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Zhang C, Ran F, Du L, Wang X, Liu L, Liu J, Chen Q, Cao Y, Bi L, Hang H. The Humanization and Maturation of an Anti-PrPc Antibody. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:242. [PMID: 38534516 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030242] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The cellular prion protein (PrPc) is a cell surface glycoprotein that is highly expressed in a variety of cancer tissues in addition to the nervous system, and its elevated expression is correlated to poor prognosis in many cancer patients. Our team previously found that patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) with high-level PrPc expression had significantly poorer survival than those with no or low-level PrPc expression. Mouse antibodies for PrPc inhibited tumor initiation and liver metastasis of PrPc-positive human CRC cells in mouse model experiments. PrPc is a candidate target for CRC therapy. In this study, we newly cloned a mouse anti-PrPc antibody (Clone 6) and humanized it, then affinity-matured this antibody using a CHO cell display with a peptide antigen and full-length PrPc, respectively. We obtained two humanized antibody clones with affinities toward a full-length PrPc of about 10- and 100-fold of that of the original antibody. The two humanized antibodies bound to the PrPc displayed significantly better on the cell surface than Clone 6. Used for Western blotting and immunohistochemistry, the humanized antibody with the highest affinity is superior to the two most frequently used commercial antibodies (8H4 and 3F4). The two new antibodies have the potential to be developed as useful reagents for PrPc detection and even therapeutic antibodies targeting PrPc-positive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Fanlei Ran
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lei Du
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Lei Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jinming Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Quan Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yang Cao
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Lijun Bi
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Haiying Hang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Cha S, Kim MY. The role of cellular prion protein in immune system. BMB Rep 2023; 56:645-650. [PMID: 37817440 PMCID: PMC10761747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have investigated the cellular prion protein (PrPC) since its discovery. These investigations have explained that its structure is predominantly composed of alpha helices and short beta sheet segments, and when its abnormal scrapie isoform (PrPSc) is infected, PrPSc transforms the PrPC, leading to prion diseases, including Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans and bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle. Given its ubiquitous distribution across a variety of cellular types, the PrPC manifests a diverse range of biological functions, including cell-cell adhesion, neuroprotection, signalings, and oxidative stress response. PrPC is also expressed in immune tissues, and its functions in these tissues include the activation of immune cells and the formation of secondary lymphoid tissues, such as the spleen and lymph nodes. Moreover, high expression of PrPC in immune cells plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of prion diseases. In addition, it affects inflammation and the development and progression of cancer via various mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the studies on the role of PrPC from various immunological perspectives. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(12): 645-650].
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Affiliation(s)
- Seunghwa Cha
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Korea
| | - Mi-Yeon Kim
- Department of Bioinformatics and Life Science, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Korea
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Ramundo V, Palazzo ML, Aldieri E. TGF-β as Predictive Marker and Pharmacological Target in Lung Cancer Approach. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082295. [PMID: 37190223 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082295] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer (LC) represents the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. LC onset is strongly related to genetic mutations and environmental interactions, such as tobacco smoking, or pathological conditions, such as chronic inflammation. Despite advancement in knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved in LC, this tumor is still characterized by an unfavorable prognosis, and the current therapeutic options are unsatisfactory. TGF-β is a cytokine that regulates different biological processes, particularly at the pulmonary level, and its alteration has been demonstrated to be associated with LC progression. Moreover, TGF-β is involved in promoting invasiveness and metastasis, via epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction, where TGF-β is the major driver. Thus, a TGF-β-EMT signature may be considered a potential predictive marker in LC prognosis, and TGF-β-EMT inhibition has been demonstrated to prevent metastasis in various animal models. Concerning a LC therapeutic approach, some TGF-β and TGF-β-EMT inhibitors could be used in combination with chemo- and immunotherapy without major side effects, thereby improving cancer therapy. Overall, targeting TGF-β may be a valid possibility to fight LC, both in improving LC prognosis and cancer therapy, via a novel approach that could open up new effective strategies against this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Ramundo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy
