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Ghosh S, Goswami D, Dutta R, Ghatak D, De R. A Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis of Cytochrome C Oxidase Assembly Factor 1 (COA1) Reveals Instrumental Role of Mitochondrial Protein Assembly in Cancer that Modulates Disease Progression and Prognostic Outcome. Cell Biochem Biophys 2024:10.1007/s12013-024-01366-x. [PMID: 38907941 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-024-01366-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Cytochrome c oxidase assembly factor 1 (COA1), a mitochondrial respiratory chain complex assembly factor protein of inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), is involved in translating many mitochondrial components and assembling nuclear-encoded components within mitochondria. Given the lack of extensive research on COA1 in cancer, this study undertakes a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of COA1, which is overexpressed across various cancer types, shedding light on its multifaceted role in tumorigenesis, prognosis, and tumor microenvironment (TME) modulation. Leveraging bioinformatics tools and public databases, we elucidated its potential as a diagnostic cancer biomarker as well as a target for novel anti-cancer therapeutics. Gene expression analysis using "TIMER2.0", "UALCAN" and "GEPIA2" platforms, supported by protein expression data, revealed a significant correlation between COA1 upregulation and poor prognosis in Kaplan-Meir analysis, underscoring its clinical relevance. Additionally, genetic mutation analysis of COA1 with the help of "cBioPortal" warrants further exploration into its functional significance. Moreover, our investigation of the tumor microenvironment unveiled the interplay of COA1 with fibroblast and T cell infiltration implicating the role of COA1 in the tumor immune microenvironment. Furthermore, COA1-related gene enrichment study in "GeneMANIA" and pathway cross-talk analysis with Gene Ontology (GO) gene sets established comprehensive clarifications about the molecular pathways and protein networks associated with COA1 deregulation. Overall, this study lays a sturdy foundation to support future research endeavors targeting COA1, unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying COA1 deregulation, and exploring its therapeutic potential in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayak Ghosh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Kolkata, Plot No: 36, 37 & 38, Major Arterial Road, Action Area II, Kadampukur Village, Newtown, Kolkata, 700135, West Bengal, India
| | - Devyani Goswami
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Kolkata, Plot No: 36, 37 & 38, Major Arterial Road, Action Area II, Kadampukur Village, Newtown, Kolkata, 700135, West Bengal, India
| | - Rittick Dutta
- Swami Vivekananda University, Kolkata, 700121, West Bengal, India
| | - Debapriya Ghatak
- Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Rudranil De
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Kolkata, Plot No: 36, 37 & 38, Major Arterial Road, Action Area II, Kadampukur Village, Newtown, Kolkata, 700135, West Bengal, India.
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Papadopoulos P, Zisis V, Andreadis D, Vahtsevanos K, Poulopoulos A. Investigation of the Vascular-Endothelial Pattern of Expression of DAPK-1 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders Through Immunohistochemistry. Cureus 2024; 16:e63519. [PMID: 39081443 PMCID: PMC11288380 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.63519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Potentially malignant disorders, like oral lichen planus (OLP) and oral leukoplakia (OL) of several degrees of dysplasia, manifest a significant potential of malignant transformation being a precursor of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The role of microvascularization in carcinogenesis is critical; therefore, microvascularization constitutes a major therapeutic target. DAPK-1 constitutes a possible cancer marker, with proven implications in other human cancers, and there isn't any study on its vascular endothelial expression in the oral cavity, particularly in oral cancer and oral potentially malignant diseases. The present study aims to investigate the vascular endothelial expression of the DAPK-1 in paraffin-embedded tissue samples of oral leukoplakia, oral squamous cell carcinoma, and oral lichen planus. Materials and methods The study focuses on the immunohistochemical, vascular-endothelial, expression pattern of biomarker DAPK-1 (NBP2-38468, Novus Biologicals, Centennial, CO, US). Tissue samples were obtained from six cases of oral lichen planus (OLP) (3 of reticular and 3 of erosive form), 30 cases of oral leukoplakia (OL) (10 with no dysplasia, 10 with mild dysplasia, and 10 with moderate/severe dysplasia), 22 cases of OSCC (2 well-differentiated, 17 moderately differentiated, and 3 poorly differentiated), as well as 5 cases of normal oral epithelium. The tissue samples were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Oral Medicine/Pathology, School of Dentistry, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, as well as from St Lukas Hospital of Thessaloniki, Greece, from 2004-2019. In accordance with the Research and Ethics Committee guidelines of the Aristotle University, School of Dentistry, and the Helsinki II declaration, the study was conducted. The primary inclusion criteria for the study focused on the presence of sufficient precancerous or cancerous tissue. Conversely, inadequate tissue served as the exclusion criteria. The staining was evaluated exclusively in a quantitative manner. The vascular endothelial staining was evaluated as either positive or negative. If at least one endothelial cell exhibited positive staining, the section was classified as positive. