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de Vasconcelos PC, Freitas TR, de Araújo Lopes LV, Peixoto LR, Xavier MP, Cançado Figueiredo AC, Dias KL, de Oliveira JG, de Oliveira Salles PG, Vago AR, de Paula Sabino A, de Lima Rocha MG. RAP1-GTPase immunostaining is altered in human precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions. Biomark Med 2024; 18:771-785. [PMID: 39254347 PMCID: PMC11457648 DOI: 10.1080/17520363.2024.2394384] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study investigated RAP1 immunostaining variation in different cell types during CC progression.Methods: Paraffin-embedded cervical tissues from 101 patients were categorized into control, pre-neoplastic and neoplastic groups. RAP1 immunolocalization, HPV detection and genotyping were performed. A semiquantitative immunoreactive score was employed to compare labeling intensity, cellular localization, nuclear labeling, percentage and distribution of reactive cells.Results: 73% (72/99) of cervical specimens were HPV+. RAP1 was localized in the nucleus and cytoplasm of all samples. Cytoplasmic RAP1 immunoscore was higher than nuclear score in all CC groups. RAP1 intensity increased with lesion severity. SCC samples exhibited predominantly intense RAP1 immunostaining.Conclusion: RAP1 is an efficient biomarker for detecting invasive CC lesions but has limited utility in distinguishing SCC grades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Cristina de Vasconcelos
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Tulio Resende Freitas
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | | | - Larissa Rodrigues Peixoto
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Pascoal Xavier
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, College of Medicine – Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30130-100, Brazil
| | - Anna Carolina Cançado Figueiredo
- Integrated Research Group on Biomarkers, Renée Rachou Research Institute – FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30190-003, Brazil
| | - Karolina Lopes Dias
- Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Immunology, Renée Rachou Research Institute – FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30190-003, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Germano de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Cellular & Molecular Immunology, Renée Rachou Research Institute – FIOCRUZ, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30190-003, Brazil
| | | | - Annamaria Ravaro Vago
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Adriano de Paula Sabino
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Maria Gabrielle de Lima Rocha
- Department of Clinical & Toxicological Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 31270-901, Brazil
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Gonzalez-Llerena JL, Espinosa-Rodriguez BA, Treviño-Almaguer D, Mendez-Lopez LF, Carranza-Rosales P, Gonzalez-Barranco P, Guzman-Delgado NE, Romo-Mancillas A, Balderas-Renteria I. Cordycepin Triphosphate as a Potential Modulator of Cellular Plasticity in Cancer via cAMP-Dependent Pathways: An In Silico Approach. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5692. [PMID: 38891880 PMCID: PMC11171877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cordycepin, or 3'-deoxyadenosine, is an adenosine analog with a broad spectrum of biological activity. The key structural difference between cordycepin and adenosine lies in the absence of a hydroxyl group at the 3' position of the ribose ring. Upon administration, cordycepin can undergo an enzymatic transformation in specific tissues, forming cordycepin triphosphate. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the structural features of cordycepin and its derivatives, contrasting them with endogenous purine-based metabolites using chemoinformatics and bioinformatics tools in addition to molecular dynamics simulations. We tested the hypothesis that cordycepin triphosphate could bind to the active site of the adenylate cyclase enzyme. The outcomes of our molecular dynamics simulations revealed scores that are comparable to, and superior to, those of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the endogenous ligand. This interaction could reduce the production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) by acting as a pseudo-ATP that lacks a hydroxyl group at the 3' position, essential to carry out nucleotide cyclization. We discuss the implications in the context of the plasticity of cancer and other cells within the tumor microenvironment, such as cancer-associated fibroblast, endothelial, and immune cells. This interaction could awaken antitumor immunity by preventing phenotypic changes in the immune cells driven by sustained cAMP signaling. The last could be an unreported molecular mechanism that helps to explain more details about cordycepin's mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Luis Gonzalez-Llerena
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 66460, Mexico;
| | - Bryan Alejandro Espinosa-Rodriguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Daniela Treviño-Almaguer
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Luis Fernando Mendez-Lopez
- Center for Research on Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, Monterrey 66460, Mexico;
| | - Pilar Carranza-Rosales
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Northeast Biomedical Research Center, Mexican Social Security Institute, Monterrey 64720, Mexico;
| | - Patricia Gonzalez-Barranco
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
| | - Nancy Elena Guzman-Delgado
- Health Research Division, High Specialty Medical Unit, Cardiology Hospital N. 34. Mexican Social Security Institute, Monterrey 64360, Mexico;
| | - Antonio Romo-Mancillas
- Computer Aided Drug Design and Synthesis Group, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Queretaro, Queretaro 76010, Mexico
| | - Isaias Balderas-Renteria
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Biological Models, School of Chemistry, Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, San Nicolas de los Garza 66451, Mexico; (J.L.G.-L.); (B.A.E.-R.); (D.T.-A.); (P.G.-B.)
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3
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Wang Y, Xie Y, Sun B, Guo Y, Song L, Mohammednur DE, Zhao C. The degradation of Rap1GAP via E6AP-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is associated with HPV16/18-infection in cervical cancer cells. Infect Agent Cancer 2021; 16:71. [PMID: 34952616 PMCID: PMC8710002 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-021-00409-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancers are closely associated with persistent high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR HPV) infection. The main mechanism involves the targeting of tumor suppressors, such as p53 and pRB, for degradation by HR HPV-encoded oncoproteins, thereby leading to tumorigenesis. Rap1GAP, a tumor suppressor gene, is down-regulated in many cancers. Previous studies have revealed that down-regulation of Rap1GAP is correlated with HPV16/18 infection in cervical cancer. However, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to address the degradation pathway of Rap1GAP in HPV-positive cervical cancer cells. METHODS HPV-positive (HeLa and SiHa) and negative (C33A) cervical cancer cells were used to analyze the pathways of Rap1GAP degradation. MG132 (carbobenzoxy-leucyl-leucyl-leucine) was used to inhibit protein degradation by proteasome. Co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) was used to detect the interaction between Rap1GAP and E6AP. siRNA for E6AP was used to silence the expression of E6AP. Rapamycin was used to induce cell autophagy. Western blotting was used to check the levels of proteins. RESULTS Following treatment with MG132, the levels of Rap1GAP were increased in the HR HPV-positive HeLa and SiHa cells, but not in the HPV-negative C33A cells. Co-immunoprecipitation assay revealed ubiquitinated Rap1GAP protein in HeLa and SiHa cells, but not in C33A cells. E6-associated protein (E6AP) mediated the ubiquitination of Rap1GAP by binding to it in HeLa and SiHa cells, but not in C33A cells. However, the levels of Rap1GAP were decreased in HeLa and SiHa cells after knocking down E6AP by siRNA. Silencing of E6AP did not affect the levels of Rap1GAP in C33A cells. Autophagy marker p62 was decreased and LC3 II/LC3 I was increased after knocking down E6AP in HeLa cells, but not in C33A cells. The levels of Rap1GAP were decreased after treating the cells with rapamycin to induce cell autophagy in HeLa and C33A cells. CONCLUSION Rap1GAP may be degraded by autophagy in cervical cancer cells, but HPV infection can switch the degradation pathway from autophagy to E6AP-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome degradation. E6AP may be a key component of the switch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghui Wang
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Liaoning Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenyang, China
| | - Yihang Xie
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Boxuan Sun
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuwei Guo
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Ling Song
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- Foruth Teaching Hospital, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Dawit Eman Mohammednur
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Chunyan Zhao
- College of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, 9 West Section, Lvshun South Road, Dalian, Liaoning, China.
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Li H, Liang J, Wang J, Han J, Li S, Huang K, Liu C. Mex3a promotes oncogenesis through the RAP1/MAPK signaling pathway in colorectal cancer and is inhibited by hsa-miR-6887-3p. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2021; 41:472-491. [PMID: 33638620 PMCID: PMC8211350 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although Mex3 RNA‐binding family member A (Mex3a) has demonstrated an important role in multiple cancers, its role and regulatory mechanism in CRC is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and clinical significance of Mex3a in CRC and to explore its underlying mechanism. Methods Western blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were performed to detect the expression levels of genes. 5‐Ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine (EDU) and transwell assays were utilized to examine CRC cell proliferation and metastatic ability. The R software was used to do hierarchical clustering analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Overexpression and rescue experiments which included U0126, a specific mitogen activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular regulated protein kinase (MEK/ERK) inhibitor, and PX‐478, a hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF‐1α) inhibitor, were used to study the molecular mechanisms of Mex3a in CRC cells. Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assay was performed to detect the interaction between two proteins. Bioinformatics analysis including available public database and Starbase software (starbase.sysu.edu.cn) were used to evaluate the expression and prognostic significance of genes. TargetScan (www.targetscan.org) and the miRDB (mirdb.org) website were used to predict the combination site between microRNA and target mRNA. BALB/c nude mice were used to study the function of Mex3a and hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p in vivo. Results Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies of 101 CRC tissues and 79 normal tissues demonstrated that Mex3a was a significant prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in CRC patients. Mex3a knockdown substantially inhibited the migration, invasion, and proliferation of CRC cells. Transcriptome analysis and mechanism verification showed that Mex3a regulated the RAP1 GTPase activating protein (RAP1GAP)/MEK/ERK/HIF‐1α pathway. Furthermore, RAP1GAP was identified to interact with Mex3a in Co‐IP experiments. Bioinformatics and dual‐luciferase reporter experiments revealed that hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p could bind to the 3'‐untranslated regions (3'‐UTR) of the Mex3a mRNA. hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p downregulated Mex3a expression and inhibited the tumorigenesis of CRC both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that the hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p/Mex3a/RAP1GAP signaling axis was a key regulator of CRC and Mex3a has the potential to be a new diagnostic marker and treatment target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Jinghui Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Chuanyong Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China.,Provincial Key Lab of Mental Disorder, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
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5
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Looi CK, Hii LW, Ngai SC, Leong CO, Mai CW. The Role of Ras-Associated Protein 1 (Rap1) in Cancer: Bad Actor or Good Player? Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8090334. [PMID: 32906721 PMCID: PMC7555474 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8090334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is known as the most life-threatening event in cancer patients. In principle, the immune system can prevent tumor development. However, dysfunctional T cells may fail to eliminate the tumor cells effectively and provide additional survival advantages for tumor proliferation and metastasis. Constitutive activation of Ras-associated protein1 (Rap1) has not only led to T cell anergy, but also inhibited autophagy and supported cancer progression through various oncogenic events. Inhibition of Rap1 activity with its negative regulator, Rap1GAP, impairs tumor progression. However, active Rap1 reduces tumor invasion in some cancers, indicating that the pleiotropic effects of Rap1 signaling in cancers could be cancer-specific. All in all, targeting Rap1 signaling and its regulators could potentially control carcinogenesis, metastasis, chemoresistance and immune evasion. Rap1GAP could be a promising therapeutic target in combating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-King Looi
- School of Postgraduate Study, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-K.L.); (L.-W.H.)
| | - Ling-Wei Hii
- School of Postgraduate Study, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia; (C.-K.L.); (L.-W.H.)
