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Wang Y, Chen H. Protein glycosylation alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma: function and clinical implications. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02702-w. [PMID: 37193819 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02702-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Understanding the cancer mechanisms provides novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic markers for the management of HCC disease. In addition to genomic and epigenomic regulation, post-translational modification exerts a profound influence on protein functions and plays a critical role in regulating various biological processes. Protein glycosylation is one of the most common and complex post-translational modifications of newly synthesized proteins and acts as an important regulatory mechanism that is implicated in fundamental molecular and cell biology processes. Recent studies in glycobiology suggest that aberrant protein glycosylation in hepatocytes contributes to the malignant transformation to HCC by modulating a wide range of pro-tumorigenic signaling pathways. The dysregulated protein glycosylation regulates cancer growth, metastasis, stemness, immune evasion, and therapy resistance, and is regarded as a hallmark of HCC. Changes in protein glycosylation could serve as potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic factors in HCC. In this review, we summarize the functional importance, molecular mechanism, and clinical application of protein glycosylation alterations in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huarong Chen
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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2
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Nag S, Mandal A, Joshi A, Jain N, Srivastava RS, Singh S, Khattri A. Sialyltransferases and Neuraminidases: Potential Targets for Cancer Treatment. Diseases 2022; 10:diseases10040114. [PMID: 36547200 PMCID: PMC9777960 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10040114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers are the leading cause of death, causing around 10 million deaths annually by 2020. The most common cancers are those affecting the breast, lungs, colon, and rectum. However, it has been noted that cancer metastasis is more lethal than just cancer incidence and accounts for more than 90% of cancer deaths. Thus, early detection and prevention of cancer metastasis have the capability to save millions of lives. Finding novel biomarkers and targets for screening, determination of prognosis, targeted therapies, etc., are ways of doing so. In this review, we propose various sialyltransferases and neuraminidases as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of the most common cancers, along with a few rare ones, on the basis of existing experimental and in silico data. This compilation of available cancer studies aiming at sialyltransferases and neuraminidases will serve as a guide for scientists and researchers working on possible targets for various cancers and will also provide data about the existing drugs which inhibit the action of these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagorika Nag
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Abhimanyu Mandal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Aryaman Joshi
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Neeraj Jain
- Division of Cancer Biology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow 226031, India
| | - Ravi Shanker Srivastava
- Department of Pharmacology, Career Institute of Medical Sciences & Hospital, Lucknow 226020, India
| | - Sanjay Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
| | - Arun Khattri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi 221005, India
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +91-70-6811-1755
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3
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Singh P, Joon A, Kumari M, Singh T, Bal A, Maan P, Ghosh S. Role of a Disease-associated ST3Gal-4 in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. Cell Biochem Biophys 2022; 80:781-793. [PMID: 36083411 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-022-01091-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Sialylation promotes tumorigenesis by affecting various cancer-related events, including apoptosis inhibition, cell growth, invasion, migration, metastasis, chemo-resistance, and immunomodulation in favor of tumor progression. An altered expression of sialyltransferase enzymes is responsible for synthesizing various tumor-associated sialylated structures. In the present study, our findings have revealed a significant up-regulation of ST3Gal-4 transcript in the two major subtypes of NSCLC cell lines [squamous cell carcinoma cell line (NCI-H520) and adenocarcinoma cell line (A549)]. Thus, the role of the ST3Gal-4 gene was assessed on cancer-associated signal transduction pathways in these cells in view of proliferation, invasion, and migration. ST3Gal-4 was silenced by transfection of both the cell lines with esi-ST3Gal-4-RNA, which RT-PCR and western immunoblotting confirmed. Silencing of ST3Gal-4 resulted in a decreased expression of MAL-I interacting membrane-HSP60, identified earlier as an α2,3-sialylated glycoprotein, thus pointing towards the possible role of ST3Gal-4 in its sialylation. The proliferation, invasion, and migration of both types of NSCLC cells were reduced significantly in the ST3Gal-4 silenced cells. Our findings were substantiated by the down-regulation of β-catenin and E-cadherin, a reduced expression of activated AKT1, ERK1/2, and NF-ƙB in these cells. We propose that ST3Gal-4 may be the disease-associated sialyltransferase involved in α2,3 sialylation of the membrane proteins, including HSP60 of the NSCLC cells. This may lead to the conformational alteration of these proteins, required for the activation of E-cadherin/β-catenin, AKT, and ERK/NF-ƙB mediated signal transduction pathways in these cells, resulting in their proliferation, invasion, and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Singh
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Archana Joon
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Munmun Kumari
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Tanya Singh
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Amanjit Bal
- Department of Histopathology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Pratibha Maan
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Sujata Ghosh
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Biotechnology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, 160012, India.