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics v25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, US) utilizing Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact test, depending on the sample size, to compare OLP to OL, OLP to OSCC, OLP to normal, OL to OSCC, OL to normal, and OSCC to normal. The significance level was established at 0.05 (p=0.05). Results A prevalence of positive OL cases may be noticed. The comparison between OLP and OL yielded Fisher's exact test of p>0.999, OLP and OSCC p=0.389, OLP and normal oral epithelium p>0.999, OL and OSCC p=0.226, OL and normal oral epithelium p>0.999, as well as OSCC and normal oral epithelium p=0.342. Conclusions The role of DAPK in tumorigenesis is already supported by limited literature. However, its implication in the development of OSCC and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) has yet to be elucidated. Its elevated expression in OL suggests a role in affecting the microenvironment, the vessels, in particular, surrounding oral potentially malignant lesions, possibly assisting their transition into cancer. The evaluation of the vascular-endothelial immunohistochemical profile of DAPK-1 in OL, OLP, and OSCC requires further studies in more tissue samples to illustrate its possible implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petros Papadopoulos
- Oral Medicine/Pathology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GRC
| | - Vasileios Zisis
- Oral Medicine/Pathology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GRC
| | - Dimitrios Andreadis
- Oral Medicine/Pathology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, GRC
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Seneff S, Kyriakopoulos AM, Nigh G. Is autism a PIN1 deficiency syndrome? A proposed etiological role for glyphosate. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38808598 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder, the prevalence of which has increased dramatically in the United States over the past two decades. It is characterized by stereotyped behaviors and impairments in social interaction and communication. In this paper, we present evidence that autism can be viewed as a PIN1 deficiency syndrome. Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, NIMA-Interacting 1 (PIN1) is a peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase, and it has widespread influences in biological organisms. Broadly speaking, PIN1 deficiency is linked to many neurodegenerative diseases, whereas PIN1 over-expression is linked to cancer. Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) strongly inhibits PIN1, and the hormone melatonin inhibits DAPK1. Melatonin deficiency is strongly linked to autism. It has recently been shown that glyphosate exposure to rats inhibits melatonin synthesis as a result of increased glutamate release from glial cells and increased expression of metabotropic glutamate receptors. Glyphosate's inhibition of melatonin leads to a reduction in PIN1 availability in neurons. In this paper, we show that PIN1 deficiency can explain many of the unique morphological features of autism, including increased dendritic spine density, missing or thin corpus callosum, and reduced bone density. We show how PIN1 deficiency disrupts the functioning of powerful high-level signaling molecules, such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and p53. Dysregulation of both of these proteins has been linked to autism. Severe depletion of glutathione in the brain resulting from chronic exposure to oxidative stressors and extracellular glutamate leads to oxidation of the cysteine residue in PIN1, inactivating the protein and further contributing to PIN1 deficiency. Impaired autophagy leads to increased sensitivity of neurons to ferroptosis. It is imperative that further research be conducted to experimentally validate whether the mechanisms described here take place in response to chronic glyphosate exposure and whether this ultimately leads to autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Seneff
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Greg Nigh
- Immersion Health, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Stewart R, Sharma S, Wu T, Okuda S, Xie G, Zhou XZ, Shilton B, Lu KP. The role of the master cancer regulator Pin1 in the development and treatment of cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343938. [PMID: 38745861 PMCID: PMC11091292 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
This review examines the complex role of Pin1 in the development and treatment of cancer. Pin1 is the only peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) that can recognize and isomerize phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro peptide bonds. Pin1 catalyzes a structural change in phosphorylated Ser/Thr-Pro motifs that can modulate protein function and thereby impact cell cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. The molecular mechanisms by which Pin1 contributes to oncogenesis are reviewed, including Pin1 overexpression and its correlation with poor cancer prognosis, and the contribution of Pin1 to aggressive tumor phenotypes involved in therapeutic resistance is discussed, with an emphasis on cancer stem cells, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and immunosuppression. The therapeutic potential of Pin1 inhibition in cancer is discussed, along with the promise and the difficulties in identifying potent, drug-like, small-molecule Pin1 inhibitors. The available evidence supports the efficacy of targeting Pin1 as a novel cancer therapeutic by analyzing the role of Pin1 in a complex network of cancer-driving pathways and illustrating the potential of synergistic drug combinations with Pin1 inhibitors for treating aggressive and drug-resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Stewart
