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Ebrahim T, Ebrahim AS, Kandouz M. Diversity of Intercellular Communication Modes: A Cancer Biology Perspective. Cells 2024; 13:495. [PMID: 38534339 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060495] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
From the moment a cell is on the path to malignant transformation, its interaction with other cells from the microenvironment becomes altered. The flow of molecular information is at the heart of the cellular and systemic fate in tumors, and various processes participate in conveying key molecular information from or to certain cancer cells. For instance, the loss of tight junction molecules is part of the signal sent to cancer cells so that they are no longer bound to the primary tumors and are thus free to travel and metastasize. Upon the targeting of a single cell by a therapeutic drug, gap junctions are able to communicate death information to by-standing cells. The discovery of the importance of novel modes of cell-cell communication such as different types of extracellular vesicles or tunneling nanotubes is changing the way scientists look at these processes. However, are they all actively involved in different contexts at the same time or are they recruited to fulfill specific tasks? What does the multiplicity of modes mean for the overall progression of the disease? Here, we extend an open invitation to think about the overall significance of these questions, rather than engage in an elusive attempt at a systematic repertory of the mechanisms at play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanzeela Ebrahim
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Abdul Shukkur Ebrahim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Mustapha Kandouz
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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Khromov T, Fischer L, Leha A, Bremmer F, Fischer A, Schliephake H, Rahat MA, Brockmeyer P. Combined Biomarker System Predicts Prognosis in Patients with Metastatic Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4924. [PMID: 37894290 PMCID: PMC10605069 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204924] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with poor patient prognosis. Metastasis is a complex process involving various proteins, tumor cell alterations, including changes attributable to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we investigate a combined protein marker system consisting of connexin 43 (Cx43), EMMPRIN (CD147), E-cadherin, and vimentin, with a focus on their roles in the invasive metastatic progression of OSCC and their potential utility in predicting prognosis. METHODS We conducted an immunohistochemical analysis to assess the protein expression profiles of Cx43, EMMPRIN, E-cadherin, and vimentin using tissue samples obtained from 24 OSCC patients. The metastatic process was mapped through different regions of interest (ROIs), including adjacent healthy oral mucosa (OM), center of primary OSCC, invasive front (IF), and local cervical lymph node metastases (LNM). The primary clinical endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Substantial changes in the expression profiles of the different marker proteins were observed among the different ROIs, with all p-values < 0.05, signifying statistical significance. Multivariable Cox regression analysis results showed a significant effect of increased EMMPRIN expression toward the IF on DFS (p = 0.019) and OS (p = 0.023). Furthermore, the combined predictive analysis showed a significant predictive value of the marker system for DFS (p = 0.0017) and OS (p = 0.00044). CONCLUSIONS The combined marker system exhibited a significant ability to predict patient prognosis. An increase in EMMPRIN expression toward the IF showed the strongest effect and could be an interesting new antimetastatic therapy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Khromov
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (T.K.); (A.F.)
| | - Lucas Fischer
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Andreas Leha
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Felix Bremmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Andreas Fischer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (T.K.); (A.F.)