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4
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Chan C, Lustig M, Baumann N, Valerius T, van Tetering G, Leusen JHW. Targeting Myeloid Checkpoint Molecules in Combination With Antibody Therapy: A Novel Anti-Cancer Strategy With IgA Antibodies? Front Immunol 2022; 13:932155. [PMID: 35865547 PMCID: PMC9295600 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.932155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with therapeutic antibodies has shown a lack of durable responses in some patients due to resistance mechanisms. Checkpoint molecules expressed by tumor cells have a deleterious impact on clinical responses to therapeutic antibodies. Myeloid checkpoints, which negatively regulate macrophage and neutrophil anti-tumor responses, are a novel type of checkpoint molecule. Myeloid checkpoint inhibition is currently being studied in combination with IgG-based immunotherapy. In contrast, the combination with IgA-based treatment has received minimal attention. IgA antibodies have been demonstrated to more effectively attract and activate neutrophils than their IgG counterparts. Therefore, myeloid checkpoint inhibition could be an interesting addition to IgA treatment and has the potential to significantly enhance IgA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chilam Chan
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marta Lustig
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Niklas Baumann
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Valerius
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University Kiel and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Geert van Tetering
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeanette H. W. Leusen
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Jeanette H. W. Leusen,
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5
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Zhou Z, Wang T, Du Y, Deng J, Gao G, Zhang J. Identification of a Novel Glycosyltransferase Prognostic Signature in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on LASSO Algorithm. Front Genet 2022; 13:823728. [PMID: 35356430 PMCID: PMC8959637 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.823728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Although many prognostic models have been developed to help determine personalized prognoses and treatments, the predictive efficiency of these prognostic models in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is a highly heterogeneous malignancy, is less than ideal. Recently, aberrant glycosylation has been demonstrated to universally participate in tumour initiation and progression, suggesting that dysregulation of glycosyltransferases can serve as novel cancer biomarkers. In this study, a total of 568 RNA-sequencing datasets of HCC from the TCGA database and ICGC database were analysed and integrated via bioinformatic methods. LASSO regression analysis was applied to construct a prognostic signature. Kaplan-Meier survival, ROC curve, nomogram, and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the predictive efficiency of the prognostic signature. GSEA and the "CIBERSORT" R package were utilized to further discover the potential biological mechanism of the prognostic signature. Meanwhile, the differential expression of the prognostic signature was verified by western blot, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining derived from the HPA. Ultimately, we constructed a prognostic signature in HCC based on a combination of six glycosyltransferases, whose prognostic value was evaluated and validated successfully in the testing cohort and the validation cohort. The prognostic signature was identified as an independent unfavourable prognostic factor for OS, and a nomogram including the risk score was established and showed the good performance in predicting OS. Further analysis of the underlying mechanism revealed that the prognostic signature may be potentially associated with metabolic disorders and tumour-infiltrating immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyang Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Day Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yao Du
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Junping Deng
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ge Gao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jiangnan Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Hugonnet M, Singh P, Haas Q, von Gunten S. The Distinct Roles of Sialyltransferases in Cancer Biology and Onco-Immunology. Front Immunol 2021; 12:799861. [PMID: 34975914 PMCID: PMC8718907 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.799861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant glycosylation is a key feature of malignant transformation. Hypersialylation, the enhanced expression of sialic acid-terminated glycoconjugates on the cell surface, has been linked to immune evasion and metastatic spread, eventually by interaction with sialoglycan-binding lectins, including Siglecs and selectins. The biosynthesis of tumor-associated sialoglycans involves sialyltransferases, which are differentially expressed in cancer cells. In this review article, we provide an overview of the twenty human sialyltransferases and their roles in cancer biology and immunity. A better understanding of the individual contribution of select sialyltransferases to the tumor sialome may lead to more personalized strategies for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolaine Hugonnet
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pushpita Singh
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Quentin Haas
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephan von Gunten
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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7