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Siew Ching Ngai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Selangor 43500, Malaysia;
| | - Chee-Onn Leong
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cells Research, Institute for Research, Development, and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
| | - Chun-Wai Mai
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia;
- Centre for Cancer and Stem Cells Research, Institute for Research, Development, and Innovation (IRDI), International Medical University, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur 57000, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +60-3-2731-7596
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Zhang R, Wu J, Yang Y, Xia D, Li J, Quan H, Niu Z, Yang Y, Wu J. Donor polymorphisms of Rap1A rs494453 contribute to a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following liver transplantation. J Cancer 2020; 11:3082-3088. [PMID: 32226523 PMCID: PMC7086244 DOI: 10.7150/jca.39712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence appears commonly after liver transplantation (LT), and it severely affected the long-term survival of patients. Previous studies have proved that Rap1A is involved in hepatocarcinogenesis and metastasis, and demonstrated the significant association between Rap1A gene rs494453 polymorphism and HCC. However, the relationship between Rap1A rs494453 polymorphism and HCC recurrence after LT remained unclear. Methods: A total of 74 HCC patients who underwent LT from July 2005 to June 2015 was analyzed. The genotypes of both donors and recipients had been confirmed as Rap1A rs494453. The independent risk factors that associated with HCC recurrence were investigated with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated with Cox regression analysis. The Rap1A rs494453 genotype frequencies were determined using the Χ² test and the minor allele frequencies (MAFs) of Rap1A rs494453 genotypes were calculated by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Results: We found that the donor Rap1A rs494453 polymorphism was profoundly associated with HCC recurrence after LT. Moreover, the Milan criteria, microvascular invasion and donor Rap1A rs494453 genotype were proved to be independent risk factors for HCC recurrence. Patients with donor AG/GG genotypes had a distinct lower RFS and OS than AA genotype. The TNM stage, Milan criteria, microvascular invasion, and donor Rap1A rs494453 genotype were independent factors for the RFS of LT patients. Conclusions: Donor Rap1A rs494453 is a potential predictive marker for HCC recurrence risk after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rulin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyi Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiming Yang
- School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongge Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayong Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng Quan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziguang Niu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, HwaMei Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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7
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Potential of epigenetic events in human thyroid cancer. Cancer Genet 2019; 239:13-21. [PMID: 31472323 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2019.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer remains the highest prevailing endocrine malignancy, and its incidence rate has progressively increased in the previous years. Above 95% of thyroid tumor are follicular cells types of carcinoma in which are considered invasive type of tumor. The pathogenesis and molecular mechanism of thyroid tumors are yet remains elucidated, in spite of activating RET, RAS and BRAF carcinogenesis have been well introduced. Nemours molecular alterations have been defined and have revealed promise for their diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic capacity but still need further confirmation. Among different types of mechanisms, the current article reviews the importance of epigenetic modifications in thyroid cancer. Increasing data from previous reports demonstrate that acquired epigenetic abnormalities together with genetic changes plays an important role in alteration of gene expression patterns. Aberrant DNA methylation has been well known in the CpG regions and profile of microRNAs (mi-RNAs) expression also involved in cancer development. In addition, the gene expression through epigenetic control contribution to thyroid cancer is analyzed and it is semi considered in the clinic. However the epigenetic of the thyroid cancer is yet remains in its early stages, and it carries encouraging potential thyroid cancer detections in its early stages, assessment of prognosis and targeted cancer treatment.
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Foote AG, Wang Z, Kendziorski C, Thibeault SL. Tissue specific human fibroblast differential expression based on RNAsequencing analysis. BMC Genomics 2019; 20:308. [PMID: 31014251 PMCID: PMC6480701 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-019-5682-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physical forces, such as mechanical stress, are essential for tissue homeostasis and influence gene expression of cells. In particular, the fibroblast has demonstrated sensitivity to extracellular matrices with assumed adaptation upon various mechanical loads. The purpose of this study was to compare the vocal fold fibroblast genotype, known for its unique mechanically stressful tissue environment, with cellular counterparts at various other anatomic locales to identify differences in functional gene expression profiles. Results By using RNA-seq technology, we identified differentially expressed gene programs (DEseq2) among seven normal human fibroblast primary cell lines from healthy cadavers, which included: vocal fold, trachea, lung, abdomen, scalp, upper gingiva, and soft palate. Unsupervised gene expression analysis yielded 6216 genes differentially expressed across all anatomic sites. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed grouping based on anatomic site origin rather than donor, suggesting global fibroblast phenotype heterogeneity. Sex and age-related effects were negligible. Functional enrichment analyses based on separate post-hoc 2-group comparisons revealed several functional themes within the vocal fold fibroblast related to transcription factors for signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells and extracellular matrix components such as cell signaling, migration, proliferation, and differentiation potential. Conclusions Human fibroblasts display a phenomenon of global topographic differentiation, which is maintained in isolation via in vitro assays. Epigenetic mechanical influences on vocal fold tissue may play a role in uniquely modelling and maintaining the local environmental cellular niche during homeostasis with vocal fold fibroblasts distinctly specialized related to their anatomic positional and developmental origins established during embryogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12864-019-5682-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander G Foote
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ziyue Wang
- Department of Statistics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, College of Letters and Science, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christina Kendziorski
- Department of Biostatistics & Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Susan L Thibeault
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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Shah S, Brock EJ, Jackson RM, Ji K, Boerner JL, Sloane BF, Mattingly RR. Downregulation of Rap1Gap: A Switch from DCIS to Invasive Breast Carcinoma via ERK/MAPK Activation. Neoplasia 2018; 20:951-963. [PMID: 30144784 PMCID: PMC6106701 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) presents a challenge since we cannot yet distinguish those cases that would remain indolent and not require aggressive treatment from cases that may progress to invasive ductal cancer (IDC). The purpose of this study is to determine the role of Rap1Gap, a GTPase activating protein, in the progression from DCIS to IDC. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis of samples from breast cancer patients shows an increase in Rap1Gap expression in DCIS compared to normal breast tissue and IDCs. In order to study the mechanisms of malignant progression, we employed an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) model that more accurately recapitulates both structural and functional cues of breast tissue. Immunoblotting results show that Rap1Gap levels in MCF10.Ca1D cells (a model of invasive carcinoma) are reduced compared to those in MCF10.DCIS (a model of DCIS). Retroviral silencing of Rap1Gap in MCF10.DCIS cells activated extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), induced extensive cytoskeletal reorganization and acquisition of mesenchymal phenotype, and enhanced invasion. Enforced reexpression of Rap1Gap in MCF10.DCIS-Rap1GapshRNA cells reduced Rap1 activity and reversed the mesenchymal phenotype. Similarly, introduction of dominant negative Rap1A mutant (Rap1A-N17) in DCIS-Rap1Gap shRNA cells caused a reversion to nonmalignant phenotype. Conversely, expression of constitutively active Rap1A mutant (Rap1A-V12) in noninvasive MCF10.DCIS cells led to phenotypic changes that were reminiscent of Rap1Gap knockdown. Thus, reduction of Rap1Gap in DCIS is a potential switch for progression to an invasive phenotype. The Graphical Abstract summarizes these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seema Shah
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ethan J Brock
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Ryan M Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kyungmin Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Julie L Boerner
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Bonnie F Sloane
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Raymond R Mattingly
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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10
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Zhao J, Mai C, Weng D, Chen C, Zhou Z, Liu Y, Zhou Z, Wang P. Reduced expression of Rap1GAP as a prognostic biomarker for primary gastric cancer patients. Cancer Biomark 2018; 22:375-384. [PMID: 29758923 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-170832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rap1GAP, a member of the family of GTPase-activating proteins, is reported to be involved in cancer development and progression. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to investigate the expression and prognostic value of Rap1GAP in gastric cancer patients. METHODS Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to examine Rap1GAP expression in tumorous and matched adjacent non-tumorous gastric tissues. Immunohistochemical staining was used to analyze Rap1GAP expression in 456 gastric cancer tissues. The correlation between Rap1GAP expression level and clinicopathological features as well as gastric cancer prognosis was analyzed. RESULTS Rap1GAP expression was remarkably decreased in tumor tissues at mRNA (p= 0.012) and protein (p= 0.034) level. Clinicopathological analysis revealed that low Rap1GAP expression was significantly correlated with tumor size (p= 0.033), histological grade (p= 0.034), T classification (p= 0.012), N classification (p= 0.006) and clinical stage (p= 0.005). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed the association between low Rap1GAP expression and poor survival in gastric cancer patients. Furthermore, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Rap1GAP expression was an independent prognostic factor (p= 0.02). CONCLUSION Rap1GAP may play a significant role in gastric cancer progression and act as a valuable prognostic marker for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Zhao
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cong Mai
- Department of Abdominal Oncosurgery, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Desheng Weng
