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Liang Y, Chen P, Wang S, Cai L, Zhu F, Jiang Y, Li L, Zhu L, Heng Y, Zhang W, Pan Y, Wei W, Jia L. SCF FBXW5-mediated degradation of AQP3 suppresses autophagic cell death through the PDPK1-AKT-MTOR axis in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Autophagy 2024; 20:1984-1999. [PMID: 38726865 PMCID: PMC11346525 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2024.2353497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
AQP3 (aquaporin 3 (Gill blood group)), a member of the AQP family, is an aquaglyceroporin which transports water, glycerol and small solutes across the plasma membrane. Beyond its role in fluid transport, AQP3 plays a significant role in regulating various aspects of tumor cell behavior, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Nevertheless, the underlying regulatory mechanism of AQP3 in tumors remains unclear. Here, for the first time, we report that AQP3 is a direct target for ubiquitination by the SCFFBXW5 complex. In addition, we revealed that downregulation of FBXW5 significantly induced AQP3 expression to prompt macroautophagic/autophagic cell death in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. Mechanistically, AQP3 accumulation induced by FBXW5 knockdown led to the degradation of PDPK1/PDK1 in a lysosomal-dependent manner, thus inactivating the AKT-MTOR pathway and inducing autophagic death in HCC. Taken together, our findings revealed a previously undiscovered regulatory mechanism through which FBXW5 degraded AQP3 to suppress autophagic cell death via the PDPK1-AKT-MTOR axis in HCC cells.Abbreviation: BafA1: bafilomycin A1; CQ: chloroquine; CRL: CUL-Ring E3 ubiquitin ligases; FBXW5: F-box and WD repeat domain containing 5; HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; HSPA8/HSC70: heat shock protein family A (Hsp70) member 8; 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; PDPK1/PDK1: 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1; RBX1/ROC1: ring-box 1; SKP1: S-phase kinase associated protein 1; SCF: SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupei Liang
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shiwen Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Cai
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyu Jiang
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihui Li
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lihua Zhu
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqing Heng
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongfu Pan
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lijun Jia
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Yang Y, Xie Q, Hu C, Xu J, Chen L, Li Y, Luo C. F-box proteins and gastric cancer: an update from functional and regulatory mechanism to therapeutic clinical prospects. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:1575-1588. [PMID: 38903918 PMCID: PMC11186432 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.91584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent malignancy characterized by significant morbidity and mortality, yet its underlying pathogenesis remains elusive. The etiology of GC is multifaceted, involving the activation of oncogenes and the inactivation of antioncogenes. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), responsible for protein degradation and the regulation of physiological and pathological processes, emerges as a pivotal player in GC development. Specifically, the F-box protein (FBP), an integral component of the SKP1-Cullin1-F-box protein (SCF) E3 ligase complex within the UPS, has garnered attention for its prominent role in carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and drug resistance. Dysregulation of several FBPs has recently been observed in GC, underscoring their significance in disease progression. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate the distinctive characteristics of FBPs involved in GC, encompassing their impact on cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasive metastasis, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, we delve into the emerging role of FBPs as downstream target proteins of non-coding RNAs(ncRNAs) in the regulation of gastric carcinogenesis, outlining the potential utility of FBPs as direct therapeutic targets or advanced therapies for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhen Yang
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310005, China
| | - Qu Xie
- Postgraduate Training Base Alliance of Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, China
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310005, China
| | - Can Hu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310005, China
| | - Jingli Xu
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310005, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310005, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310005, China
| | - Cong Luo
- Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310005, China
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Shang Z, Lai Y, Cheng H. DPP2/7 is a Potential Predictor of Prognosis and Target in Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer: An Integrative Multi-omics Analysis. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2024; 27:1642-1660. [PMID: 38454764 DOI: 10.2174/0113862073290831240229060932] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the leading causes of cancerrelated deaths. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to illuminate the relationship between DPP7 (also known as DPP2) and CRC through a combination of bioinformatics and experimental methodologies. METHODS A multi-dimensional bioinformatic analysis on DPP7 was executed, covering its expression, survival implications, clinical associations, functional roles, immune interactions, and drug sensitivities. Experimental validations involved siRNA-mediated DPP7 knockdown and various cellular assays. RESULTS Data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) identified high DPP7 expression in solid CRC tumors, with elevated levels adversely affecting patient prognosis. A shift from the N0 to the N2 stage in CRC was associated with increased DPP7 expression. Functional insights indicated the involvement of DPP7 in cancer progression, particularly in extracellular matrix disassembly. Immunological analyses showed its association with immunosuppressive entities, and in vitro experiments in CRC cell lines underscored its oncogenic attributes. CONCLUSION DPP7 could serve as a CRC prognosis marker, functioning as an oncogene and representing a potential immunotherapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihao Shang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Yueyang Lai
