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Chaudhry KA, Bianchi-Smiraglia A. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor as a tumor modulator: mechanisms to therapy. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1375905. [PMID: 38807762 PMCID: PMC11130384 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1375905] [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: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is widely recognized to play important, but complex, modulatory roles in a variety of tumor types. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the increasingly controversial role of AhR as a tumor regulator and the mechanisms by which it alters tumor progression based on the cancer cell type. Finally, we discuss new and emerging strategies to therapeutically modulate AhR, focusing on novel agents that hold promise in current human clinical trials as well as existing FDA-approved drugs that could potentially be repurposed for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Bianchi-Smiraglia
- Department of Cell Stress Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, NY, United States
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2
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Opitz CA, Holfelder P, Prentzell MT, Trump S. The complex biology of aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation in cancer and beyond. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 216:115798. [PMID: 37696456 PMCID: PMC10570930 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling pathway is a complex regulatory network that plays a critical role in various biological processes, including cellular metabolism, development, and immune responses. The complexity of AHR signaling arises from multiple factors, including the diverse ligands that activate the receptor, the expression level of AHR itself, and its interaction with the AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT). Additionally, the AHR crosstalks with the AHR repressor (AHRR) or other transcription factors and signaling pathways and it can also mediate non-genomic effects. Finally, posttranslational modifications of the AHR and its interaction partners, epigenetic regulation of AHR and its target genes, as well as AHR-mediated induction of enzymes that degrade AHR-activating ligands may contribute to the context-specificity of AHR activation. Understanding the complexity of AHR signaling is crucial for deciphering its physiological and pathological roles and developing therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Ongoing research continues to unravel the intricacies of AHR signaling, shedding light on the regulatory mechanisms controlling its diverse functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane A Opitz
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Pauline Holfelder
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mirja Tamara Prentzell
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Division of Metabolic Crosstalk in Cancer and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), DKFZ Core Center Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Bioscience, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Saskia Trump
- Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité and the German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, a partnership between DKFZ and Charité -Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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3
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Shi Y, Qi W. Histone Modifications in NAFLD: Mechanisms and Potential Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14653. [PMID: 37834101 PMCID: PMC10572202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914653] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive condition that encompasses a spectrum of liver disorders, beginning with the simple steatosis, progressing to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and possibly leading to more severe diseases, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In recent years, the prevalence of NAFLD has increased due to a shift towards energy-dense dietary patterns and a sedentary lifestyle. NAFLD is also strongly associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity and hyperlipidemia. The progression of NAFLD could be influenced by a variety of factors, such as diet, genetic factors, and even epigenetic factors. In contrast to genetic factors, epigenetic factors, including histone modifications, exhibit dynamic and reversible features. Therefore, the epigenetic regulation of the initiation and progression of NAFLD is one of the directions under intensive investigation in terms of pathogenic mechanisms and possible therapeutic interventions. This review aims to discuss the possible mechanisms and the crucial role of histone modifications in the framework of epigenetic regulation in NAFLD, which may provide potential therapeutic targets and a scientific basis for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulei Shi
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wei Qi
- Gene Editing Center, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
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4