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Changlong Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziqi Zhou
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhou
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Department of Gastric and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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11
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Gao WL, Ye GC, Liu LW, Wei L. The downregulation of Rap1 GTPase-activating protein is associated with a poor prognosis in colorectal cancer and may impact on tumor progression. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:7661-7668. [PMID: 29725465 PMCID: PMC5920375 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rap1 GTPase-activating protein (Rap1GAP) has been reported to serve an important role in various types of cancer by specific stimulation as a negative regulator of Rap1 activity. However, the role of Rap1GAP in colorectal cancer (CRC) has yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of Rap1GAP in CRC tissues and to elucidate its clinical significance. The expression of Rap1GAP, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) and E-cadherin in 227 CRC tissues and paired para-carcinoma tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. Associations between Rap1GAP expression and clinicopathological characteristics, and between Rap1GAP expression and prognostic value (OS + DFS) in CRC were investigated. Furthermore, associations between Rap1GAP expression and MMP-9 expression, and between Rap1GAP expression and E-cadherin expression were also investigated. Rap1GAP expression was markedly downregulated in CRC tissues compared with para-carcinoma tissues. Decreased expression of Rap1GAP was significantly associated with depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, advanced Tumor-Node-Metastasis stage and a poor prognosis in patients with CRC following surgery. Furthermore, univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that Rap1GAP was an independent poor prognostic factor for disease-free survival and overall survival. In addition, Rap1GAP expression was negatively associated with MMP-9 and positively associated with E-cadherin in 227 CRC samples. In brief, the results of the present study suggested that Rap1GAP may be involved in tumor progression in CRC and may serve as a potential target for prognostic prediction of patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Li Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Zhejiang University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Chao Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Zhejiang University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| | - Li-Wei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Zhejiang University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
| | - Lu Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Huzhou Central Hospital, Zhejiang University, Huzhou, Zhejiang 313000, P.R. China
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12
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Yang Y, Zhang J, Yan Y, Cai H, Li M, Sun K, Wang J, Liu X, Wang J, Duan X. Low expression of Rap1GAP is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and poor prognosis in gastric cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:8057-8068. [PMID: 28009991 PMCID: PMC5352382 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rap1GAP is a crucial tumor suppressor, but its role in gastric cancer (GC) is little investigated. In this study, we found that the expression of Rap1GAP was decreased in GC. Low expression of Rap1GAP was positively correlated with advanced pTNM stage, Borrmann types, tumor diameter and poor prognosis in patients with GC. Low expression of Rap1GAP correlated with loss of E-cadherin expression, and anomalous positivity of MMP2 expression. Multivariate analysis showed that low expression of Rap1GAP was an independent prognostic factor. Ectopic expression of Rap1GAP impaired cell migration and invasion, promoted the expression of E-cadherin and decreased the expression of MMP2. These results suggest that Rap1GAP functions as a novel suppressor of EMT and tumor metastasis in GC, and loss of Rap1GAP predicts poor prognosis in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Yang
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Department III of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan, China
| | - Jia Zhang
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yan Yan
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hui Cai
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Min Li
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kai Sun
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jizhao Wang
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xu Liu
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiansheng Wang
- The Second Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyi Duan
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, Shaanxi, China
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13
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Rap1GAP inhibits tumor progression in endometrial cancer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 485:476-483. [PMID: 28196746 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a common endometrial cancer with recent dramatic increases in incidence. Previous findings indicate that Rap1GAP acts as a tumor suppressor inhibiting Ras superfamily protein Rap1 in multiple aggressive carcinomas; however, Rap1GAP expression in EAC has not been investigated. In this study, the tumor suppressing activity of Rap1GAP in EAC was explored. METHODS EAC cell lines were used to examine Rap1GAP levels by real-time RT-PCR and western blotting and the effects of Rap1GAP on cancer cell invasion and migration. Rap1GAP expression was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining for Rap1GAP, E-cadherin in surgically resected tumors of 114 EAC patients scored according to EAC differentiation grade. Prognostic variables such as age, stage, grade, tumor size, and immunostaining for Rap1GAP, E-cadherin were evaluated using Cox regression multivariate analysis. RESULTS Low Rap1GAP expression was detected in poorly differentiated EAC cells. Rap1GAP deficiency significantly accelerated while Rap1 deficiency decreased cancer cell migration and invasion. Patients with higher Rap1GAP, E-cadherin, and especially combined Rap1GAP/E-cadherin levels had better overall survival than EAC patients with no or weak expression. In addition, Rap1GAP expression was an independent prognostic factor in EAC. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of Rap1GAP expression increases EAC cell migration and invasion through upregulation of Rap1. Low expression of Rap1GAP correlates with poor EAC differentiation. Our findings suggest that Rap1GAP is an important tumor suppressor with high prognostic value in EAC.
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14
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Faam B, Ghaffari MA, Ghadiri A, Azizi F. Epigenetic modifications in human thyroid cancer. Biomed Rep 2014; 3:3-8. [PMID: 25469237 DOI: 10.3892/br.2014.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine malignancy of the endocrine organs, and its incidence rate has steadily increased over the last decade. Over 95% of thyroid carcinoma is derived from follicular cells that have a spectrum of differentiation to the most invasive malignancy. The molecular pathogenesis of thyroid cancer remains to be clarified, although activating the RET, RAS and BRAF oncogenes have been well characterized. Increasing evidence from previous studies demonstrates that acquired epigenetic abnormalities participating with genetic alteration results in altered patterns of gene expression/function. Aberrant DNA methylation has been established in the CpG regions and microRNAs (miRNAs) expression profile recognized in cancer development. In the present review, a literature review was performed using MEDLINE and PubMed with the terms 'epigenetic patterns in thyroid cancer [or papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC), medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC)]', 'DNA methylation in thyroid cancer (or PTC, FTC, MTC, ATC)', 'miRNA expression in thyroid cancer (or PTC, FTC, MTC, ATC)', 'epigenetic patterns in cancer' and the current understanding of epigenetic patterns in thyroid cancer was discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bita Faam
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Ghaffari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ata Ghadiri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Tehran, Iran ; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereidoun Azizi
- Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Wang D, Zhang P, Gao K, Tang Y, Jin X, Zhang Y, Yi Q, Wang C, Yu L. PLK1 and β-TrCP-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of Rap1GAP controls cell proliferation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110296. [PMID: 25329897 PMCID: PMC4201484 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Rap1GAP is a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) that specifically stimulates the GTP hydrolysis of Rap1 GTPase. Although Rap1GAP is recognized as a tumor suppressor gene and downregulated in various cancers, little is known regarding the regulation of Rap1GAP ubiquitination and degradation under physiological conditions. Here, we demonstrated that Rap1GAP is ubiquitinated and degraded through proteasome pathway in mitosis. Proteolysis of Rap1GAP requires the PLK1 kinase and β-TrCP ubiquitin ligase complex. We revealed that PLK1 interacts with Rap1GAP in vivo through recognition of an SSP motif within Rap1GAP. PLK1 phosphorylates Ser525 in conserved 524DSGHVS529 degron of Rap1GAP and promotes its interaction with β-TrCP. We also showed that Rap1GAP was a cell cycle regulator and that tight regulation of the Rap1GAP degradation in mitosis is required for cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Institute of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, P. R. China
| | - Pingzhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Kun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Qing Yi
- Department of Lymphoma and Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, Center for Cancer Immunology Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Chenji Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Long Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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16
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Banerjee R, Russo N, Liu M, Basrur V, Bellile E, Palanisamy N, Scanlon CS, van Tubergen E, Inglehart RC, Metwally T, Mani RS, Yocum A, Nyati MK, Castilho RM, Varambally S, Chinnaiyan AM, D'Silva NJ. TRIP13 promotes error-prone nonhomologous end joining and induces chemoresistance in head and neck cancer. Nat Commun 2014; 5:4527. [PMID: 25078033 PMCID: PMC4130352 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms5527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (SCCHN) is a common, aggressive, treatment-resistant cancer with a high recurrence rate and mortality, but the mechanism of treatment-resistance remains unclear. Here we describe a mechanism where the AAA-ATPase TRIP13 promotes treatment-resistance. Overexpression of TRIP13 in non-malignant cells results in malignant transformation. High expression of TRIP13 in SCCHN leads to aggressive, treatment-resistant tumors and enhanced repair of DNA damage. Using mass spectrometry, we identify DNA-PKcs complex proteins that mediate non homologous end joining (NHEJ), as TRIP13 binding partners. Using repair-deficient reporter systems, we show that TRIP13 promotes NHEJ, even when homologous recombination is intact. Importantly, overexpression of TRIP13 sensitizes SCCHN to an inhibitor of DNA-PKcs. Thus, this study defines a new mechanism of treatment resistance in SCCHN and underscores the importance of targeting NHEJ to overcome treatment failure in SCCHN and potentially in other cancers that overexpress TRIP13.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Banerjee