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Jung SY, Lee HK, Kim H, Kim S, Kim JS, Kang JG, Kuh HJ, Yoo JS, Ko JH, Lee JH. Depletion of ST6GALNACIII retards A549 non-small cell lung cancer cell proliferation by downregulating transferrin receptor protein 1 expression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 575:78-84. [PMID: 34461439 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in sialylation of terminal residues of glycoproteins have been implicated in forming tumor-associated glycans. ST6GALNAC transfers sialyl moiety to N-acetylgalactosamine residue via α2,6 linkage. Although the oncogenic characteristics of ST6GALNACI or II have been demonstrated in various cancer cells, the impact of ST6GALNACIII on tumor progression remains undefined. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ST6GALNACIII knockdown on the growth of A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells. ST6GALNACIII depletion resulted in significant retardation in growth of A549 cells under various culture conditions, including collagen-supported 3D culture and anchorage-independent soft agar culture conditions. Liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry revealed that two glycopeptides of transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFR1) containing N-acetylhexosamine-sialic acid were not detected in ST6GALNACIII-depleted A549 cells compared with control cells. Subsequent lectin binding assay, western blotting, and real-time RT-PCR indicated that TFR1 sialylation was not significantly changed, but TFR1 protein and mRNA expressions were decreased after ST6GALNACIII knockdown. However, cell growth retardation by ST6GALNACIII knockdown was partially rescued by TFR1 overexpression. Additionally, TFR1 mRNA degradation was accelerated following ST6GALNACIII knockdown with concomitant reduction in mRNA levels of iron regulatory protein 1 and 2, the upstream regulators of TFR1 mRNA stability. Therefore, our results indicated an important role of ST6GALNACIII in promoting A549 cell growth through quantitative regulation of TFR1 expression and provided therapeutic implications for ST6GALNACIII targeting in tumor growth suppression in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon-Young Jung
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea; Institute for Aging and Metabolic Diseases, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Hyun Kyoung Lee
- Research Center of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju, 28119, South Korea
| | - Hyungmin Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea; Institute for Aging and Metabolic Diseases, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea; Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Seulki Kim
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Jung Soo Kim
- Genome Editing Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Jeong Gu Kang
- Genome Editing Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea
| | - Hyo-Jeong Kuh
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Jong Shin Yoo
- Research Center of Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Cheongju, 28119, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Heon Ko
- Genome Editing Research Center, KRIBB, Daejeon, 34141, South Korea.
| | - Jeong-Hwa Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea; Institute for Aging and Metabolic Diseases, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea.
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8
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Aberrant Sialylation in Cancer: Biomarker and Potential Target for Therapeutic Intervention? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092014. [PMID: 33921986 PMCID: PMC8122436 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Sialylation is a post-translational modification that consists in the addition of sialic acid to growing glycan chains on glycoproteins and glycolipids. Aberrant sialylation is an established hallmark of several types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, colorectal and lung cancers, melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hypersialylation can be the effect of increased activity of sialyltransferases and results in an excess of negatively charged sialic acid on the surface of cancer cells. Sialic acid accumulation contributes to tumor progression by several paths, including stimulation of tumor invasion and migration, and enhancing immune evasion and tumor cell survival. In this review we explore the mechanisms by which sialyltransferases promote cancer progression. In addition, we provide insights into the possible use of sialyltransferases as biomarkers for cancer and summarize findings on the development of sialyltransferase inhibitors as potential anti-cancer treatments. Abstract Sialylation is an integral part of cellular function, governing many biological processes including cellular recognition, adhesion, molecular trafficking, signal transduction and endocytosis. Sialylation is controlled by the levels and the activities of sialyltransferases on glycoproteins and lipids. Altered gene expression of these enzymes in cancer yields to cancer-specific alterations of glycoprotein sialylation. Mounting evidence indicate that hypersialylation is closely associated with cancer progression and metastatic spread, and can be of prognostic significance in human cancer. Aberrant sialylation is not only a result of cancer, but also a driver of malignant phenotype, directly impacting key processes such as tumor cell dissociation and invasion, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, angiogenesis, resistance to apoptosis, and evasion of immune destruction. In this review we provide insights on the impact of sialylation in tumor progression, and outline the possible application of sialyltransferases as cancer biomarkers. We also summarize the most promising findings on the development of sialyltransferase inhibitors as potential anti-cancer treatments.
