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Bhattacharya A, Wang K, Penailillo J, Chan CN, Fushimi A, Yamashita N, Daimon T, Haratake N, Ozawa H, Nakashoji A, Shigeta K, Morimoto Y, Miyo M, Kufe DW. MUC1-C regulates NEAT1 lncRNA expression and paraspeckle formation in cancer progression. Oncogene 2024; 43:2199-2214. [PMID: 38802648 PMCID: PMC11226401 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03068-3] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
The MUC1 gene evolved in mammals for adaptation of barrier tissues in response to infections and damage. Paraspeckles are nuclear bodies formed on the NEAT1 lncRNA in response to loss of homeostasis. There is no known intersection of MUC1 with NEAT1 or paraspeckles. Here, we demonstrate that the MUC1-C subunit plays an essential role in regulating NEAT1 expression. MUC1-C activates the NEAT1 gene with induction of the NEAT1_1 and NEAT1_2 isoforms by NF-κB- and MYC-mediated mechanisms. MUC1-C/MYC signaling also induces expression of the SFPQ, NONO and FUS RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that associate with NEAT1_2 and are necessary for paraspeckle formation. MUC1-C integrates activation of NEAT1 and RBP-encoding genes by recruiting the PBAF chromatin remodeling complex and increasing chromatin accessibility of their respective regulatory regions. We further demonstrate that MUC1-C and NEAT1 form an auto-inductive pathway that drives common sets of genes conferring responses to inflammation and loss of homeostasis. Of functional significance, we find that the MUC1-C/NEAT1 pathway is of importance for the cancer stem cell (CSC) state and anti-cancer drug resistance. These findings identify a previously unrecognized role for MUC1-C in the regulation of NEAT1, RBPs, and paraspeckles that has been co-opted in promoting cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keyi Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Johany Penailillo
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chi Ngai Chan
- Tissue Technologies Unit, Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Breast Surgical Oncology, Breast Oncology Center, The Cancer Institute Hospital of the JFCR, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiroki Ozawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayako Nakashoji
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keisuke Shigeta
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Masaaki Miyo
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Donald W Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Nakashoji A, Haratake N, Bhattacharya A, Mao W, Xu K, Wang K, Daimon T, Ozawa H, Shigeta K, Fushimi A, Yamashita N, Morimoto Y, Shimokawa M, Saito S, Egloff AM, Uppaluri R, Long MD, Kufe D. Identification of MUC1-C as a Target for Suppressing Progression of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1268-1281. [PMID: 38619287 PMCID: PMC11092937 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The MUC1-C protein is aberrantly expressed in adenocarcinomas of epithelial barrier tissues and contributes to their progression. Less is known about involvement of MUC1-C in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Here, we report that the MUC1 gene is upregulated in advanced head and neck SCCs (HNSCC). Studies of HNSCC cell lines demonstrate that the MUC1-C subunit regulates expression of (i) RIG-I and MDA5 pattern recognition receptors, (ii) STAT1 and IFN regulatory factors, and (iii) downstream IFN-stimulated genes. MUC1-C integrates chronic activation of the STAT1 inflammatory pathway with induction of the ∆Np63 and SOX2 genes that are aberrantly expressed in HNSCCs. In extending those dependencies, we demonstrate that MUC1-C is necessary for NOTCH3 expression, self-renewal capacity, and tumorigenicity. The findings that MUC1 associates with ∆Np63, SOX2 and NOTCH3 expression by single-cell RNA sequencing analysis further indicate that MUC1-C drives the HNSCC stem cell state and is a target for suppressing HNSCC progression. SIGNIFICANCE This work reports a previously unrecognized role for MUC1-C in driving STAT1-mediated chronic inflammation with the progression of HNSCC and identifies MUC1-C as a druggable target for advanced HNSCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Nakashoji
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Weipu Mao
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kangjie Xu
- Central Laboratory Department, Binhai County People's Hospital, Yancheng, P.R. China
| | - Keyi Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hiroki Ozawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Keisuke Shigeta
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mototsugu Shimokawa
- Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Shin Saito
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ann Marie Egloff
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ravindra Uppaluri