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Nickole Russo
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Venkatesha Basrur
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Emily Bellile
- Center for Cancer Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Nallasivam Palanisamy
- 1] Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA [2] Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Christina S Scanlon
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Elizabeth van Tubergen
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Ronald C Inglehart
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Tarek Metwally
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Ram-Shankar Mani
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Anastasia Yocum
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Mukesh K Nyati
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Rogerio M Castilho
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Sooryanarayana Varambally
- 1] Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA [2] Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Arul M Chinnaiyan
- 1] Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA [2] Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA [3] Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Nisha J D'Silva
- 1] Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA [2] Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA [3] Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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17
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Sayyah J, Bartakova A, Nogal N, Quilliam LA, Stupack DG, Brown JH. The Ras-related protein, Rap1A, mediates thrombin-stimulated, integrin-dependent glioblastoma cell proliferation and tumor growth. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:17689-98. [PMID: 24790104 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.536227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rap1 is a Ras family GTPase with a well documented role in ERK/MAP kinase signaling and integrin activation. Stimulation of the G-protein-coupled receptor PAR-1 with thrombin in human 1321N1 glioblastoma cells led to a robust increase in Rap1 activation. This response was sustained for up to 6 h and mediated through RhoA and phospholipase D (PLD). Thrombin treatment also induced a 5-fold increase in cell adhesion to fibronectin, which was blocked by down-regulating PLD or Rap1A or by treatment with a β1 integrin neutralizing antibody. In addition, thrombin treatment led to increases in phospho-focal adhesion kinase (tyrosine 397), ERK1/2 phosphorylation and cell proliferation, which were significantly inhibited in cells treated with β1 integrin antibody or Rap1A siRNA. To assess the role of Rap1A in tumor formation in vivo, we compared growth of 1321N1 cells stably expressing control, Rap1A or Rap1B shRNA in a mouse xenograft model. Deletion of Rap1A, but not of Rap1B, reduced tumor mass by >70% relative to control. Similar observations were made with U373MG glioblastoma cells in which Rap1A was down-regulated. Collectively, these findings implicate a Rap1A/β1 integrin pathway, activated downstream of G-protein-coupled receptor stimulation and RhoA, in glioblastoma cell proliferation. Moreover, our data demonstrate a critical role for Rap1A in glioblastoma tumor growth in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alena Bartakova
- Pathology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093 and
| | | | - Lawrence A Quilliam
- the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202
| | - Dwayne G Stupack
- Pathology, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093 and
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18
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Banerjee R, Van Tubergen EA, Scanlon CS, Vander Broek R, Lints JP, Liu M, Russo N, Inglehart RC, Wang Y, Polverini PJ, Kirkwood KL, D'Silva NJ. The G protein-coupled receptor GALR2 promotes angiogenesis in head and neck cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2014; 13:1323-33. [PMID: 24568968 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is an aggressive disease with poor patient survival. Galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) is a G protein-coupled receptor that induces aggressive tumor growth in SCCHN. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanism by which GALR2 promotes angiogenesis, a critical oncogenic phenotype required for tumor growth. The impact of GALR2 expression on secretion of proangiogenic cytokines in multiple SCCHN cell lines was investigated by ELISA and in vitro angiogenesis assays. Chemical inhibitor and genetic knockdown strategies were used to understand the key regulators. The in vivo impact of GALR2 on angiogenesis was investigated in mouse xenograft, chick chorioallantoic membrane, and the clinically relevant mouse orthotopic floor-of-mouth models. GALR2 induced angiogenesis via p38-MAPK-mediated secretion of proangiogenic cytokines, VEGF, and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Moreover, GALR2 activated small-GTP-protein, RAP1B, thereby inducing p38-mediated inactivation of tristetraprolin (TTP), which functions to destabilize cytokine transcripts. This resulted in enhanced secretion of proangiogenic cytokines and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. In SCCHN cells overexpressing GALR2, inactivation of TTP increased secretion of IL-6 and VEGF, whereas inhibition of p38 activated TTP and decreased cytokine secretion. Here, we report that GALR2 stimulates tumor angiogenesis in SCCHN via p38-mediated inhibition of TTP with resultant enhanced cytokine secretion. Given that p38 inhibitors are in clinical use for inflammatory disorders, GALR2/p38-mediated cytokine secretion may be an excellent target for new adjuvant therapy in SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Banerjee
- Authors' Affiliations: Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry; Department of Pathology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Craniofacial Biology, The Medical University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
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19
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Tsygankova OM, Wang H, Meinkoth JL. Tumor cell migration and invasion are enhanced by depletion of Rap1 GTPase-activating protein (Rap1GAP). J Biol Chem 2013; 288:24636-46. [PMID: 23864657 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.464594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional significance of the widespread down-regulation of Rap1 GTPase-activating protein (Rap1GAP), a negative regulator of Rap activity, in human tumors is unknown. Here we show that human colon cancer cells depleted of Rap1GAP are endowed with more aggressive migratory and invasive properties. Silencing Rap1GAP enhanced the migration of confluent and single cells. In the latter, migration distance, velocity, and directionality were increased. Enhanced migration was a consequence of increased endogenous Rap activity as silencing Rap expression selectively abolished the migration of Rap1GAP-depleted cells. ROCK-mediated cell contractility was suppressed in Rap1GAP-depleted cells, which exhibited a spindle-shaped morphology and abundant membrane protrusions. Tumor cells can switch between Rho/ROCK-mediated contractility-based migration and Rac1-mediated mesenchymal motility. Strikingly, the migration of Rap1GAP-depleted, but not control cells required Rac1 activity, suggesting that loss of Rap1GAP alters migratory mechanisms. Inhibition of Rac1 activity restored membrane blebbing and increased ROCK activity in Rap1GAP-depleted cells, suggesting that Rac1 contributes to the suppression of contractility. Collectively, these findings identify Rap1GAP as a critical regulator of aggressive tumor cell behavior and suggest that the level of Rap1GAP expression influences the migratory mechanisms that are operative in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana M Tsygankova
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6061, USA
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20
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The Histone Methyltransferase EZH2 Mediates Tumor Progression on the Chick Chorioallantoic Membrane Assay, a Novel Model of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Transl Oncol 2013; 6:273-81. [PMID: 23730406 DOI: 10.1593/tlo.13175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2013] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Current in vivo models for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have limitations in simulating some essential tumorigenic phenotypes, such as invasion. Most mouse models of human HNSCC are inadequate because tumor cells are injected directly into the connective tissue, thereby bypassing the basement membrane of the surface epithelium, the first barrier to invasion. In this manuscript, we establish the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay as an in vivomodel of human HNSCC tumor progression. Using the CAM model of HNSCC, we investigated the role of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase, in multiple aspects of HNSCC tumor progression. We found that knockdown of EZH2 reduced tumor size, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis of tumors produced by grafting human HNSCC cells onto the CAM. In addition, we demonstrate that EZH2 expression mediates a mesenchymal phenotype in HNSCC cell lines and mouse tumors. These findings demonstrate the advantages of the newly proposed CAM model of human HNSCC and highlight the emerging role of EZH2 in HSNCC tumor progression.
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Van Tubergen EA, Banerjee R, Liu M, Vander Broek R, Light E, Kuo S, Feinberg SE, Willis AL, Wolf G, Carey T, Bradford C, Prince M, Worden FP, Kirkwood KL, D'Silva NJ. Inactivation or loss of TTP promotes invasion in head and neck cancer via transcript stabilization and secretion of MMP9, MMP2, and IL-6. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:1169-79. [PMID: 23349315 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-2927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Invasion is the critical step in progression of a precancerous lesion to squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). Invasion is regulated by multiple proinflammatory mediators. Tristetraprolin (TTP) is an mRNA-degrading protein that regulates multiple proinflammatory mediators. TTP may serve as an excellent treatment target. Rap1 is a ras-like oncoprotein that induces critical signaling pathways. In this study, the role of rap1 in TTP-mediated invasion was investigated. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Using complementary approaches, we modulated TTP and altered expression of interleukin (IL)-6 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2/9, which were quantified by ELISA and zymogram. Invasion was evaluated in vitro using the oral-cancer-equivalent (OCE) three-dimensional model and in vivo in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). The role of rap1 and p38 were established using knockdown strategies. RESULTS Downregulation of TTP significantly increased invasion via secretion of MMP9/2 and IL-6. In the novel OCE and CAM invasion models of HNSCC, cells with downregulated TTP destroyed the basement membrane to invade the underlying connective tissue. Rap1 induces p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38)-mediated inactivation of TTP. Inactive TTP enhances transcript stability via binding to the 3'-untranslated region (UTR). High IL-6 and MMP9 are prognostic for poor clinical outcomes in patients with HNSCC. CONCLUSIONS Targeting the rap1-p38-TTP cascade is an attractive novel treatment strategy in HNSCC to concurrently suppress multiple mediators of invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Van Tubergen
- Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
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22