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Thakur C, Qiu Y, Zhang Q, Carruthers NJ, Yu M, Bi Z, Fu Y, Wadgaonkar P, Almutairy B, Seno A, Stemmer PM, Chen F. Deletion of mdig enhances H3K36me3 and metastatic potential of the triple negative breast cancer cells. iScience 2022; 25:105057. [PMID: 36124233 PMCID: PMC9482110 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this report, we provide evidence showing diminished expression of the mineral dust-induced gene (mdig), a previously identified oncogenic gene, in human triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Using a mouse model of orthotopic xenograft of the TNBC MDA-MB-231 cells, we demonstrate that mdig promotes the growth of primary tumors but inhibits metastasis of these cells in vivo. Knockout of mdig resulted in an enhancement of H3K36me3 in the genome and upregulation of some X chromosome-linked genes for cell motility, invasion, and metastasis. Silencing MAGED2, one of the most upregulated and H3K36me3-enriched genes resulted from mdig depletion, can partially reverse the invasive migration of the mdig knockout cells. The anti-metastatic and inhibitory role of mdig on H3K36me3 was cross-validated in another cell line, A549 lung cancer cells. Together, our data suggest that mdig is antagonist against H3K36me3 that enforces expression of genes, such as MAGED2, for cell invasion and metastasis. Loss of mdig expression in TNBC and metastatic breast cancer Knockout of mdig enforces metastasis of the TNBC cells Mdig antagonizes H3K36me3 that promotes expression of X-linked metastatic genes Silencing MAGED2 reduces invasive migration of the mdig knockout cells
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Affiliation(s)
- Chitra Thakur
- Stony Brook Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Yiran Qiu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Nicholas J Carruthers
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Miaomiao Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.,Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, 44 Xiaoheyan Road, Dadong District, Shenyang, 110042 Liaoning Province, China
| | - Zhuoyue Bi
- Stony Brook Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Yao Fu
- Stony Brook Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Priya Wadgaonkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Bandar Almutairy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.,College of Pharmacy, Al-Dawadmi Campus, Shaqra University, P.O. Box 11961, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akimasa Seno
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.,Faculty of Engineering, Graduate School of Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering in Health Systems, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Paul M Stemmer
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Fei Chen
- Stony Brook Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Lauterbur Drive, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, 259 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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Grimaldi I, Leser FS, Janeiro JM, da Rosa BG, Campanelli AC, Romão L, Lima FRS. The multiple functions of PrP C in physiological, cancer, and neurodegenerative contexts. J Mol Med (Berl) 2022; 100:1405-1425. [PMID: 36056255 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-022-02245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Cellular prion protein (PrPC) is a highly conserved glycoprotein, present both anchored in the cell membrane and soluble in the extracellular medium. It has a diversity of ligands and is variably expressed in numerous tissues and cell subtypes, most notably in the central nervous system (CNS). Its importance has been brought to light over the years both under physiological conditions, such as embryogenesis and immune system homeostasis, and in pathologies, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. During development, PrPC plays an important role in CNS, participating in axonal growth and guidance and differentiation of glial cells, but also in other organs such as the heart, lung, and digestive system. In diseases, PrPC has been related to several types of tumors, modulating cancer stem cells, enhancing malignant properties, and inducing drug resistance. Also, in non-neoplastic diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, PrPC seems to alter the dynamics of neurotoxic aggregate formation and, consequently, the progression of the disease. In this review, we explore in detail the multiple functions of this protein, which proved to be relevant for understanding the dynamics of organism homeostasis, as well as a promising target in the treatment of both neoplastic and degenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Grimaldi
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Saceanu Leser
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - José Marcos Janeiro
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Gomes da Rosa
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Campanelli
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Luciana Romão
- Cell Morphogenesis Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Flavia Regina Souza Lima