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Haibo Cheng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
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Qin L, Sun K, Shi L, Xu Y, Zhang R. High-Fat Mouse Model to Explore the Relationship between Abnormal Lipid Metabolism and Enolase in Pancreatic Cancer. Mediators Inflamm 2023; 2023:4965223. [PMID: 37731842 PMCID: PMC10509005 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4965223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors have become a major social health problem that seriously threatens human health, among which pancreatic cancer has a high degree of malignancy, difficult diagnosis and treatment, short survival time, and high mortality. More and more attention has been paid to abnormal lipid metabolism as a momentous carcinogenesis mechanism. Here, we explored the relationship between abnormal lipid metabolism, enolase, and pancreatic cancer by clinical data analysis. A high-fat mouse model was constructed, and then, a subcutaneous tumorigenesis mouse model of carcinoma of pancreatic cells and a metastatic neoplasm mouse pattern of pancreatic carcinoma cells injected through the tail vein were constructed to explore whether abnormal lipid metabolism affects the progression of pancreatic cancer in mice. We constructed a high-lipid model of pancreatic carcinoma cell lines and knockdown and overexpressed enolase in pancreatic carcinoma cell lines and investigated whether high lipid regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by upregulating enolase (ENO), thereby promoting the cells of pancreatic carcinoma to invade and migrate. Triglycerides, total cholesterol, free cholesterin, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) from pancreatic cancer patients and nonpancreatic cancer patients were tested. The differences in blood lipids between patients with and without pancreatic carcinoma were compared, and the correlation between blood lipids and neuron-specific enolase was analyzed. We confirmed that the serum triglyceride level of pancreatic cancer patients at initial diagnosis is overtopping nonpancreatic cancer patients, and the neuron-specific enolase level of patients with pancreatic carcinoma is better than nonpancreatic carcinoma sufferers. Triglyceride level is positively correlated with neuron-specific enolase level, and serum triglyceride level has predictive value for pancreatic cancer. Hyperlipidemia can promote tumor growth and increase the expression levels of ENO1, ENO2, and ENO3 in subcutaneous tumor formation of pancreatic cancer in mice. Additional hyperlipidemia promoted pancreatic carcinoma metastasis in the lung in mice injected through the tail vein, which confirmed that hyperlipidemia accelerated the process of EMT by increasing the expression of ENO1, ENO2, and ENO3, therefore promoting the pancreatic cancer cell metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Qin
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
- Yunnan Province Clinical Research Center for Metabolic diseases, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
- Yunnan Clinical Medical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Kai Sun
- Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Qingnian Road, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Li Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
- Yunnan Province Clinical Research Center for Metabolic diseases, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
- Yunnan Clinical Medical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Yushan Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
- Yunnan Province Clinical Research Center for Metabolic diseases, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
- Yunnan Clinical Medical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Rongping Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica and Yunnan Key Laboratory of Southern Medicine Utilization, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China
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Liu Y, Zhang B, Zhou Y, Xing Y, Wang Y, Jia Y, Liu D. Targeting Hippo pathway: A novel strategy for Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114549. [PMID: 36958190 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway plays an important role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation; it is a crucial regulatory pathway in organ development and tumor growth. Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) increases the risk of developing gastric cancer. In recent years, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms by which H. pylori infection promotes the development and progression of gastric cancer via the Hippo pathway. Exploring the Hippo pathway molecules may yield new diagnostic and therapeutic targets for H. pylori-induced gastric cancer. The current article reviews the composition and regulatory mechanism of the Hippo pathway, as well as the research progress of the Hippo pathway in the occurrence and development of H. pylori-related gastric cancer, in order to provide a broader perspective for the study and prevention of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Liu
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Bingkai Zhang
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Qingzhou People's Hospital, Qingzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yimin Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanxin Xing
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanfei Jia
- Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Research Center of Basic Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Duanrui Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, People's Republic of China.