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Niola F, Zhao X, Singh D, Sullivan R, Castano A, Verrico A, Zoppoli P, Friedmann-Morvinski D, Sulman E, Barrett L, Zhuang Y, Verma I, Benezra R, Aldape K, Iavarone A, Lasorella A. Mesenchymal high-grade glioma is maintained by the ID-RAP1 axis. J Clin Invest 2012; 123:405-17. [PMID: 23241957 DOI: 10.1172/jci63811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade gliomas (HGGs) are incurable brain tumors that are characterized by the presence of glioma-initiating cells (GICs). GICs are essential to tumor aggressiveness and retain the capacity for self-renewal and multilineage differentiation as long as they reside in the perivascular niche. ID proteins are master regulators of stemness and anchorage to the extracellular niche microenvironment, suggesting that they may play a role in maintaining GICs. Here, we modeled the probable therapeutic impact of ID inactivation in HGG by selective ablation of Id in tumor cells and after tumor initiation in a new mouse model of human mesenchymal HGG. Deletion of 3 Id genes induced rapid release of GICs from the perivascular niche, followed by tumor regression. GIC displacement was mediated by derepression of Rap1gap and subsequent inhibition of RAP1, a master regulator of cell adhesion. We identified a signature module of 5 genes in the ID pathway, including RAP1GAP, which segregated 2 subgroups of glioma patients with markedly different clinical outcomes. The model-informed survival analysis together with genetic and functional studies establish that ID activity is required for the maintenance of mesenchymal HGG and suggest that pharmacological inactivation of ID proteins could serve as a therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Niola
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
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23
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Chen CH, Chuang HC, Huang CC, Fang FM, Huang HY, Tsai HT, Su LJ, Shiu LY, Leu S, Chien CY. Overexpression of Rap-1A indicates a poor prognosis for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and promotes tumor cell invasion via Aurora-A modulation. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 182:516-28. [PMID: 23219753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 08/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The functions of Rap-1A in oral carcinogenesis are largely unexplored. In this study, we examined the expression of Rap-1A at different malignant stages of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). Semiquantitative RT-PCR, quantitative RT-PCR, and Western blotting were used to evaluate Rap-1A mRNA and protein expressions, respectively, in paired OCSCC patient specimens. To determine the possible correlation between Rap-1A expression and various clinical characteristics, 256 samples from patients with OCSCC were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Strong Rap-1A expression was a significant prognostic marker and predictor of aggressive OCSCC. The overall and disease-specific 5-year survival rates were significantly correlated with strong expression of Rap-1A (P < 0.001). Functionally, overexpressed Rap-1A could promote oral cancer cell migration and invasion by Transwell chambers and wound healing assay. Conversely, the suppression of Rap-1A expression using Rap-1A-mediated siRNA was sufficient to decrease cell motility. Furthermore, our data also illustrated that Aurora-A could not only induce mRNA and protein expressions of Rap-1A for enhancing cancer cell motility but also co-localize and form a complex with Rap-1A in the oral cancer cell line. Finally, immunohistochemical staining, indirect immunofluorescence, and Western blotting analysis of human aggressive OCSCC specimens revealed a significantly positive correlation between Rap-1A and Aurora-A expression. Taken together, our results suggest that the Aurora-A/Rap-1A pathway is associated with survival, tumor progression, and metastasis of OCSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Han Chen
- Center for Translational Research in Biomedical Sciences, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
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24
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Russo N, Wang X, Liu M, Banerjee R, Goto M, Scanlon C, Metwally T, Inglehart RC, Tsodikov A, Duffy S, Van Tubergen E, Bradford C, Carey T, Wolf G, Chinnaiyan AM, D'Silva NJ. A novel approach to biomarker discovery in head and neck cancer using an autoantibody signature. Oncogene 2012; 32:5026-37. [PMID: 23160375 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Revised: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite the dismal prognosis for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN), there have been no novel treatments in over 40 years. Identification of novel tumor antigens in SCCHN will facilitate the identification of potential novel treatment targets. Tumor antigens are proteins selectively expressed by tumor cells and recognized by the host immune system. Phage-displayed tumor antigens were enriched by biopanning with normal and then SCCHN-specific serum. Ninety-six phage clones were sequenced for identification, and 21 clones were validated using Luminex. One of these proteins, L23, a novel tumor antigen in SCCHN, was validated as an oncogene. L23 is upregulated in SCCHN compared with normal keratinocytes. Knockdown of L23 inhibited proliferation, invasion and cell survival. Overexpression of L23 had the reverse effect. Overexpression of L23 in non malignant cells led to transformation. Injection of SCCHN cells with knockdown of L23 in mice, induced tumors that were significantly smaller than control tumors. In conclusion, the immunomic screen yielded a panel of antigens specific to SCCHN; one of these proteins, L23, is a novel oncogene in SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Russo
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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25
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Dong X, Tang W, Stopenski S, Brose MS, Korch C, Meinkoth JL. RAP1GAP inhibits cytoskeletal remodeling and motility in thyroid cancer cells. Endocr Relat Cancer 2012; 19:575-88. [PMID: 22696507 PMCID: PMC3531979 DOI: 10.1530/erc-12-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The functional significance of decreased RAP1GAP protein expression in human tumors is unclear. To identify targets of RAP1GAP downregulation in the thyroid gland, RAP1 and RAP2 protein expression in human thyroid cells and in primary thyroid tumors were analyzed. RAP1GAP and RAP2 were co-expressed in normal thyroid follicular cells. Intriguingly, RAP1 was not detected in normal thyroid cells, although it was detected in papillary thyroid carcinomas, which also expressed RAP2. Both RAP proteins were detected at the membrane in papillary thyroid tumors, suggesting that they are activated when RAP1GAP is downregulated. To explore the functional significance of RAP1GAP depletion, RAP1GAP was transiently expressed at the lowest level that is sufficient to block endogenous RAP2 activity in papillary and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell lines. RAP1GAP impaired the ability of cells to spread and migrate on collagen. Although RAP1GAP had no effect on protein tyrosine phosphorylation in growing cells, RAP1GAP impaired phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase and paxillin at sites phosphorylated by SRC in cells acutely plated on collagen. SRC activity was increased in suspended cells, where it was inhibited by RAP1GAP. Inhibition of SRC kinase activity impaired cell spreading and motility. These findings identify SRC as a target of RAP1GAP depletion and suggest that the downregulation of RAP1GAP in thyroid tumors enhances SRC-dependent signals that regulate cellular architecture and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Dong
- Department of Pharmacology - Head and Neck Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 421 Curie Boulevard, BRB II/III, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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26
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Wang K, Li J, Guo H, Xu X, Xiong G, Guan X, Liu B, Li J, Chen X, Yang K, Bai Y. MiR-196a binding-site SNP regulates RAP1A expression contributing to esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk and metastasis. Carcinogenesis 2012; 33:2147-54. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgs259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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27
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Banerjee R, Russo N, Liu M, Van Tubergen E, D'Silva NJ. Rap1 and its regulatory proteins: the tumor suppressor, oncogene, tumor suppressor gene axis in head and neck cancer. Small GTPases 2012; 3:192-7. [PMID: 22684501 DOI: 10.4161/sgtp.20413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is the sixth most common cancer, globally. Previously, we showed that Rap1GAP is a tumor suppressor gene that inhibits tumor growth, but promotes invasion in SCCHN. In this work, we discuss the role of Rap1 and Rap1GAP in SCCHN progression in the context of a microRNA-oncogene-tumor suppressor gene axis, and investigate the role of Rap1GAP in EZH2-mediated invasion. Loss of expression of microRNA-101 in SCCHN leads to upregulation of EZH2, a histone methyltransferase. Overexpression of EZH2 silences Rap1GAP via methylation, thereby promoting activation of its target, Rap1. This microRNA-controlled activation of Rap1, via EZH2-mediated silencing of Rap1GAP, is a novel mechanism of Rap1 regulation. In two independent SCCHN cell lines, downregulation of EZH2 inhibits proliferation and invasion. In both cell lines, stable knockdown of EZH2 (shEZH2) recovers Rap1GAP expression and inhibits proliferation. However, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Rap1GAP in these cells rescues proliferation but not invasion. Thus, EZH2 promotes proliferation and invasion via Rap1GAP-dependent and -independent mechanisms, respectively. Although the studies presented here are in the context of SCCHN, our results may have broader implications, given that Rap1GAP acts as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, and melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Banerjee
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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28
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Guo H, Hu X, Ge S, Qian G, Zhang J. Regulation of RAP1B by miR-139 suppresses human colorectal carcinoma cell proliferation. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 44:1465-72. [PMID: 22642900 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are strongly implicated in carcinogenesis, but their specific roles in the major cancers have yet to be fully elucidated. METHODS The expression levels of miR-139 in colorectal carcinoma and paired normal tissues were examined using real-time PCR assays. Potential functions of miR-139 were evaluated in colorectal carcinoma cell lines (SW480, SW620, LS174 T, and HCT116) using miR-139 mimics, anti-miR-139, and siRNA RAP1B. RESULTS In this study, we determined that miR-139 is down-regulated in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) tissues. Lower miR-139 expression correlates with more advanced CRC and lower overall survival of patients with CRC. The ectopic expression of miR-139 in human CRC cells decreased cell growth and tumorigenicity, whereas the silencing of miR-139 promoted cell growth. Mechanistic studies revealed that miR-139 repressed the activity of a reporter gene fused to the 3'-untranslated region of RAP1B, whereas miR-139 silencing up-regulated the expression of the reporter gene. RNAi-mediated knockdown of RAP1B phenocopied the antiproliferative effect of miR-139, whereas the overexpression of RAP1B blocked miR-139-mediated antiproliferative effects in CRC cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results demonstrated that miR-139 decreases proliferation by directly targeting RAP1B, defining miR-139 as a new putative tumour suppressor miRNA in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, No. 3 People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China.