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Shaunik Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Timothy Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Sho Okuda
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - George Xie
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Xiao Zhen Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Shilton
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kun Ping Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Jeong J, Usman M, Li Y, Zhou XZ, Lu KP. Pin1-Catalyzed Conformation Changes Regulate Protein Ubiquitination and Degradation. Cells 2024; 13:731. [PMID: 38727267 PMCID: PMC11083468 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The unique prolyl isomerase Pin1 binds to and catalyzes cis-trans conformational changes of specific Ser/Thr-Pro motifs after phosphorylation, thereby playing a pivotal role in regulating the structure and function of its protein substrates. In particular, Pin1 activity regulates the affinity of a substrate for E3 ubiquitin ligases, thereby modulating the turnover of a subset of proteins and coordinating their activities after phosphorylation in both physiological and disease states. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in Pin1-regulated ubiquitination in the context of cancer and neurodegenerative disease. Specifically, Pin1 promotes cancer progression by increasing the stabilities of numerous oncoproteins and decreasing the stabilities of many tumor suppressors. Meanwhile, Pin1 plays a critical role in different neurodegenerative disorders via the regulation of protein turnover. Finally, we propose a novel therapeutic approach wherein the ubiquitin-proteasome system can be leveraged for therapy by targeting pathogenic intracellular targets for TRIM21-dependent degradation using stereospecific antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Jeong
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Muhammad Usman
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Yitong Li
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Xiao Zhen Zhou
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
| | - Kun Ping Lu
- Departments of Biochemistry and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; (J.J.)
- Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada
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Wang Y, Zhu W, Ma R, Tian Y, Chen X, Gao P. PIN1P1 is activated by CREB1 and promotes gastric cancer progression via interacting with YBX1 and upregulating PIN1. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18022. [PMID: 37929660 PMCID: PMC10805483 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in the carcinogenesis and progression of cancers. However, the role and mechanism of the pseudogene lncRNA PIN1P1 in gastric carcinoma remain unclear. The expression and effects of lncRNA PIN1P1 in gastric cancer were investigated. The transcriptional regulation of CREB1 on PIN1P1 was determined by ChIP and luciferase assays. The mechanistic model of PIN1P1 in gastric cancer was further explored by RNA pull-down, RIP and western blot analysis. PIN1P1 was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues, and upregulated PIN1P1 predicted poor prognosis in patients. CREB1 was directly combined with the promoter region of PIN1P1 to promote the transcription of PIN1P1. CREB1-mediated enhanced proliferation, migration and invasion could be partially reversed by downregulation of PIN1P1. Overexpressed PIN1P1 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells, whereas decreased PIN1P1 showed the opposite effects. PIN1P1 directly interacted with YBX1 and promoted YBX1 protein expression, leading to upregulation of PIN1, in which E2F1 may be involved. Silencing of YBX1 during PIN1P1 overexpression could partially rescue PIN1 upregulation. PIN1, the parental gene of PIN1P1, was elevated in gastric cancer tissues, and its upregulation was correlated with poor patient outcomes. PIN1 facilitated gastric cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. To sum up, CREB1-activated PIN1P1 could promote gastric cancer progression through YBX1 and upregulating PIN1, suggesting that it is a potential target for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya‐Wen Wang
- Department of PathologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical SciencesShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Wen‐Jie Zhu
- Department of PathologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical SciencesShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Ran‐Ran Ma
- Department of PathologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical SciencesShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Ya‐Ru Tian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and InstituteShandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical ScienceJinanShandongChina
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of PathologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical SciencesShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
| | - Peng Gao