- Glial Cell Biology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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A Ferroptosis-Related Gene Signature for Overall Survival Prediction and Immune Infiltration in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231598. [PMID: 35866375 PMCID: PMC9434561 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20212835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ferroptosis is associated with cancer initiation and progression. However, the molecular mechanism and prognostic value of ferroptosis-related genes in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) are poorly understood. Methods: The mRNA expression profiles, methylation data, and clinical information of patients with LUSC were downloaded from TCGA and GEO database. Ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between cancerous and non-cancerous tissues, and their prognostic value was systemically investigated by bioinformatic analyses. Results: A ferroptosis-related gene signature (ALOX5, TFRC, PHKG2, FADS2, NOX1) was constructed using multivariate Cox regression analysis and represented as a risk score. Overall survival (OS) probability was significantly lower in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (P<0.001), and receiver operating characteristic curve showed a good predictive capacity (AUC = 0.739). The risk score was an independent prognostic factor for LUSC. A nomogram was constructed to predict the OS probabilities at 1, 3, and 5 years. High-risk score was associated with increased immune infiltration, lower methylation levels, higher immune checkpoint genes expression levels, and better chemotherapy response. Cell adhesion molecules, focal adhesion, and extracellular matrix receptor interaction were the main pathways in the high-risk group. The signature was validated using the TCGA test cohort, entire TCGA cohort, GSE30219, GSE157010, GSE73403, and GSE4573 datasets. The gene disorders in patients with LUSC were validated using real-time PCR and single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Conclusions: A ferroptosis-related gene signature was constructed to predict OS probability in LUSC. This could facilitate novel therapeutic methods and guide individualized therapy.
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Prion Protein Phase Separation in Cancer Multidrug Resistance. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27030705. [PMID: 35163973 PMCID: PMC8839844 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The unique ability to adapt and thrive in inhospitable, stressful tumor microenvironments (TME) also renders cancer cells resistant to traditional chemotherapeutic treatments and/or novel pharmaceuticals. Cancer cells exhibit extensive metabolic alterations involving hypoxia, accelerated glycolysis, oxidative stress, and increased extracellular ATP that may activate ancient, conserved prion adaptive response strategies that exacerbate multidrug resistance (MDR) by exploiting cellular stress to increase cancer metastatic potential and stemness, balance proliferation and differentiation, and amplify resistance to apoptosis. The regulation of prions in MDR is further complicated by important, putative physiological functions of ligand-binding and signal transduction. Melatonin is capable of both enhancing physiological functions and inhibiting oncogenic properties of prion proteins. Through regulation of phase separation of the prion N-terminal domain which targets and interacts with lipid rafts, melatonin may prevent conformational changes that can result in aggregation and/or conversion to pathological, infectious isoforms. As a cancer therapy adjuvant, melatonin could modulate TME oxidative stress levels and hypoxia, reverse pH gradient changes, reduce lipid peroxidation, and protect lipid raft compositions to suppress prion-mediated, non-Mendelian, heritable, but often reversible epigenetic adaptations that facilitate cancer heterogeneity, stemness, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines some of the mechanisms that may balance physiological and pathological effects of prions and prion-like proteins achieved through the synergistic use of melatonin to ameliorate MDR, which remains a challenge in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (R.J.R.)
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (R.J.R.)
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Ding M, Chen Y, Lang Y, Cui L. The Role of Cellular Prion Protein in Cancer Biology: A Potential Therapeutic Target. Front Oncol 2021; 11:742949. [PMID: 34595121 PMCID: PMC8476782 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.742949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prion protein has two isoforms including cellular prion protein (PrPC) and scrapie prion protein (PrPSc). PrPSc is the pathological aggregated form of prion protein and it plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases. PrPC is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein that can attach to a membrane. Its expression begins at embryogenesis and reaches the highest level in adulthood. PrPC is expressed in the neurons of the nervous system as well as other peripheral organs. Studies in recent years have disclosed the involvement of PrPC in various aspects of cancer biology. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the roles of PrPC in proliferation, cell survival, invasion/metastasis, and stem cells of cancer cells, as well as its role as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manqiu Ding
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongqiang Chen
- CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Yue Lang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Cui
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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