kinase (NEK) Family Members in Breast Cancer. J Pers Med 2021; 11:1089. [PMID: 34834441 PMCID: PMC8625415 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11111089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer remains the most common malignant cancer in women, with a staggering incidence of two million cases annually worldwide; therefore, it is crucial to explore novel biomarkers to assess the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer patients. NIMA-related kinase (NEK) protein kinase contains 11 family members named NEK1-NEK11, which were discovered from Aspergillus Nidulans; however, the role of NEK family genes for tumor development remains unclear and requires additional study. In the present study, we investigate the prognosis relationships of NEK family genes for breast cancer development, as well as the gene expression signature via the bioinformatics approach. The results of several integrative analyses revealed that most of the NEK family genes are overexpressed in breast cancer. Among these family genes, NEK2/6/8 overexpression had poor prognostic significance in distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in breast cancer patients. Meanwhile, NEK2/6 had the highest level of DNA methylation, and the functional enrichment analysis from MetaCore and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) suggested that NEK2 was associated with the cell cycle, G2M checkpoint, DNA repair, E2F, MYC, MTORC1, and interferon-related signaling. Moreover, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) results showed that the transcriptional levels of NEK2 were positively correlated with immune infiltration of B cells and CD4+ T Cell. Collectively, the current study indicated that NEK family genes, especially NEK2 which is involved in immune infiltration, and may serve as prognosis biomarkers for breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gangga Anuraga
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (G.A.); (H.D.K.T.); (K.-H.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana, Surabaya 60234, Indonesia;
| | - Wei-Jan Wang
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, Department of Biological Science and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40604, Taiwan;
| | - Nam Nhut Phan
- Institute for Environmental Science, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (N.N.P.); (N.T.A.T.)
| | - Nu Thuy An Ton
- Institute for Environmental Science, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam; (N.N.P.); (N.T.A.T.)
| | - Hoang Dang Khoa Ta
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (G.A.); (H.D.K.T.); (K.-H.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
| | - Fidelia Berenice Prayugo
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
| | - Do Thi Minh Xuan
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
| | - Su-Chi Ku
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
| | - Yung-Fu Wu
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan;
| | - Vivin Andriani
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana, Surabaya 60234, Indonesia;
| | - Muhammad Athoillah
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas PGRI Adi Buana, Surabaya 60234, Indonesia;
| | - Kuen-Haur Lee
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (G.A.); (H.D.K.T.); (K.-H.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
- Cancer Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Yang Wang
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (G.A.); (H.D.K.T.); (K.-H.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (F.B.P.); (D.T.M.X.); (S.-C.K.)
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13
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Vilchez Mercedes SA, Bocci F, Levine H, Onuchic JN, Jolly MK, Wong PK. Decoding leader cells in collective cancer invasion. Nat Rev Cancer 2021; 21:592-604. [PMID: 34239104 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-021-00376-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Collective cancer invasion with leader-follower organization is increasingly recognized as a predominant mechanism in the metastatic cascade. Leader cells support cancer invasion by creating invasion tracks, sensing environmental cues and coordinating with follower cells biochemically and biomechanically. With the latest developments in experimental and computational models and analysis techniques, the range of specific traits and features of leader cells reported in the literature is rapidly expanding. Yet, despite their importance, there is no consensus on how leader cells arise or their essential characteristics. In this Perspective, we propose a framework for defining the essential aspects of leader cells and provide a unifying perspective on the varying cellular and molecular programmes that are adopted by each leader cell subtype to accomplish their functions. This Perspective can lead to more effective strategies to interdict a major contributor to metastatic capability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federico Bocci
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA
- NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Department of Physics, and Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - José N Onuchic
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Department of Chemistry and Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
| | - Pak Kin Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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14
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Zhou L, Yang Y, Liu M, Gan Y, Liu R, Ren M, Zheng Y, Wang Y, Zhou Y. Identification of the RP11-21C4.1/SVEP1 gene pair associated with FAT2 mutations as a potential biomarker in gastric cancer. Bioengineered 2021; 12:4361-4373. [PMID: 34308747 PMCID: PMC8806586 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1953211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Despite rapid advances in systemic therapy, GC remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. We aimed to identify a novel prognostic signature associated with FAT2 mutations in GC. We analyzed the expression levels of FAT2-mutant and FAT2-wildtype GC samples obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The Kaplan–Meier survival curve showed that patients with FAT2 mutations showed better prognosis than those without the mutation. Sixteen long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 62 messenger RNAs (mRNAs) associated with FAT2 mutations were correlated with the prognosis of GC. We then constructed a 4-mRNA signature and a 5-lncRNA signature for GC. Finally, we identified the most relevant RP11-21 C4.1/SVEP1 gene pair as a prognostic signature of GC that exhibited superior predictive performance in comparison with the 4-mRNA or 5-lncRNA signature by weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. In this study, we constructed a prognostic signature of GC by integrative genomics analysis, which also provided insights into the molecular mechanisms linked to FAT2 mutations in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingshan Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Geriatrics Ward 2, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuling Gan
- Department 1nd Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology, Gansu Provincial Cancer Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Department of Geriatrics Ward 2, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Man Ren
- Department of Geriatrics Ward 2, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ya Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongning Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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15
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Jaykumar AB, Jung JU, Parida PK, Dang TT, Wichaidit C, Kannangara AR, Earnest S, Goldsmith EJ, Pearson GW, Malladi S, Cobb MH. WNK1 Enhances Migration and Invasion in Breast Cancer Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:1800-1808. [PMID: 34253593 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of mortality in patients with breast cancer. Many signaling pathways have been linked to cancer invasiveness, but blockade of few protein components has succeeded in reducing metastasis. Thus, identification of proteins contributing to invasion that are manipulable by small molecules may be valuable in inhibiting spread of the disease. The protein kinase with no lysine (K) 1 (WNK1) has been suggested to induce migration of cells representing a range of cancer types. Analyses of mouse models and patient data have implicated WNK1 as one of a handful of genes uniquely linked to invasive breast cancer. Here, we present evidence that inhibition of WNK1 slows breast cancer metastasis. We show that depletion or inhibition of WNK1 reduces migration of several breast cancer cell lines in wound healing assays and decreases invasion in collagen matrices. Furthermore, WNK1 depletion suppresses expression of AXL, a tyrosine kinase implicated in metastasis. Finally, we demonstrate that WNK inhibition in mice attenuates tumor progression and metastatic burden. These data showing reduced migration, invasion, and metastasis upon WNK1 depletion in multiple breast cancer models suggest that WNK1 contributes to the metastatic phenotype, and that WNK1 inhibition may offer a therapeutic avenue for attenuating progression of invasive breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita B Jaykumar
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ji-Ung Jung
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Tuyen T Dang
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | | | - Svetlana Earnest
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Gray W Pearson
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Srinivas Malladi
- Department of Pathology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Melanie H Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.