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Xue J, Ge P, Wu Y. The prognosis and clinicopathological significance of histone deacetylase in hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:1515-1536. [PMID: 36342581 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00934-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The value of the different types of HDACs (histone deacetylases) for HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) prognosis and clinicopathological features is still controversial. Here, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the possible role of different types of HDACs in HCC. Until October 28, 2021, we have searched the Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), SinoMed, Chinese China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese WanFang, and Chinese Weipu databases and evaluated eligible studies according to the criteria. We used hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) to evaluate the prognostic effects of different types of HDACs on overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS)/recurrence-free survival (RFS) and used odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% CI to evaluate the significance of HDACs on clinicopathological characteristics. The I2 statistic and chi-square-based Q test were used to assess the heterogeneity. When the heterogeneity was significant, we conducted a subgroup analysis. In addition, Egger's test and funnel chart were used to assess publication bias. The high expression of class I HDACs was associated with poorer OS, DFS/RFS and differentiation, intrahepatic metastasis, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM), tumor number, tumor size, vascular invasion, and other poor clinicopathological characteristics. The high expression of class II HDACs was related to poor OS and multiple and larger tumors. After subgroup analysis, class II HDACs may also be related to worse TNM and Edmondson grading. The high expression of class III HDACs was related to poor OS, hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, serum AFP, and vascular invasion. But it was more common in women and was related to single, smaller tumors. Type I, II, and III HDACs are associated with poor prognosis, and there are also correlations with some clinicopathological features, suggesting that different types of HDACs may be valuable biomarkers for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Xue
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Penglei Ge
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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5
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Salminen A. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) reveals evidence of antagonistic pleiotropy in the regulation of the aging process. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:489. [PMID: 35987825 PMCID: PMC9392714 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04520-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The antagonistic pleiotropy hypothesis is a well-known evolutionary theory to explain the aging process. It proposes that while a particular gene may possess beneficial effects during development, it can exert deleterious properties in the aging process. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has a significant role during embryogenesis, but later in life, it promotes several age-related degenerative processes. For instance, AhR factor (i) controls the pluripotency of stem cells and the stemness of cancer stem cells, (ii) it enhances the differentiation of embryonal stem cells, especially AhR signaling modulates the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells, (iii) it also stimulates the differentiation of immunosuppressive Tregs, Bregs, and M2 macrophages, and finally, (iv) AhR signaling participates in the differentiation of many peripheral tissues. On the other hand, AhR signaling is involved in many processes promoting cellular senescence and pathological processes, e.g., osteoporosis, vascular dysfunction, and the age-related remodeling of the immune system. Moreover, it inhibits autophagy and aggravates extracellular matrix degeneration. AhR signaling also stimulates oxidative stress, promotes excessive sphingolipid synthesis, and disturbs energy metabolism by catabolizing NAD+ degradation. The antagonistic pleiotropy of AhR signaling is based on the complex and diverse connections with major signaling pathways in a context-dependent manner. The major regulatory steps include, (i) a specific ligand-dependent activation, (ii) modulation of both genetic and non-genetic responses, (iii) a competition and crosstalk with several transcription factors, such as ARNT, HIF-1α, E2F1, and NF-κB, and (iv) the epigenetic regulation of target genes with binding partners. Thus, not only mTOR signaling but also the AhR factor demonstrates antagonistic pleiotropy in the regulation of the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antero Salminen
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. Box 1627, 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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Guarnieri T. Hypothesis: Emerging Roles for Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in Orchestrating CoV-2-Related Inflammation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040648. [PMID: 35203299 PMCID: PMC8869960 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogenic agent of Coronavirus-Induced Disease-2019 (COVID-19), a multi-organ syndrome which primarily targets the respiratory system. In this review, considering the large amount of data pointing out the role of the Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) in the inflammatory response and in the modulation of innate and adaptive immunity, we describe some mechanisms that strongly suggest its involvement in the management of COVID-19′s inflammatory framework. It regulates both the expression of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE-2) and