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29
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Qiu T, Qi X, Cen J, Chen Z. Rap1GAP alters leukemia cell differentiation, apoptosis and invasion in vitro. Oncol Rep 2012; 28:622-8. [PMID: 22614916 DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.1825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2012] [Accepted: 04/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Rap1GAP which regulates the GTP-GDP form switch of Rap1 is a member of the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) family and has recently received substantial attention. Rap1GAP is thought of as a putative tumor suppressor gene and plays an important role in human tumor progression including pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer and melanoma. In the current study, we found that the expression of Rap1GAP was lower in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients compared to non-malignant blood disease patients. The expression of Rap1GAP was also low in HL-60, NB4, U937 and SHI-1 myeloid leukemia cell lines. Upregulated Rap1GAP in NB4 and HL-60 cells promoted cell differentiation induced by ATRA or TPA compared to the empty vector control cells. Furthermore, Rap1GAP-transfected cells also showed a higher rate of apoptosis in response to arsenic trioxide compared to the control counterpart cells. In addition, we found that increased expression of Rap1GAP promoted leukemia cell invasion may be due to matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). In conclusion, these results demonstrated that Rap1GAP promoted leukemia cell differentiation and apoptosis, but increased leukemia cell invasion in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Qiu
- Leukemia Research Unit, Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Ministry of Health, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, PR China
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30
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Kim WJ, Gersey Z, Daaka Y. Rap1GAP regulates renal cell carcinoma invasion. Cancer Lett 2012; 320:65-71. [PMID: 22266190 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2011] [Revised: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 01/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although patients with localized and regional kidney tumors have a high survival rate, incidence of mortality significantly increases for patients with metastatic disease. It is imperative to decipher the molecular mechanisms of kidney tumor migration and invasion in order to develop effective therapies for patients with advanced cancer. Rap1, a small GTPase protein, has been implicated in cancer cell growth and invasion. Here, we profile migratory and invasive properties of commonly used renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines and correlate that with expression and function of the Rap inactivator Rap1GAP. We report that levels of Rap1GAP inversely correlate with invasion but not migration. We also report that forced over-expression of Rap1GAP decreases invasion of RCC cells but does not impact their rate of proliferation. Low expression levels of Rap1GAP in RCC cells are due, at least in part, to promoter hypermethylation. Rescued expression of Rap1GAP with a demethylating drug, decitabine (5-azadC), decreases the RCC SN12C cell invasion of collagen, fibronectin, and Matrigel matrices. RCC cell lines express distinct levels of cell adhesion proteins and the forced over-expression of Rap1GAP attenuated levels of both cadherins and integrins that are known to regulate the cancer cells invasion. These results demonstrate that targeted restoration of Rap1GAP expression may serve as a potential therapeutic approach to reduce metastasis of kidney cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ju Kim
- Department of Urology, Prostate Disease Center, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
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31
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Inhibitory effects of Rap1GAP overexpression on proliferation and migration of endothelial cells via ERK and Akt pathways. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 31:721-727. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-011-0667-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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32
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Wu J, Zhang Y, Frilot N, Kim JI, Kim WJ, Daaka Y. Prostaglandin E2 regulates renal cell carcinoma invasion through the EP4 receptor-Rap GTPase signal transduction pathway. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:33954-62. [PMID: 21832044 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.187344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Prognosis for patients with early stage kidney cancer has improved, but the treatment options for patients with locally advanced disease and metastasis remain few. Understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate invasion and metastasis is critical for developing successful therapies to treat these patients. Proinflammatory prostaglandin E(2) plays an important role in cancer initiation and progression via activation of cognate EP receptors that belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors. Here we report that prostaglandin E(2) promotes renal cancer cell invasion through a signal transduction pathway that encompasses EP4 and small GTPase Rap. Inactivation of Rap signaling with Rap1GAP, like inhibition of EP4 signaling with ligand antagonist or knockdown with shRNA, reduces the kidney cancer cell invasion. Human kidney cells evidence increased EP4 and decreased Rap1GAP expression levels in the malignant compared with benign samples. These results support the idea that targeted inhibition of EP4 signaling and restoration of Rap1GAP expression constitute a new strategy to control kidney cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Wu
- Department of Pathology, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, Georgia 30912, USA
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33
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Vuchak LA, Tsygankova OM, Meinkoth JL. Rap1GAP impairs cell-matrix adhesion in the absence of effects on cell-cell adhesion. Cell Adh Migr 2011; 5:323-31. [PMID: 21785277 DOI: 10.4161/cam.5.4.17041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of the widespread downregulation of Rap1GAP in human tumors is unknown. In previous studies we demonstrated that silencing Rap1GAP expression in human colon cancer cells resulted in sustained increases in Rap activity, enhanced spreading on collagen and the weakening of cell-cell contacts. The latter finding was unexpected based on the role of Rap1 in strengthening cell-cell adhesion and reports that Rap1GAP impairs cell-cell adhesion. We now show that Rap1GAP is a more effective inhibitor of cell-matrix compared to cell-cell adhesion. Overexpression of Rap1GAP in human colon cancer cells impaired Rap2 activity and the ability of cells to spread and migrate on collagen IV. Under the same conditions, Rap1GAP had no effect on cell-cell adhesion. Overexpression of Rap1GAP did not enhance the dissociation of cell aggregates nor did it impair the accumulation of β-catenin and E-cadherin at cell-cell contacts. To further explore the role of Rap1GAP in the regulation of cell-cell adhesion, Rap1GAP was overexpressed in non-transformed thyroid epithelial cells. Although the formation of cell-cell contacts required Rap1, overexpression of Rap1GAP did not impair cell-cell adhesion. These data indicate that transient, modest expression of Rap1GAP is compatible with cell-cell adhesion and that the role of Rap1GAP in the regulation of cell-cell adhesion may be more complex than is currently appreciated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Vuchak
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Banerjee R, Mani RS, Russo N, Scanlon CS, Tsodikov A, Jing X, Cao Q, Palanisamy N, Metwally T, Inglehart RC, Tomlins S, Bradford C, Carey T, Wolf G, Kalyana-Sundaram S, Chinnaiyan AM, Varambally S, D'Silva NJ. The tumor suppressor gene rap1GAP is silenced by miR-101-mediated EZH2 overexpression in invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Oncogene 2011; 30:4339-49. [PMID: 21532618 PMCID: PMC3154567 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Rap1GAP is a critical tumor suppressor gene that is downregulated in multiple aggressive cancers, such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma and pancreatic cancer. However, the mechanistic basis of rap1GAP downregulation in cancers is poorly understood. By employing an integrative approach, we demonstrate polycomb-mediated repression of rap1GAP that involves Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase in head and neck cancers. We further demonstrate that the loss of miR-101 expression correlates with EZH2 upregulation, and the concomitant downregulation of rap1GAP in head and neck cancers. EZH2 represses rap1GAP by facilitating the trimethylation of histone 3 at lysine 27, a mark of gene repression, and also hypermethylation of rap1GAP promoter. These results provide a conceptual framework involving a microRNA-oncogene-tumor suppressor axis to understand head and neck cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Banerjee
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1078, USA
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Banerjee R, Henson BS, Russo N, Tsodikov A, D'Silva NJ. Rap1 mediates galanin receptor 2-induced proliferation and survival in squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Signal 2011; 23:1110-8. [PMID: 21345369 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2010] [Revised: 02/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Previously we showed that galanin, a neuropeptide, is secreted by human squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in which it exhibits an autocrine mitogenic effect. We also showed that rap1, a ras-like signaling protein, is a critical mediator of SCCHN progression. Given the emerging importance of the galanin cascade in regulating proliferation and survival, we investigated the effect of GAL on SCCHN progression via induction of galanin receptor 2 (GALR2)-mediated rap1 activation. Studies were performed in multiple SCCHN cell lines by inducing endogenous GALR2, by stably overexpressing GALR2 and by downregulating endogenous GALR2 with siGALR2. Cell proliferation and survival, mediated by the ERK and AKT signaling cascades, respectively, were evaluated by functional and immunoblot analysis. The role of rap1 in GALR2-mediated proliferation and survival was evaluated by modulating expression. Finally, the effect of GALR2 on tumor growth was determined. GALR2 stimulated proliferation and survival via ERK and AKT activation, respectively. Knockdown or inactivation of rap1 inhibited GALR2-induced, AKT and ERK-mediated survival and proliferation. Overexpression of GALR2 promoted tumor growth in vivo. GALR2 promotes proliferation and survival in vitro, and promotes tumor growth in vivo, consistent with an oncogenic role for GALR2 in SCCHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Banerjee
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, The University of Michigan, 1011 N. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Freeman SA, McLeod SJ, Dukowski J, Austin P, Lee CCY, Millen-Martin B, Kubes P, McCafferty DM, Gold MR, Roskelley CD. Preventing the activation or cycling of the Rap1 GTPase alters adhesion and cytoskeletal dynamics and blocks metastatic melanoma cell extravasation into the lungs. Cancer Res 2010; 70:4590-601. [PMID: 20484042 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-3414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Rap1 GTPase is a master regulator of cell adhesion, polarity, and migration. We show that both blocking Rap1 activation and expressing a constitutively active form of Rap1 reduced the ability of B16F1 melanoma cells to extravasate from the microvasculature and form metastatic lesions in the lungs. This correlated with a decreased ability of the tumor cells to undergo transendothelial migration (TEM) in vitro and form dynamic, F-actin-rich pseudopodia that penetrate capillary endothelial walls in vivo. Using multiple tumor cell lines, we show that the inability to form these membrane protrusions, which likely promote TEM and extravasation, can be explained by altered adhesion dynamics and impaired cell polarization that result when Rap1 activation or cycling is perturbed. Thus, targeting Rap1 could be a useful approach for reducing the metastatic dissemination of tumor cells that undergo active TEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer A Freeman
- Departments of Cellular and Physiological Sciences and Microbiology and Immunology and I3 and CELL Research Groups, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Downregulation of Rap1GAP in human tumor cells alters cell/matrix and cell/cell adhesion. Mol Cell Biol 2010; 30:3262-74. [PMID: 20439492 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01345-09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Rap1GAP expression is decreased in human tumors. The significance of its downregulation is unknown. We show that Rap1GAP expression is decreased in primary colorectal carcinomas. To elucidate the advantages conferred on tumor cells by loss of Rap1GAP, Rap1GAP expression was silenced in human colon carcinoma cells. Suppressing Rap1GAP induced profound alterations in cell adhesion. Rap1GAP-depleted cells exhibited defects in cell/cell adhesion that included an aberrant distribution of adherens junction proteins. Depletion of Rap1GAP enhanced adhesion and spreading on collagen. Silencing of Rap expression normalized spreading and restored E-cadherin, beta-catenin, and p120-catenin to cell/cell contacts, indicating that unrestrained Rap activity underlies the alterations in cell adhesion. The defects in adherens junction protein distribution required integrin signaling as E-cadherin and p120-catenin were restored at cell/cell contacts when cells were plated on poly-l-lysine. Unexpectedly, Src activity was increased in Rap1GAP-depleted cells. Inhibition of Src impaired spreading and restored E-cadherin at cell/cell contacts. These findings provide the first evidence that Rap1GAP contributes to cell/cell adhesion and highlight a role for Rap1GAP in regulating cell/matrix and cell/cell adhesion. The frequent downregulation of Rap1GAP in epithelial tumors where alterations in cell/cell and cell/matrix adhesion are early steps in tumor dissemination supports a role for Rap1GAP depletion in tumor progression.