- Department of PathologyQilu Hospital of Shandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical SciencesShandong UniversityJinanShandongChina
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Stallings NR, O'Neal MA, Hu J, Shen ZJ, Malter JS. Long-term normalization of calcineurin activity in model mice rescues Pin1 and attenuates Alzheimer's phenotypes without blocking peripheral T cell IL-2 response. Alzheimers Res Ther 2023; 15:179. [PMID: 37849016 PMCID: PMC10580561 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-023-01323-5] [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: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) have largely failed to yield significant therapeutic benefits. Novel approaches are desperately needed to help address this immense public health issue. Data suggests that early intervention at the first stages of mild cognitive impairment may have a greater chance for success. The calcineurin (CN)-Pin1 signaling cascade can be selectively targeted with tacrolimus (FK506), a highly specific, FDA-approved CN inhibitor used safely for > 20 years in solid organ transplant recipients. AD prevalence was significantly reduced in solid organ recipients treated with FK506. METHODS Time release pellets were used to deliver constant FK506 dosage to APP/PS1 mice without deleterious manipulation or handling. Immunofluorescence, histology, molecular biology, and behavior were used to evaluate changes in AD pathology. RESULTS FK506 can be safely and consistently delivered into juvenile APP/PS1 mice via time-release pellets to levels roughly seen in transplant patients, leading to the normalization of CN activity and reduction or elimination of AD pathologies including synapse loss, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairment. Pin1 activity and function were rescued despite the continuing presence of high levels of transgenic Aβ42. Indicators of neuroinflammation including Iba1 positivity and IL-6 production were also reduced to normal levels. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained during treatment or splenocytes isolated at euthanasia activated normally after mitogens. CONCLUSIONS Low-dose, constant FK506 can normalize CNS CN and Pin1 activity, suppress neuroinflammation, and attenuate AD-associated pathology without blocking peripheral IL-2 responses making repurposed FK506 a viable option for early, therapeutic intervention in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy R Stallings
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Melissa A O'Neal
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jie Hu
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Zhong-Jian Shen
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - James S Malter
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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Yu Q, Wan D, Fu R, Li F, Zhang Y. Overexpression of TPL2 may be a predictor of good prognosis in patients with breast invasive ductal carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17346. [PMID: 37833434 PMCID: PMC10576082 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44660-z] [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: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical significance and roles of tumor progression locus 2 (TPL2) and peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase 1 (Pin1) in the occurrence and development of breast invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TPL2 and Pin1 in human breast tissues, which included normal breast tissues (Normal), tissues with fibrocystic changes (FCC), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and IDC. The roles of TPL2 and Pin1 in the occurrence and development of IDC, as well as the correlation between their expression levels and clinicopathological parameters, were analyzed. Compared with Normal and FCC groups, the overexpression of TPL2 and Pin1 was significantly increased in DCIS and IDC groups (DCIS vs Normal: P = 0.002/P < 0.001; IDC vs Normal: P = 0.007/P = 0.003; DCIS vs. FCC: P = 0.008/P = 0.004; IDC vs. FCC: P = 0.04/P = 0.043). The expression levels of TPL2 and Pin1 were positively correlated in DCIS and IDC groups (P = 0.001, P = 0.011). In the IDC group, the Ki67 level in the TPL2 overexpression group was significantly lower than that in the TPL2 low expression group (P = 0.02). The TPL2 overexpression rate was significantly higher in IDC with histological grades 1-2 than that in IDC with histological grade 3 (P = 0.029). The TPL2 overexpression rate in IDC with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage I was significantly higher than that in IDC with TNM stages II-III (P = 0.035). We conclude that TPL2 and Pin1 may synergistically promote the occurrence and development of IDC, but TPL2 overexpression may be an early molecular event in IDC development. TPL2 overexpression is significantly related with IDC with lower malignancy or earlier TNM stage, suggesting that the prognosis of IDC patients with TPL2 overexpression may be better and TPL2 overexpression may be a predictor of good prognosis in IDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yu
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Zigong, Zigong, 643099, China
| | - Dan Wan
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Zigong, Zigong, 643099, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Zigong, Zigong, 643099, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Zigong, Zigong, 643099, China
| | - Yutao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Zigong, Zigong, 643099, China.