its stabilizing partner, the Broad neutral Amino acid Transporter 1 (B0AT1). It induces Indolamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO-1), the enzyme which, starting from Tryptophan (Trp), produces Kynurenine (Kyn, Beta-Anthraniloyl-L-Alanine). The accumulation of Kyn and the depletion of Trp arrest T cell growth and induce apoptosis, setting up an immune-tolerant condition, whereas AhR and interferon type I (IFN-I) build a mutual inhibitory loop that also involves NF-kB and limits the innate response. AhR/Kyn binding boosts the production of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), thus reinforcing the inflammatory state and counteracting the IDO-dependent immune tolerance in the later stage of COVID-19. Taken together, these data depict a framework where sufficient clues suggest the possible participation of AhR in the management of COVID-19 inflammation, thus indicating an additional therapeutic target for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Guarnieri
- Cell Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (BiGeA), Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
- Interuniversity Consortium “Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi” (INBB–Biostructures and Biosystems National Institute), 00136 Rome, Italy
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Life Sciences and Technologies, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Epigenetic Changes Affecting the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164237. [PMID: 34439391 PMCID: PMC8392268 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma is a life-threatening disease. Despite many efforts to understand the exact pathogenesis and the signaling pathways involved in its formation, treatment remains unsatisfactory. Currently, an important function in the development of neoplastic diseases and treatment effects is attributed to changes taking place at the epigenetic level. Epigenetic studies revealed modified methylation patterns in HCC, dysfunction of enzymes engaged in the DNA methylation process, the aberrant function of non-coding RNAs, and a set of histone modifications that influence gene expression. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on the role of epigenetics in the formation of hepatocellular carcinoma. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a serious oncologic issue with still a dismal prognosis. So far, no key molecular mechanism that underlies its pathogenesis has been identified. Recently, by specific molecular approaches, many genetic and epigenetic changes arising during HCC pathogenesis were detected. Epigenetic studies revealed modified methylation patterns in HCC tumors, dysfunction of enzymes engaged in the DNA methylation process, and a set of histone modifications that influence gene expression. HCC cells are also influenced by the disrupted function of non-coding RNAs, such as micro RNAs and long non-coding RNAs. Moreover, a role of liver cancer stem cells in HCC development is becoming evident. The reversibility of epigenetic changes offers the possibility of influencing them and regulating their undesirable effects. All these data can be used not only to identify new therapeutic targets but also to predict treatment response. This review focuses on epigenetic changes in hepatocellular carcinoma and their possible implications in HCC therapy.
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Yao Y, Hao F, Tang LC, Xu XH, Jin L. Downregulation of HDAC8 expression decreases CD163 levels and promotes the apoptosis of macrophages by activating the ERK signaling pathway in recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:521-531. [PMID: 32433749 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (RSM) is a systemic disorder that has been defined as two or more pregnancies lost before the 20th week of gestation. Although the impaired function of macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface has been reported to be associated with RSM, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Here, we revealed that HDAC8 plays a critical role in RSM. Our results show that the mRNA and protein expression of HDAC8 was decreased in decidual macrophages from RSM patients. Moreover, the knockdown of HDAC8 resulted in a significant decrease in CD163 expression and an increase in apoptosis in dTHP-1 macrophages. Mechanistically, the ERK signaling pathway was activated in HDAC8-knockdown macrophages. When HDAC8-knockdown cells were pretreated with the ERK inhibitor U0126, expression levels of CD163, activated caspases 3, 7 and 9, and the apoptosis rate, were rescued. Taken together, our current results suggest that HDAC8 plays an important role in macrophage activation and apoptosis and may contribute to maintaining normal pregnancy by increasing the expression of M2 marker genes and inhibiting the apoptosis of macrophages at the maternal-fetal interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongli Yao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Fan Hao
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Lin-Chen Tang
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Xu
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
| | - Liping Jin
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China