| | - Henning Schliephake
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Michal Amit Rahat
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa 3436212, Israel;
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Phillipp Brockmeyer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
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Totland MZ, Omori Y, Sørensen V, Kryeziu K, Aasen T, Brech A, Leithe E. Endocytic trafficking of connexins in cancer pathogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023:166812. [PMID: 37454772 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions are specialized regions of the plasma membrane containing clusters of channels that provide for the diffusion of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells. A fundamental role of gap junctions is to coordinate the functions of cells in tissues. Cancer pathogenesis is usually associated with loss of intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions, which may affect tumor growth and the response to radio- and chemotherapy. Gap junction channels consist of integral membrane proteins termed connexins. In addition to their canonical roles in cell-cell communication, connexins modulate a range of signal transduction pathways via interactions with proteins such as β-catenin, c-Src, and PTEN. Consequently, connexins can regulate cellular processes such as cell growth, migration, and differentiation through both channel-dependent and independent mechanisms. Gap junctions are dynamic plasma membrane entities, and by modulating the rate at which connexins undergo endocytosis and sorting to lysosomes for degradation, cells rapidly adjust the level of gap junctions in response to alterations in the intracellular or extracellular milieu. Current experimental evidence indicates that aberrant trafficking of connexins in the endocytic system is intrinsically involved in mediating the loss of gap junctions during carcinogenesis. This review highlights the role played by the endocytic system in controlling connexin degradation, and consequently gap junction levels, and discusses how dysregulation of these processes contributes to the loss of gap junctions during cancer development. We also discuss the therapeutic implications of aberrant endocytic trafficking of connexins in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasufumi Omori
- Department of Molecular and Tumour Pathology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | | | | | - Trond Aasen
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreas Brech
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Section for Physiology and Cell Biology, Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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吕 振, 季 文, 程 倩, 周 雪, 王 威, 杨 燕. [Methylselenocysteine Promotes Etoposide Cytotoxicity by Enhancing Homotypic Gap Junctions Composed of Connexin 26]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2023; 54:532-538. [PMID: 37248580 PMCID: PMC10475426 DOI: 10.12182/20230560205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of methylselenocysteine (MSC) on the function of homotypic gap junction (GJ) composed of connexin (Cx) 26 and its regulation of chemotherapeutic drug cytotoxicity. Methods The Tet-on HeLa cells transfected with and stably expressing Cx26 were used as the tool cells. Effects of MSC on cell growth, GJ function, and Cx26 protein expression were examined by MTT method, parachute assay, and Western blot analysis, respectively. The cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs was determined by standard colony-forming assay, and the relationship between MSC's effect on cytotoxicity of these chemotherapeutic drugs and its regulation of GJ was further analyzed. Results In Tet-on HeLa cells, doxycycline (Dox) can induce the expression of Cx26, which could then form functional GJs. Within a concentration range of 50 μmol/L, MSC had no significant effect on HeLa cell growth. Non-toxic concentrations of MSC can enhance GJs in a concentration-dependent manner and exert its effect at the nanomolar level. This effect was associated with an induction of Cx26 protein expression by MSC. Among the three common chemotherapeutic agents with different mechanisms of action, etoposide (Eto) presented cytotoxicity differences between HeLa cells cultured at low density (nonconfluent, no GJ formed) and high density (confluent, GJ formed). What's more, the inhibitory effect of Eto combined with MSC on HeLa cell colony formation was stronger than that of Eto alone, and this effect occurred only in HeLa cells with GJ formation. Conclusion MSC can potentiate the cytotoxicity of Eto by enhancing the GJs composed of Cx26, indicating that combined strategy of selenide and chemotherapy shows potential value in the treatment of malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- 振宇 吕
- 蚌埠医学院第一附属医院 肿瘤内科 (蚌埠 233004)Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, China
| | - 文斌 季
- 蚌埠医学院第一附属医院 肿瘤内科 (蚌埠 233004)Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, China
| | - 倩倩 程
- 蚌埠医学院第一附属医院 肿瘤内科 (蚌埠 233004)Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, China
| | - 雪丽 周
- 蚌埠医学院第一附属医院 肿瘤内科 (蚌埠 233004)Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, China
| | - 威 王
- 蚌埠医学院第一附属医院 肿瘤内科 (蚌埠 233004)Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, China
| | - 燕 杨
- 蚌埠医学院第一附属医院 肿瘤内科 (蚌埠 233004)Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, China
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A new IRES-mediated truncated Cx32 isoform inhibits global mRNA translation to suppress glioblastoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114513. [PMID: 36931032 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114513] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most lethal malignant primary brain tumor. Although multimodal therapy has been applied for GBM, the median survival time remains less than 16 months. Thus, better therapeutic targets in GBM are urgently needed. Herein, we first identified five new N-terminal-truncated Cx32 isoforms (GJB1-28k, GJB1-22k, GJB1-20k, GJB1-15k, and GJB1-13k) and further demonstrated that they were generated via cap-independent internal translation through internal ribosome entry sites (IRESs) in the coding sequence of GJB1 mRNA. Among these isoforms, GJB1-13k inhibited proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and limited cell cycle progression in GBM cells by inhibiting global mRNA translation. In vivo experiments further confirmed the antitumor activity of GJB1-13k against GBM cells. In addition, TSR3, a ribosomal maturation factor, was demonstrated to directly interact with GJB1-13k. Moreover, GBM cells with high TSR3 expression exhibited low sensitivity to GJB1-13k treatment, while GJB1-13k sensitivity was restored by TSR3 knockdown. Our work identifies a new IRES-mediated protein, GJB1-13k, and suggests that overexpression of GJB1-13k in GBM cells with low TSR3 expression or combined targeting of GJB1-13k and TSR3 in GBM cells with high TSR3 expression constitutes a potential therapeutic strategy for GBM.