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Makgoo L, Mosebi S, Mbita Z. The Role of Death-Associated Protein Kinase-1 in Cell Homeostasis-Related Processes. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1274. [PMID: 37372454 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tremendous amount of financial resources and manpower have been invested to understand the function of numerous genes that are deregulated during the carcinogenesis process, which can be targeted for anticancer therapeutic interventions. Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK-1) is one of the genes that have shown potential as biomarkers for cancer treatment. It is a member of the kinase family, which also includes Death-associated protein kinase 2 (DAPK-2), Death-associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK-3), Death-associated protein kinase-related apoptosis-inducing kinase 1 (DRAK-1) and Death-associated protein kinase-related apoptosis-inducing kinase 2 (DRAK-2). DAPK-1 is a tumour-suppressor gene that is hypermethylated in most human cancers. Additionally, DAPK-1 regulates a number of cellular processes, including apoptosis, autophagy and the cell cycle. The molecular basis by which DAPK-1 induces these cell homeostasis-related processes for cancer prevention is less understood; hence, they need to be investigated. The purpose of this review is to discuss the current understanding of the mechanisms of DAPK-1 in cell homeostasis-related processes, especially apoptosis, autophagy and the cell cycle. It also explores how the expression of DAPK-1 affects carcinogenesis. Since deregulation of DAPK-1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer, altering DAPK-1 expression or activity may be a promising therapeutic strategy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Makgoo
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Pietersburg 0727, Sovenga, South Africa
| | - Salerwe Mosebi
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Johanessburg 1710, Florida, South Africa
| | - Zukile Mbita
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, University of Limpopo, Private Bag X1106, Pietersburg 0727, Sovenga, South Africa
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Zadran B, Sudhindar PD, Wainwright D, Bury Y, Luli S, Howarth R, McCain MV, Watson R, Huet H, Palinkas F, Berlinguer-Palmini R, Casement J, Mann DA, Oakley F, Lunec J, Reeves H, Faulkner GJ, Shukla R. Impact of retrotransposon protein L1 ORF1p expression on oncogenic pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma: the role of cytoplasmic PIN1 upregulation. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:1236-1248. [PMID: 36707636 PMCID: PMC10050422 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02154-9] [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: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Molecular characterisation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is central to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the disease. We have previously demonstrated mutagenic consequences of Long-Interspersed Nuclear Element-1 (LINE1s/L1) retrotransposition. However, the role of L1 in HCC, besides somatic mutagenesis, is not well understood. METHODS We analysed L1 expression in the TCGA-HCC RNAseq dataset (n = 372) and explored potential relationships between L1 expression and clinical features. The findings were confirmed by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of an independent human HCC cohort (n = 48) and functional mechanisms explored using in vitro and in vivo model systems. RESULTS We observed positive associations between L1 and activated TGFβ-signalling, TP53 mutation, alpha-fetoprotein and tumour invasion. IHC confirmed a positive association between pSMAD3, a surrogate for TGFβ-signalling status, and L1 ORF1p (P < 0.0001, n = 32). Experimental modulation of L1 ORF1p levels revealed an influence of L1 ORF1p on key hepatocarcinogenesis-related pathways. Reduction in cell migration and invasive capacity was observed upon L1 ORF1 knockdown, both in vitro and in vivo. In particular, L1 ORF1p increased PIN1 cytoplasmic localisation. Blocking PIN1 activity abrogated L1 ORF1p-induced NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response genes while further activated TGFβ-signalling confirming differential alteration of PIN1 activity in cellular compartments by L1 ORF1p. DISCUSSION Our data demonstrate a causal link between L1 ORF1p and key oncogenic pathways mediated by PIN1, presenting a novel therapeutic avenue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassier Zadran
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Praveen Dhondurao Sudhindar
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Daniel Wainwright
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Yvonne Bury
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Saimir Luli
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Rachel Howarth
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Misti Vanette McCain
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Robyn Watson
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Hannah Huet
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Fanni Palinkas
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | | | - John Casement
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Derek A Mann
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fiona Oakley
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - John Lunec
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Helen Reeves
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Clinical and Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Multidisciplinary Team, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals NHS foundation, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Geoffrey J Faulkner
- Mater Research Institute-University of Queensland, TRI Building, Woolloongabba, QLD, 4102, Australia
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Ruchi Shukla
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK.
- Department of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear, NE1 8ST, UK.
