1
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Aljagthmi AA, Hira A, Zhang J, Cooke M, Kazanietz MG, Kadakia MP. ∆Np63α inhibits Rac1 activation and cancer cell invasion through suppression of PREX1. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:13. [PMID: 38191532 PMCID: PMC10774331 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01789-0] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ΔNp63α, a member of the p53 family of transcription factors, plays a critical role in maintaining the proliferative potential of stem cells in the stratified epithelium. Although ΔNp63α is considered an oncogene and is frequently overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma, loss of ΔNp63α expression is associated with increased tumor cell invasion and metastasis. We recently identified a ΔNp63α/miR-320a/PKCγ signaling axis that regulates cancer cell invasion by inhibiting phosphorylation of the small GTPase Rac1, a master switch of cell motility that positively regulates cell invasion in multiple human cancers. In this study, we identified a novel mechanism by which ΔNp63α negatively regulates Rac1 activity, by inhibiting the expression of the Rac-specific Guanine Exchange Factor PREX1. ΔNp63α knockdown in multiple squamous cell carcinoma cell lines leads to increased Rac1 activation, which is abrogated by treatment with the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766. Furthermore, ΔNp63α negatively regulates PREX1 transcript and protein levels. Using a Rac-GEF activation assay, we also showed that ΔNp63α reduces the levels of active PREX1. The inhibition of the PREX1-Rac1 signaling axis by ΔNp63α leads to impaired cell invasion, thus establishing the functional relevance of this link. Our results elucidated a novel molecular mechanism by which ΔNp63α negatively affects cancer cell invasion and identifies the ΔNp63α/Rac1 axis as a potential target for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amjad A Aljagthmi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Akshay Hira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA
| | - Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Madhavi P Kadakia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
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2
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Singh I, Rainusso N, Kurenbekova L, Nirala BK, Dou J, Muruganandham A, Yustein JT. Intrinsic epigenetic state of primary osteosarcoma drives metastasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.09.566446. [PMID: 38014160 PMCID: PMC10680799 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.09.566446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant bone tumor affecting the pediatric population with high potential to metastasize to distal sites, most commonly the lung. Insights into defining molecular features contributing to metastatic potential are lacking. We have mapped the active chromatin landscapes of OS tumors by integrating histone H3 lysine acetylated chromatin (H3K27ac) profiles (n=13), chromatin accessibility profiles (n=11) and gene expression (n=13) to understand the differences in their active chromatin profiles and its impact on molecular mechanisms driving the malignant phenotypes. Primary OS tumors from patients with metastasis (primary met) have a distinct active chromatin landscape compared to primary tumors from patients without metastatic disease (localized). The difference in chromatin activity shapes the transcriptional profile of OS. We identified novel candidate genes involved in OS pathogenesis and metastasis, including PPP1R1B, PREX1 and IGF2BP1, which exhibit increased chromatin activity in primary met along with higher transcript levels. Overall, differential chromatin activity in primary met occurs in proximity of genes regulating actin cytoskeleton organization, cellular adhesion, and extracellular matrix suggestive of their role in facilitating OS metastasis. Furthermore, chromatin profiling of tumors from metastatic lung lesions noted increases in chromatin activity in genes involved in cell migration and key intracellular signaling cascades, including the Wnt pathway. Thus, this data demonstrates that metastatic potential is intrinsically present in primary metastatic tumors and the cellular chromatin profiles further adapt to allow for successful dissemination, migration, and colonization at the distal metastatic site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irtisha Singh
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Interdisciplinary Program in Genetics and Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77840, USA
| | - Nino Rainusso
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lyazat Kurenbekova
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bikesh K. Nirala
- Winship Cancer Institute and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Juan Dou
- Winship Cancer Institute and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Abhinaya Muruganandham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jason T. Yustein
- Winship Cancer Institute and Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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3
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Cooke M, Zhang S, Cornejo Maciel F, Kazanietz MG. Gi/o GPCRs drive the formation of actin-rich tunneling nanotubes in cancer cells via a Gβγ/PKCα/FARP1/Cdc42 axis. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104983. [PMID: 37390986 PMCID: PMC10374973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The functional association between stimulation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by eicosanoids and actin cytoskeleton reorganization remains largely unexplored. Using a model of human adrenocortical cancer cells, here we established that activation of the GPCR OXER1 by its natural agonist, the eicosanoid 5-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid, leads to the formation of filopodia-like elongated projections connecting adjacent cells, known as tunneling nanotube (TNT)-like structures. This effect is reduced by pertussis toxin and GUE1654, a biased antagonist for the Gβγ pathway downstream of OXER1 activation. We also observed pertussis toxin-dependent TNT biogenesis in response to lysophosphatidic acid, indicative of a general response driven by Gi/o-coupled GPCRs. TNT generation by either 5-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid or lysophosphatidic acid is partially dependent on the transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor and impaired by phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibition. Subsequent signaling analysis reveals a strict requirement of phospholipase C β3 and its downstream effector protein kinase Cα. Consistent with the established role of Rho small GTPases in the formation of actin-rich projecting structures, we identified the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-regulated guanine nucleotide exchange factor FARP1 as a GPCR effector essential for TNT formation, acting via Cdc42. Altogether, our study pioneers a link between Gi/o-coupled GPCRs and TNT development and sheds light into the intricate signaling pathways governing the generation of specialized actin-rich elongated structures in response to bioactive signaling lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Suli Zhang
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Fabiana Cornejo Maciel
- Departament of Human Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; INBIOMED, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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4
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Baker MJ, Kazanietz MG. The anti-Rac1-GTP antibody and the detection of active Rac1: a tool with a fundamental flaw. Small GTPases 2022; 13:136-140. [PMID: 33910489 PMCID: PMC9707529 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2021.1920824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Rac1 is a member of the Rho GTPase family and is involved in many cellular processes, particularly the formation of actin-rich membrane protrusions, such as lamellipodia and ruffles. With such a widely studied protein, it is essential that the research community has reliable tools for detecting Rac1 activation both in cellular models and tissues. Using a series of cancer cellular models, we recently demonstrated that a widely used antibody for visualizing active Rac1 (Rac1-GTP) does not recognize Rac1 but instead recognizes vimentin filaments (Baker MJ, J. Biol. Chem. 295:13698-13710, 2020). We believe that this tool has misled the field and impose on the GTPase research community the need to validate published results using this antibody as well as to continue the development of new resources to visualize endogenous active Rac1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J. Baker
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marcelo G. Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,CONTACT Marcelo G. Kazanietz Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 1256 Biomedical Research Building II/III, 421 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA19104-6160, USA
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5
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Haffner MC, Bhamidipati A, Tsai HK, Esopi DM, Vaghasia AM, Low JY, Patel RA, Guner G, Pham MT, Castagna N, Hicks J, Wyhs N, Aebersold R, De Marzo AM, Nelson WG, Guo T, Yegnasubramanian S. Phenotypic characterization of two novel cell line models of castration-resistant prostate cancer. Prostate 2021; 81:1159-1171. [PMID: 34402095 PMCID: PMC8460612 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Resistance to androgen deprivation therapies is a major driver of mortality in advanced prostate cancer. Therefore, there is a need to develop new preclinical models that allow the investigation of resistance mechanisms and the assessment of drugs for the treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer. METHODS We generated two novel cell line models (LAPC4-CR and VCaP-CR) which were derived by passaging LAPC4 and VCaP cells in vivo and in vitro under castrate conditions. We performed detailed transcriptomic (RNA-seq) and proteomic analyses (SWATH-MS) to delineate expression differences between castration-sensitive and castration-resistant cell lines. Furthermore, we characterized the in vivo and in vitro growth characteristics of these novel cell line models. RESULTS The two cell line derivatives LAPC4-CR and VCaP-CR showed castration-resistant growth in vitro and in vivo which was only minimally inhibited by AR antagonists, enzalutamide, and bicalutamide. High-dose androgen treatment resulted in significant growth arrest of VCaP-CR but not in LAPC4-CR cells. Both cell lines maintained AR expression, but exhibited distinct expression changes on the mRNA and protein level. Integrated analyses including data from LNCaP and the previously described castration-resistant LNCaP-abl cells revealed an expression signature of castration resistance. CONCLUSIONS The two novel cell line models LAPC4-CR and VCaP-CR and their comprehensive characterization on the RNA and protein level represent important resources to study the molecular mechanisms of castration resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Haffner
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Akshay Bhamidipati
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Harrison K. Tsai
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David M. Esopi
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ajay M. Vaghasia
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jin-Yih Low
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Radhika A. Patel
- Divisions of Human Biology and Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gunes Guner
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Minh-Tam Pham
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Nicole Castagna
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Jessica Hicks
- Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Nicolas Wyhs
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ruedi Aebersold
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH, Zürich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Zürich, Zürich. Switzerland
| | - Angelo M. De Marzo
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - William G. Nelson