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Mizdrak I, Mizdrak M, Racetin A, Bošković B, Benzon B, Durdov MG, Vukojević K, Filipović N. Expression of Connexins 37, 40 and 45, Pannexin 1 and Vimentin in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:446. [PMID: 36833374 PMCID: PMC9956287 DOI: 10.3390/genes14020446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 60% of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) have regional occult metastatic disease/distant metastases at the time of diagnosis, putting them at higher risk for disease progression. Therefore, biomarkers are needed for early prognostic purpose. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression pattern of connexins (Cx) 37, 40 and 45, pannexin1 (Panx1) and vimentin in LSCC and correlate with tumor grade (G) and outcome. METHODS Thirty-four patients who underwent (hemi-)laryngectomy and regional lymphadenectomy due to LSCC from 2017 to 2018 in University Hospital Split, Croatia, were studied. Samples of tumor tissue and adjacent normal mucosa embedded in paraffin blocks were stained using the immunofluorescence method and were semi-quantitatively analyzed. RESULTS The expression of Cx37, Cx40, and Panx1 differed between cancer and adjacent normal mucosa and between histological grades, being the highest in well-differentiated (G1) cancer and low/absent in poorly differentiated (G3) cancer (all p < 0.05). The expression of vimentin was the highest in G3 cancer. Expression of Cx45 was generally weak/absent, with no significant difference between cancer and the controls or between grades. Lower Panx1 and higher vimentin expression were found to be prognostic factors for regional metastatic disease. Lower Cx37 and 40 expressions were present in patients with disease recurrence after the three-year follow-up period. CONCLUSION Cx37 and Cx40, Panx1, and vimentin have the potential to be used as prognostic biomarkers for LSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Mizdrak
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Maja Mizdrak
- Department of Nephrology and Hemodialysis, University Hospital of Split, Šoltanska 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Anita Racetin
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Braco Bošković
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Benjamin Benzon
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Merica Glavina Durdov
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital of Split, University of Split School of Medicine, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Katarina Vukojević
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Natalija Filipović
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
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The Multifaceted Role of Connexins in Tumor Microenvironment Initiation and Maintenance. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020204. [PMID: 36829482 PMCID: PMC9953436 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Today's research on the processes of carcinogenesis and the vital activity of tumor tissues implies more attention be paid to constituents of the tumor microenvironment and their interactions. These interactions between cells in the tumor microenvironment can be mediated via different types of protein junctions. Connexins are one of the major contributors to intercellular communication. They form the gap junctions responsible for the transfer of ions, metabolites, peptides, miRNA, etc., between neighboring tumor cells as well as between tumor and stromal cells. Connexin hemichannels mediate purinergic signaling and bidirectional molecular transport with the extracellular environment. Additionally, connexins have been reported to localize in tumor-derived exosomes and facilitate the release of their cargo. A large body of evidence implies that the role of connexins in cancer is multifaceted. The pro- or anti-tumorigenic properties of connexins are determined by their abundance, localization, and functionality as well as their channel assembly and non-channel functions. In this review, we have summarized the data on the contribution of connexins to the formation of the tumor microenvironment and to cancer initiation and progression.