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Phenylboronic acid conjugated to doxorubicin nanocomplexes as an anti-cancer drug delivery system in hepatocellular carcinoma. NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2021; 34:102389. [PMID: 33753281 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2021.102389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Anti-cancer strategies using nanocarrier systems have been explored in a variety of cancers; these systems can easily be incorporated into tumors via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect leading to enhanced anti-tumor activity while reducing systemic toxicity by specific tumor-targeting. The prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is extremely poor when the condition is diagnosed at the unresectable stage as treatment options are limited. In order to improve the treatment of cancer and the overall anti-cancer effect, polymerized phenylboronic acid conjugated doxorubicin (pPBA-Dox) nanocomplexes were generated, and conjugated doxorubicin, which is conventionally used in HCC. The nanocomplexes exhibited enhanced anti-tumor activity via tumor-specific targeting in the subcutaneous and orthotopic HCC syngeneic mice tumor model, implying that the nanocomplexes facilitate the targeted Dox delivery to liver cancer in which the sialic acid is over-expressed. Therefore, this study provides insight into the novel targeted therapy using the nanocomplexes for the treatment of HCC.
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da Fonseca LM, Calvalhan DM, Previato JO, Mendonça Previato L, Freire-de-Lima L. Resistance to paclitaxel induces glycophenotype changes and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition activation in the human prostate cancer cell line PC-3. Tumour Biol 2020; 42:1010428320957506. [PMID: 32914709 DOI: 10.1177/1010428320957506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the multidrug resistance phenotype is one of the major challenges faced in the treatment of cancer. The multidrug resistance phenotype is characterized by cross-resistance to drugs with different chemical structures and mechanisms of action. In this work, we hypothesized that the acquisition of resistance in cancer is accompanied by activation of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process, where the tumor cell acquires a more mobile and invasive phenotype; a fundamental step in tumor progression and in promoting the invasion of other organs and tissues. In addition, it is known that atypical glycosylations are characteristic of tumor cells, being used as biomarkers. We believe that the acquisition of the multidrug resistance phenotype and the activation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition provoke alterations in the cell glycophenotype, which can be used as glycomarkers for chemoresistance and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition processes. Herein, we induced the multidrug resistance phenotype in the PC-3 human prostate adenocarcinoma line through the continuous treatment with the drug paclitaxel. Our results showed that the induced cell multidrug resistance phenotype (1) acquired a mixed profile between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes and (2) modified the glycophenotype, showing an increase in the level of sialylation and in the number of branched glycans. Both mechanisms are described as indicators of poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danilo Macedo Calvalhan
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose Osvaldo Previato
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lucia Mendonça Previato
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Freire-de-Lima
- Instituto de Biofisica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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11
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Cheng X, Zhang Y, Song F, Song F, Gao C, Liang X, Wang F, Chen Z. URM1 Promoted Tumor Growth and Suppressed Apoptosis via the JNK Signaling Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Onco Targets Ther 2020; 13:8011-8025. [PMID: 32848422 PMCID: PMC7429233 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s258843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (URM1) is a member of the ubiquitin-like regulator family, which acts as a post-translational protein modifier in the oxidative emergency response mechanism. Previous studies have shown that URM1 may be involved in the process of apoptosis and may play a role in JNK signaling pathway. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and possible mechanism of URM1 in HCC progression. Patients and Methods Expression of URM1 was determined in 90 pairs of matched liver cancer and adjacent non-cancerous tissues by immunohistochemistry. The impacts of URM1 on HCC cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion capacities were verified by CCK-8, colony formation, TUNEL staining, wound healing assay and transwell, respectively. Then, the effect of URM1 on subcutaneous tumor formation in vitro was explored by nude mouse xenograft model of liver cancer. Finally, the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was analyzed in URM1 knockdown samples by Western blotting. Results In this study, compared with paired adjacent non-cancerous tissues, the expression of URM1 was higher in liver cancer tissues (P <0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that high URM1 expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis (P <0.05). Moreover, URM1 knockdown inhibited liver cancer cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, URM1 knockdown promoted apoptosis of liver cancer cells. At the same time, URM1 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in nude mouse xenograft model of liver cancer. In addition, URM1 knockdown downregulated the expression of the apoptosis-related factors JNK1/2 and TP53 and upregulated the phosphorylation of JNK1/2 and P53. Conclusion In summary, our results suggested that URM1 expression is increased in liver cancer tissues, and URM1 knockdown inhibits the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells and accelerates apoptosis. High URM1 expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China.,Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China.,Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China.,Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengliang Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China.,Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China.,Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoliang Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China.,Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Feiran Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China.,Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, People's Republic of China
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12
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Bai R, Luan X, Zhang Y, Robbe-Masselot C, Brockhausen I, Gao Y. The expression and functional analysis of the sialyl-T antigen in prostate cancer. Glycoconj J 2020; 37:423-433. [PMID: 32583304 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-020-09927-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant glycosylation is a featured characteristic of cancer and plays a role in cancer pathology; thus an understanding of the compositions and functions of glycans is critical for discovering diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cancer. In this study, we used MALDI-TOF-MS analysis to determine the O-glycan profiles of prostate cancer cells metastasized to bone (PC-3), brain (DU145), lymph node (LNCaP), and vertebra (VCaP) in comparison to immortalized RWPE-1 cells derived from normal prostatic tissue. Prostate cancer (CaP) cells exhibited an elevation of simple/short O-glycans, with a reduction of complex O-glycans, increased O-glycan sialylation and decreased fucosylation. Core 1 sialylation was increased dramatically in all CaP cells, and especially in PC-3 cells. The expression of Neu5Acα2-3Galβ1-3GalNAc- (sialyl-3T antigen) which is the product of α2,3-sialyltransferase-I (ST3Gal-I) was substantially increased. We therefore focused on exploring the possible function of ST3Gal-I in PC-3 cells. ST3Gal-I silencing studies showed that ST3Gal-I was associated with PC-3 cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. Further in vivo studies demonstrated that down regulation of ST3Gal-I reduced the tumor size in xenograft mouse model, indicating that sialyl-3T can serve as a biomarker for metastatic prostate cancer prognosis, and that ST3Gal-I could be a target for therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifeng Bai
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, China
| | - Xue Luan
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, China
| | - Catherine Robbe-Masselot
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR8576 - UGSF - Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Inka Brockhausen
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Yin Gao
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, 130012, Changchun, China.