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11
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Monti A, Ronca R, Campiani G, Ruvo M, Doti N. Expression, Purification, Structural and Functional Characterization of Recombinant Human Parvulin 17. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:337-349. [PMID: 35467256 PMCID: PMC9935730 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00493-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Parvulins, peptidyl-prolyl isomerase enzymes (PPIase), catalyze the cis-trans isomerization of prolyl bonds in polypeptides, contributing to folding and function regulation of many proteins. Among Parvulins, Par17, exclusively expressed in hominids, is the least examined in terms of structure, catalytic function and cellular activity. Setting the conditions for the preparation of recombinant active Par17 may therefore significantly foster future studies. Here, we comparatively evaluated the impact of several parameters, including host strains, culture media, isopropyl ß-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside concentration, post-induction incubation time and temperature, on the overexpression of Par17 in E. coli cells. A similar approach was also comparatively adopted for the preparation of the recombinant full-length Pin1 protein, the most representative Parvulin, and the catalytic domains of both enzymes. Proteins were efficiently expressed and purified to homogeneity and were subjected to a structural characterization by Size Exclusion Chromatography and Circular Dichroism. Moreover, a single-step homogeneous protease-based fluorimetric assay, potentially scalable in HTS format, has been developed for determining the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase activity of recombinant Parvulins. Results obtained show that proteins are folded and active. These new data mark an important milestone for progressing the investigation of Parvulins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Monti
- Instituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini-CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ronca
- Instituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini-CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Via Aldo Moro, 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Instituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini-CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- Instituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini-CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131, Napoli, Italy.
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12
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Targeting prolyl isomerase Pin1 as a promising strategy to overcome resistance to cancer therapies. Pharmacol Res 2022; 184:106456. [PMID: 36116709 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The development of tumor therapeutic resistance is one of the important reasons for the failure of antitumor therapy. Starting with multiple targets and multiple signaling pathways is helpful in understanding the mechanism of tumor resistance. The overexpression of prolyl isomerase Pin1 is highly correlated with the malignancy of cancer, since Pin1 controls many oncogenes and tumor suppressors, as well as a variety of cancer-driving signaling pathways. Strikingly, numerous studies have shown that Pin1 is directly involved in therapeutic resistance. In this review, we mainly summarize the functions and mechanisms of Pin1 in therapeutic resistance of multifarious cancers, such as breast, liver, and pancreatic carcinomas. Furtherly, from the perspective of Pin1-driven cancer signaling pathways including Raf/MEK/ERK, PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, as well as Pin1 inhibitors containing juglone, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO), it is better to demonstrate the important potential role and mechanism of Pin1 in resistance and sensitization to cancer therapies. It will provide new therapeutic approaches for clinical reversal and prevention of tumor resistance by employing synergistic administration of Pin1 inhibitors and chemotherapeutics, implementing combination therapy of Pin1-related cancer signaling pathway inhibitors and Pin1 inhibitors, and exploiting novel Pin1-specific inhibitors.
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13
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Experimental spectroscopic investigations, solute-solvent interactions, topological analysis and biological evaluations of N-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyloxy)succinimide: An effective agent in anti-breast cancer activity. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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14
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Relitti N, Saraswati AP, Carullo G, Papa A, Monti A, Benedetti R, Passaro E, Brogi S, Calderone V, Butini S, Gemma S, Altucci L, Campiani G, Doti N. Design and Synthesis of New Oligopeptidic Parvulin Inhibitors. ChemMedChem 2022; 17:e202200050. [PMID: 35357776 PMCID: PMC9321596 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202200050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Pin1 catalyzes the cis-trans isomerization of pThr-Pro or pSer-Pro amide bonds of different proteins involved in several physio/pathological processes. In this framework, recent research activity is directed towards the identification of new selective Pin1 inhibitors. Here, we developed a set ( 5a - p ) of peptide-based Pin1 inhibitors. Direct-binding experiments allowed the identification of the peptide-based inhibitor 5k as a potent ligand of Pin1. Notably, 5k binds Pin1 with a higher affinity compared to Pin4. The comparative analysis of molecular models of Pin1 and Pin4 with the selected compound, gave a rational explanation of the biochemical activity, and pinpointed the chemical elements that, if opportunely modified, may further improve inhibitory potency, pharmacological properties and selectivity of future peptide-based Parvulin inhibitors. Since 5k showed a limited cell penetration and no antiproliferative activity, it was conjugated to a polyarginine stretch, known to promote cell penetration of peptides, to obtain R8-5k derivative, which displayed an anti-proliferative effect on cancer cell lines compared to non-tumor cells. The effect of R8 on cell proliferation was also investigated. This work doubts the application of the R8 strategy for the development of cell penetrating antiproliferative peptides since it is not inert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Relitti
- University of Siena: Universita degli Studi di Siena, DBCF, ITALY
| | | | - Gabriele Carullo
- University of Siena: Universita degli Studi di Siena, DBCF, 2, Aldo Moro, 53100 Siena Italy, 53100, Siena, ITALY