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Daimon T, Bhattacharya A, Wang K, Haratake N, Nakashoji A, Ozawa H, Morimoto Y, Yamashita N, Kosaka T, Oya M, Kufe DW. MUC1-C is a target of salinomycin in inducing ferroptosis of cancer stem cells. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:9. [PMID: 38182558 PMCID: PMC10770371 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01772-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The oncogenic MUC1-C transmembrane protein is a critical effector of the cancer stem cell (CSC) state. Addiction to MUC1-C for self-renewal in the progression of human cancers has emphasized the need for development of anti-MUC1-C agents. However, there are presently no approved small molecules for targeting MUC1-C-dependent CSCs. In screening for small molecules, we identified salinomycin (SAL), an inducer of ferroptosis, as a potent inhibitor of MUC1-C signaling. We demonstrate that SAL suppresses MUC1-C expression by disrupting a NF-κB/MUC1-C auto-inductive circuit that is necessary for ferroptosis resistance. Our results show that SAL-induced MUC1-C suppression downregulates a MUC1-C→MYC pathway that activates genes encoding (i) glutathione-disulfide reductase (GSR), and (ii) the LDL receptor related protein 8 (LRP8), which inhibit ferroptosis by generating GSH and regulating selenium levels, respectively. GSR and LRP8 contribute to the function of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an essential negative regulator of ferroptotic cell death. We demonstrate that targeting MUC1-C genetically or with the GO-203 peptide inhibitor suppresses GPX4 expression and GPX activity in association with the induction of ferroptosis. Studies of CSCs enriched by serial passage as tumorspheres further demonstrate that the effects of SAL are mediated by downregulation of MUC1-C and thereby overcoming resistance to ferroptosis. As confirmation of these results, rescue of MUC1-C downregulation with the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain (i) reversed the suppression of GSR, LRP8 and GPX4 expression, and (ii) attenuated the induction of ferroptosis. These findings identify SAL as a unique small molecule inhibitor of MUC1-C signaling and demonstrate that MUC1-C is an important effector of resistance to ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Keyi Wang
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayako Nakashoji
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hiroki Ozawa
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Kinan Hospital, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Breast Surgical Oncology, Breast Oncology Center, The Cancer Institute Hospital of the JFCR, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeo Kosaka
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mototsugu Oya
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Donald W Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Yamashita N, Withers H, Morimoto Y, Bhattacharya A, Haratake N, Daimon T, Fushimi A, Nakashoji A, Thorner AR, Isenhart E, Rosario S, Long MD, Kufe D. MUC1-C integrates aerobic glycolysis with suppression of oxidative phosphorylation in triple-negative breast cancer stem cells. iScience 2023; 26:108168. [PMID: 37915591 PMCID: PMC10616323 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108168] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Activation of the MUC1-C protein promotes lineage plasticity, epigenetic reprogramming, and the cancer stem cell (CSC) state. The present studies performed on enriched populations of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) CSCs demonstrate that MUC1-C is essential for integrating activation of glycolytic pathway genes with self-renewal and tumorigenicity. MUC1-C further integrates the glycolytic pathway with suppression of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genes encoding components of mitochondrial Complexes I-V. The repression of mtDNA genes is explained by MUC1-C-mediated (i) downregulation of the mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) required for mtDNA transcription and (ii) induction of the mitochondrial transcription termination factor 3 (mTERF3). In support of pathogenesis that suppresses mitochondrial ROS production, targeting MUC1-C increases (i) mtDNA gene transcription, (ii) superoxide levels, and (iii) loss of self-renewal capacity. These findings and scRNA-seq analysis of CSC subpopulations indicate that MUC1-C regulates self-renewal and redox balance by integrating activation of glycolysis with suppression of oxidative phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nami Yamashita
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henry Withers
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Naoki Haratake
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ayako Nakashoji
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aaron R. Thorner
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Emily Isenhart
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Spencer Rosario