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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13
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Bärenwaldt A, Läubli H. The sialoglycan-Siglec glyco-immune checkpoint - a target for improving innate and adaptive anti-cancer immunity. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:839-853. [PMID: 31524529 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1667977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: During cancer progression, tumor cells develop several mechanisms to prevent killing and to shape the immune system into a tumor-promoting environment. One of such regulatory mechanism is the overexpression of sialic acid (Sia) on carbohydrates of proteins and lipids on tumor cells. Sia-containing glycans or sialoglycans were shown to inhibit immune effector functions of NK cells and T cells by engaging inhibitory Siglec receptors on the surface of these cells. They can also modulate the differentiation of myeloid cells into tumor-promoting M2 macrophages. Areas covered: We review the role of sialoglycans in cancer and introduce the Siglecs, their expression on different immune cells and their interaction with cancer-associated sialoglycans. The targeting of this sialoglycan-Siglec glyco-immune checkpoint is discussed along with potential therapeutic approaches. Pubmed was searched for publications on Siglecs, sialic acid, and cancer. Expert opinion: The targeting of sialoglycan-Siglec interactions has become a major focus in cancer research. New approaches have been developed that directly target sialic acids in tumor lesions. Targeted sialidases that cleave sialic acid specifically in the tumor, have already shown efficacy; efforts targeting the sialoglycan-Siglec pathway for improvement of CAR T cell therapy are ongoing. The sialoglycan-Siglec immune checkpoint is a promising new target for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Bärenwaldt
- Division of Medical Oncology, and Laboratory for Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel , Basel , Switzerland
| | - Heinz Läubli
- Division of Medical Oncology, and Laboratory for Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel , Basel , Switzerland
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14
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Yeo HL, Fan T, Lin R, Yu J, Liao G, Chen ES, Ho M, Lin W, Chen K, Chen C, Hung J, Wu J, Chang N, Chang MD, Yu J, Yu AL. Sialylation of vasorin by ST3Gal1 facilitates TGF-β1-mediated tumor angiogenesis and progression. Int J Cancer 2019; 144:1996-2007. [PMID: 30252131 PMCID: PMC6590135 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
ST3Gal1 is a key sialyltransferase which adds α2,3‐linked sialic acid to substrates and generates core 1 O‐glycan structure. Upregulation of ST3Gal1 has been associated with worse prognosis of breast cancer patients. However, the protein substrates of ST3Gal1 implicated in tumor progression remain elusive. In our study, we demonstrated that ST3GAL1‐silencing significantly reduced tumor growth along with a notable decrease in vascularity of MCF7 xenograft tumors. We identified vasorin (VASN) which was shown to bind TGF‐β1, as a potential candidate that links ST3Gal1 to angiogenesis. LC‐MS/MS analysis of VASN secreted from MCF7, revealed that more than 80% of its O‐glycans are sialyl‐3T and disialyl‐T. ST3GAL1‐silencing or desialylation of VASN by neuraminidase enhanced its binding to TGF‐β1 by 2‐ to 3‐fold and thereby dampening TGF‐β1 signaling and angiogenesis, as indicated by impaired tube formation of HUVECs, suppressed angiogenesis gene expression and reduced activation of Smad2 and Smad3 in HUVEC cells. Examination of 114 fresh primary breast cancer and their adjacent normal tissues showed that the expression levels of ST3Gal1 and TGFB1 were high in tumor part and the expression of two genes was positively correlated. Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed a significantly shorter relapse‐free survival for those with lower expression VASN, notably, the combination of low VASN with high ST3GAL1 yielded even higher risk of recurrence (p = 0.025, HR = 2.967, 95% CI = 1.14–7.67). Since TGF‐β1 is known to transcriptionally activate ST3Gal1, our findings illustrated a feedback regulatory loop in which TGF‐β1 upregulates ST3Gal1 to circumvent the negative impact of VASN. What's new? The addition of sialic acid to glycoproteins is dysregulated in many cancers, and enhanced expression of one key enzyme, the sialyltransferase ST3Gal1, is associated with poor prognosis. Here, the authors identified the membrane protein vasorin as a new ST3Gal1 substrate and connect it with TGF‐β1‐induced signaling and angiogenesis in breast cancer. As silencing of ST3Gal1 dampened TGF‐β1 signaling and suppressed angiogenesis, development of ST3Gal1 inhibitors might be clinically useful to improve the prognosis of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ling Yeo
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular BiologyNational Tsing Hua UniversityHsinchuTaiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics ProgramTaiwan International Graduate Program Academia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Tan‐Chi Fan
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Ruey‐Jen Lin
