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Yousafzai NA, El Khalki L, Wang W, Szpendyk J, Sossey-Alaoui K. Kindlin-2 Regulates the Oncogenic Activities of Integrins and TGF-β In Triple Negative Breast Cancer Progression and Metastasis. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3914650. [PMID: 38405979 PMCID: PMC10889066 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3914650/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Background Kindlin-2, an adaptor protein, is dysregulated in various human cancers, including triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), where it drives tumor progression and metastasis by influencing several cancer hallmarks. One well-established role of Kindlin-2 involves the regulation of integrin signaling, achieved by directly binding to the cytoplasmic tail of the integrin β subunit. In this study, we present novel insights into Kindlin-2's involvement in stabilizing the β1-Integrin:TGF-β type 1 receptor (TβRI) complexes, acting as a physical bridge that links β1-Integrin to TβRI. The loss of Kindlin-2 results in the degradation of this protein complex, leading to the inhibition of downstream oncogenic pathways. Methods Our methodology encompassed a diverse range of in vitro assays, including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, cell migration, 3D tumorsphere formation and invasion, solid binding, co-immunoprecipitation, cell adhesion and spreading assays, as well as western blot and flow cytometry analyses, utilizing MDA-MB-231 and 4T1 TNBC cell lines. Additionally, preclinical in vivo mouse models of TNBC tumor progression and metastasis were employed to substantiate our findings. Results The investigation revealed that the direct interaction between Kindlin-2 and β1-Integrin is mediated through the C-terminal F3 domain of Kindlin-2, while the interaction between Kindlin-2 and TβRI is facilitated through the F2 domain of Kindlin-2. Disruption of this bridge, achieved via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of Kindlin-2, led to the degradation of β1-Integrin and TβRI, resulting in the inhibition of oncogenic pathways downstream of both proteins, subsequently hindering tumor growth and metastasis. Treatment of Kindlin-2-deficient cells with the proteasome inhibitor MG-132 restored the expression of both β1-Integrin and TβRI. Furthermore, the rescue of Kindlin-2 expression reinstated their oncogenic activities both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions This study identifies a novel function of Kindlin-2 in stabilizing the β1-Integrin:TβR1 complexes and regulating their downstream oncogenic signaling. The translational implications of these findings are substantial, potentially unveiling new therapeutically targeted pathways crucial for the treatment of TNBC tumors.
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Wang Z, Zhang L, Li B, Song J, Yu M, Zhang J, Chen C, Zhan J, Zhang H. Kindlin-2 in myoepithelium controls luminal progenitor commitment to alveoli in mouse mammary gland. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:675. [PMID: 37833248 PMCID: PMC10576046 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06184-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Myoepithelium plays an important role in mammary gland development, but less is known about the molecular mechanism underlying how myoepithelium controls acinus differentiation during gestation. Herein, we found that loss of Kindlin-2 in myoepithelial cells impaired mammary morphogenesis, alveologenesis, and lactation. Using five genetically modified mouse lines combined with single-cell RNA sequencing, we found a Kindlin-2-Stat3-Dll1 signaling cascade in myoepithelial cells that inactivates Notch signaling in luminal cells and consequently drives luminal progenitor commitment to alveolar cells identity. Single-cell profiling revealed that Kindlin-2 loss significantly reduces the proportion of matured alveolar cells. Mechanistically, Kindlin-2 depletion in myoepithelial cells promotes Stat3 activation and upregulates Dll1, which activates the Notch pathway in luminal cells and inhibits luminal progenitor differentiation and maturation during gestation. Inhibition of Notch1 with tangeretin allowed luminal progenitors to regain commitment ability in the pregnant mice with Kindlin-2 depletion in myoepithelium. Taken together, we demonstrated that Kindlin-2 is essential to myoepithelium-controlled luminal progenitors to alveoli transition during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenbin Wang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Peking University International Cancer Institute; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Peking University International Cancer Institute; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Li
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Peking University International Cancer Institute; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, 050200, China
| | - Jiagui Song
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Peking University International Cancer Institute; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Peking University International Cancer Institute; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Peking University International Cancer Institute; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650500, China.