| | - Alessandro Papa
- University of Siena: Universita degli Studi di Siena, DBCF, ITALY
| | | | - Rosaria Benedetti
- University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli: Universita degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Medicine, ITALY
| | - Eugenia Passaro
- University of Pisa Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Universita degli Studi di Pisa Dipartimento di Farmacia, Pharmacy, ITALY
| | - Simone Brogi
- University of Pisa Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Universita degli Studi di Pisa Dipartimento di Farmacia, Pharmacy, ITALY
| | - Vincenzo Calderone
- University of Pisa Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Universita degli Studi di Pisa Dipartimento di Farmacia, Pharmacy, ITALY
| | - Stefania Butini
- University of Siena: Universita degli Studi di Siena, DBCF, ITALY
| | - Sandra Gemma
- University of Siena: Universita degli Studi di Siena, DBCF, ITALY
| | - Lucia Altucci
- University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli: Universita degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Medicine, ITALY
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Universita degli Studi di Siena, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100, Siena, ITALY
| | - Nunzianna Doti
- CNR: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Bioimaging, ITALY
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15
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Jiang X, Shi Y, Chen X, Xu H, Huang X, Li L, Pu J. The N6-Methylandenosine-Related Gene BIRC5 as a Prognostic Biomarker Correlated With Cell Migration and Immune Cell Infiltrates in Low Grade Glioma. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:773662. [PMID: 35309512 PMCID: PMC8927544 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.773662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas account for 75% of all primary malignant brain tumors in adults and are associated with high mortality. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat containing 5 (BIRC5) plays a critical role in cell apoptosis and the progression of diverse cancers. However, no studies have yet focused on the immunological function and mechanisms of upstream BIRC5 regulation in the progression of low-grade gliomas (LGG). Here, we evaluated BIRC5 expression and clinical characteristics in people with LGG using the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas, The Cancer Genome Atlas, Gene Expression Omnibus, Rembrandt, and Gravendeel databases. We used Kaplan–Meier statistics and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to analyze the prognostic value of BIRC5 in LGG. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment terms were also explored to identify functional roles of BIRC5. The Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and Tumor Immune System Interaction (TISIDB) databases were used to examine the correlation between BIRC5 expression and immune cell infiltration in LGG. The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer (GDSC) and Cancer Therapeutics Response Portal (CTRP) databases were used to examine the potential drugs targeting BIRC5. We used transwell and wound healing assays to determine the biological functions of BIRC5 in glioma cell migration. Our results demonstrated that BIRC5 was highly expressed in LGG and the expression level correlated with tumor grade, prognosis, histological subtype, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutation, 1p/19q chromosomal co-deletion, chemotherapy status, and O[6]-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation status. GO and KEGG analysis showed that BIRC5 is primarily involved in cell proliferation and immune response-related signaling pathways. We also found that BIRC5 was significantly correlated with m6A modification and diverse drug sensitivity. TIMER and TISIDB database analysis showed that BIRC5 expression is associated with infiltration of diverse immune cells and immune modulation in LGG. BIRC5 knockdown inhibited LGG cell migration. Collectively, our results demonstrate that BIRC5 is correlated with cell migration and immune infiltration in LGG and may be a useful prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiulin Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming, China
- Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulin Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Haitao Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaobin Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Lihua Li
- Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Lihua Li, ; Jun Pu,
| | - Jun Pu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
- *Correspondence: Lihua Li, ; Jun Pu,
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16
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Lepore A, Choy PM, Lee NCW, Carella MA, Favicchio R, Briones-Orta MA, Glaser SS, Alpini G, D'Santos C, Tooze RM, Lorger M, Syn WK, Papakyriakou A, Giamas G, Bubici C, Papa S. Phosphorylation and Stabilization of PIN1 by JNK Promote Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Growth. Hepatology 2021; 74:2561-2579. [PMID: 34048060 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly aggressive type of liver cancer in urgent need of treatment options. Aberrant activation of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway is a key feature in ICC and an attractive candidate target for its treatment. However, the mechanisms by which constitutive JNK activation promotes ICC growth, and therefore the key downstream effectors of this pathway, remain unknown for their applicability as therapeutic targets. Our aim was to obtain a better mechanistic understanding of the role of JNK signaling in ICC that could open up therapeutic opportunities. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies in vitro and in vivo, we show that activation of the JNK pathway promotes ICC cell proliferation by affecting the protein stability of peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (PIN1), a key driver of tumorigenesis. PIN1 is highly expressed in ICC primary tumors, and its expression positively correlates with active JNK. Mechanistically, the JNK kinases directly bind to and phosphorylate PIN1 at Ser115, and this phosphorylation prevents PIN1 mono-ubiquitination at Lys117 and its proteasomal degradation. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of PIN1 through all-trans retinoic acid, a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug, impairs the growth of both cultured and xenografted ICC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings implicate the JNK-PIN1 regulatory axis as a functionally important determinant for ICC growth, and provide a rationale for therapeutic targeting of JNK activation through PIN1 inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Lepore