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16
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Subbalakshmi AR, Sahoo S, Biswas K, Jolly MK. A Computational Systems Biology Approach Identifies SLUG as a Mediator of Partial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). Cells Tissues Organs 2021; 211:689-702. [PMID: 33567424 DOI: 10.1159/000512520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity comprises reversible transitions among epithelial, hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) and mesenchymal phenotypes, and underlies various aspects of aggressive tumor progression such as metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune evasion. The process of cells attaining one or more hybrid E/M phenotypes is termed as partial epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cells in hybrid E/M phenotype(s) can be more aggressive than those in either fully epithelial or mesenchymal state. Thus, identifying regulators of hybrid E/M phenotypes is essential to decipher the rheostats of phenotypic plasticity and consequent accelerators of metastasis. Here, using a computational systems biology approach, we demonstrate that SLUG (SNAIL2) - an EMT-inducing transcription factor - can inhibit cells from undergoing a complete EMT and thus stabilize them in hybrid E/M phenotype(s). It expands the parametric range enabling the existence of a hybrid E/M phenotype, thereby behaving as a phenotypic stability factor. Our simulations suggest that this specific property of SLUG emerges from the topology of the regulatory network it forms with other key regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Clinical data suggest that SLUG associates with worse patient prognosis across multiple carcinomas. Together, our results indicate that SLUG can stabilize hybrid E/M phenotype(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayalur R Subbalakshmi
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Kuheli Biswas
- Department of Physical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India,
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17
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Xia C, Olsen TK, Zirakzadeh AA, Almamoun R, Sjöholm LK, Dahlström J, Sjöberg J, Claesson HE, Johnsen JI, Winqvist O, Xu D, Ekström TJ, Björkholm M, Strååt K. Hodgkin Lymphoma Monozygotic Triplets Reveal Divergences in DNA Methylation Signatures. Front Oncol 2020; 10:598872. [PMID: 33363029 PMCID: PMC7756121 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.598872] [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: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied DNA methylation profiles in four different cell populations from a unique constellation of monozygotic triplets in whom two had developed Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL). We detected shared differences in DNA methylation signatures when comparing the two HL-affected triplets with the non-affected triplet. The differences were observed in naïve B-cells and marginal zone-like B-cells. DNA methylation differences were also detected when comparing each of the HL-affected triplets against each other. Even though we cannot determine whether treatment and/or disease triggered the observed differences, we believe our data are important on behalf of forthcoming studies, and that it might provide important clues for a better understanding of HL pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanyou Xia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, BioClinicum and Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thale Kristin Olsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Ali Zirakzadeh
- Unit of Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Radwa Almamoun
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Louise K Sjöholm
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jenny Dahlström
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, BioClinicum and Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Sjöberg
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, BioClinicum and Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans-Erik Claesson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, BioClinicum and Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ola Winqvist
- Unit of Translational Immunology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dawei Xu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, BioClinicum and Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas J Ekström
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Björkholm
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, BioClinicum and Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klas Strååt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, BioClinicum and Centre for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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18
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Dang TT, McIntosh AT, Morales JC, Pearson GW. miR614 Expression Enhances Breast Cancer Cell Motility. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010112. [PMID: 33374314 PMCID: PMC7801944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Using a data driven analysis of a high-content screen, we have uncovered new regulators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) induced cell migration. Our results suggest that increased expression of miR614 can alter cell intrinsic gene expression to enhance single cell and collective migration in multiple contexts. Interestingly, miR614 specifically increased the expression of the EMT transcription factor Slug while not altering existing epithelial character or inducing other canonical EMT regulatory factors. Analysis of two different cell lines identified a set of genes whose expression is altered by the miR614 through direct and indirect mechanisms. Prioritization driven by functional testing of 25 of the miR614 suppressed genes uncovered the mitochondrial small GTPase Miro1 and the transmembrane protein TAPT1 as miR614 suppressed genes that inhibit migration. Notably, the suppression of either Miro1 or TAPT1 was sufficient to increase Slug expression and the rate of cell migration. Importantly, reduced TAPT1 expression correlated with an increased risk of relapse in breast cancer patients. Together, our results reveal how increased miR614 expression and the suppression of TAPT1 and Miro1 modulate the EMT state and migratory properties of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuyen T. Dang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, 1122 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA; (T.T.D.); (J.C.M.)
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alec T. McIntosh
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, 3970 Reservoir Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
| | - Julio C. Morales
- Department of Neurosurgery and Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, 1122 NE 13th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73117, USA; (T.T.D.); (J.C.M.)