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Zhuang J, Zhu C, Han R, Steuer A, Kolb JF, Shi F. Uncertainty Quantification and Sensitivity Analysis for the Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy of Changes to Intercellular Junctions Induced by Cold Atmospheric Plasma. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27185861. [PMID: 36144597 PMCID: PMC9503961 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27185861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The influence of pertinent parameters of a Cole-Cole model in the impedimetric assessment of cell-monolayers was investigated with respect to the significance of their individual contribution. The analysis enables conclusions on characteristics, such as intercellular junctions. Especially cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has been proven to influence intercellular junctions which may become a key factor in CAP-related biological effects. Therefore, the response of rat liver epithelial cells (WB-F344) and their malignant counterpart (WB-ras) was studied by electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Cell monolayers before and after CAP treatment were analyzed. An uncertainty quantification (UQ) of Cole parameters revealed the frequency cut-off point between low and high frequency resistances. A sensitivity analysis (SA) showed that the Cole parameters, R0 and α were the most sensitive, while Rinf and τ were the least sensitive. The temporal development of major Cole parameters indicates that CAP induced reversible changes in intercellular junctions, but not significant changes in membrane permeability. Sustained changes of τ suggested that long-lived ROS, such as H2O2, might play an important role. The proposed analysis confirms that an inherent advantage of EIS is the real time observation for CAP-induced changes on intercellular junctions, with a label-free and in situ method manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhuang
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 215000, China
| | - Cheng Zhu
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 215000, China
| | - Rui Han
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering (Suzhou), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 215000, China
| | - Anna Steuer
- Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Juergen F. Kolb
- Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Fukun Shi
- Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 215163, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-051269588135
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Jones JC, Bodenstine TM. Connexins and Glucose Metabolism in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710172. [PMID: 36077565 PMCID: PMC9455984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that regulate diverse cellular functions. Originally characterized for their ability to mediate direct intercellular communication through the formation of highly regulated membrane channels, their functions have been extended to the exchange of molecules with the extracellular environment, and the ability to modulate numerous channel-independent effects on processes such as motility and survival. Notably, connexins have been implicated in cancer biology for their context-dependent roles that can both promote or suppress cancer cell function. Moreover, connexins are able to mediate many aspects of cellular metabolism including the intercellular coupling of nutrients and signaling molecules. During cancer progression, changes to substrate utilization occur to support energy production and biomass accumulation. This results in metabolic plasticity that promotes cell survival and proliferation, and can impact therapeutic resistance. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of connexin and cancer biology, however, delineating the roles these multi-faceted proteins play in metabolic adaptation of cancer cells is just beginning. Glucose represents a major carbon substrate for energy production, nucleotide synthesis, carbohydrate modifications and generation of biosynthetic intermediates. While cancer cells often exhibit a dependence on glycolytic metabolism for survival, cellular reprogramming of metabolic pathways is common when blood perfusion is limited in growing tumors. These metabolic changes drive aggressive phenotypes through the acquisition of functional traits. Connections between glucose metabolism and connexin function in cancer cells and the surrounding stroma are now apparent, however much remains to be discovered regarding these relationships. This review discusses the existing evidence in this area and highlights directions for continued investigation.
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Cross-talk between mutant p53 and p62/SQSTM1 augments cancer cell migration by promoting the degradation of cell adhesion proteins. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2119644119. [PMID: 35439056 PMCID: PMC9173583 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2119644119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Missense mutations in the TP53 gene, encoding the p53 tumor suppressor, are very frequent in human cancer. Some of those mutations, particularly the more common (“hotspot”) ones, not only abrogate p53’s tumor suppressor activities but also endow the mutant protein with oncogenic gain of function (GOF). We report that p53R273H, the most common p53 mutant in pancreatic cancer, interacts with the SQSTM1/p62 protein to accelerate the degradation of cell adhesion proteins. This enables pancreatic cancer cells to detach from the epithelial sheet and engage in individualized cell migration, probably augmenting metastatic spread. By providing insights into mechanisms that underpin mutant p53 GOF, this study may suggest ways to interfere with the progression of cancers bearing particular p53 mutants. Missense mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor abound in human cancer. Common (“hotspot”) mutations endow mutant p53 (mutp53) proteins with oncogenic gain of function (GOF), including enhanced cell migration and invasiveness, favoring cancer progression. GOF is usually attributed to transcriptional effects of mutp53. To elucidate transcription-independent effects of mutp53, we characterized the protein interactome of the p53R273H mutant in cells derived from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), where p53R273H is the most frequent p53 mutant. We now report that p53R273H, but not the p53R175H hotspot mutant, interacts with SQSTM1/p62 and promotes cancer cell migration and invasion in a p62-dependent manner. Mechanistically, the p53R273H-p62 axis drives the proteasomal degradation of several cell junction–associated proteins, including the gap junction protein Connexin 43, facilitating scattered cell migration. Concordantly, down-regulation of Connexin 43 augments PDAC cell migration, while its forced overexpression blunts the promigratory effect of the p53R273H-p62 axis. These findings define a mechanism of mutp53 GOF.