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, 650223, China.
| | - Jun Zhan
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Peking University International Cancer Institute; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongquan Zhang
- Program for Cancer and Cell Biology, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Peking University International Cancer Institute; MOE Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research and State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University Health Science Center, 100191, Beijing, China.
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Xia W, Gao Z, Jiang X, Jiang L, Qin Y, Zhang D, Tian P, Wang W, Zhang Q, Zhang R, Zhang N, Xu S. Alzheimer's risk factor FERMT2 promotes the progression of colorectal carcinoma via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and contributes to the negative correlation between Alzheimer and cancer. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278774. [PMID: 36480537 PMCID: PMC9731493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence from epidemiological studies indicate that Alzheimer's disease (AD) has a negative relationship with the incidence of cancers. Whether the Alzheimer's genetic risk factor, named as fermitin family homolog-2 (FERMT2), plays a pivotal part in the progressive process of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) yet remains unclear. This study revealed that FERMT2 was upregulated in CRC tissues which predicted an unfavorable outcome of CRC using the PrognoScan web tool. FERMT2 was co-expressed with a variety of genes have been linked with CRC occurrence and implicated in the infiltration of immune cell in CRC tissues. Overexpressing FERMT2 promoted CRC progression with upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Knockdown of FERMT2 suppressed the cell multiplication, colony formation rate, migration and invasion, along with the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) with downregulation Wnt/β-catenin proteins in cells of CRC, while overexpressing β-catenin reversed the inhibitory effects of silencing FERMT2 on the migration or invasion of CRC cells. Furthermore, Aβ1-42 treated HT22 cells induced downregulation of FERMT2 and inhibited the migration, invasion and EMT in co-cultured CT26 cells through Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our results revealed that the downregulated FERMT2 gene during AD is prominently activated in CRC, which promotes its progression via Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhen Xia
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhaoyu Gao
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Hebei International Joint Research Center for Brain Science, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Hebei Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Psychiatric-Psychologic Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xia Jiang
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Key Laboratory for Colorectal Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Hebei International Joint Research Center for Brain Science, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Hebei Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Psychiatric-Psychologic Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yushi Qin
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Pei Tian
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wanchang Wang
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Hebei International Joint Research Center for Brain Science, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Hebei Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Psychiatric-Psychologic Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Hebei International Joint Research Center for Brain Science, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Hebei Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Psychiatric-Psychologic Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Shunjiang Xu
- Central Laboratory, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Hebei International Joint Research Center for Brain Science, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,Hebei Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Psychiatric-Psychologic Disease, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China,* E-mail:
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张 京, 宋 佳, 王 振, 龚 玉, 王 天, 周 津, 战 军, 张 宏. [Kindlin-2 regulates endometrium development via mTOR and Hippo signaling pathways in mice]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2022; 54:846-852. [PMID: 36241227 PMCID: PMC9568384 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2022.