| | - Gray W. Pearson
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, 6001 Forest Park Rd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, 3970 Reservoir Rd. NW, Washington, DC 20057, USA;
- Correspondence:
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19
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Riege K, Kretzmer H, Sahm A, McDade SS, Hoffmann S, Fischer M. Dissecting the DNA binding landscape and gene regulatory network of p63 and p53. eLife 2020; 9:e63266. [PMID: 33263276 PMCID: PMC7735755 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor p53 is the best-known tumor suppressor, but its sibling p63 is a master regulator of epidermis development and a key oncogenic driver in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Despite multiple gene expression studies becoming available, the limited overlap of reported p63-dependent genes has made it difficult to decipher the p63 gene regulatory network. Particularly, analyses of p63 response elements differed substantially among the studies. To address this intricate data situation, we provide an integrated resource that enables assessing the p63-dependent regulation of any human gene of interest. We use a novel iterative de novo motif search approach in conjunction with extensive ChIP-seq data to achieve a precise global distinction between p53-and p63-binding sites, recognition motifs, and potential co-factors. We integrate these data with enhancer:gene associations to predict p63 target genes and identify those that are commonly de-regulated in SCC representing candidates for prognosis and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantin Riege
- Computational Biology Group, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)JenaGermany
| | - Helene Kretzmer
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular GeneticsBerlinGermany
| | - Arne Sahm
- Computational Biology Group, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)JenaGermany
| | - Simon S McDade
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University BelfastBelfastUnited Kingdom
| | - Steve Hoffmann
- Computational Biology Group, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)JenaGermany
| | - Martin Fischer
- Computational Biology Group, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI)JenaGermany
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20
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Westcott JM, Camacho S, Nasir A, Huysman ME, Rahhal R, Dang TT, Riegel AT, Brekken RA, Pearson GW. ΔNp63-Regulated Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition State Heterogeneity Confers a Leader-Follower Relationship That Drives Collective Invasion. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3933-3944. [PMID: 32661136 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Defining how interactions between tumor subpopulations contribute to invasion is essential for understanding how tumors metastasize. Here, we find that the heterogeneous expression of the transcription factor ΔNp63 confers distinct proliferative and invasive epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) states in subpopulations that establish a leader-follower relationship to collectively invade. A ΔNp63-high EMT program coupled the ability to proliferate with an IL1α- and miR-205-dependent suppression of cellular protrusions that are required to initiate collective invasion. An alternative ΔNp63-low EMT program conferred cells with the ability to initiate and lead collective invasion. However, this ΔNp63-low EMT state triggered a collateral loss of fitness. Importantly, rare growth-suppressed ΔNp63-low EMT cells influenced tumor progression by leading the invasion of proliferative ΔNp63-high EMT cells in heterogeneous primary tumors. Thus, heterogeneous activation of distinct EMT programs promotes a mode of collective invasion that overcomes cell intrinsic phenotypic deficiencies to induce the dissemination of proliferative tumor cells. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings reveal how an interaction between cells in different EMT states confers properties that are not induced by either EMT program alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill M Westcott
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Sharon Camacho
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Apsra Nasir
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Molly E Huysman
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Raneen Rahhal
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Tuyen T Dang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Anna T Riegel
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas.,Department of Surgery, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Gray W Pearson
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC.
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21
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Dong Y, Xiao Y, Shi Q, Jiang C. Dysregulated lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Network Reveals Patient Survival-Associated Modules and RNA Binding Proteins in Invasive Breast Carcinoma. Front Genet 2020; 10:1284. [PMID: 32010179 PMCID: PMC6975227 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01284] [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: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but few biomarkers are effective in clinic. Previous studies have shown the important roles of non-coding RNAs in diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy selection for breast cancer and have suggested the significance of integrating molecules at different levels to interpret the mechanism of breast cancer. Here, we collected transcriptome data including long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), microRNA (miRNA), and mRNA for ~1,200 samples, including 1079 invasive breast carcinoma samples and 104 normal samples, from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project. We identified differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs that distinguished invasive carcinoma samples from normal samples. We further constructed an integrated dysregulated network consisting of differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs and found housekeeping and cancer-related functions. Moreover, 58 RNA binding proteins (RBPs) involved in biological processes that are essential to maintain cell survival were found in the dysregulated network, and 10 were correlated with overall survival. In addition, we identified two modules that stratify patients into high- and low-risk subgroups. The expression patterns of these two modules were significantly different in invasive carcinoma versus normal samples, and some molecules were high-confidence biomarkers of breast cancer. Together, these data demonstrated an important clinical application for improving outcome prediction for invasive breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Dong
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Qihui Shi
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biomedicine (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Center for Systems Biomedicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunjie Jiang
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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22
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Melo-Hanchuk TD, Martins MB, Cunha LL, Soares FA, Ward LS, Vassallo J, Kobarg J. Expression of the NEK family in normal and cancer tissue: an immunohistochemical study. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:23. [PMID: 31906878 PMCID: PMC6945616 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6408-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The NEK serine/threonine protein kinases are involved in cell cycle checkpoints, DNA damage repair, and apoptosis. Alterations in these pathways are frequently associated with cell malignant cellular transformations. Thyroid cancer is the most common malignant tumour in the endocrine system. Despite good treatment methods, the number of cases has increased significantly in recent years. Here, we studied the expression of NEK1, NEK2, NEK3, and NEK5 in different types of normal and malignant tissues, using tissue microarray analysis, and identified NEKs as potential markers in thyroid malignancy. METHODS The studied cases comprised multiple cancer tissue microarrays, including breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, lung, pancreas, prostate, stomach, thyroid and uterine cervix, as well as 281 patients who underwent thyroid resection for thyroid cancer or thyroid nodules. The expression of NEK1, NEK2, NEK3, and NEK5 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The expression pattern was evaluated in terms of intensity by two methods, semiquantitative and quantitative, and was compared between normal and cancer tissue. RESULTS We analysed the expression of each member of the NEK family in a tissue-dependent manner. Compared to normal tissue, most of the evaluated proteins showed lower expression in lung tumour. However, in the thyroid, the expression was higher in malignant tissue, especially for NEK 1, NEK3 and NEK5. Concerning characteristics of the thyroid tumour, such as aggressiveness, NEK1 expression was higher in tumours with multifocality and in patients with lymph node metastasis. NEK3 expression was stronger in patients with stage II, that involved metastasis. NEK5, on the other hand, showed high expression in patients with invasion and metastasis and in patients with tumour size > 4 cm. Furthermore, this work, demonstrated for the first time a high specificity and sensitivity of over-expression of NEK1 in classical and follicular variants of papillary thyroid cancer and NEK3 in tall-cell papillary thyroid cancer. CONCLUSION Taken together, the NEK protein kinases emerge as important proteins in thyroid cancer development and may help to identify malignancy and aggressiveness features during diagnosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was retrospectively registered. www.accamargo.org.br/cientistas-pesquisadores/comite-de-etica-em-pequisa-cep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talita Diniz Melo-Hanchuk
- Departamento de Bioquímica e de Biologia Tecidual, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mariana Bonjiorno Martins
- Departamento de Bioquímica e de Biologia Tecidual, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Leite Cunha
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular do Câncer, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Laura Sterian Ward
- Laboratório de Genética Molecular do Câncer, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Vassallo
- Departamento de Anatomia Patológica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jörg Kobarg
- Departamento de Bioquímica e de Biologia Tecidual, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. .,Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas-UNICAMP, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Inst. de Biologia, Dep. Bioquímica e Biologia Tecidual, Rua Monteiro Lobato 255, CEP 13083-862, Campinas-SP, Brazil.
