1
|
Zhang D, Li L, Li M, Cao X. Biological functions and clinic significance of SAF‑A (Review). Biomed Rep 2024; 20:88. [PMID: 38665420 PMCID: PMC11040223 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1776] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
As one member of the heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family, scaffold attachment factor A (SAF-A) or hnRNP U, is an abundant nuclear protein. With RNA and DNA binding activities, SAF-A has multiple functions. The present review focused on the biological structure and different roles of SAF-A and SAF-A-related diseases. It was found that SAF-A maintains the higher-order chromatin organization via RNA and DNA, and regulates transcription at the initiation and elongation stages. In addition to regulating pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA transportation and stabilization, SAF-A participates in double-strand breaks and mitosis repair. Therefore, the aberrant expression and mutation of SAF-A results in tumors and impaired neurodevelopment. Moreover, SAF-A may play a role in the anti-virus system. In conclusion, due to its essential biological functions, SAF-A may be a valuable clinical prediction factor or therapeutic target. Since the role of SAF-A in tumors and viral infections may be controversial, more animal experiments and clinical assays are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daiquan Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Immune Mechanism and Therapy of Major Diseases of Luzhou Key Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| | - Mengni Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan 610072, P.R. China
| | - Xinmei Cao
- Immune Mechanism and Therapy of Major Diseases of Luzhou Key Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Puvvula PK, Martinez-Medina L, Cinar M, Feng L, Pisarev A, Johnson A, Bernal-Mizrachi L. A retrotransposon-derived DNA zip code internalizes myeloma cells through Clathrin-Rab5a-mediated endocytosis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1288724. [PMID: 38463228 PMCID: PMC10920344 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1288724] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction We have demonstrated that transposons derived from ctDNA can be transferred between cancer cells. The present research aimed to investigate the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of Multiple Myeloma-zip code (MM-ZC), a cell-specific zip code, in myeloma cell lines. We demonstrated that MM-ZC uptake by myeloma cells was concentration-, time- and cell-type-dependent. Methods Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy methods were used to identify the level of internalization of the zip codes in MM cells. To screen for the mechanism of internalization, we used multiple inhibitors of endocytosis. These experiments were followed by biotin pulldown and confocal microscopy for validation. Single interference RNA (siRNA) targeting some of the proteins involved in endocytosis was used to validate the role of this pathway in ZC cell internalization. Results Endocytosis inhibitors identified that Monensin and Chlorpromazine hydrochloride significantly reduced MM-ZC internalization. These findings suggested that Clathrin-mediated endocytosis and endosomal maturation play a crucial role in the cellular uptake of MM-ZC. Biotin pulldown and confocal microscopic studies revealed the involvement of proteins such as Clathrin, Rab5a, Syntaxin-6, and RCAS1 in facilitating the internalization of MM-ZC. Knockdown of Rab5a and Clathrin proteins reduced cellular uptake of MM-ZC and conclusively demonstrated the involvement of Clathrin-Rab5a pathways in MM-ZC endocytosis. Furthermore, both Rab5a and Clathrin reciprocally affected their association with MM-ZC when we depleted their proteins by siRNAs. Additionally, the loss of Rab5a decreased the Syntaxin-6 association with MMZC but not vice versa. Conversely, MM-ZC treatment enhanced the association between Clathrin and Rab5a. Conclusion Overall, the current study provides valuable insights into the cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking of MM-ZC in myeloma cells. Identifying these mechanisms and molecular players involved in MM-ZC uptake contributes to a better understanding of the delivery and potential applications of cell-specific Zip-Codes in gene delivery and drug targeting in cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Munevver Cinar
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lei Feng
- Kodikaz Therapeutic Solutions, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andrey Pisarev
- Kodikaz Therapeutic Solutions, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Leon Bernal-Mizrachi
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Puvvula PK, Moon AM. Discovery and characterization of anti-cancer peptides from a random peptide library. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0293072. [PMID: 38349913 PMCID: PMC10863893 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
We performed a forward genetic screen to discover peptides that specifically target breast cancer cells using a Penetratin tagged, random 15mer peptide library. We identified a group of novel peptides that specifically inhibited the proliferation and survival of breast cancer cells without affecting normal primary mammary epithelial cells or fibroblasts. The intrinsic apoptotic pathway is activated by these peptides in the face of abnormal expression of numerous cell cycle regulatory genes. Associated alterations in histone marks, nuclear structure, and levels of critical RNA binding proteins vary in a peptide specific manner. This study demonstrates a novel method for the discovery of new potential therapeutic peptides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar Puvvula
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Anne M. Moon