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Guo Y, Ren C, Huang W, Yang W, Bao Y. Oncogenic ACSM1 in prostate cancer is through metabolic and extracellular matrix-receptor interaction signaling pathways. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:1824-1842. [PMID: 35530294 PMCID: PMC9077067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Acyl-coenzyme A synthetase medium chain family member 1 (ACSM1) is a medium chain Acyl-CoA Synthetase family member and plays an important role in fatty acid metabolism. The oncogenic roles of ACSM1 are largely unknown. Using comprehensive approaches, we analyzed gene expression profiles and genomic datasets and identified that the expression of ACSM1 was specifically increased in prostate cancer in comparison to the adjacent non-tumor tissues. The increased expression of ACSM1 was associated with increased risks of poor prognosis and shorter survival time. Moreover, genomic copy number alterations of ACSM1, including deletion, amplification, and amino acid changes were frequently observed in prostate cancers, although these mutations did not correlate with gene expression levels. However, ACSM1 gene amplifications were significantly corrected with increased risks of prostate cancer metastasis, and ACSM1 genetic alterations were significantly associated with worse disease-free. And progress-free survival. Gene function stratification and gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the oncogenic roles of ACSM1 in prostate cancer were mainly through metabolic pathways and extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction signaling pathways, but not associated with microenvironmental immunological signaling pathways, and that ACSM1 expression was not associated with immune cell infiltration in the cancer microenvironment or prostate cancer immune subtypes. In conclusion, the present work has demonstrated that ACSM1 can be specifically and significantly elevated in prostate cancer. ACSM1 gene expression and genomic amplification exhibit important clinical significance through metabolic and ECM-receptor interaction signaling pathways. Thus, ACSM1 may be a novel oncogene and serve as a biomarker for prostate cancer screening and prognosis prediction, and/or a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongchen Guo
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical UniversityMudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Chunna Ren
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Mudanjiang Medical UniversityMudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Wentao Huang
- Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical UniversityMudanjiang 157011, China
| | - Wancai Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at ChicagoIL 60612, USA
| | - Yonghua Bao
- Department of Pathology, Mudanjiang Medical UniversityMudanjiang 157011, China
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Citrus Flavone Tangeretin Inhibits CRPC Cell Proliferation by Regulating Cx26, AKT, and AR Signaling. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6422500. [PMID: 35111229 PMCID: PMC8803427 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6422500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) progression depends on the action of androgen receptors (AR). Therefore, preventing ligand-mediated activation of AR is the first-line treatment strategy for metastatic PCa. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can inhibit ligand binding to AR and alleviate PCa progression initially. However, due to the adaptation of PCa and recovery of AR signaling, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) eventually develops. Exploring novel dietary compounds that can target AR signaling appears to be a viable alternative therapeutic option for CRPC. In the present study, compounds from the citrus fruits were focused upon, which contain various flavonoid ingredients. Key components contained within orange peel, which is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine, and downstream targets were first analyzed using network pharmacology approach. Notably, it was found that tangeretin, an active ingredient from orange peel, can significantly inhibit CRPC cell (C4-2 and Du145 cells) proliferation and migration whilst also synergistically increasing the sensitivity of CRPC cells to anti-tumor drugs sorafenib or cisplatin. Tangeretin also significantly reduced AR and AKT expressions in C4-2 cells and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 expression in the androgen-insensitive cell line Du145. In addition, tangeretin increased the expression of both connexin26 (Cx26) and gap junction function, which may mediate the bystander effects of cisplatin or sorafenib. Taken together, the present study revealed a novel molecular mechanism by which tangeretin may inhibit the proliferation of CRPC cells, by affecting the Cx26/AKT/AR pathway, to synergistically increase the sensitivity of CRPC cells to sorafenib and cisplatin.