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Messina B, Lo Sardo F, Scalera S, Memeo L, Colarossi C, Mare M, Blandino G, Ciliberto G, Maugeri-Saccà M, Bon G. Hippo pathway dysregulation in gastric cancer: from Helicobacter pylori infection to tumor promotion and progression. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:21. [PMID: 36635265 PMCID: PMC9837097 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05568-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The Hippo pathway plays a critical role for balancing proliferation and differentiation, thus regulating tissue homeostasis. The pathway acts through a kinase cascade whose final effectors are the Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its paralog transcriptional co‑activator with PDZ‑binding motif (TAZ). In response to a variety of upstream signals, YAP and TAZ activate a transcriptional program that modulates cellular proliferation, tissue repair after injury, stem cell fate decision, and cytoskeletal reorganization. Hippo pathway signaling is often dysregulated in gastric cancer and in Helicobacter pylori-induced infection, suggesting a putative role of its deregulation since the early stages of the disease. In this review, we summarize the architecture and regulation of the Hippo pathway and discuss how its dysregulation fuels the onset and progression of gastric cancer. In this setting, we also focus on the crosstalk between Hippo and other established oncogenic signaling pathways. Lastly, we provide insights into the therapeutic approaches targeting aberrant YAP/TAZ activation and discuss the related clinical perspectives and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Messina
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Lo Sardo
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Scalera
- SAFU Laboratory, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostic, and Technological Innovation, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Memeo
- Pathology Unit, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Italy
| | | | - Marzia Mare
- Medical Oncology Unit, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, Viagrande, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Blandino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Maugeri-Saccà
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology 2, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Bon
- Cellular Network and Molecular Therapeutic Target Unit, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
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Huang T, OuYang XI, Li J, Shi B, Shan Z, Shi Z, Yang Z. Pan-cancer analysis of FBXW family with potential implications in prognosis and immune infiltration. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1084339. [PMID: 36591289 PMCID: PMC9795248 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1084339] [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: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The F-box and WD repeat domain containing (FBXW) family of SCF E3 complexes has 10 members that are responsible for ubiquitination and degradation of substrate proteins involved in cell cycle regulation and tumorigenesis. Among them, FBXW1 (also called b-TrCP1/BTRC) and FBXW7 are the central proteins in this category. However, there is still a lack of elaborate exploration of the contribution of FBXW family members, especially FBXW1 and FBXW7, in various tumor types. Methods In this present study, we preliminarily analyzed the genetic structure characteristics of the FBXW family, and systematically investigated their expression patterns and clinical correlations based on the TCGA pan-cancer data. Survival analysis of FBXWs was also conducted through the Kaplan-Meier method. In addition, we assessed their immune infiltration level through immune-related algorithms like Timer and xCell. Results There were obvious genetic heterogeneity and different clinical traits in FBXW family members. Moreover, we found that FBXW family genes may be useful in predicting prognosis and therapeutic efficacy using survival analysis. In addition, the immune infiltration of FBXW family was also clearly illustrated in this study. The results showed these genes were closely involved in immune components such as immune score, immune subtypes, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and immune checkpoints. Notedly, FBXW1 as an oncogene and FBXW7 as a tumor suppressor gene also show opposite relationships on immune cells. Conclusion Our results provided valuable strategies to guide the therapeutic orientation concerning the role of FBXW family genes in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - XIaoxiao OuYang
- Central Laboratory, Clinical Medical College & Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiwei Li
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bingbing Shi
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, China
| | - Zhengda Shan
- School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiyuan Shi
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China,*Correspondence: Zhiyuan Shi, ; Zhangru Yang,
| | - Zhangru Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Zhiyuan Shi, ; Zhangru Yang,