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Kindlin-2 on uterus development and reproductive capacity in female mice. METHODS Cdh16-Cre tool mice and Kindlin-2flox/flox mice were used to construct the mouse model of uterus specific knockout of Kindlin-2, and the effects of Kindlin-2 deletion on uterine development and reproduction capacity of female mice were observed. High expression and knockdown of Kindlin-2 in endometrial cancer cell lines HEC-1 and Ish were used to detect the regulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. In addition, uterine proteins of the female mice with specific knockout of Kindlin-2 and female mice in the control group were extracted to detect the protein levels of key molecules of mTOR signaling pathway and Hippo signaling pathway. RESULTS The mouse model of uterine specific knockout of Kindlin-2 was successfully constructed. The knockout efficiency of Kindlin-2 in mouse uterus was identified and verified by mouse tail polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot protein identification, immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and other methods. Compared with the control group, the female mice with uterus specific deletion of Kindlin-2 lost weight, seriously impaired reproductive ability, and the number of newborn mice decreased, but the proportion of the female mice and male mice in the newborn mice did not change. Hematoxylin eosin staining (HE) experiment showed that the endometrium of Kindlin-2 knockout group was incomplete and the thickness of uterine wall became thinner. In terms of mechanism, the deletion of Kindlin-2 in endo-metrial cancer cell lines HEC-1 and Ish could downregulate the protein levels of mTOR, phosphorylated mTOR, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), phosphorylated AMPK and phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 (S6), and the mTOR signal pathway was inhibited. It was found that the specific deletion of Kindlin-2 could upregulate the protein levels of Mps one binding 1 (MOB1) and phosphorylated Yes-associated protein (YAP) in the uterus of the female mice, and the Hippo signal pathway was activated. CONCLUSION Kindlin-2 inhibits the development of uterus by inhibiting mTOR signal pathway and activating Hippo signal pathway, thereby inhibiting the fertility of female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- 京 张
- 北京大学基础医学院人体解剖与组织胚胎学系,北京 100191Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 佳桂 宋
- 北京大学基础医学院人体解剖与组织胚胎学系,北京 100191Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
- 北京大学第三医院医学创新研究院基础医学研究中心,北京 100191Center of Basic Medical Research, Institute of Medical Innovation and Research, Cancer Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 振斌 王
- 北京大学基础医学院人体解剖与组织胚胎学系,北京 100191Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 玉清 龚
- 北京大学基础医学院人体解剖与组织胚胎学系,北京 100191Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 天卓 王
- 北京大学基础医学院人体解剖与组织胚胎学系,北京 100191Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 津羽 周
- 北京大学基础医学院人体解剖与组织胚胎学系,北京 100191Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 军 战
- 北京大学基础医学院人体解剖与组织胚胎学系,北京 100191Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 宏权 张
- 北京大学基础医学院人体解剖与组织胚胎学系,北京 100191Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
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Lin W, Lin J, Li J, Lin Y, Chen S, Wu Y, Chen L, Cheng H, Liu L, Chen X, Ye Y. Kindlin-2-miR-1258-TCF4 feedback loop promotes hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis. J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:372-386. [PMID: 35244769 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-022-01866-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Upregulated Kindlin-2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) correlates with metastasis and poor prognosis. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism of Kindlin-2 in HCC. METHODS Kindlin-2 downstream pathways were explored through microRNA sequencing. The Kindlin-2-miR-1258-TCF4 axis was verified using bisulfite sequencing, a luciferase reporter assay, quantitative real-time PCR, and rescue assays. Binding of TCF4 to the Kindlin-2 promoter was confirmed by promoter activity analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS MiRNA sequencing identified miR-1258 as a downstream effector of Kindlin-2. MiR-1258 expression was increased following Kindlin-2 knockdown and decreased after Kindlin-2 overexpression. Next, we identified transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2 or TCF4) as a target of miR-1258 and found that Kindlin-2 upregulated TCF4 expression by epigenetically suppressing miR-1258 in HCC. Furthermore, our results suggest that TCF4 binds to the Kindlin-2 promotor to enhance its transcription. Therefore, Kindlin-2-miR-1258-TCF4 interaction creates a positive feedback loop. Functional assays and animal experiments demonstrated critical roles of miR-1258 and TCF4 in HCC cell migration in vitro and HCC metastasis in vivo. In HCC tissues, Kindlin-2 expression correlated negatively with miR-1258 expression and positively with TCF4 expression. Meanwhile, miR-1258 expression correlated negatively with TCF4 expression. CONCLUSIONS This study illustrates a novel integrin-independent signaling pathway, Kindlin-2-miR-1258-TCF4, that regulates HCC invasion and metastasis and identifies Kindlin-2 as a promising therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wansong Lin
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, No.420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Pathology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, No.134, Dong Street, Gulou District, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China.