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Savić I, Ivanović N, Oprić D. Role of gap junctions and connexin 43 in cancerogenesis and tumor metastasis. MEDICINSKI PODMLADAK 2022. [DOI: 10.5937/mp73-38352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular connections that enable direct communication between neighboring cells. They are important in tissue homeostasis, cell growth, and differentiation. They are composed of connexin proteins, of which the most common and most studied is connexin 43. The role of connexin 43 in the development and progression of tumors is contradictory. The aim of this paper is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the expression of connexin 43 in various primary and secondary tumors, in order to explain its role in the development and progression of malignant tumors. Previous studies have examined the expression of connexin 43 in various primary and secondary tumors, as well as its association with prognosis. The expression of connexin 43 has been shown to be associated with various aspects of tumor behavior. However, it has been shown that the expression of connexin 43 differs between different types and localizations of tumors, as well as between different stages in tumor progression, which indicates the complex role of connexin 43 in tumor evolution. Since gap junctions play a role in carcinogenesis, invasion, and metastasis of malignant cells, further studies should clarify whether connexin 43 can be used as a diagnostic biomarker.
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Cell Systems Bioelectricity: How Different Intercellular Gap Junctions Could Regionalize a Multicellular Aggregate. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215300. [PMID: 34771463 PMCID: PMC8582473 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Electric potential distributions can act as instructive pre-patterns for development, regeneration, and tumorigenesis in cell systems. The biophysical states influence transcription, proliferation, cell shape, migration, and differentiation through biochemical and biomechanical downstream transduction processes. A major knowledge gap is the origin of spatial patterns in vivo, and their relationship to the ion channels and the electrical synapses known as gap junctions. Understanding this is critical for basic evolutionary developmental biology as well as for regenerative medicine. We computationally show that cells may express connexin proteins with different voltage-gated gap junction conductances as a way to maintain multicellular regions at distinct membrane potentials. We show that increasing the multicellular connectivity via enhanced junction function does not always contribute to the bioelectrical normalization of abnormally depolarized multicellular patches. From a purely electrical junction view, this result suggests that the reduction rather than the increase of specific connexin levels can also be a suitable bioelectrical approach in some cases and time stages. We offer a minimum model that incorporates effective conductances ultimately related to specific ion channel and junction proteins that are amenable to external regulation. We suggest that the bioelectrical patterns and their encoded instructive information can be externally modulated by acting on the mean fields of cell systems, a complementary approach to that of acting on the molecular characteristics of individual cells. We believe that despite the limitations of a biophysically focused model, our approach can offer useful qualitative insights into the collective dynamics of cell system bioelectricity.
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Xiang Y, Peng F, Guo Y, Ge H, Cai S, Fan L, Peng Y, Wen H, Wang Q, Tao L. Connexin32 activates necroptosis through Src-mediated inhibition of caspase 8 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:3507-3519. [PMID: 34050696 PMCID: PMC8409421 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Necroptosis is an alternative form of programmed cell death that generally occurs under apoptosis-deficient conditions. Our previous work showed that connexin32 (Cx32) promotes the malignant progress of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by enhancing the ability of resisting apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Whether triggering necroptosis is a promising strategy to eliminate the apoptosis-resistant HCC cells with high Cx32 expression remains unknown. In this study, we found that Cx32 expression was positively correlated with the expression of necroptosis protein biomarkers in human HCC specimens, cell lines, and a xenograft model. Treatment with shikonin, a well-used necroptosis inducer, markedly caused necroptosis in HCC cells. Interestingly, overexpressed Cx32 exacerbated shikonin-induced necroptosis, but downregulation of Cx32 alleviated necroptosis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, Cx32 was found to bind to Src and promote Src-mediated caspase 8 phosphorylation and inactivation, which ultimately reduced the activated caspase 8-mediated proteolysis of receptor-interacting serine-threonine protein kinase 1/3, the key molecule for necroptosis activation. In conclusion, we showed that Cx32 contributed to the activation of necroptosis in HCC cells through binding to Src and then mediating the inactivation of caspase 8. The present study suggested that necroptosis inducers could be more favorable than apoptosis inducers to eliminate HCC cells with high expression of Cx32.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu‐ke Xiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Target & Clinical Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & The Fifth Affiliated HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Fu‐hua Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yun‐quan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central AsiaThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiPR China
| | - Hui Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central AsiaThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiPR China
| | - Shao‐yi Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Li‐xia Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yue‐xia Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Hao Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central AsiaThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiPR China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central AsiaThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical UniversityUrumqiPR China
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Applicability of Scrape Loading-Dye Transfer Assay for Non-Genotoxic Carcinogen Testing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168977. [PMID: 34445682 PMCID: PMC8396440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is recognized as one of the key hallmarks for identifying non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGTxC). Currently, there is a demand for in vitro assays addressing the gap junction hallmark, which would have the potential to eventually become an integral part of an integrated approach to the testing and assessment (IATA) of NGTxC. The scrape loading-dye transfer (SL-DT) technique is a simple assay for the functional evaluation of GJIC in various in vitro cultured mammalian cells and represents an interesting candidate assay. Out of the various techniques for evaluating GJIC, the SL-DT assay has been used frequently to assess the effects of various chemicals on GJIC in toxicological and tumor promotion research. In this review, we systematically searched the existing literature to gather papers assessing GJIC using the SL-DT assay in a rat liver epithelial cell line, WB-F344, after treating with chemicals, especially environmental and food toxicants, drugs, reproductive-, cardio- and neuro-toxicants and chemical tumor promoters. We discuss findings derived from the SL-DT assay with the known knowledge about the tumor-promoting activity and carcinogenicity of the assessed chemicals to evaluate the predictive capacity of the SL-DT assay in terms of its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for identifying carcinogens. These data represent important information with respect to the applicability of the SL-DT assay for the testing of NGTxC within the IATA framework.