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James', Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St. James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Pui Man Choy
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research and Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan C W Lee
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James', Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St. James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Annunziata Carella
- Center for Genome Engineering and Maintenance, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rosy Favicchio
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco A Briones-Orta
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research and Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shannon S Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Clive D'Santos
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Reuben M Tooze
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James', Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St. James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Mihaela Lorger
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James', Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St. James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Wing-Kin Syn
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research and Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Section of Gastroenterology, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of Basque Country UPV/EHU, Leioa, Spain
| | - Athanasios Papakyriakou
- Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Center for Scientific Research, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Giamas
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine, School of Life Sciences, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Concetta Bubici
- Center for Genome Engineering and Maintenance, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, United Kingdom
| | - Salvatore Papa
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James', Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St. James' University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research and Birkbeck University of London, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Novel Peptide Therapeutic Approaches for Cancer Treatment. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112908. [PMID: 34831131 PMCID: PMC8616177 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Peptides are increasingly being developed for use as therapeutics to treat many ailments, including cancer. Therapeutic peptides have the advantages of target specificity and low toxicity. The anticancer effects of a peptide can be the direct result of the peptide binding its intended target, or the peptide may be conjugated to a chemotherapy drug or radionuclide and used to target the agent to cancer cells. Peptides can be targeted to proteins on the cell surface, where the peptide–protein interaction can initiate internalization of the complex, or the peptide can be designed to directly cross the cell membrane. Peptides can induce cell death by numerous mechanisms including membrane disruption and subsequent necrosis, apoptosis, tumor angiogenesis inhibition, immune regulation, disruption of cell signaling pathways, cell cycle regulation, DNA repair pathways, or cell death pathways. Although using peptides as therapeutics has many advantages, peptides have the disadvantage of being easily degraded by proteases once administered and, depending on the mode of administration, often have difficulty being adsorbed into the blood stream. In this review, we discuss strategies recently developed to overcome these obstacles of peptide delivery and bioavailability. In addition, we present many examples of peptides developed to fight cancer.
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18
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Targeting Pin1 for Modulation of Cell Motility and Cancer Therapy. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040359. [PMID: 33807199 PMCID: PMC8065645 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (Pin1) specifically binds and isomerizes the phosphorylated serine/threonine-proline (pSer/Thr-Pro) motif, which leads to changes in protein conformation and function. Pin1 is widely overexpressed in cancers and plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Mounting evidence has revealed that targeting Pin1 is a potential therapeutic approach for various cancers by inhibiting cell proliferation, reducing metastasis, and maintaining genome stability. In this review, we summarize the underlying mechanisms of Pin1-mediated upregulation of oncogenes and downregulation of tumor suppressors in cancer development. Furthermore, we also discuss the multiple roles of Pin1 in cancer hallmarks and examine Pin1 as a desirable pharmaceutical target for cancer therapy. We also summarize the recent progress of Pin1-targeted small-molecule compounds for anticancer activity.
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19
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Mozaffari NL, Pagliarulo F, Sartori AA. Human CtIP: A 'double agent' in DNA repair and tumorigenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2020; 113:47-56. [PMID: 32950401 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Human CtIP was originally identified as an interactor of the retinoblastoma protein and BRCA1, two bona fide tumour suppressors frequently mutated in cancer. CtIP is renowned for its role in the resection of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) during homologous recombination, a largely error-free DNA repair pathway crucial in maintaining genome integrity. However, CtIP-dependent DNA end resection is equally accountable for alternative end-joining, a mutagenic DSB repair mechanism implicated in oncogenic chromosomal translocations. In addition, CtIP contributes to transcriptional regulation of G1/S transition, DNA damage checkpoint signalling, and replication fork protection pathways. In this review, we present a perspective on the current state of knowledge regarding the tumour-suppressive and oncogenic properties of CtIP and provide an overview of their relevance for cancer development, progression, and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour L Mozaffari
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabio Pagliarulo
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro A Sartori
- Institute of Molecular Cancer Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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