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Sun Z, Zhu Y, Feng X, Liu X, Zhou K, Wang Q, Zhang H, Shi H. H3F3A K27M Mutation Promotes the Infiltrative Growth of High-Grade Glioma in Adults by Activating β-Catenin/USP1 Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194836. [PMID: 36230759 PMCID: PMC9563249 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Gliomas is a primary type of tumor in the central nervous system. High-grade glioma is a malignant cancerous disease and grows rapidly. This study reports the expression of H3.3K27M in high-grade glioma tissues and the association with malignant glioma cell behavior. Moreover, the results suggested that a high expression of H3.3K27M promotes the migration and invasion of glioma cells, leading to a poor prognosis by promoting the infiltration of glioma through aggravating aberrant activation of β-catenin signaling-driven pathway. Abstract H3F3A K27M (H3.3K27M) is a newly identified molecular pathological marker in glioma and is strongly correlated with the malignancy of diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). In recent years, accumulating evidence has revealed that other types of glioma also contain the H3.3K27M mutation. However, the role of H3.3K27M in high-grade adult glioma, the most malignant glioma, has not been investigated. In this study, we focused on exploring the expression and function of H3.3K27M in high-grade glioma in adults. We found that H3.3K27M was highly expressed at high levels in some high-grade glioma tissues. Then, we introduced H3.3K27M into H3.3 wild-type glioma cells, U87 cells and LN229 cells. We found that H3.3K27M did not affect the growth of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo; however, the survival of mice with transplanted tumors was significantly reduced. Further investigation revealed that H3.3K27M expression mainly promoted the migration and invasion of glioma cells. Moreover, we confirmed that H3.3K27M overexpression increased the levels of the β-catenin and p-β-catenin (Ser675) proteins, the ubiquitin-specific protease 1 (USP1) mRNA and protein levels, and the enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) protein level. In addition, the β-catenin inhibitor XAV-939 significantly attenuated the upregulation of the aforementioned proteins and inhibited the increased migration and invasion caused by the H3.3K27M mutation. Overall, the H3.3K27M mutation in high-grade glioma is a potential biomarker for poor prognosis mainly due to the infiltration of glioma cells that is at least partially mediated by the β-catenin/USP1/EZH2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Sun
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Yufu Zhu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Xia Feng
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Kunlin Zhou
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
| | - Hengzhu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Wuxi Second Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214002, China
| | - Hengliang Shi
- Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-516-85587335
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Wang Y, Chen H, Yu J, Kang W, To KF. Recent insight into the role and therapeutic potential of YAP/TAZ in gastrointestinal cancers. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188787. [PMID: 36041574 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid development of cancer treatment, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are still the most prevalent malignancies with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway has been recognized to play a critical role during cancer development and adopted for monitoring disease progression and therapy response. Despite the well-documented tumor proliferation and metastasis, recent efforts in two core Hippo components, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), have identified as the driving forces behind cancer metabolism, stemness, tumor immunity, and therapy resistance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which YAP/TAZ facilitates the tumorigenesis and progression of GI cancer, and identifying novel therapeutic strategies for targeting YAP/TAZ are crucial to GI cancer treatment and prevention. In this study, we summarize the latest findings on the function and regulatory mechanisms of YAP/TAZ in GI cancers, and highlight the translational significance of targeting YAP/TAZ for cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Wang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Huarong Chen
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care and Peter Hung Pain Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Ka Fai To
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Institute of Digestive Disease, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Sir Y.K. Pao Cancer Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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The E3 ubiquitin ligase, FBXW5, promotes the migration and invasion of gastric cancer through the dysregulation of the Hippo pathway. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:79. [PMID: 35210431 PMCID: PMC8873275 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-00868-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 5 (FBXW5), with WD40 repeats, can bind to the PPxY sequence of the large tumor suppressor kinases 1/2 (LATS1/2) kinase domain, resulting in ubiquitination. Ubiquitination and the subsequent degradation of LATS1/2 abrogate the Hippo pathway and worsen gastric cancer (GC). However, the effects and molecular mechanisms of FBXW5 in GC remain unexplored. To elucidate the clinical significance of FBXW5, immunohistochemistry was conducted to reveal the positive correlation between FBXW5 expression and lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001) and TNM stage (training cohort: p = 0.018; validation cohort: p = 0.001). Further, patients with high FBXW5 expression were found to have poor prognosis (training cohort: log-rank p = 0.020; validation cohort: log-rank p = 0.025). Cell experiments revealed the promoting effects of FBXW5 on the proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance of GC cells. Blocking LATS1-YAP1 leads to the loss of FBXW5-mediated regulation of the Hippo pathway and partial functions. Further, co-immunoprecipitation and in vivo ubiquitination assays revealed the interaction between FBXW5 and LATS1, which promoted the ubiquitination and degradation of LATS1. Based on mouse xenograft assays, FBXW5 silencing attenuated the growth of subcutaneous tumor xenografts. Altogether, FBXW5 was found to inactivate the Hippo signaling pathway by enhancing LATS1 ubiquitination and degradation, which promoted the invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance of GC cells.