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Mahajan M, Suryavanshi S, Bhowmick S, Alasmary FA, Almutairi TM, Islam MA, Kaul-Ghanekar R. Matairesinol, an active constituent of HC9 polyherbal formulation, exhibits HDAC8 inhibitory and anticancer activity. Biophys Chem 2021; 273:106588. [PMID: 33848944 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpc.2021.106588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) has emerged as a promising drug target for cancer therapeutics development. HDAC8 has been reported to regulate cancer cell proliferation, invasion and promote metastasis through modulation of cell cycle associated proteins. Of late, phytocompounds have been demonstrated to exhibit anticancer and anti-HDAC8 activity. Here, we have shown the HDAC8 inhibitory potential of an active phytocompound from HC9 (herbal composition-9), a polyherbal anticancer formulation based on the traditional Ayurvedic drug, Stanya Shodhan Kashaya. HC9 was recently reported to exhibit anticancer activity against breast cancer cells through induction of cell cycle arrest, decrease in migration and invasion as well as regulation of inflammation and chromatin modulators. In silico studies such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and binding free energy analyses showed greater binding energy values and interaction stability of MA with HDAC8 compared to other phytocompounds of HC9. Interestingly, in vitro validation confirmed the anti-HDAC8 activity of MA. Further, in vitro studies showed that MA significantly decreased the viability of breast and prostate cancer cell lines, thereby confirming its anticancer potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minal Mahajan
- Cancer Research Lab., Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune 411043, Maharashtra, India
| | - Snehal Suryavanshi
- Cancer Research Lab., Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune 411043, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shovonlal Bhowmick
- Department of Chemical Technology, University of Calcutta, 91 APC Road, Kolkata 700 009, India
| | - Fatmah Ali Alasmary
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahani Mazyad Almutairi
- Chemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Md Ataul Islam
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Ruchika Kaul-Ghanekar
- Cancer Research Lab., Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University, Pune-Satara Road, Pune 411043, Maharashtra, India.
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Liu KY, Wang LT, Wang HC, Wang SN, Tseng LW, Chai CY, Chiou SS, Huang SK, Hsu SH. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor is Essential in the Control of Lung Club Cell Homeostasis. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:299-311. [PMID: 33574691 PMCID: PMC7872937 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s284800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Club cells play an important role in maintaining lung homeostasis and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is known to be important in xenobiotic metabolism, but its role in regulating club cells is currently unknown. METHODS To this end, mice with club cell-specific AhR deficiency were generated and evaluated in a model of antigen (ovalbumin, OVA)-induced airway inflammation for the number of infiltrating inflammatory cells, the levels of cytokines and CC10 and Notch signaling by standard methods. RESULTS After OVA sensitization and challenge, Scgb1a1-Cre; Ahrflox/flox mice showed aggravated levels of pulmonary inflammation with increased levels of inflammatory cells and cytokines 1 day after challenge as compared to those seen in their littermate controls, but in contrast to the littermate controls, no significant change in the levels of CC10 and SP-D was noted in Scgb1a1-Cre; Ahrflox/flox mice. Surprisingly, 7 days after the challenge, while, as expected, wild-type mice recovered from acute inflammation, significantly increased lymphocytic infiltration was noted in Scgb1a1-Cre; Ahrflox/flox mice, suggesting their defective mechanism of recovery. Mechanistically, this was due, in part, to the decreased Notch1 signaling and expression of its downstream gene, HES5, while AhR was shown to positively regulate Notch1 expression via its transactivating activity targeting the xenobiotic response element in the promoter region of Notch1 gene. CONCLUSION Under the condition of pulmonary inflammation, AhR is critical in controlling lung club cell homeostasis via targeting Notch1 signaling and the generation of anti-inflammatory mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwei-Yan Liu
- Department of Respirology & Allergy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518020, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li-Ting Wang
- Department of Life Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chun Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Nien Wang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Division of General and Digestive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Wen Tseng
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Chee-Yin Chai
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Division of Hematology-Oncology Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
| | - Shau-Ku Huang
- Department of Respirology & Allergy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518020, People’s Republic of China
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, 807, Taiwan