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Jyh‐Cherng Yu
- General Surgery, Department of SurgeryTri‐Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical CenterTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Guo‐Shiou Liao
- General Surgery, Department of SurgeryTri‐Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical CenterTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Eric Sheng‐Wen Chen
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Ming‐Yi Ho
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Wen‐Der Lin
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Kowa Chen
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | | | - Jung‐Tung Hung
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Jen‐Chine Wu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Nai‐Chuan Chang
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | | | - John Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
| | - Alice Lin‐Tsing Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer ResearchChang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou and Chang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwan
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan
- Department of Pediatrics/Hematology OncologyUniversity of CaliforniaSan DiegoCAUSA
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15
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Song Q, Chen X, Hu W, Mei G, Yang X, Wu H. Downregulation of Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 is associated with poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:7751-7759. [PMID: 29740492 PMCID: PMC5934722 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3 (EBI3) encodes a secretory glycoprotein, and has previously been identified as upregulated in various types of tumors. The presnet study examined the clinical significance of EBI3 expression for predicting tumor recurrence and survival after resection in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). EBI3 expression in various HCC cell lines and in 20 pairs of tumor and peritumor tissue samples were detected using western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical staining using tissue microarray with 312 samples from randomly selected patients with HCC who underwent surgery. Survival analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate analyses. EBI3 protein level was higher in L-02 cells and in peri-tumor tissues compared with tumor tissues. Immunohistochemical staining of EBI3 was reduced in HCC tissues in comparison with adjacent normal tissues and significantly associated with tumor invasive characteristics, including tumor thrombus, poor differentiation and large size. Notably, the results suggested that EBI3 was a predictor for tumor recurrence and patient survival, and multivariate analysis indicated EBI3 to be an independent prognostic factor. Even in early-stage disease, low EBI3 expression was also independently associated with increased tumor recurrence and shortened survival. Downregulation of EBI3 in HCC indicated aggressive tumor behaviors and predicted a more severe clinical outcome, which suggests that EBI2 may be a useful biomarker to identify patients at high risk of post-operative recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingjie Song
- Department of General Surgery, The Qidong People's Hospital and Qidong Liver Cancer Institute, Nantong, Jiangsu 226200, P.R. China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Guanglin Mei
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobing Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Han Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
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16
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Abstract
Melanoma cell expression of the nerve growth factor receptor CD271 is associated with stem-like properties. However, the contributing role of the receptor in melanoma cell migration is elusive. Here, we explored extracranial (skin, soft tissue, lymph node and liver, n = 13) and matched brain metastases (BM, n = 12) and observed a heterogeneous distribution of phenotypically distinct subsets of CD271+ cells. In addition, we observed that CD271 expression gradually rises along with melanoma progression and metastasis by exploration of publicly available expression data of nevi, primary melanoma (n = 31) and melanoma metastases (n = 54). Furthermore, we observed highest levels of CD271 in BM. Sub-clustering identified 99 genes differentially expressed among CD271high and CD271low (p < 0.05) BM-subgroups. Comparative analysis of subsets revealed increased ( ≥ 1.5fold, log2) expression of migration-associated genes and enrichment of CD271-responsible genes involved in DNA-repair and stemness. Live cell-imaging based scratch-wound assays of melanoma cells with stable knock-down of CD271 revealed a significantly reduced cell migration (3.9fold, p = 1.2E-04) and a reduced expression of FGF13, CSPG4, HMGA2 and AKT3 major candidate regulatory genes of melanoma cell migration. In summary, we provide new insights in melanoma cell migration and suggest that CD271 serves as a candidate regulator, sufficient to determine cellular properties of melanoma brain metastatic cells.