| | - Jieyu Li
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, No.420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Pathology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, No.134, Dong Street, Gulou District, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Shuping Chen
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian, China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, No.420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian, China
| | - Yijuan Wu
- Department of Pathology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, No.134, Dong Street, Gulou District, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Lingfeng Chen
- Department of Pathology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, No.134, Dong Street, Gulou District, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, No.134, Dong Street, Gulou District, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Pathology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, No.134, Dong Street, Gulou District, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Pathology, Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, No.134, Dong Street, Gulou District, Fuzhou, 350001, Fujian, China
| | - Yunbin Ye
- Laboratory of Immuno-Oncology, Fujian Medical University Cancer Hospital, Fujian Cancer Hospital, No.420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian, China. .,Fujian Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, No.420, Fuma Road, Jinan District, Fuzhou, 350014, Fujian, China.
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Harryman WL, Marr KD, Nagle RB, Cress AE. Integrins and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Cooperation in the Tumor Microenvironment of Muscle-Invasive Lethal Cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:837585. [PMID: 35300411 PMCID: PMC8921537 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.837585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle-invasive lethal carcinomas traverse into and through this specialized biophysical and growth factor enriched microenvironment. We will highlight cancers that originate in organs surrounded by smooth muscle, which presents a barrier to dissemination, including prostate, bladder, esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers. We propose that the heterogeneity of cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion receptors is an important driver of aggressive tumor networks with functional consequences for progression. Phenotype heterogeneity of the tumor provides a biophysical advantage for tumor network invasion through the tensile muscle and survival of the tumor network. We hypothesize that a functional epithelial-mesenchymal cooperation (EMC)exists within the tumor invasive network to facilitate tumor escape from the primary organ, invasion and traversing of muscle, and navigation to metastatic sites. Cooperation between specific epithelial cells within the tumor and stromal (mesenchymal) cells interacting with the tumor is illustrated using the examples of laminin-binding adhesion molecules—especially integrins—and their response to growth and inflammatory factors in the tumor microenvironment. The cooperation between cell-cell (E-cadherin, CDH1) and cell-ECM (α6 integrin, CD49f) expression and growth factor receptors is highlighted within poorly differentiated human tumors associated with aggressive disease. Cancer-associated fibroblasts are examined for their role in the tumor microenvironment in generating and organizing various growth factors. Cellular structural proteins are potential utility markers for future spatial profiling studies. We also examine the special characteristics of the smooth muscle microenvironment and how invasion by a primary tumor can alter this environment and contribute to tumor escape via cooperation between epithelial and stromal cells. This cooperative state allows the heterogenous tumor clusters to be shaped by various growth factors, co-opt or evade immune system response, adapt from hypoxic to normoxic conditions, adjust to varying energy sources, and survive radiation and chemotherapeutic interventions. Understanding the epithelial-mesenchymal cooperation in early tumor invasive networks holds potential for both identifying early biomarkers of the aggressive transition and identification of novel agents to prevent the epithelial-mesenchymal cooperation phenotype. Epithelial-mesenchymal cooperation is likely to unveil new tumor subtypes to aid in selection of appropriate therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- William L Harryman
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Kendra D Marr
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Ray B Nagle
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Anne E Cress
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine and Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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Wang W, Rana PS, Alkrekshi A, Bialkowska K, Markovic V, Schiemann WP, Plow EF, Pluskota E, Sossey-Alaoui K. Targeted Deletion of Kindlin-2 in Mouse Mammary Glands Inhibits Tumor Growth, Invasion, and Metastasis Downstream of a TGF-β/EGF Oncogenic Signaling Pathway. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030639. [PMID: 35158908 PMCID: PMC8833458 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths due in part to its invasive and metastatic properties. Kindlin-2 (FERMT2) is associated with the pathogenesis of several cancers. Although the role of Kindlin-2 in regulating the invasion-metastasis cascade in BC is widely documented, its function in BC initiation and progression remains to be fully elucidated. Accordingly, we generated a floxed mouse strain by targeting the Fermt2 (K2lox/lox) locus, followed by tissue-specific deletion of Kindlin-2 in the myoepithelial compartment of the mammary glands by crossing the K2lox/lox mice with K14-Cre mice. Loss of Kindlin-2 in mammary epithelial cells (MECs) showed no deleterious effects on mammary gland development, fertility, and lactation in mice bearing Kindlin-2-deletion. However, in a syngeneic mouse model of BC, mammary gland, specific knockout of Kindlin-2 inhibited the growth and metastasis of murine E0771 BC cells inoculated into the mammary fat pads. However, injecting the E0771 cells into the lateral tail vein of Kindlin-2-deleted mice had no effect on tumor colonization in the lungs, thereby establishing a critical role of MEC Kindlin-2 in supporting BC tumor growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, we found the MEC Kindlin-2-mediated inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis is accomplished through its regulation of the TGF-β/ERK MAP kinase signaling axis. Thus, Kindlin-2 within the mammary gland microenvironment facilitates the progression and metastasis of BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (W.W.); (P.S.R.); (A.A.)
- Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA;
| | - Priyanka S. Rana
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (W.W.); (P.S.R.); (A.A.)
- Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA;
| | - Akram Alkrekshi
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (W.W.); (P.S.R.); (A.A.)
- Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA;
| | - Katarzyna Bialkowska
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (K.B.); (E.F.P.)
| | - Vesna Markovic
- Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA;
| | - William P. Schiemann
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
| | - Edward F. Plow
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (K.B.); (E.F.P.)
| | - Elzbieta Pluskota
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (K.B.); (E.F.P.)
- Correspondence: (E.P.); (K.S.-A.)
| | - Khalid Sossey-Alaoui
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; (W.W.); (P.S.R.); (A.A.)
- Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA;
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA;
- Correspondence: (E.P.); (K.S.-A.)
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Su X, Chen J, Lin X, Chen X, Zhu Z, Wu W, Lin H, Wang J, Ye X, Zeng Y. FERMT3 mediates cigarette smoke-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition through Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Respir Res 2021; 22:286. [PMID: 34742298 PMCID: PMC8571878 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-021-01881-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential pathophysiological process in COPD and plays an important role in airway remodeling, fibrosis, and malignant transformation of COPD. Previous studies have indicated FERMT3 is downregulated and plays a tumor-suppressive role in lung cancer. However, the role of FERMT3 in COPD, including EMT, has not yet been investigated. Methods The present study aimed to explore the potential role of FERMT3 in COPD and its underlying molecular mechanisms. Three GEO datasets were utilized to analyse FERMT3 gene expression profiles in COPD. We then established EMT animal models and cell models through cigarette smoke (CS) or cigarette smoke extract (CSE) exposure to detect the expression of FERMT3 and EMT markers. RT-PCR, western blot, immunohistochemical, cell migration, and cell cycle were employed to investigate the potential regulatory effect of FERMT3 in CSE-induced EMT. Results Based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data set analysis, FERMT3 expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was lower in COPD smokers than in non-smokers or smokers. Moreover, FERMT3 expression was significantly down-regulated in lung tissues of COPD GOLD 4 patients compared with the control group. Cigarette smoke exposure reduced the FERMT3 expression and induces EMT both in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that overexpression of FERMT3 could inhibit EMT induced by CSE in A549 cells. Furthermore, the CSE-induced cell migration and cell cycle progression were reversed by FERMT3 overexpression. Mechanistically, our study showed that overexpression of FERMT3 inhibited CSE-induced EMT through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conclusions In summary, these data suggest FERMT3 regulates cigarette smoke-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition through Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These findings indicated that FERMT3 was correlated with the development of COPD and may serve as a potential target for both COPD and lung cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12931-021-01881-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoshan Su
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Junjie Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyang Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Zhixing Zhu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Weijing Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Hai Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Jianming Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xiangjia Ye
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yiming Zeng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China.