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Hess Center for Science and Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee H, Noh H. Advancements in Nanogels for Enhanced Ocular Drug Delivery: Cutting-Edge Strategies to Overcome Eye Barriers. Gels 2023; 9:718. [PMID: 37754399 PMCID: PMC10529109 DOI: 10.3390/gels9090718] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanomedicine in gel or particle formation holds considerable potential for enhancing passive and active targeting within ocular drug delivery systems. The complex barriers of the eye, exemplified by the intricate network of closely connected tissue structures, pose significant challenges for drug administration. Leveraging the capability of engineered nanomedicine offers a promising approach to enhance drug penetration, particularly through active targeting agents such as protein peptides and aptamers, which facilitate targeted release and heightened bioavailability. Simultaneously, DNA carriers have emerged as a cutting-edge class of active-targeting structures, connecting active targeting agents and illustrating their potential in ocular drug delivery applications. This review aims to consolidate recent findings regarding the optimization of various nanoparticles, i.e., hydrogel-based systems, incorporating both passive and active targeting agents for ocular drug delivery, thereby identifying novel mechanisms and strategies. Furthermore, the review delves into the potential application of DNA nanostructures, exploring their role in the development of targeted drug delivery approaches within the field of ocular therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyeran Noh
- Department of Optometry, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Gongnung-ro 232, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea;
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu Y, Zhao Z, Li M. Overcoming the cellular barriers and beyond: Recent progress on cell penetrating peptide modified nanomedicine in combating physiological and pathological barriers. Asian J Pharm Sci 2022; 17:523-543. [PMID: 36105313 PMCID: PMC9458999 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex physiological and pathological conditions form barriers against efficient drug delivery. Cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), a class of short peptides which translocate drugs across cell membranes with various mechanisms, provide feasible solutions for efficient delivery of biologically active agents to circumvent biological barriers. After years of development, the function of CPPs is beyond cell penetrating. Multifunctional CPPs with bioactivity or active targeting capacity have been designed and successfully utilized in delivery of various cargoes against tumor, myocardial ischemia, ocular posterior segment disorders, etc. In this review, we summarize recent progress in CPP-functionalized nano-drug delivery systems to overcome the physiological and pathological barriers for the applications in cardiology, ophtalmology, mucus, neurology and cancer, etc. We also highlight the prospect of clinical translation of CPP-functionalized drug delivery systems in these areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingke Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhihe Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Man Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding authors.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Puvvula PK, Buczkowski S, Moon AM. hnRNPK-derived cell-penetrating peptide inhibits cancer cell survival. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2021; 23:342-354. [PMID: 34820504 PMCID: PMC8586514 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
hnRNPK is a multifunctional protein that plays an important role in cancer cell proliferation and metastasis via its RNA- and DNA-binding properties. Previously we showed that cell-penetrating peptides derived from the RGG RNA-binding domain of SAFA (hnRNPU) disrupt cancer cell proliferation and survival. Here we explore the efficacy of a peptide derived from the RGG domain of hnRNPK. This peptide acts in a dominant-negative manner on several hnRNPK functions to induce death of multiple types of cancer cells. The peptide phenocopies the effect of hnRNPK knockdown on its mRNA-stability targets such as KLF4 and EGR1 and alters the levels and locations of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and proteins required for nuclear and paraspeckle formation and function. The RGG-derived peptide also decreases euchromatin as evidenced by loss of active marks and polymerase II occupancy. Our findings reveal the potential therapeutic utility of the hnRNPK RGG-derived peptide in a range of cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar Puvvula
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, USA
- Corresponding author: Pavan Kumar Puvvula, PhD, Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, USA.
| | - Stephanie Buczkowski
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Anne M. Moon
- Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Hess Center for Science and Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Corresponding author: Anne M. Moon, MD, PhD, Department of Molecular and Functional Genomics, Weis Center for Research, Geisinger Clinic, Danville, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liang Y, Fan Y, Liu Y, Fan H. HNRNPU promotes the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma by enhancing CDK2 transcription. Exp Cell Res 2021; 409:112898. [PMID: 34737140 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear matrix-associated protein Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein U (HNRNPU), also known as SAF-A, is known to maintain active chromatin structure in mouse hepatocytes. However, the functional roles and molecular mechanisms of HNRNPU in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. Herein, we found that HNRNPU was upregulated in HCC, and the proliferation of HCC cells was inhibited in vitro and in vivo upon HNRNPU knockdown. Moreover, the upregulation of HNRNPU was correlated with poor prognosis in HCC. Mechanistically, HNRNPU bound to the CDK2 gene locus, a key factor in cell cycle regulation, where it was enriched with H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac), H3K9 acetylation (H3K9ac), and H3K4 mono-methylation (H3K4me1). Furthermore, HNRNPU knockdown reduced the levels of H3K27ac and H3K9ac at the binding site, where the levels of H3K27 tri-methylation (H3K27me3) were increased, eventually leading to the downregulation of CDK2. Collectively, our results provide a new mechanism whereby HNRNPU promotes HCC development by enhancing the transcription of CDK2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liang
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Fan
- Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, China
| | - Yu Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Fan
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Designated By the Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|