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Zuo H, Gandhi M, Edreira MM, Hochbaum D, Nimgaonkar VL, Zhang P, Dipaola J, Evdokimova V, Altschuler DL, Nikiforov YE. Downregulation of Rap1GAP through epigenetic silencing and loss of heterozygosity promotes invasion and progression of thyroid tumors. Cancer Res 2010; 70:1389-97. [PMID: 20124489 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-09-2812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine malignancy, encompassing tumors with various levels of invasive growth and aggressiveness. Rap1GAP, a Rap1 GTPase-activating protein, inhibits the RAS superfamily protein Rap1 by facilitating hydrolysis of GTP to GDP. In this study, we analyzed 197 thyroid tumor samples and showed that Rap1GAP was frequently lost or downregulated in various types of tumors, particularly in the most invasive and aggressive forms of thyroid cancer. The downregulation was due to promoter hypermethylation and/or loss of heterozygosity, found in the majority of thyroid tumors. Treatment with demethylating agent 5-aza-deoxycytidine and/or histone deacetylation inhibitor trichostatin A induced gene reexpression in thyroid cells. A genetic polymorphism, Y609C, was seen in 7% of thyroid tumors but was not related to gene downregulation. Loss of Rap1GAP expression correlated with tumor invasiveness but not with specific mutations activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Rap1GAP downregulation was required in vitro for cell migration and Matrigel invasion. Recovery of Rap1GAP expression inhibited thyroid cell proliferation and colony formation. Overall, our findings indicate that epigenetic or genetic loss of Rap1GAP is very common in thyroid cancer, where these events are sufficient to promote cell proliferation and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zuo
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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Rap1, a mercenary among the Ras-like GTPases. Dev Biol 2010; 340:1-9. [PMID: 20060392 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2009.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2009] [Revised: 12/28/2009] [Accepted: 12/30/2009] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The small Ras-like GTPase Rap1 is an evolutionary conserved protein that originally gained interest because of its capacity to revert the morphological phenotype of Ras-transformed fibroblasts. Rap1 is regulated by a large number of stimuli that include growth factors and cytokines, but also physical force and osmotic stress. Downstream of Rap1, a plethora of effector molecules has been proposed on the basis of biochemical studies. Here, we present an overview of genetic studies on Rap1 in various model organisms and relate the observed phenotypes to in vitro studies. The picture that emerges is one in which Rap1 is a versatile regulator of morphogenesis, by regulating diverse processes that include establishment of cellular polarity, cell-matrix interactions and cell-cell adhesion. Surprisingly, genetic experiments indicate that in the various model organisms, Rap1 uses distinct effector molecules that impinge upon the actin cytoskeleton and adhesion molecules.
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Goto M, Mitra RS, Liu M, Lee J, Henson BS, Carey T, Bradford C, Prince M, Wang CY, Fearon ER, D'Silva NJ. Rap1 stabilizes beta-catenin and enhances beta-catenin-dependent transcription and invasion in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 16:65-76. [PMID: 20028760 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-1122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells, Rap1 shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Prior findings suggested that Rap1 may modulate the beta-catenin-independent Wnt pathway in some settings, but the role of Rap1 in beta-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling remains undefined. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN AND RESULTS We observed that beta-catenin bound to active Rap1 in vitro and Rap1 activated beta-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF)-dependent transcription. Immunofluorescence studies showed that ectopic expression of Rap1 increased nuclear translocation of beta-catenin. Overexpression of active Rap1 facilitated an increase in beta-catenin-mediated transcription that was abrogated by dominant-negative TCF4. Conversely, small interfering RNA-mediated inhibition of endogenous Rap1 expression inhibited beta-catenin/TCF-mediated transcription as well as invasion of HNSCC. Furthermore, inhibition of Rap1 expression downregulated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 7, a transcriptional target of beta-catenin/TCF. In HNSCC cells stably transfected with beta-catenin or treated with lithium chloride or Wnt3A to stabilize endogenous beta-catenin, inhibition of Rap1 expression led to decreases in the free pool of beta-catenin. Immunohistochemical studies of tissue from HNSCC patients revealed that increased beta-catenin intensity correlated with higher tumor stage. Furthermore, the prognostic effect of active Rap1 on tumor N stage was found to depend on cytosolic beta-catenin expression (P < 0.013). When beta-catenin is high, higher Rap1GTP intensity is associated with more advanced N stage. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that Rap1 enhances beta-catenin stability and nuclear localization. In addition to indicating that Rap1 has a significant role in regulating beta-catenin and beta-catenin-dependent progression to more advanced N-stage lesions, these data highlight Rap1 as a potential therapeutic target in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuo Goto
- Departments of Periodontics and Oral Medicine and Biologic and Materials Science, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078, USA
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Bailey CL, Kelly P, Casey PJ. Activation of Rap1 promotes prostate cancer metastasis. Cancer Res 2009; 69:4962-8. [PMID: 19470770 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-4269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Elucidating the mechanisms of prostate cancer (CaP) survival and metastasis are critical to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. The monomeric G protein Rap1 has been implicated in cancer tumorigenesis. Rap1 signals to pathways involved in cell adhesion, migration, and survival, suggesting Rap1 may promote several processes associated with cancer cell metastasis. Examination of CaP cell lines revealed cells with a high metastatic ability exhibited increased Rap1 activity and reduced expression of the negative regulator Rap1GAP. Rap1 can be further stimulated in these cells by stromal-derived factor (SDF-1), an agonist known to regulate tumor cell metastasis and tropism to bone. Activation of Rap1 increased CaP cell migration and invasion, and inhibition of Rap1A activity via RNAi-mediated knockdown or ectopic expression of Rap1GAP markedly impaired CaP cell migration and invasion. Additional studies implicate integrins alpha4, beta3, and alphavbeta3 in the mechanism of Rap1-mediated CaP migration and invasion. Extending the effect of Rap1 activity in CaP metastasis in vivo, introduction of activated Rap1 into CaP cells dramatically enhanced the rate and incidence of CaP metastasis in a xenograft mouse model. These studies provide compelling evidence to support a role for aberrant Rap1 activation in CaP progression, and suggest that targeting Rap1 signaling could provide a means to control metastatic progression of this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice L Bailey
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710-3813, USA
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Nellore A, Paziana K, Ma C, Tsygankova OM, Wang Y, Puttaswamy K, Iqbal AU, Franks SR, Lv Y, Troxel AB, Feldman MD, Meinkoth JL, Brose MS. Loss of Rap1GAP in papillary thyroid cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009; 94:1026-32. [PMID: 19066305 PMCID: PMC2681278 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2008-1042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Rap1 GTPase-activating protein (GAP) regulates the activity of Rap1, a putative oncogene. We previously reported Rap1GAP was highly expressed in normal human thyroid cells and decreased in five papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). OBJECTIVES To confirm the significance of these findings, we analyzed Rap1GAP expression in a larger set of benign tumors (adenomas and hyperplastic nodules) and PTCs. We determined whether the presence of the BRAF(V600E) mutation or allelic loss of Rap1GAP related to changes in Rap1GAP protein expression. To determine the consequences of Rap1GAP loss, we targeted Rap1GAP in culture using small interfering RNA. DESIGN, PATIENTS, AND METHODS A highly specific Rap1GAP antibody was applied to sections of 55 human thyroid tissues. Genomic DNA was analyzed for the presence of the BRAF(V600E) mutation, and loss of Rap1GAP. Rap1GAP expression in rat thyroid cells was abolished using small interfering RNA. RESULTS We observed that down-regulation of Rap1GAP in benign lesions and PTCs was common. Rap1GAP expression was more severely decreased in PTCs. Loss of Rap1GAP expression was observed in multiple histological variants of PTCs. Approximately 20% of PTCs and adenomas exhibited allelic loss of Rap1GAP. Loss of Rap1GAP was not associated with the presence of the BRAF(V600E) mutation. In vitro, loss of Rap1GAP was sufficient to increase Rap1 activity in thyroid cells. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that loss of Rap1GAP is a frequent event in PTC. The more frequent and greater down-regulation of Rap1GAP in PTCs compared with adenomas suggests a role for Rap1GAP depletion in the progression of human thyroid tumors, possibly through unrestrained Rap activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoma Nellore
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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Zheng H, Gao L, Feng Y, Yuan L, Zhao H, Cornelius LA. Down-regulation of Rap1GAP via promoter hypermethylation promotes melanoma cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Cancer Res 2009; 69:449-57. [PMID: 19147557 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-2399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most serious, highly aggressive form of skin cancer with recent dramatic increases in incidence. Current therapies are relatively ineffective, highlighting the need for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to the disease. We have previously shown that activation of Rap1 promotes melanoma cell proliferation and migration through the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and integrin activation. In the present study, we show that expression of Rap1GAP, a specific negative regulator of Rap1, is decreased in human melanoma tumors and cell lines. Overexpression of Rap1GAP in melanoma cells blocks Rap1 activation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and inhibits melanoma cell proliferation and survival. In addition, overexpression of Rap1GAP also inhibits focal adhesion formation and decreases melanoma cell migration. Rap1GAP down-regulation is due to its promoter methylation, a mechanism of gene silencing in tumors. Furthermore, treatment of melanoma cells with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine reinduces Rap1GAP expression, followed by decreased Rap1 activity, ERK phosphorylation, and cell proliferation and survival-changes that are significantly blunted in cells transfected by small interfering RNA-mediated Rap1GAP knockdown. Taken together, our findings indicate that down-regulation of Rap1GAP via promoter hypermethylation promotes melanoma cell proliferation, survival, and migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Dermatology and Hematology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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Chung J, Serezani CH, Huang SK, Stern JNH, Keskin DB, Jagirdar R, Brock TG, Aronoff DM, Peters-Golden M. Rap1 activation is required for Fc gamma receptor-dependent phagocytosis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 181:5501-9. [PMID: 18832707 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.8.5501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized microbes via the Fc gamma receptor (Fc gammaR) requires the precise coordination of a number of signaling molecules, including the low-molecular mass GTPases. Little is known about the Ras-family GTPase Rap1 in this process. We therefore investigated its importance in mediating Fc gammaR-dependent phagocytosis in NR8383 rat alveolar macrophages. Pulldown of active Rap1 and fluorescence microscopic analysis of GFP-RalGDS (Ral guanine dissociation stimulator)-transfected macrophages revealed that Rap1 is indeed activated by Fc gammaR crosslinking. Inhibition of Rap1 activity, both by Rap1GAP (GTPase-activating protein) expression and liposome-delivered blocking Ab, severely impaired the ability of cells to ingest IgG-opsonized targets. Fc gammaR-induced Rap1 activation was found to be independent of both cAMP and Ca(2+), suggesting a role for the second messenger-independent guanosine exchange factor, C3G. This was supported by the facts that 1) liposome-delivered blocking Ab against C3G inhibited both Fc gammaR-dependent phagocytosis and Rap1 activation, and 2) both active Rap1GTP and C3G were found to translocate to the phagosome. Taken together, our data demonstrate a novel role for Rap1 and its exchange factor C3G in mediating Fc gammaR-dependent phagocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooho Chung