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Burke CG, Myers JR, Post CM, Boulé LA, Lawrence BP. DNA Methylation Patterns in CD4+ T Cells of Naïve and Influenza A Virus-Infected Mice Developmentally Exposed to an Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Ligand. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:17007. [PMID: 33449811 PMCID: PMC7810290 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life environmental exposures can have lasting effects on the function of the immune system and contribute to disease later in life. Epidemiological studies have linked early life exposure to xenobiotics that bind the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) with dysregulated immune responses later in life. Among the immune cells influenced by developmental activation of the AhR are CD 4 + T cells. Yet, the underlying affected cellular pathways via which activating the AhR early in life causes the responses of CD 4 + T cells to remain affected into adulthood remain unclear. OBJECTIVE Our goal was to identify cellular mechanisms that drive impaired CD 4 + T-cell responses later in life following maternal exposure to an exogenous AhR ligand. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were vertically exposed to the prototype AhR ligand, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p -dioxin (TCDD), throughout gestation and early postnatal life. The transcriptome and DNA methylation patterns were evaluated in CD 4 + T cells isolated from naïve and influenza A virus (IAV)-infected adult mice that were developmentally exposed to TCDD or vehicle control. We then assessed the influence of DNA methylation-altering drug therapies on the response of CD 4 + T cells from developmentally exposed mice to infection. RESULTS Gene and protein expression showed that developmental AhR activation reduced CD 4 + T-cell expansion and effector functions during IAV infection later in life. Furthermore, whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analyses revealed that developmental AhR activation durably programed DNA methylation patterns across the CD 4 + T-cell genome. Treatment of developmentally exposed offspring with DNA methylation-altering drugs alleviated some, but not all, of the impaired CD 4 + T-cell responses. DISCUSSION Taken together, these results indicate that skewed DNA methylation is one of the mechanisms by which early life exposures can durably change the function of T cells in mice. Furthermore, treatment with DNA methylation-altering drugs after the exposure restored some aspects of CD 4 + T-cell functional responsiveness. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7699.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine G. Burke
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Jason R. Myers
- Genomics Research Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Christina M. Post
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Lisbeth A. Boulé
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - B. Paige Lawrence
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Genomics Research Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
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12
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Hayakawa K, Nishitani K, Tanaka S. Kynurenine, 3-OH-kynurenine, and anthranilate are nutrient metabolites that alter H3K4 trimethylation and H2AS40 O-GlcNAcylation at hypothalamus-related loci. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19768. [PMID: 31875008 PMCID: PMC6930210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56341-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms can establish and maintain mitotically stable patterns of gene expression while retaining the DNA sequence. These mechanisms can be affected by environmental factors such as nutrients. The importance of intracellular dosages of nutrient metabolites such as acetyl coenzyme A and S-adenosylmethionine, which are utilized as donors for post-translational modifications, is well-known in epigenetic regulation; however, the significance of indirect metabolites in epigenetic regulation is not clear. In this study, we screened for metabolites that function as epigenetic modulators. Because the expression of genes related to hypothalamic function is reportedly affected by nutritional conditions, we used a neural cell culture system and evaluated hypothalamic-linked loci. We supplemented the culture medium with 129 metabolites separately during induction of human-iPS-derived neural cells and used high-throughput ChIP-qPCR to determine the epigenetic status at 37 hypothalamus-linked loci. We found three metabolites (kynurenine, 3-OH-kynurenine, and anthranilate) from tryptophan pathways that increased H3K4 trimethylation and H2AS40 O-GlcNAcylation, resulting in upregulated gene expression at most loci, except those encoding pan-neural markers. Dietary supplementation of these three metabolites and the resulting epigenetic modification were important for stability in gene expression. In conclusion, our findings provide a better understanding of how nutrients play a role in epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Hayakawa
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, Imabari-shi, Ehime, Japan. .,Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Animal Resource Sciences /Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kenta Nishitani
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Animal Resource Sciences /Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanaka
- Laboratory of Cellular Biochemistry, Department of Animal Resource Sciences /Veterinary Medical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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13