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17
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Shan Y, Liu Y, Zhao L, Liu B, Li Y, Jia L. MicroRNA-33a and let-7e inhibit human colorectal cancer progression by targeting ST8SIA1. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 90:48-58. [PMID: 28751193 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2017.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Revised: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. Aberrant sialylation is crucially involved in the progression of various types of cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been broadly studied in cancer. MicroRNA-33a (miR-33a) and Has-let-7e (let-7e) are non-coding RNA that can reduce cell motility and viability in cancer. In this study, miR-33a and let-7e levels were confirmed to be significantly down-regulated in CRC samples (n=32) and drug resistant cell line (HCT-8/5-FU) compared with those in the matched adjacent tissues and drug sensitivity cell line (HCT-8). ST8SIA1 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and HCT-8/5-FU cells, which was negatively correlated with miR-33a/let-7e expression. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that both miR-33a and let-7e bound to the 3'-untranslated (3'-UTR) region of ST8SIA1. Inhibiting miR-33a/let-7e expression in CRC cells increased endogenous ST8SIA1 mRNA and protein levels. MiR-33a/let-7e knockdown promoted chemoresistance, proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis in vitro, and tumor growth in vivo. Whereas, ectopic expression of miR-33a/let-7e suppressed chemoresistance, proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis in CRC cell lines. ST8SIA1 knockdown mimicked the tumor suppressive effect of miR-33a/let-7e on CRC cells, while restoration of ST8SIA1 abolished the tumor suppressive effect of miR-33a/let-7e on CRC cells. Taken together, altered expression of miR-33a/let-7e was correlated with ST8SIA1 level, which might contribute to CRC progression. The miR-33a/let-7e-ST8SIA1 axis could be a therapeutic target for CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujia Shan
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yuejian Liu
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lifen Zhao
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Bing Liu
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Li Jia
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, Liaoning Province, China.
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18
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Cai H, Zhou H, Miao Y, Li N, Zhao L, Jia L. MiRNA expression profiles reveal the involvement of miR-26a, miR-548l and miR-34a in hepatocellular carcinoma progression through regulation of ST3GAL5. J Transl Med 2017; 97:530-542. [PMID: 28218742 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2017.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have key roles in comprehensive physiological and pathological processes by targeting specific genes through translational repression. Identification of miRNAs related to metastasis enables us to obtain better insight into cancer development. In the current study, we investigated the miRNA expressional profiles in the highly invasive human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line MHCC97-H and MHCC97-L with lower metastatic potential using miRNA microarrays. By quantitative real-time PCR, we confirmed the results of miRNA experiments. Thirteen differentially expressed miRNAs were identified between MHCC97-H and MHCC97-L cells; and the same results were found in clinical samples. Using bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay, we found that ST3GAL5, a sialyltransferase gene, was the direct target of miR-26a, miR-548l and miR-34a. Engineered expression of miR-26a, miR-548l or miR-34a in MHCC97-H or MHCC97-L cells could significantly change their malignant behaviors and oncogenicity in in vitro and in vivo assays. Manipulated expression of ST3GAL5 also led to the alteration of the metastatic potential of MHCC97-H and MHCC97-L cells, in agreement with the effects of above three miRNAs. Altogether, our data indicate that the levels of these miRNAs may be used as biological markers for evaluating hepatocellular carcinoma progression. miR-26a, miR-548l and miR-34a, acting as tumor suppressors, may exert their effects by regulating ST3GAL5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjiao Cai
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.,Department of Central Laboratory, Dalian Municipal Central Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Huimin Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yuan Miao
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Nana Li
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lifen Zhao
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Li Jia
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province, China
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19
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Sun M, Zhao X, Liang L, Pan X, Lv H, Zhao Y. Sialyltransferase ST3GAL6 mediates the effect of microRNA-26a on cell growth, migration, and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma through the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. Cancer Sci 2017; 108:267-276. [PMID: 27906498 PMCID: PMC5329153 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant sialylation profiles on the cell surface have been recognized for their potential diagnostic value in identifying the regulation of tumor properties in several cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that the deregulation of microRNA (miRNA) is a common feature in human cancers. In this study, we found obvious upregulation of sialyltransferase ST3GAL6 both in HCC cell lines and in tissue samples. The altered expression of ST3GAL6 was found to correlate with cell proliferation, migration, and invasion ability in HCC. Further investigation showed that miR‐26a negatively regulated ST3GAL6, inducing the suppression of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Moreover, we identified the protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) pathway as the target of ST3GAL6 based on Western blot analysis. Analysis of a xenograft mouse model showed that miR‐26a significantly reduced tumor growth by suppressing activation of the Akt/mTOR pathway by directly targeting ST3GAL6. In conclusion, these data indicate that ST3GAL6 promotes cell growth, migration, and invasion and mediates the effect of miR‐26a through the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xuzi Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Leilei Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xufeng Pan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Hao Lv
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yongfu Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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