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Huang S, Liao J, Luo X, Liu F, Shi G, Wen W. Kindlin-2 promoted the progression of keloids through the Smad pathway and Fas/FasL pathway. Exp Cell Res 2021; 408:112813. [PMID: 34492266 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Keloids are benign skin tumors characterized by aggressive growth. To date, there is no exact treatment because little is known about its pathological mechanism. Therefore, it is important to investigate the mechanism of its occurrence and development to identify therapeutic targets. In this study, the expression of Kindlin-2 was higher in keloid fibroblasts (KFs) than in normal skin fibroblasts (NFs). In vitro experiments showed that knocking down Kindlin-2 in KFs could promote cell apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation, cell migration and invasion, and contractile capability. Western blot results showed that the phosphorylation of Smad3 in KFs was inhibited after knocking down Kindlin-2, inhibiting the activation of the Smad pathway. Moreover, knocking down Kindlin-2 increased the expression of Fas and FasL in KFs, which demonstrated that knocking down Kindlin-2 promoted the activation of the exogenous apoptotic pathway of KFs and then facilitated apoptosis. The above results revealed that knocking down Kindlin-2 in KFs can inhibit the activation of the Smad pathway and promote the activation of the Fas/FasL exogenous apoptosis pathway, thereby altering the cytological function of KFs. Therefore, Kindlin-2 might play an important role in the occurrence and development of keloids and could become a new target to treat keloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaobin Huang
- Department of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Liao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohua Luo
- Department of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ge Shi
- Department of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Weiping Wen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
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Hsieh PL, Huang CC, Yu CC. Emerging Role of MicroRNA-200 Family in Dentistry. Noncoding RNA 2021; 7:35. [PMID: 34208375 PMCID: PMC8293310 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna7020035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous non-coding RNAs ~22 nucleotides in length, which have been shown to participate in various biological processes. As one of the most researched miRNAs, the miR-200 family has been found to regulate several factors that are associated with the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) behavior. In this review, we briefly summarize the background of the miR-200 family and their implication in various dental diseases. We focus on the expression changes, biological functions, and clinical significance of the miR-200 family in oral cancer; periodontitis; oral potentially malignant disorder; gingival overgrowth; and other periodontal diseases. Additionally, we discuss the use of the miR-200 family as molecular biomarkers for diagnosis, prognostic, and therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Ling Hsieh
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404333, Taiwan;
| | - Chun-Chung Huang
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Chia Yu
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan;
- Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 40201, Taiwan
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Plow EF, Pluskota E, Bialkowska K. Kindlins as modulators of breast cancer progression. JOURNAL OF BREAST CANCER RESEARCH 2021; 1:20-29. [PMID: 35936112 PMCID: PMC9352049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Kindlin-1 (K1, FERMT1), Kindlin-2 (K2, FERMT2), and Kindlin-3 (K3, FERMT3) are the three members of the kindlin family of adapter proteins found in mammals. One or more kindlins are found in most cell types, K1 primarily in epithelial cells, K3 in primarily hematopoietic cells and also endothelial cells, and K2 is very broadly distributed. The kindlins consist primarily of a 4.1-erzin-radixin-moiesin (FERM) domain, which is transected by a lipid-binding plextrin-homology (PH) domain. Deficiencies of each kindlin in mice and/ or humans have profound pathogenic consequences. The most well-established function of kindlins depends on their ability to participate in the activat integrin adhesion receptors. This function depends on the binding of each kindlin to the beta subunit of integrins where it cooperates with talin to enhance avidity of interactions with cognate extracellular matrix ligands. Deficiencies of many different integrins are lethal, are critical for normal development of mammary tissue, and excessive expression and/or activation of certain integrins are associated with progression and metastasis of breast cancer. However, via its interaction with many other intracellular proteins, kindlins can influence numerous cellular responses. Changes in expression of each of the three kindlins have been reported in association with breast cancer, with several studies indicating that kindlins are among the most upregulated genes in breast cancer. The association of abnormal functions of K2 with breast cancer is particularly extensive with many reports indicating that it is a major driver of breast cancer via its promotion of cancer cell proliferation, survival, adhesion, migration, invasion, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and its influence on macrophage recruitment and phenotype. These associations suggest that the kindlins and their functions represent an intriguing therapeutic target for exploration of breast cancer therapy.
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