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23
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Aljagthmi AA, Hill NT, Cooke M, Kazanietz MG, Abba MC, Long W, Kadakia MP. ΔNp63α suppresses cells invasion by downregulating PKCγ/Rac1 signaling through miR-320a. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:680. [PMID: 31515469 PMCID: PMC6742631 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1921-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
ΔNp63α, a member of the p53 family of transcription factors, is overexpressed in a number of cancers and plays a role in proliferation, differentiation, migration, and invasion. ΔNp63α has been shown to regulate several microRNAs that are involved in development and cancer. We identified miRNA miR-320a as a positively regulated target of ΔNp63α. Previous studies have shown that miR-320a is downregulated in colorectal cancer and targets the small GTPase Rac1, leading to a reduction in noncanonical WNT signaling and EMT, thereby inhibiting tumor metastasis and invasion. We showed that miR-320a is a direct target of ΔNp63α. Knockdown of ΔNp63α in HaCaT and A431 cells downregulates miR-320a levels and leads to a corresponding elevation in PKCγ transcript and protein levels. Rac1 phosphorylation at Ser71 was increased in the absence of ΔNp63α, whereas overexpression of ΔNp63α reversed S71 phosphorylation of Rac1. Moreover, increased PKCγ levels, Rac1 phosphorylation and cell invasion observed upon knockdown of ΔNp63α was reversed by either overexpressing miR-320a mimic or Rac1 silencing. Finally, silencing PKCγ or treatment with the PKC inhibitor Gö6976 reversed increased Rac1 phosphorylation and cell invasion observed upon silencing ΔNp63α. Taken together, our data suggest that ΔNp63α positively regulates miR-320a, thereby inhibiting PKCγ expression, Rac1 phosphorylation, and cancer invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad A Aljagthmi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Natasha T Hill
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Martín C Abba
- Centro de Investigaciones Inmunológicas Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CP1900, La Plata, Argentina
| | - Weiwen Long
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Madhavi P Kadakia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
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24
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Systematic Identification of Characteristic Genes of Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma Compared with High-Grade Serous Carcinoma Based on RNA-Sequencing. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20184330. [PMID: 31487856 PMCID: PMC6770582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Ovarian cancer has the highest mortality among gynecological cancers. High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common histotype of ovarian cancer regardless of ethnicity, whereas clear cell carcinoma (CCC) is more common in East Asians than Caucasians. The elucidation of predominant signaling pathways in these cancers is the first step towards understanding their molecular mechanisms and developing their clinical management. Methods: RNA sequencing was performed for 27 clinical ovarian specimens from Japanese women. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on the sequence data mapped on RefSeq with normalized read counts, and functional annotation analysis was performed on genes with substantial weights in PCA. Knockdown experiments were conducted on the selected genes on the basis of PCA. Results: Functional annotation analysis of PCA-defined genes showed predominant pathways, such as cell growth regulators and blood coagulators in CCC and transcription regulators in HGSC. Knockdown experiments showed that the inhibition of the calcium-dependent protein copine 8 (CPNE8) and the transcription factor basic helix-loop-helix family member e 41 (BHLHE41) repressed the proliferation of CCC- and HGSC-derived cells, respectively. Conclusions: This study identified CPNE8 and BHLHE41 as characteristic genes for CCC and HGSC, respectively. The systemic identification of differentially expressed genes in CCC and HGSC will provide useful information to understand transcriptomic differences in these ovarian cancers and to further develop potential diagnostic and therapeutic options for advanced disease.
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25
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Chen BJ, Tang YJ, Tang YL, Liang XH. What makes cells move: Requirements and obstacles for leader cells in collective invasion. Exp Cell Res 2019; 382:111481. [PMID: 31247191 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Most recently, mounting evidence has shown that cancer cells can invade as a cohesive and multicellular group with coordinated movement, which is called collective invasion. In this cohesive cancer cell group, cancer cells at the front of collective invasion are defined as leader cell that are responsible for many aspects of collective invasion, including sensing the microenvironment, determining the invasion direction, modifying the path of invasion and transmitting information to other cells. To fulfill their dispensable roles, leader cells are required to embark on some specific phenotypes with unusual expression of some proteins and it's very important to investigate into these proteins as they may serve as potential therapeutic targets. Here, in this review we will summarize current knowledge on four emerging proteins highly expressed in leader cells including K14, ΔNp63α, Dll4 and cysteine protease cathepsin B (CTSB), with a focus on their important roles in collective invasion and special mechanisms by which they promote collective invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, China.
| | - Ya-Jie Tang
- Key Laboratory of Fermentation Engineering (Ministry of Education), Hubei Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Microbiology, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China.
| | - Ya-Ling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Dept. of Oral Pathology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University.China.
| | - Xin-Hua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Dept. of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, China.
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26
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Gatti V, Bongiorno-Borbone L, Fierro C, Annicchiarico-Petruzzelli M, Melino G, Peschiaroli A. p63 at the Crossroads between Stemness and Metastasis in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2683. [PMID: 31159154 PMCID: PMC6600246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
After lung cancer, breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent cause of cancer death among women, worldwide. Although advances in screening approaches and targeted therapeutic agents have decreased BC incidence and mortality, over the past five years, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains the breast cancer subtype that displays the worst prognosis, mainly due to the lack of clinically actionable targets. Genetic and molecular profiling has unveiled the high intrinsic heterogeneity of TNBC, with the basal-like molecular subtypes representing the most diffuse TNBC subtypes, characterized by the expression of basal epithelial markers, such as the transcription factor p63. In this review, we will provide a broad picture on the physiological role of p63, in maintaining the basal epithelial identity, as well as its involvement in breast cancer progression, emphasizing its relevance in tumor cell invasion and stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Gatti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Claudia Fierro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy.