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Li Z, Guo T, Zhao S, Lin M. The Therapeutic Effects of MUC1-C shRNA@Fe 3O 4 Magnetic Nanoparticles in Alternating Magnetic Fields on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:5651-5670. [PMID: 37822991 PMCID: PMC10563812 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s426849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Improving the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a serious challenge today. The primary objective of this study was to construct MUC1-C shRNA@ Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and investigate their potential therapeutic benefits in alternating magnetic fields (AMF) on TNBC. Methods Firstly, we verified the high expression of MUC1 in TNBC and synthesized specific MUC1-C shRNA plasmids (MUC1-C shRNA). Then, we prepared and characterized MUC1-C shRNA@Fe3O4 MNPs and confirmed their MUC1-C gene silencing effect and magneto-thermal conversion ability in AMF. Moreover, the inhibitory effects on TNBC in vitro and in vivo were observed as well as biosafety. Finally, the protein levels of BCL-2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved-caspase3, glutathione peroxidase inhibitor 4 (GPX4), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), and ferritin heavy chain 1 (FTH1) in TNBC cells and tissues were examined, and it was speculated that apoptosis and ferroptosis were involved in the synergistic treatment. Results MUC1-C shRNA@ Fe3O4 MNPs have a size of ~75 nm, with an encapsulation rate of (29.78±0.63) %, showing excellent gene therapy and magnetic hyperthermia functions. Under a constant AMF (3Kw) and a set concentration (200µg mL-1), the nanoparticles could be rapidly warmed up within 20 minutes and stabilized at about 43 °C. It could be uptaken by TNBC cells through endocytosis and significantly inhibit their proliferation and migration, with a growth inhibition rate of 79.22% for TNBC tumors. After treatment, GPX4, NRF2, and FTH1 expression levels in TNBC cells and tumor tissues were suppressed, while Bax and cleaved-caspase3 were increased. As key therapeutic measures, gene therapy, and magnetic hyperthermia have shown a synergistic effect in this treatment strategy, with a combined index (q index) of 1.23. Conclusion In conclusion, we developed MUC1-C shRNA@Fe3O4 MNPs with magnetic hyperthermia and gene therapy functions, which have shown satisfactory therapeutic effects on TNBC without significant side effects. This study provides a potential option for the precision treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifeng Li
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Clinical Laboratory, Taizhou People’s Hospital (Affiliated Hospital 5 of Nantong University), Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ting Guo
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Taizhou People’s Hospital (Affiliated Hospital 5 of Nantong University), Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Susu Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mei Lin
- Clinical Laboratory, Taizhou People’s Hospital (Affiliated Hospital 5 of Nantong University), Taizhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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Yamashita N, Morimoto Y, Fushimi A, Ahmad R, Bhattacharya A, Daimon T, Haratake N, Inoue Y, Ishikawa S, Yamamoto M, Hata T, Akiyoshi S, Hu Q, Liu T, Withers H, Liu S, Shapiro GI, Yoshizumi T, Long MD, Kufe D. MUC1-C Dictates PBRM1-Mediated Chronic Induction of Interferon Signaling, DNA Damage Resistance, and Immunosuppression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:274-289. [PMID: 36445328 PMCID: PMC9975675 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The polybromo-1 (PBRM1) chromatin-targeting subunit of the SWI/SNF PBAF chromatin remodeling complex drives DNA damage resistance and immune evasion in certain cancer cells through mechanisms that remain unclear. STAT1 and IRF1 are essential effectors of type I and II IFN pathways. Here, we report that MUC1-C is necessary for PBRM1 expression and that it forms a nuclear complex with PBRM1 in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Analysis of global transcriptional (RNA-seq) and chromatin accessibility (ATAC-seq) profiles further demonstrated that MUC1-C and PBRM1 drive STAT1 and IRF1 expression by increasing chromatin accessibility of promoter-like signatures (PLS) on their respective genes. We also found that MUC1-C, PBRM1, and IRF1 increase the expression and chromatin accessibility on PLSs of the (i) type II IFN pathway IDO1 and WARS genes and (ii) type I IFN pathway RIG-I, MDA5, and ISG15 genes that collectively contribute to DNA damage resistance and immune evasion. In support of these results, targeting MUC1-C in wild-type BRCA TNBC cells enhanced carboplatin-induced DNA damage and the loss of self-renewal capacity. In addition, MUC1-C was necessary for DNA damage resistance, self-renewal, and tumorigenicity in olaparib-resistant BRCA1-mutant TNBC cells. Analysis of TNBC tumors corroborated that (i) MUC1 and PBRM1 are associated with decreased responsiveness to chemotherapy and (ii) MUC1-C expression is associated with the depletion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). These findings demonstrate that MUC1-C activates PBRM1, and thereby chromatin remodeling of IFN-stimulated genes that promote chronic inflammation, DNA damage resistance, and immune evasion. IMPLICATIONS MUC1-C is necessary for PBRM1-driven chromatin remodeling in chronic activation of IFN pathway genes that promote DNA damage resistance and immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nami Yamashita
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rehan Ahmad
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Atrayee Bhattacharya
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yuka Inoue
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ishikawa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Masaaki Yamamoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tsuyoshi Hata