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11
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Ma Z, Wang LZ, Cheng JT, Lam WST, Ma X, Xiang X, Wong ALA, Goh BC, Gong Q, Sethi G, Wang L. Targeting Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1-Mediated Metastasis for Cancer Therapy. Antioxid Redox Signal 2021; 34:1484-1497. [PMID: 33198508 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2019.7935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Hypoxia is emerging as a crucial regulator of the tumor microenvironment; it governs the metastatic potential of multiple primary cancers. It is also potentially involved in the regulation of tumorigenesis, tumor metabolism, and proangiogenic activity. Recent Advances: A wealth of clinical data across a wide range of cancer types has revealed strong correlations between hypoxia or the overexpression of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors and the rates of distant metastases and poor prognoses. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, one of the key regulatory molecules of the HIF-1 signaling pathways, is involved in multiple crucial steps in the metastatic cascade. Critical Issues: Here, we present recent findings on the roles of the HIF-1 complex in tumor metastasis and highlight the potential of HIF-1α as a target for abrogating tumor metastasis. Moreover, we systematically describe the regulatory role of HIF-1 at each step of the metastatic cascade. Finally, we present the most recent advances in potential pharmacological interventions and the development of specific HIF-1 inhibitors for blocking tumor metastasis. Future Directions: Well-designed clinical trials are urgently needed to validate the anti-metastatic activity of HIF-1 inhibitors discovered in preclinical models. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 34, 1484-1497.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowu Ma
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou, China
| | - Louis Zizhao Wang
- SingHealth Internal Medicine Residency Programme, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jun-Ting Cheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou, China
| | - Walter Sze Tung Lam
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiang Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Xiang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Andrea Li-Ann Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Haematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Quan Gong
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Nanhuan Road, Jingzhou, China
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Yong J, Li Y, Lin S, Wang Z, Xu Y. Inhibitors Targeting YAP in Gastric Cancer: Current Status and Future Perspectives. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2021; 15:2445-2456. [PMID: 34140763 PMCID: PMC8203099 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s308377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers globally, threatening global health. The deregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway has been discovered in GC and may be related to cancer development, proliferation, metastasis, and drug resistance. Yes-associated protein (YAP), as a downstream effector of the Hippo signaling pathway and a crucial co-transcription factor in the nucleus, is a promising and vital potential drug target for the treatment of GC. A series of drugs or compounds that inhibit YAP has been developed or confirmed. Therefore, this review will focus on summarizing the drugs and small-molecule inhibitors that have been reported to inhibit YAP and discuss the clinical prospects of YAP inhibitors in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Yong
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Sihan Lin
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China
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Lan R, Jin B, Liu YZ, Zhang K, Niu T, You Z. Genome and transcriptome profiling of FBXW family in human prostate cancer. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL UROLOGY 2020; 8:116-128. [PMID: 32929407 PMCID: PMC7486541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
F-box and WD repeat domain containing (FBXW) family of E3 ligases has 10 members that ubiquitinate substrate proteins for proteasome-mediated degradation. Publicly archived datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Prostate Cancer Transcriptome Atlas (PCTA), and cBioPortal were analyzed for mRNA expression and genetic alterations of 10 FBXW genes. We found that FBXW7 mRNA expression was significantly decreased in primary prostate cancers compared to normal prostate tissues, whereas mRNA expression of FBXW8-10 was significantly increased in primary prostate cancers compared to normal prostate tissues. FBXW7 mRNA expression was also significantly decreased in breast invasive carcinoma, glioblastoma multiforme, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma. In contrast, FBXW7 mRNA expression was significantly increased in cholangiocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, and thyroid carcinoma. Compared to normal tissues, FBXW5 mRNA expression was significantly increased in breast invasive carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, kidney chromophobe, kidney renal clear cell carcinoma, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma, prostate adenocarcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, and uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma, whereas FBXW5 mRNA expression was only significantly decreased in colon adenocarcinoma. There were not any significant differences in gene copy number gains, losses, or gene simple somatic mutations between primary prostate cancers and normal prostate tissues. The mRNA expression levels of FBXW5, 7, 8, 9, and 12 were significantly higher in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancers (mCRPCs) than primary prostate cancers, whereas mRNA expression levels of FBXW1 and 4 were significantly lower in mCRPCs than primary prostate cancers. All 10 FBXW genes had significantly more overall gene alterations including gene amplifications in mCRPCs than primary prostate cancers. FBXW5 and 7 had significantly more gene deep deletions in mCRPCs than primary prostate cancers and FBXW7 had significantly more gene missense mutations in mCRPCs than primary prostate cancers. Our findings suggest that different FBXW genes have differential mRNA expression in prostate cancer and other cancer types and their gene amplifications are significantly more in mCRPCs than primary prostate cancers. FBXW7 mRNA expression is consistently decreased in primary prostate cancers compared to normal prostate tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxin Lan