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Ouabain Enhances Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication by Inducing Paracrine Secretion of Prostaglandin E2. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126244. [PMID: 34200582 PMCID: PMC8230150 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ouabain is a cardiac glycoside that has been described as a hormone, with interesting effects on epithelial physiology. We have shown previously that ouabain induces gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in wild, sensitive cells (MDCK-S), but not in cells that have become insensitive (MDCK-I) by modifying their Na+-K+-ATPase. We have also demonstrated that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is able to induce increased GJIC by a mechanism other than ouabain, that does not depend on Na+-K+-ATPase. In this work we show, by dye transfer assays, that when MDCK-S and MDCK-I are randomly mixed, to form monolayers, the latter stablish GJIC, because of stimulation by a compound released to the extracellular media, by MDCK-S cells, after treatment with ouabain, as evidenced by the fact that monolayers of only MDCK-I cells, treated with a conditioned medium (CM) that is obtained after incubation of MDCK-S monolayers with ouabain, significantly increase their GJIC. The further finding that either (1) pre-treatment with COX-2 inhibitors or (2) addition to CM of antagonists of EP2 receptor abolish CM's ability to induce GJIC in MDCK-I monolayers indicate that PGE2 is the GJIC-inducing compound. Therefore, these results indicate that, in addition to direct stimulation, mediated by Na+-K+-ATPase, ouabain enhances GJIC indirectly through the paracrine production of PGE2.
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Trosko JE. On the potential origin and characteristics of cancer stem cells. Carcinogenesis 2021; 42:905-912. [PMID: 34014276 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgab042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The 'cancer stem cell' hypothesis has pointed to a specific target for new cancer therapies. The hypothesis is based on the observation that only the 'cancer stem cell' among the other heterogeneous cancer cells can sustain the growth of the cancer. The goal is to identify biomarkers of 'cancer stem cells' to distinguish them from the 'cancer non-stem cells' and normal adult tissue-specific stem cells. This analyst posits a hypothesis that, although all cancers originated from a single cell, there exist two types of 'cancer stem cells' either by the 'Stem Cell hypothesis' or from the 'De-differentiation hypothesis'. It is proposed that there exist two different 'cancer stem cells'. Some 'cancer stem cells' (a) lack the expression of connexins or gap junction genes and lack any form of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) or (b) they have the expressed connexin-coded proteins for functional GJIC but are dysfunctional by some expressed oncogene. This is consistent with the Loewenstein hypothesis that a universal characteristic of cancer cells is they do not have growth control, nor terminally differentiate. This review speculates the normal organ-specific adult stem cell, that is 'initiated', is the origin of the 'cancer stem cells' with expressed Oct4A gene and no expressed connexin genes; whereas the other cancer stem cell has no expressed Oct4A genes but expressed connexin gene, whose coded protein is dysfunctional. Hence. both types of 'cancer stem cells' lack GJIC, for two different reasons, the selective therapies have to be different for these different cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Trosko
- Department of Pediatrics/Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Aasen T. Connexins, Innexins, and Pannexins: From Biology to Clinical Targets. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11020155. [PMID: 33504027 PMCID: PMC7912696 DOI: 10.3390/biom11020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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