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sayuri Akiyoshi
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Qiang Hu
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Henry Withers
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Geoffrey I. Shapiro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tomoharu Yoshizumi
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Mark D. Long
- Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
- Corresponding Authors: Donald Kufe, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215. E-mail: ; and Mark D. Long,
| | - Donald Kufe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Corresponding Authors: Donald Kufe, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215. E-mail: ; and Mark D. Long,
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Chirravuri-Venkata R, Dam V, Nimmakayala RK, Alsafwani ZW, Bhyravbhatla N, Lakshmanan I, Ponnusamy MP, Kumar S, Jain M, Ghersi D, Batra SK. MUC16 and TP53 family co-regulate tumor-stromal heterogeneity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1073820. [PMID: 36816942 PMCID: PMC9936860 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1073820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
MUC16/CA125 is one of the few oldest cancer biomarkers still used in current clinical practice. As mesothelium is an abundant source of MUC16 and a major contributor to stromal heterogeneity in PDAC, we investigated the regulation of MUC16 in tumor and stromal compartments individually. The trajectories constructed using the single-cell transcriptomes of stromal cells from KPC tumors demonstrated continuity in the trajectory path between MUC16-expressing mesothelial cells and other CAF subsets. Further, the tumor tissues of MUC16 whole-body knockout (KPCM) showed dysregulation in the markers of actomyosin assembly and fibroblast differentiation (iCAF and myCAF), indicating that MUC16 has an extra-tumoral role in controlling CAF differentiation. Although we found mesothelium-derivative stromal cells to be bystanders in normal pancreas, the proportion of these cells was higher in invasive PDAC, particularly in TP53 deficient tumors. Moreover, we also detail the regulation of MUC16, KRAS, and SOX9 by TP53 family members (TP53 and TP63) using multi-omics data from knockout models, PDAC cell lines, and human PDAC tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramakanth Chirravuri-Venkata
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Vi Dam
- School of Interdisciplinary Informatics, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Rama Krishna Nimmakayala
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Zahraa Wajih Alsafwani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Namita Bhyravbhatla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Imayavaramban Lakshmanan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Moorthy P. Ponnusamy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Dario Ghersi
- School of Interdisciplinary Informatics, University of Nebraska, Omaha, NE, United States,*Correspondence: Dario Ghersi, ; Surinder K. Batra,
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States,Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases and Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States,*Correspondence: Dario Ghersi, ; Surinder K. Batra,
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8
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Morimoto Y, Yamashita N, Daimon T, Hirose H, Yamano S, Haratake N, Ishikawa S, Bhattacharya A, Fushimi A, Ahmad R, Takahashi H, Dashevsky O, Mitsiades C, Kufe D. MUC1-C is a master regulator of MICA/B NKG2D ligand and exosome secretion in human cancer cells. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006238. [PMID: 36754452 PMCID: PMC9923360 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The MUC1-C protein evolved in mammals to protect barrier tissues from loss of homeostasis; however, MUC1-C promotes oncogenesis in association with chronic inflammation. Aberrant expression of MUC1-C in cancers has been linked to depletion and dysfunction of T cells in the tumor microenvironment. In contrast, there is no known involvement of MUC1-C in the regulation of natural killer (NK) cell function. METHODS Targeting MUC1-C genetically and pharmacologically in cancer cells was performed to assess effects on intracellular and cell surface expression of the MHC class I chain-related polypeptide A (MICA) and MICB ligands. The MICA/B promoters were analyzed for H3K27 and DNA methylation. Shedding of MICA/B was determined by ELISA. MUC1-C interactions with ERp5 and RAB27A were assessed by coimmunoprecipitation and direct binding studies. Exosomes were isolated for analysis of secretion. Purified NK cells were assayed for killing of cancer cell targets. RESULTS Our studies demonstrate that MUC1-C represses expression of the MICA and MICB ligands that activate the NK group 2D receptor. We show that the inflammatory MUC1-C→NF-κB pathway drives enhancer of zeste homolog 2-mediated and DNMT-mediated methylation of the MICA and MICB promoter regions. Targeting MUC1-C genetically and pharmacologically with the GO-203 inhibitor induced intracellular and cell surface MICA/B expression but not MICA/B cleavage. Mechanistically, MUC1-C regulates the ERp5 thiol oxidoreductase that is necessary for MICA/B protease digestion and shedding. In addition, MUC1-C interacts with the RAB27A protein, which is required for exosome formation and secretion. As a result, targeting MUC1-C markedly inhibited secretion of exosomes expressing MICA/B. In concert with these results, we show that targeting MUC1-C promotes NK cell-mediated killing. CONCLUSIONS These findings uncover pleotropic mechanisms by which MUC1-C confers evasion of cancer cells to NK cell recognition and destruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiro Morimoto