- Medical Research Council, Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, UK.
| | - Angelo Peschiaroli
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Translational Pharmacology, 00133 Rome, Italy.
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27
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Control of Invasion by Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Programs during Metastasis. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8050646. [PMID: 31083398 PMCID: PMC6572027 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8050646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs contribute to the acquisition of invasive properties that are essential for metastasis. It is well established that EMT programs alter cell state and promote invasive behavior. This review discusses how rather than following one specific program, EMT states are diverse in their regulation and invasive properties. Analysis across a spectrum of models using a combination of approaches has revealed how unique features of distinct EMT programs dictate whether tumor cells invade as single cells or collectively as cohesive groups of cells. It has also been shown that the mode of collective invasion is determined by the nature of the EMT, with cells in a trailblazer-type EMT state being capable of initiating collective invasion, whereas cells that have undergone an opportunist-type EMT are dependent on extrinsic factors to invade. In addition to altering cell intrinsic properties, EMT programs can influence invasion through non-cell autonomous mechanisms. Analysis of tumor subpopulations has demonstrated how EMT-induced cells can drive the invasion of sibling epithelial populations through paracrine signaling and remodeling of the microenvironment. Importantly, the variation in invasive properties controlled by EMT programs influences the kinetics and location of metastasis.
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28
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Srivastava K, Pickard A, Craig SG, Quinn GP, Lambe SM, James JA, McDade SS, McCance DJ. ΔNp63γ/SRC/Slug Signaling Axis Promotes Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Squamous Cancers. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:3917-3927. [PMID: 29739791 PMCID: PMC6098695 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-3775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its importance in tumor invasion.Experimental Design: We use a three-dimensional invasive organotypic raft culture model of human foreskin keratinocytes expressing the E6/E7 genes of the human papilloma virus-16, coupled with bioinformatic and IHC analysis of patient samples to investigate the role played by EMT in invasion and identify effectors and upstream regulatory pathways.Results: We identify SNAI2 (Slug) as a critical effector of EMT-activated downstream of TP63 overexpression in HNSCC. Splice-form-specific depletion and rescue experiments further identify the ΔNp63γ isoform as both necessary and sufficient to activate the SRC signaling axis and SNAI2-mediated EMT and invasion. Moreover, elevated SRC levels are associated with poor outcome in patients with HNSCC in The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. Importantly, the effects on EMT and invasions and SNAI2 expression can be reversed by genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of SRC.Conclusions: Overexpression of ΔNp63γ modulates cell invasion by inducing targetable SRC-Slug-evoked EMT in HNSCC, which can be reversed by inhibitors of the SRC signaling. Clin Cancer Res; 24(16); 3917-27. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirtiman Srivastava
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
| | - Adam Pickard
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
- The Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Matrix Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Stephanie G Craig
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard P Quinn
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Shauna M Lambe
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline A James
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Simon S McDade
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
| | - Dennis J McCance
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
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29
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Zhao Y, Huang J, Liu T, He S, Shang C, Guo L, Du Q, Yao S. Overexpression of long non-coding RNA RP11-396F22.1 correlates poor prognosis of patients with early-stage cervical cancer. Am J Transl Res 2018; 10:684-695. [PMID: 29636859 PMCID: PMC5883110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The expression level and clinical significances of long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) are presently unknown in the early-stage cervical cancer (CC). This study was aimed to explore the expression signatures of lncRNAs between normal and cervix carcinoma tissues and the prognostic value of LncRNAs in early-stage CC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS The patients diagnosed with FIGO stage I-IIb CC of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between January 1st 2006 and December 31st 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Molecular microarray was conducted to identify differentially expression profiles of LncRNAs. In situ hybridization was applied for detection of candidate lncRNAs in cervical tissues. RESULTS A total of 2574 upregulated lncRNAs and 3270 downregulated lncRNAs with significantly differential expression (≥2.0-fold) were identified. Among the differentially expressed lncRNAs, RP11-396F22.1 expression was one of the most significantly overexpressed in the CC tissues compared to nomal cervical tissues (P<0.001). In situ hybridization confirmed RP11-396F22.1 expression was highly expressed in cancerous tissues. The results of Scratch and Transwell test showed that the migration ability decreased remarkably in transfected group (P<0.001). Moreover, the coding gene cpne8 was significantly upregulated by RP11-396F22.1 knockdown (P=0.035). CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that LncRNA RP11-396F22.1 might be a potent biomarker for CC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhe Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhongshan Second Road 58, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jiaming Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhongshan Second Road 58, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Tianyu Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhongshan Second Road 58, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Shanyang He
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhongshan Second Road 58, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Chunliang Shang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhongshan Second Road 58, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Luyan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhongshan Second Road 58, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Qiqiao Du
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhongshan Second Road 58, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Shuzhong Yao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen UniversityZhongshan Second Road 58, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P. R. China
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SNCA Is a Functionally Low-Expressed Gene in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9010016. [PMID: 29300342 PMCID: PMC5793169 DOI: 10.3390/genes9010016] [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: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 01/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence for the contribution of synuclein alpha (SNCA) to the etiology of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, little is known about the detailed role of SNCA in human cancers, especially lung cancers. Here, we evaluated the effects of SNCA on the occurrence and prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (ADC). Comprehensive bioinformatics analyses of data obtained from the Oncomine platform, the human protein atlas (HPA) project and the cancer cell line encyclopedia (CCLE) demonstrated that SNCA expression was significantly reduced in both ADC tissues and cancer cells. The results of relevant clinical studies indicated that down-regulation of SNCA was statistically correlated with shorter overall survival time and post-progression survival time. Through analysis of datasets obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, significant low levels of SNCA were identified in cisplatin-resistant ADC cells. Moreover, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7) elevated the expression of SNCA in the ADC cell lines H1299 and H2009. Our work demonstrates that low levels of SNCA are specifically found in ADC and that this gene may be a potential therapeutic target for this subset of lung cancers. Determination of the role of SNCA in ADC biology would give us some insightful information for further investigations.