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Debnath S, Debnath T, Bhaumik S, Majumdar S, Kalle AM, Aparna V. Discovery of novel potential selective HDAC8 inhibitors by combine ligand-based, structure-based virtual screening and in-vitro biological evaluation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17174. [PMID: 31748509 PMCID: PMC6868012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53376-y] [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: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor found in children and survival rate is extremely meager. HDAC8, a class I zinc-dependent enzyme, is a potential drug target for treatment of neuroblastoma and T cell lymphoma. Most of the HDAC8 inhibitors discovered till date contains a hydroxamic acid group which acts as a zinc binding group. The high binding affinity to the zinc and other ions results in adverse effects. Also, the non-selective inhibition of HDACs cause a variety of side effects. The objective of this is to identify structurally diverse, non-hydroxamate, novel, potential and selective HDAC8 inhibitors. A number of five featured pharmacophore hypotheses were generated using 32 known selective HDAC8 inhibitors. The hypotheses ADDRR.4 were selected for building 3D QSAR model. This model has an excellent correlation coefficient and good predictive ability, which was employed for virtual screening of Phase database containing 4.3 × 106 molecules. The resultant hits with fitness score >1.0 were optimized using in-silico ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) and XP glide docking studies. On the basis of pharmacophore matching, interacting amino acid residues, XP glide score, more affinity towards HDAC8 and less affinity towards other HDACs, and ADME results five hits- SD-01, SD-02, SD-03, SD-04 and SD-05 with new structural scaffolds, non-hydroxamate were selected for in vitro activity study. SD-01 and SD-02 were found to be active in the nanomolar (nM) range. SD-01 had considerably good selectivity for HDAC8 over HDAC6 and SD-02 had marginal selectivity for HDAC6 over HDAC8. The compounds SD-01 and SD-02 were found to inhibit HDAC8 at concentrations (IC50) 9.0 nM and 2.7 nM, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhan Debnath
- Department of Chemistry, MBB College, Agartala, Tripura, 799004, India.
| | - Tanusree Debnath
- Department of Chemistry, MBB College, Agartala, Tripura, 799004, India
| | - Samhita Bhaumik
- Department of Chemistry, Women's College, Agartala, Tripura, 799001, India
| | - Swapan Majumdar
- Department of Chemistry, Tripura University, Suryamaninagar, Agartala, Tripura, 799022, India
| | - Arunasree M Kalle
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, TS, 500046, India
| | - Vema Aparna
- Sree Chaitanya Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Karimnagar, 505 527, Andhra Pradesh, India
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14
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Luo Z, Mao X, Cui W. Circular RNA expression and circPTPRM promotes proliferation and migration in hepatocellular carcinoma. Med Oncol 2019; 36:86. [PMID: 31494761 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-019-1311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play a critical role during hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. CircRNA PTPRM (circPTPRM) has not been reported to cause disease and its role in HCC is unclear. This study explored circRNA expression and the function of circPTPRM in HCC. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on 3 randomly selected pairs of HCC tissues and their corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues. Three differentially expressed circRNAs, circPTPRM, circSMAD2 and circPTBP3 were selected and verified by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions in 30 pairs of tissue samples, In vitro cultured hepatoma cells, and normal liver cells. Clinical data analysis was performed to select target circRNAs. Anti-target circRNA siRNAs were transfected into hepatoma cell lines, and the biological behavior of hepatoma cells following silencing of the target circRNA were detected by cell proliferation, plate cloning, and transwell assays. There were 86 differentially expressed circRNAs from RNA-seq, of which 53 were significantly upregulated and 33 were significantly downregulated in HCC. CircPTPRM expression was significantly upregulated in HCC tissue (p = 0.023) based on the analysis of 30 paired samples. CircPTPRM expression positively correlated with HCC recurrence and metastasis (p = 0.039). CircPTPRM silencing reduced HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. CircRNAs were differentially expressed in HCC samples. CircPTPRM was significantly upregulated in HCC and may function during the tumorigenesis and metastasis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhun Luo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Yueyang Second People's Hospital, Yueyang, China
| | - Xuelan Mao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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15
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Abstract
Histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8) is one of the attractive therapeutic anticancer targets. HDAC8 has been overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. Therefore, HDAC8 inhibitors offer beneficial effects in the treatment of solid and hematological tumors. Different HDAC inhibitors entered into different phases of clinical studies. However, selectivity towards specific HDAC8 enzyme is still demanding. In this patent review, a number of patented selective and nonselective HDAC8 inhibitors along with their implication as anticancer agents have been discussed in details. Molecules should possess modified fish-like structural arrangement to impart potency and selectivity towards HDAC8. This comprehensive patent analysis will surely provide newer aspects of designing selective HDAC8 inhibitors targeted to anticancer therapy in future.