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Mitra RS, Goto M, Lee JS, Maldonado D, Taylor JMG, Pan Q, Carey TE, Bradford CR, Prince ME, Cordell KG, Kirkwood KL, D'Silva NJ. Rap1GAP promotes invasion via induction of matrix metalloproteinase 9 secretion, which is associated with poor survival in low N-stage squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Res 2008; 68:3959-69. [PMID: 18483282 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-2755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of Rap1GAP on invasion and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 9 and MMP2 in this process. Rap1GAP functions by switching off Rap1, the Ras-like protein that has been associated with carcinogenesis. Previous findings suggest that Rap1GAP acts as a tumor suppressor protein in SCC by delaying the G(1)-S transition of the cell cycle. However, cells transfected with Rap1GAP exhibit a more invasive phenotype than corresponding vector-transfected control cells. MMP2 and MMP9 are enzymes that mediate SCC invasion via degradation of the extracellular matrix. Using SCC cells transfected with empty vector or Rap1GAP, cell invasion and MMP secretion were determined by Matrigel assays and gelatin zymography, respectively. Rap1GAP up-regulated transcription and secretion of MMP2 and MMP9, as assayed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and zymography. Furthermore, chemical and RNA interference blockade of MMP2/MMP9 inhibited invasion by Rap1GAP-transfected cells. Immunohistochemical staining of a human oropharyngeal SCC tissue microarray showed that Rap1GAP and MMP9 expression and staining intensity are correlated (P < 0.0001) and that, in early N-stage lesions of SCC, high MMP9 is prognostic of poor disease-specific survival (P < 0.05). Furthermore, Rap1GAP staining is correlated with MMP2 (P < 0.03). MMP2 in combination with N stage has a prognostic effect on time to indication of surgery at primary site. MMP2 intensity is also positively correlated with T stage (P < 0.015). In conclusion, Rap1GAP inhibits tumor growth but induces MMP2- and MMP9-mediated SCC invasion and tumor progression, suggesting a role for this protein as a biomarker for early N-stage, aggressive SCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raj S Mitra
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, University of Michigan Medical School, USA
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Lefeuvre M, Gunduz M, Nagatsuka H, Gunduz E, Al Sheikh Ali M, Beder L, Fukushima K, Yamanaka N, Shimizu K, Nagai N. Fine deletion analysis of 1p36 chromosomal region in oral squamous cell carcinomas. J Oral Pathol Med 2008; 38:94-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0714.2008.00666.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Malignant primary brain tumors, gliomas, often overexpress both platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) ligands and receptors providing an autocrine and/or paracrine boost to tumor growth. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most frequent glioma. Its aggressive and infiltrative growth renders it extremely difficult to treat. Median survival after diagnosis is currently only 12-14 months. The present review describes the use of retroviral tagging to identify candidate cancer-causing genes that cooperate with PDGF in brain tumor formation. Newborn mice injected intracerebrally with a Moloney murine leukemia retrovirus carrying the sis/PDGF-B oncogene and a replication competent helper virus developed brain tumors with many characteristics of human gliomas. Analysis of proviral integrations in the brain tumors identified almost 70 common insertion sites (CISs). These CISs were named brain tumor loci and harbored known but also putative novel cancer-causing genes. Microarray analysis identified differentially expressed genes in the mouse brain tumors compared to normal brain. Known tumor genes and markers of immature cells were upregulated in the tumors. Tumors developed 13-42 weeks after injection and short latency tumors were further distinguished as fast growing and GBM-like. Long latency tumors resembled slow-growing oligodendrogliomas and contained significantly less integrations as compared to short latency tumors. Several candidate genes tagged in this retroviral screen have known functions in neoplastic transformation and oncogenesis. Some candidates with a previously unknown function in tumorigenesis were found and their putative role in brain tumor formation will be discussed in this review. The results show that proviral tagging may be a useful tool in the search for candidate glioma genes.
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Gao L, Feng Y, Bowers R, Becker-Hapak M, Gardner J, Council L, Linette G, Zhao H, Cornelius LA. Ras-associated protein-1 regulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and migration in melanoma cells: two processes important to melanoma tumorigenesis and metastasis. Cancer Res 2007; 66:7880-8. [PMID: 16912161 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-0254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most devastating malignancies with a rising incidence and lack of effective treatments for advanced disease. Constitutive activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and altered expression of alpha(v)beta(3) integrin are critical for melanoma development and progression. Ras-associated protein-1 (Rap1), a Ras family member of the small GTPases, has emerged as a key mediator in these two important processes. In this study, we have shown Rap1 activation in cells derived from two human metastatic melanomas and also in three of seven cutaneous metastatic melanoma tissues. We found increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity in the tumors with detected Rap1 activity that interestingly harbored neither BRAF nor N-Ras mutation, suggesting a role for Rap1 in ERK activation in vivo. We also showed Rap1 and ERK activation by both hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and 8CPT-2Me-cAMP (an activator of Epac, a Rap1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor) in two human melanoma cell lines. In addition, the activation of ERK by HGF was reduced, at least in part, by small interfering RNAs against Rap1 and a dominant-negative Rap1. Finally, a functional role for Rap1 activation was shown by Rap1-induced alpha(v)beta(3) integrin activation and consequent increased melanoma cell migration in vitro. Taken together, these results show that Rap1 is involved in the activation of MAPK pathway and integrin activation in human melanoma and suggest a potential role for Rap1 in melanoma tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Gao
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Bigler D, Gioeli D, Conaway MR, Weber MJ, Theodorescu D. Rap2 regulates androgen sensitivity in human prostate cancer cells. Prostate 2007; 67:1590-9. [PMID: 17918750 DOI: 10.1002/pros.20644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Progression of prostate cancer to a fatal androgen-independent disease is associated with activation of MAP kinase, consistent with chronic stimulation of the Ras-signaling pathway. We have previously shown that Ras activation is sufficient to induce androgen-independent growth of prostate cancer cells. One mechanism of MAP kinase regulation is modulation of Ras signaling by other Ras family members, the Rap gene paralogs Rap1a/b and Rap2a/b. Here we ask if Rap proteins play a role in determining androgen sensitivity of human prostate cancer cells either alone or in the context of an activated Ras. METHODS To evaluate the role of Rap proteins in androgen responsiveness we use Rap over-expression with or without mutated Ras co-transfection and Rap siRNA knockdown to evaluate androgen-dependent prostate-specific antigen (PSA) promoter reporter expression and cell growth in androgen-dependent LNCaP and independent C4-2 human prostate cancer cells. RESULTS Rap1 is equally expressed between LNCaP and C4-2 cells and thus we focused on Rap2 which is minimally expressed in C4-2. Rap2a affects androgen-dependent PSA reporter expression in a dose-dependent manner in LNCaP and C4-2 cells. Low levels of Rap2a enhance PSA reporter expression, whereas higher concentrations inhibit expression. We show that Rap2a antagonizes the enhanced PSA reporter expression conferred by an active RasV12 gene in prostate cancer cells. siRNA knockdown data indicate that Rap2 has a greater effect on androgen-stimulated growth in LNCaP than in C4-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS We show that Rap2 is involved in androgen-mediated transcriptional and growth responses of human prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Bigler
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908, USA
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Tsygankova OM, Prendergast GV, Puttaswamy K, Wang Y, Feldman MD, Wang H, Brose MS, Meinkoth JL. Downregulation of Rap1GAP contributes to Ras transformation. Mol Cell Biol 2007; 27:6647-58. [PMID: 17646383 PMCID: PMC2099240 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00155-07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although abundant in well-differentiated rat thyroid cells, Rap1GAP expression was extinguished in a subset of human thyroid tumor-derived cell lines. Intriguingly, Rap1GAP was downregulated selectively in tumor cell lines that had acquired a mesenchymal morphology. Restoring Rap1GAP expression to these cells inhibited cell migration and invasion, effects that were correlated with the inhibition of Rap1 and Rac1 activity. The reexpression of Rap1GAP also inhibited DNA synthesis and anchorage-independent proliferation. Conversely, eliminating Rap1GAP expression in rat thyroid cells induced a transient increase in cell number. Strikingly, Rap1GAP expression was abolished by Ras transformation. The downregulation of Rap1GAP by Ras required the activation of the Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase cascade and was correlated with the induction of mesenchymal morphology and migratory behavior. Remarkably, the acute expression of oncogenic Ras was sufficient to downregulate Rap1GAP expression in rat thyroid cells, identifying Rap1GAP as a novel target of oncogenic Ras. Collectively, these data implicate Rap1GAP as a putative tumor/invasion suppressor in the thyroid. In support of that notion, Rap1GAP was highly expressed in normal human thyroid cells and downregulated in primary thyroid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana M Tsygankova
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6061, USA
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