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31
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Cohen AS, Khalil FK, Welsh EA, Schabath MB, Enkemann SA, Davis A, Zhou JM, Boulware DC, Kim J, Haura EB, Morse DL. Cell-surface marker discovery for lung cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:113373-113402. [PMID: 29371917 PMCID: PMC5768334 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. Novel lung cancer targeted therapeutic and molecular imaging agents are needed to improve outcomes and enable personalized care. Since these agents typically cannot cross the plasma membrane while carrying cytotoxic payload or imaging contrast, discovery of cell-surface targets is a necessary initial step. Herein, we report the discovery and characterization of lung cancer cell-surface markers for use in development of targeted agents. To identify putative cell-surface markers, existing microarray gene expression data from patient specimens were analyzed to select markers with differential expression in lung cancer compared to normal lung. Greater than 200 putative cell-surface markers were identified as being overexpressed in lung cancers. Ten cell-surface markers (CA9, CA12, CXorf61, DSG3, FAT2, GPR87, KISS1R, LYPD3, SLC7A11 and TMPRSS4) were selected based on differential mRNA expression in lung tumors vs. non-neoplastic lung samples and other normal tissues, and other considerations involving known biology and targeting moieties. Protein expression was confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining and scoring of patient tumor and normal tissue samples. As further validation, marker expression was determined in lung cancer cell lines using microarray data and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were performed for each of the markers using patient clinical data. High expression for six of the markers (CA9, CA12, CXorf61, GPR87, LYPD3, and SLC7A11) was significantly associated with worse survival. These markers should be useful for the development of novel targeted imaging probes or therapeutics for use in personalized care of lung cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison S Cohen
- Department of Cancer Imaging and Metabolism, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Farah K Khalil
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Eric A Welsh
- Biomedical Informatics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Matthew B Schabath
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Steven A Enkemann
- Molecular Genomics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Andrea Davis
- Department of Cancer Imaging and Metabolism, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jun-Min Zhou
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - David C Boulware
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jongphil Kim
- Department of Biostatistics, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Oncologic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Eric B Haura
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - David L Morse
- Department of Cancer Imaging and Metabolism, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Oncologic Sciences, College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.,Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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32
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Yang L, Wang T, Zhang J, Wang X. BTBD7 silencing inhibited epithelial- mesenchymal transition (EMT) via regulating Slug expression in human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma. Cancer Biomark 2017; 20:461-468. [PMID: 28946551 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-170262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, Shandong, China
- Yantai Stomatological Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Tiejun Wang
- Yantai Stomatological Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, Shandong, China
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xuxia Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration, Shandong, China
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Li L, Fu LQ, Wang HJ, Yan ZL, Yu XC, Wang YY. FAT2 is a novel independent prognostic factor for the poor prognosis of gastric carcinoma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2017; 10:11603-11609. [PMID: 31966517 PMCID: PMC6966061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the clinical implication of FAT2 in the progression, metastasis, and prognosis of gastric cancer. METHODS The expression of FAT2 in 436 clinicopathologically characterized gastric cancer cases and 92 control human non-tumor mucosa were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Consequently, survival analysis was conducted to investigate the association of FAT2 expression and the development of gastric cancers. RESULTS FAT2 protein was found highly expressed in 90 of 92 (97.83%) control human non-tumor mucosa, while was highly expressed in 126 of 436 (28.90%) tumors samples and low in 310 of 436 (72.10%). The expression of FAT2 was associated with age, tumor size, depth of invasion, Lauren's classification, lymph node and distant metastases, regional lymph node stage, TNM stage, and prognosis. In particular, for stage I, II, and III tumors patients the 5-year survival rate was lower in those with high expression of FAT2 than those with low expression. In stage IV tumors, the expression of FAT2 was not associated with the 5-year survival rate. Lauren's classification and distant metastases, TNM stage, and expression of FAT2 were independent prognostic factors in the patients with gastric cancer, as revealed by Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSION The expression of FAT2 in gastric cancer was significantly associated with lymph node and distant metastases, and poor prognosis. FAT2 was also associated with the collective invasion and influenced the prognosis of those patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luo-Qin Fu
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui-Ju Wang
- Clinical Research Institute, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhi-Long Yan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ningbo First HospitalNingbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiu-Chong Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ningbo First HospitalNingbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan-Yu Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical CollegeHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Lintz M, Muñoz A, Reinhart-King CA. The Mechanics of Single Cell and Collective Migration of Tumor Cells. J Biomech Eng 2017; 139:2580907. [PMID: 27814431 DOI: 10.1115/1.4035121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is a dynamic process in which cancer cells navigate the tumor microenvironment, largely guided by external chemical and mechanical cues. Our current understanding of metastatic cell migration has relied primarily on studies of single cell migration, most of which have been performed using two-dimensional (2D) cell culture techniques and, more recently, using three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds. However, the current paradigm focused on single cell movements is shifting toward the idea that collective migration is likely one of the primary modes of migration during metastasis of many solid tumors. Not surprisingly, the mechanics of collective migration differ significantly from single cell movements. As such, techniques must be developed that enable in-depth analysis of collective migration, and those for examining single cell migration should be adopted and modified to study collective migration to allow for accurate comparison of the two. In this review, we will describe engineering approaches for studying metastatic migration, both single cell and collective, and how these approaches have yielded significant insight into the mechanics governing each process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Lintz
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 309 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Adam Muñoz
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 309 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853
| | - Cynthia A Reinhart-King
- The Nancy E. and Peter C. Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, 302 Weill Hall, Ithaca, NY 14853 e-mail:
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Abstract
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is a clinical and biological heterogeneous disease including systemic ALK positive and ALK negative entities. Whereas ALK positive ALCLs are molecularly characterized and readily diagnosed, specific immunophenotypic or genetic features to define ALK negative ALCL are missing, and their distinction from other T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (T-NHLs) can be controversial. In recent years, great advances have been made in dissecting the heterogeneity of ALK negative ALCLs and in providing new diagnostic and treatment options for these patients. A new revision of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification promoted ALK negative ALCL to a definite entity that includes cytogenetic subsets with prognostic implications. However, a further understanding of the genetic landscape of ALK negative ALCL is required to dictate more effective therapeutic strategies specifically tailored for each subgroup of patients.