- Department of Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Ben Jin
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care SystemNew Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Yao-Zhong Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Computer Science and Biostatistics Facility of RCMI Cancer Research Center, Xavier University of LouisianaNew Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tianhua Niu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Zongbing You
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care SystemNew Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Structural & Cellular Biology, Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA, USA
- Tulane Center for Aging, Tulane UniversityNew Orleans, LA, USA
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14
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Li H, Ma RQ, Cheng HY, Ye X, Zhu HL, Chang XH. Fibrinogen alpha chain promotes the migration and invasion of human endometrial stromal cells in endometriosis through focal adhesion kinase/protein kinase B/matrix metallopeptidase 2 pathway†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:779-790. [PMID: 32697296 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrinogen alpha chain (FGA), a cell adhesion molecule, contains two arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (RGD) cell adhesion sequences. Our previous study demonstrated that FGA, as an up-regulated protein in endometriosis (EM), was closely related to disease severity and involved in the development of EM. However, the biological functions and underlying mechanism of FGA in EM have not been fully understood. To explore the roles of FGA in EM, we analyzed the effects of FGA on the biological behaviors of human primary eutopic endometrial stromal cells (EuESC). The results indicated FGA knockdown suppressed the migration and invasion ability of EuESC, which also altered the distribution of cytoskeletal filamentous and cell morphology. Western blot analysis demonstrated that knockdown of FGA attenuated the migration-related protein levels of vimentin and matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2), but not integrin subunit alpha V (ITGAV) and integrin subunit beta 3 (ITGB3). Meanwhile, integrin-linked transduction pathways were detected. We found FGA knockdown significantly suppressed the expression of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) level and protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation, without extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) dependent pathways. Treatment with the AKT inhibitor MK2206 or RGD antagonist highly decreased the effects of FGA on the migration and invasion of EuESC. RGD antagonist treatment strongly inhibited FAK- and AKT-dependent pathways, but not ERK pathways. Our data indicated that FGA may enhance the migration and invasion of EuESC through RGD sequences binding integrin and activating the FAK/AKT/MMP-2 signaling pathway. This novel finding suggests that FGA may provide a novel potential approach to the treatment of EM, which provides a new way to understand the pathogenesis of EM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Center of Gynecological Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Rui-Qiong Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Center of Gynecological Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Yan Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Center of Gynecological Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Ye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Center of Gynecological Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Lan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.,Center of Gynecological Oncology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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15
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Marconi GD, Carradori S, Ricci A, Guglielmi P, Cataldi A, Zara S. Kinesin Eg5 Targeting Inhibitors as a New Strategy for Gastric Adenocarcinoma Treatment. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24213948. [PMID: 31683688 PMCID: PMC6864856 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24213948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Kinesins are proteins involved in several biological processes such as mitosis, intracellular transport, and microtubule movement. The mitotic process is allowed by the correct formation of the mitotic spindle which consists of microtubules originating from the spindle poles. In recent years, kinesin Eg5 inhibitors were studied as new chemotherapeutic drugs, due to the lack of side effects and resistance mechanisms. The aim of this work was to investigate the molecular signaling underlying the administration of novel kinesis Eg5 inhibitors in an in vitro model of gastric adenocarcinoma. Data obtained from analogues of K858 led us to select compounds 2 and 41, due to their lower IC50 values. The ability of kinesin inhibitors to induce apoptosis was investigated by evaluating Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression, evidencing that compound 41 and K858 markedly raise Bax expression, while only compounds 2 and 41 co-administrated with K858 trigger Caspase-3 activation. The inhibition of mitotic spindle was measured by β-tubulin immunofluorescence analysis revealing monopolar spindles formation in gastric cancer cells treated with compounds 2, 41, and K858. Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS-2) and Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) expression levels were measured finding a NOS-2-mediated downregulation of MMP-9 when compound 41 and K858 are co-administered. However, this is in contrast to what was reported by migration assay in which both novel compounds and K858 in monotherapy markedly reduce cell migration. This work remarks the importance of understanding and exploring the biological effects of different novel Eg5 kinesin inhibitors administered in monotherapy and in combination with K858 as potential strategy to counteract gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guya Diletta Marconi
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Simone Carradori
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Alessia Ricci
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Paolo Guglielmi
- Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Amelia Cataldi
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Susi Zara
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
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