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16
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Patrizi B, Siciliani de Cumis M. TCDD Toxicity Mediated by Epigenetic Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124101. [PMID: 30567322 PMCID: PMC6320947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dioxins are highly toxic and persistent halogenated organic pollutants belonging to two families i.e., Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins (PCDDs) and Polychlorinated Dibenzo Furans (PCDFs). They can cause cancer, reproductive and developmental issues, damage to the immune system, and can deeply interfere with the endocrine system. Dioxins toxicity is mediated by the Aryl-hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) which mediates the cellular metabolic adaptation to these planar aromatic xenobiotics through the classical transcriptional regulation pathway, including AhR binding of ligand in the cytosol, translocation of the receptor to the nucleus, dimerization with the AhR nuclear translocator, and the binding of this heterodimeric transcription factor to dioxin-responsive elements which regulate the expression of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism. 2,3,7,8-TCDD is the most toxic among dioxins showing the highest affinity toward the AhR receptor. Beside this classical and well-studied pathway, a number of papers are dealing with the role of epigenetic mechanisms in the response to environmental xenobiotics. In this review, we report on the potential role of epigenetic mechanisms in dioxins-induced cellular response by inspecting recent literature and focusing our attention on epigenetic mechanisms induced by the most toxic 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Patrizi
- National Institute of Optics-National Research Council (INO-CNR), Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy.
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17
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Liu KY, Wang LT, Hsu SH. Modification of Epigenetic Histone Acetylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10010008. [PMID: 29301348 PMCID: PMC5789358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells respond to various environmental factors such as nutrients, food intake, and drugs or toxins by undergoing dynamic epigenetic changes. An imbalance in dynamic epigenetic changes is one of the major causes of disease, oncogenic activities, and immunosuppressive effects. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a unique cellular chemical sensor present in most organs, and its dysregulation has been demonstrated in multiple stages of tumor progression in humans and experimental models; however, the effects of the pathogenic mechanisms of AHR on epigenetic regulation remain unclear. Apart from proto-oncogene activation, epigenetic repressions of tumor suppressor genes are involved in tumor initiation, procession, and metastasis. Reverse epigenetic repression of the tumor suppressor genes by epigenetic enzyme activity inhibition and epigenetic enzyme level manipulation is a potential path for tumor therapy. Current evidence and our recent work on deacetylation of histones on tumor-suppressive genes suggest that histone deacetylase (HDAC) is involved in tumor formation and progression, and treating hepatocellular carcinoma with HDAC inhibitors can, at least partially, repress tumor proliferation and transformation by recusing the expression of tumor-suppressive genes such as TP53 and RB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwei-Yan Liu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Li-Ting Wang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
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18
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Gao WQ, Ma J, Sun LL, Li Q, Zhu RY, Jin J. Paclitaxel-mediated human aryl hydrocarbon receptor mRNA translation by an internal ribosomal entry site-dependent mechanism. Oncol Rep 2017; 38:3211-3219. [PMID: 29048649 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is best known in mediating the toxicities of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. AHR is activated by a variety of endogenous ligands and participating in tumor development. Thus, it will provide a new approach for cancer prevention and treatment to study the translation mechanism of AHR in tumor cells. In this study, we show that the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of AHR mRNA contains an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). After mapping the entire AHR 5'-UTR, we determined that the full-length 5'-UTR is indispensable for the highest IRES activity. Interestingly, we found that AHR expression is induced in ovarian (A2780), breast (MDA-MB231), hepatic (Bel7402) and colorectal cancer cells (SW620) by chemotherapeutic drug paclitaxel (PTX) through IRES-dependent translation mechanism. Moreover, IRES activity is increased in the PTX-resistant ovarian cancer cells in which AHR protein expression was also enhanced. These results strongly suggest an important role for AHR IRES-dependent translation mechanism in cancer cell response to paclitaxel treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qing Gao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Jing Ma