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Distinctive behaviour of live biopsy-derived carcinoma cells unveiled using coherence-controlled holographic microscopy. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183399. [PMID: 28846747 PMCID: PMC5573213 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most aggressive tumours and is typically diagnosed too late. Late diagnosis requires an urgent decision on an effective therapy. An individualized test of chemosensitivity should quickly indicate the suitability of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. No ex vivo chemosensitivity assessment developed thus far has become a part of general clinical practice. Therefore, we attempted to explore the new technique of coherence-controlled holographic microscopy to investigate the motility and growth of live cells from a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma biopsy. We expected to reveal behavioural patterns characteristic for malignant cells that can be used to imrove future predictive evaluation of chemotherapy. We managed to cultivate primary SACR2 carcinoma cells from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma biopsy verified through histopathology. The cells grew as a cohesive sheet of suspected carcinoma origin, and western blots showed positivity for the tumour marker p63 confirming cancerous origin. Unlike the roundish colonies of the established FaDu carcinoma cell line, the SACR2 cells formed irregularly shaped colonies, eliciting the impression of the collective invasion of carcinoma cells. Time-lapse recordings of the cohesive sheet activity revealed the rapid migration and high plasticity of these epithelial-like cells. Individual cells frequently abandoned the swiftly migrating crowd by moving aside and crawling faster. The increasing mass of fast migrating epithelial-like cells before and after mitosis confirmed the continuation of the cell cycle. In immunofluorescence, analogously shaped cells expressed the p63 tumour marker, considered proof of their origin from a carcinoma. These behavioural traits indicate the feasible identification of carcinoma cells in culture according to the proposed concept of the carcinoma cell dynamic phenotype. If further developed, this approach could later serve in a new functional online analysis of reactions of carcinoma cells to therapy. Such efforts conform to current trends in precision medicine.
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Comparative transcriptomes of adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas reveal molecular similarities that span classical anatomic boundaries. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006938. [PMID: 28787442 PMCID: PMC5560753 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in genomics in recent years have provided key insights into defining cancer subtypes “within-a-tissue”—that is, respecting traditional anatomically driven divisions of medicine. However, there remains a dearth of data regarding molecular profiles that are shared across tissues, an understanding of which could lead to the development of highly versatile, broadly applicable therapies. Using data acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we performed a transcriptomics-centered analysis on 1494 patient samples, comparing the two major histological subtypes of solid tumors (adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas) across organs, with a focus on tissues in which both subtypes arise: esophagus, lung, and uterine cervix. Via principal component and hierarchical clustering analysis, we discovered that histology-driven differences accounted for a greater degree of inherent molecular variation in the tumors than did tissue of origin. We then analyzed differential gene expression, DNA methylation, and non-coding RNA expression between adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas and found 1733 genes, 346 CpG sites, and 42 microRNAs in common between organ sites, indicating specific adenocarcinoma-associated and squamous cell carcinoma-associated molecular patterns that were conserved across tissues. We then identified specific pathways that may be critical to the development of adenocarcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, including Liver X receptor activation, which was upregulated in adenocarcinomas but downregulated in squamous cell carcinomas, possibly indicating important differences in cancer cell metabolism between these two histological subtypes of cancer. In addition, we highlighted genes that may be common drivers of adenocarcinomas specifically, such as IGF2BP1, which suggests a possible link between embryonic development and tumor subtype. Altogether, we demonstrate the need to consider biological similarities that transcend anatomical boundaries to inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies. All data sets from our analysis are available as a resource for further investigation. In clinical practice, the organ in which a cancer arises typically classifies it. However, developments in our understanding of cancer have revealed that this method overlooks key aspects of cancer biology relevant to both disease prevention and treatment. In fact, work characterizing the genetic make-up of cancers arising in a single organ has revealed that a shared organ of origin does not necessarily imply biological similarity (i.e. not all lung cancers share similar biological and molecular properties). While this approach, known as “within-a-tissue subtyping,” identifies key differences between cancers that arise in a single organ, a broader perspective may highlight important biological similarities between cancers across organs. Here we utilize this second approach, or “across-tissue subtyping,” to gain insight into similarities between cancers (of different organs) that share the same histology—or appear similarly under a microscope. Using publicly available data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we compare gene expression of two major classes of solid tumors—adenocarcinomas (which arise from cells that form glands) and squamous cell carcinomas (which arise from flattened cells that form physical barriers). We identify several genes and biological pathways that may be common to adenocarcinomas and serve as targets for highly versatile therapies.
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Horne-Badovinac S. Fat-like cadherins in cell migration-leading from both the front and the back. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2017; 48:26-32. [PMID: 28551508 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
When cells migrate through the body, their motility is continually influenced by interactions with other cells. The Fat-like cadherins are cell-cell signaling proteins that promote migration in multiple cell types. Recent studies suggest, however, that Fat-like cadherins influence motility differently in mammals versus Drosophila, with the cadherin acting at the leading edge of mammalian cells and the trailing edge of Drosophila cells. As opposed to this being a difference between organisms, it is more likely that the Fat-like cadherins are highly versatile proteins that can interact with the migration machinery in multiple ways. Here, I review what is known about how Fat-like cadherins promote migration, and then explore where conserved features may be found between the mammalian and Drosophila models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Horne-Badovinac
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology, The University of Chicago, 920 East 58th Street, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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ΔNp63 activates EGFR signaling to induce loss of adhesion in triple-negative basal-like breast cancer cells. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 163:475-484. [DOI: 10.1007/s10549-017-4216-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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40
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Epithelial, mesenchymal and hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypes and their clinical relevance in cancer metastasis. Expert Rev Mol Med 2017; 19:e3. [PMID: 28322181 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2017.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis occurs through local invasion of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), intravasation, transportation to distant sites, and their extravasation followed by colonisation at secondary sites. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a normal developmental phenomenon, but its aberrant activation confers tumour cells with enhanced cell motility, metastatic properties, resistant to therapies and cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype in epithelium-derived carcinoma. Experimental studies from various research papers have been reviewed to determine the factors, which interlink cancer stemness and cellular plasticity with EMT. Although existence of CSCs has been linked with EMT, nevertheless, there are controversies with the involvement of type of tumour cells, including cells with E (epithelial) and M (mesenchymal) phenotype alone or hybrid E/M phenotype in different types of cancers. Studies on CTCs with hybrid E/M phenotypes during different stages of cancer metastasis reveal strong association with tumour -initiation potential, cellular plasticity and types of cancer cells. Cells with the hybrid E/M state are strictly controlled by phenotypic stability factors coupled to core EMT decision-making circuits, miR200/ZEB and miR-34/Snail. Understanding the regulatory functions of EMT program in cancer metastasis can help us to characterise the biomarkers of prognostic and therapeutic potential. These biomarkers when targeted may act as metastatic suppressors, inhibit cellular plasticity and stemness ability of tumour cells and can block metastatic growth.