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nami Yamashita
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tatsuaki Daimon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Haruka Hirose
- Division of Systems Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shizuka Yamano
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Naoki Haratake
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Satoshi Ishikawa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Atrayee Bhattacharya
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Atsushi Fushimi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rehan Ahmad
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hidekazu Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Olga Dashevsky
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Constantine Mitsiades
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Donald Kufe
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Kufe DW. Emergence of MUC1 in Mammals for Adaptation of Barrier Epithelia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194805. [PMID: 36230728 PMCID: PMC9564314 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mucin 1 (MUC1) gene was discovered based on its overexpression in human breast cancers. Subsequent work demonstrated that MUC1 is aberrantly expressed in cancers originating from other diverse organs, including skin and immune cells. These findings supported a role for MUC1 in the adaptation of barrier tissues to infection and environmental stress. Of fundamental importance for this evolutionary adaptation was inclusion of a SEA domain, which catalyzes autoproteolysis of the MUC1 protein and formation of a non-covalent heterodimeric complex. The resulting MUC1 heterodimer is poised at the apical cell membrane to respond to loss of homeostasis. Disruption of the complex releases the MUC1 N-terminal (MUC1-N) subunit into a protective mucous gel. Conversely, the transmembrane C-terminal (MUC1-C) subunit activates a program of lineage plasticity, epigenetic reprogramming and repair. This MUC1-C-activated program apparently evolved for barrier tissues to mount self-regulating proliferative, inflammatory and remodeling responses associated with wound healing. Emerging evidence indicates that MUC1-C underpins inflammatory adaptation of tissue stem cells and immune cells in the barrier niche. This review focuses on how prolonged activation of MUC1-C by chronic inflammation in these niches promotes the cancer stem cell (CSC) state by establishing auto-inductive nodes that drive self-renewal and tumorigenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald W Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Avenue, D830, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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10
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Yamashita N, Kufe D. Addiction of Cancer Stem Cells to MUC1-C in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8219. [PMID: 35897789 PMCID: PMC9331006 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options. TNBC progression is associated with expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Few insights are available regarding druggable targets that drive the TNBC CSC state. This review summarizes the literature on TNBC CSCs and the compelling evidence that they are addicted to the MUC1-C transmembrane protein. In normal epithelia, MUC1-C is activated by loss of homeostasis and induces reversible wound-healing responses of inflammation and repair. However, in settings of chronic inflammation, MUC1-C promotes carcinogenesis. MUC1-C induces EMT, epigenetic reprogramming and chromatin remodeling in TNBC CSCs, which are dependent on MUC1-C for self-renewal and tumorigenicity. MUC1-C-induced lineage plasticity in TNBC CSCs confers DNA damage resistance and immune evasion by chronic activation of inflammatory pathways and global changes in chromatin architecture. Of therapeutic significance, an antibody generated against the MUC1-C extracellular domain has been advanced in a clinical trial of anti-MUC1-C CAR T cells and in IND-enabling studies for development as an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). Agents targeting the MUC1-C cytoplasmic domain have also entered the clinic and are undergoing further development as candidates for advancing TNBC treatment. Eliminating TNBC CSCs will be necessary for curing this recalcitrant cancer and MUC1-C represents a promising druggable target for achieving that goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nami Yamashita
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Donald Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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