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Liu-Liu Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Qi Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Rui-Yu Zhu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
| | - Jian Jin
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, P.R. China
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19
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Hsu SH, Wang LT, Chai CY, Wu CC, Hsi E, Chiou SS, Wang SN. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor promotes hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis by targeting intestine-specific homeobox expression. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:2167-2177. [PMID: 28398627 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a major chemical sensor, is thought to play a role in various biological contexts, including cell cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. However, its regulatory mechanisms remain unclear. We propose herein a novel mechanism through which AHR promotes tumorigenesis by targeting expression of the oncogene intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared to paired tumor-adjacent tissues and non-HCC tumors, HCCs exhibited an increased and hierarchical pattern of AHR expression. Patients exhibiting high AHR expression had a significantly shorter survival duration, compared to those with low and medium expression. Functionally, AHR was found to target the newly discovered proto-oncogene, ISX, resulting in the increased expression of this gene and its downstream targets, CCND1 and E2F1. Ablation of AHR or ISX in hepatoma cells suppressed cell growth, whereas overexpression promoted cell proliferation and led to enhanced tumorigenic activity in vitro and in vivo. These results provide evidence to support a critical role for the AHR/ISX axis in HCC tumorigenesis and suggest its potential utility as a new therapeutic and prognostic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ting Wang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chee-Yin Chai
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Cheng Wu
- Department of Business Management, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Edward Hsi
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Nien Wang
- Division of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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20
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Wang LT, Chiou SS, Chai CY, Hsi E, Yokoyama KK, Wang SN, Huang SK, Hsu SH. Intestine-Specific Homeobox Gene ISX Integrates IL6 Signaling, Tryptophan Catabolism, and Immune Suppression. Cancer Res 2017. [PMID: 28625979 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-0090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The intestine-specific homeobox transcription factor intestine-specific homeobox (ISX) is an IL6-inducible proto-oncogene implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, but its mechanistic contributions to this process are undefined. In this study, we provide evidence that ISX mediates a positive feedback loop integrating inflammation, tryptophan catabolism, and immune suppression. We found that ISX-mediated IL6-induced expression of the tryptophan catabolic enzymes Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, resulting in an ISX-dependent increase in the tryptophan catabolite kynurenine and its receptor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Activation of this kynurenine/AHR signaling axis acted through a positive feedback mechanism to increase ISX expression and enhance cellular proliferation and tumorigenic potential. RNAi-mediated attenuation of ISX or AHR reversed these effects. In an IDO1-dependent manner, ectopic expression of ISX induced expression of genes encoding the critical immune modulators CD86 (B7-2) and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1), through which ISX conferred a significant suppressive effect on the CD8+ T-cell response. In hepatocellular carcinoma specimens, expression of IDO1, kynurenine, AHR, and PD-L1 correlated negatively with survival. Overall, our results identified a feed-forward mechanism of immune suppression in hepatocellular carcinoma organized by ISX, which involves kynurenine-AHR signaling and PD-L1, offering insights into immune escape by hepatocellular carcinoma, which may improve its therapeutic management. Cancer Res; 77(15); 4065-77. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ting Wang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shin Chiou
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chee-Yin Chai
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Edward Hsi
- Department of Genome Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kazunari K Yokoyama
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center for Infectious Disease and Cancer Research (CICAR), Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center for Stem Cell Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shen-Nien Wang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Department of Surgery, Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Yuan, Taiwan.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shau-Ku Huang
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan.,Lou-Hu Hospital, Shen-Zhen University, Shen-Zhen, China.,Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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