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41
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Feller L, Khammissa RAG, Lemmer J. Is chronic ulcerative stomatitis a variant of lichen planus, or a distinct disease? J Oral Pathol Med 2017; 46:859-863. [PMID: 28186659 DOI: 10.1111/jop.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chronic ulcerative stomatitis is an immune-mediated mucocutaneous disorder characterized clinically by erosions or ulcers. Most cases are limited to the mouth. The histopathological features are non-specific or mimic those of oral lichen planus, and studies by immunofluorescent microscopy are essential for definitive diagnosis. The defining immunopathogenic mechanism is the binding of IgG to the nuclear protein deltaNp63alpha of keratinocytes in the basal and parabasal cell layers of the oral stratified epithelium. DeltaNp63alpha functions as a regulator of epithelial stem cell activity and as an antiapoptotic agent and regulates the expression of cell-to-cell and cell-to-basement membrane adhesion molecules. The autoimmune IgG-deltaNp63alpha interaction is thought to result in damage to the structural attachment of keratinocytes to one another and to the epithelial basement membrane zone and in dysregulation of the cell cycle and apoptosis of basal keratinocytes with the development of erosions or ulcers. The aims of treatment are to suppress the pathogenic immunoinflammatory responses, to prevent local infection and to promote healing. The purpose of this article is to provide a succinct review of the diagnostic, clinical and etiopathogenic features of, and treatment guidelines for chronic ulcerative stomatitis, and to argue that this disease should be regarded as a variant of oral lichen planus, rather than as a distinct entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liviu Feller
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Razia A G Khammissa
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Johan Lemmer
- Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa
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Cava C, Colaprico A, Bertoli G, Graudenzi A, Silva TC, Olsen C, Noushmehr H, Bontempi G, Mauri G, Castiglioni I. SpidermiR: An R/Bioconductor Package for Integrative Analysis with miRNA Data. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020274. [PMID: 28134831 PMCID: PMC5343810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) control many biological systems, but how such network coordination is shaped is still unknown. GRNs can be subdivided into basic connections that describe how the network members interact e.g., co-expression, physical interaction, co-localization, genetic influence, pathways, and shared protein domains. The important regulatory mechanisms of these networks involve miRNAs. We developed an R/Bioconductor package, namely SpidermiR, which offers an easy access to both GRNs and miRNAs to the end user, and integrates this information with differentially expressed genes obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Specifically, SpidermiR allows the users to: (i) query and download GRNs and miRNAs from validated and predicted repositories; (ii) integrate miRNAs with GRNs in order to obtain miRNA-gene-gene and miRNA-protein-protein interactions, and to analyze miRNA GRNs in order to identify miRNA-gene communities; and (iii) graphically visualize the results of the analyses. These analyses can be performed through a single interface and without the need for any downloads. The full data sets are then rapidly integrated and processed locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cava
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate (Mi) 20090, Italy.
| | - Antonio Colaprico
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels (IB)2, Brussels 1050, Belgium.
- Machine Learning Group (MLG), Department d'Informatique, Universite libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels 1050, Belgium.
| | - Gloria Bertoli
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate (Mi) 20090, Italy.
| | - Alex Graudenzi
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate (Mi) 20090, Italy.
| | - Tiago C Silva
- Department of Genetics Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo 14049-900, Brazil.
| | - Catharina Olsen
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels (IB)2, Brussels 1050, Belgium.
- Machine Learning Group (MLG), Department d'Informatique, Universite libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels 1050, Belgium.
| | - Houtan Noushmehr
- Department of Genetics Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo 14049-900, Brazil.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | - Gianluca Bontempi
- Interuniversity Institute of Bioinformatics in Brussels (IB)2, Brussels 1050, Belgium.
- Machine Learning Group (MLG), Department d'Informatique, Universite libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels 1050, Belgium.
| | - Giancarlo Mauri
- Department of Informatics, Systems and Communication, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan 20125, Italy.
- SYSBIO Centre of Systems Biology (SYSBIO), Milan 20126, Italy.
| | - Isabella Castiglioni
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology National Research Council (IBFM-CNR), Segrate (Mi) 20090, Italy.
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Stacy AJ, Craig MP, Sakaram S, Kadakia M. ΔNp63α and microRNAs: leveraging the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Oncotarget 2017; 8:2114-2129. [PMID: 27924063 PMCID: PMC5356785 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular reprogramming mechanism that is an underlying cause of cancer metastasis. Recent investigations have uncovered an intricate network of regulation involving the TGFβ, Wnt, and Notch signaling pathways and small regulatory RNA species called microRNAs (miRNAs). The activity of a transcription factor vital to the maintenance of epithelial stemness, ΔNp63α, has been shown to modulate the activity of these EMT pathways to either repress or promote EMT. Furthermore, ΔNp63α is a known regulator of miRNA, including those directly involved in EMT. This review discusses the evidence of ΔNp63α as a master regulator of EMT components and miRNA, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of its role in EMT. This expanded knowledge may provide a basis for new developments in the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Stacy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Michael P. Craig
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Suraj Sakaram
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Madhavi Kadakia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wright State University, Dayton, OH, USA
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Di Franco S, Sala G, Todaro M. p63 role in breast cancer. Aging (Albany NY) 2016; 8:2256-2257. [PMID: 27783565 PMCID: PMC5115884 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical and Oncological Sciences, Cellular and Molecular Pathophysiology Laboratory, University of Palermo, Palermo 90127, . Italy
| | - Gianluca Sala
- Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara, Center for Aging Sciences, CESI-MET, Chieti, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- DiBiMIS, University of Palermo, Palermo 90127, Italy
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