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tiannan Guo
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH, Zürich, Switzerland
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Srinivasan Yegnasubramanian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, Baltimore, USA
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6
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Liang Q, Chang Y, Liu J, Yu Y, Qiu W, Li J, Yang X, Sun G. P-Rex1 Cooperates With TGFβR2 to Drive Lung Fibroblast Migration in Pulmonary Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:678733. [PMID: 34349645 PMCID: PMC8326510 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.678733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis is a kind of interstitial lung disease with progressive pulmonary scar formation, leading to irreversible loss of lung functions. The TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway plays a key role in fibrogenic processes. It is associated with the increased synthesis of extracellular matrix, enhanced proliferation of fibroblasts, and transformation of alveolar epithelial cells into interstitial cells. We investigated P-Rex1, a PIP3-Gβγ-dependent guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rac, for its potential role in TGF-β1-induced pulmonary fibrosis. A high expression level of P-Rex1 was identified in the lung tissue of patients with pulmonary fibrosis than that from healthy donors. Using the P-Rex1 knockdown and overexpression system, we established a novel player of P-Rex1 in mouse lung fibroblast migration. P-Rex1 contributed to fibrogenic processes in lung fibroblasts by targeting the TGF-β type Ⅱ receptor (TGFβR2). The RNA-seq analysis for expression profiling confirmed the modulation of P-Rex1 in cell migration and the involvement of P-Rex1 in TGF-β1 signaling. These results identified P-Rex1 as a signaling molecule involved in TGF-β1-induced pulmonary fibrosis, suggesting that P-Rex1 may be a potential target for pulmonary fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhua Chang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wancheng Qiu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiajia Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangchun Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Fifth People's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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7
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Dharmawardhane S. Rho Family GTPases in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061271. [PMID: 33809395 PMCID: PMC7998900 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue containing seminal contributions from international experts highlights the current understanding of Rho GTPases in cancer, with an emphasis on recognizing their central importance as critical targets for cancer therapy and for chemosensitization of current therapeutic strategies [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Suranganie Dharmawardhane
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
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8
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Li Z, Wang Q, Peng S, Yao K, Chen J, Tao Y, Gao Z, Wang F, Li H, Cai W, Lai Y, Li K, Chen X, Huang H. The metastatic promoter DEPDC1B induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation via Rac1-PAK1 signaling. Clin Transl Med 2020; 10:e191. [PMID: 33135357 PMCID: PMC7536616 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of prostate cancer (PCa)‐related mortality. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a vital characteristic feature that empowers cancer cells to adapt and survive at the beginning of metastasis. Therefore, it is essential to identify the regulatory mechanism of EMT in metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) and to develop a novel therapy to block PCa metastasis. Here, we discovered a novel PCa metastasis oncogene, DEP domain containing 1B (DEPDC1B), which was positively correlated with the metastasis status, high Gleason score, advanced tumor stage, and poor prognosis. Functional assays revealed that DEPDC1B enhanced the migration, invasion, and proliferation of PCa cells in vitro and promoted tumor metastasis and growth in vivo. Mechanistic investigations clarified that DEPDC1B induced EMT and enhanced proliferation by binding to Rac1 and enhancing the Rac1‐PAK1 pathway. This DEPDC1B‐mediated oncogenic effect was reversed by a Rac1‐GTP inhibitor or Rac1 knockdown. In conclusion, we discover that the DEPDC1B‐Rac1‐PAK1 signaling pathway may serve as a multipotent target for clinical intervention in mPCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zean Li
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Shirong Peng
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Kai Yao
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Junxiu Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yiran Tao
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Ze Gao
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Fen Wang
- Center for Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Wenli Cai
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yiming Lai
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Kaiwen Li
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xu Chen
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Hai Huang
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
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9
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Cai Y, Zheng Q, Yao DJ. Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate dependent Rac exchange factor 1 is a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:3774-3785. [PMID: 32953853 PMCID: PMC7479560 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i17.3774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate dependent Rac exchange factor 1 (P-Rex1) was reported to be a risk factor in several cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma, but its expression and role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not yet been fully studied.
AIM To explore the expression of P-Rex1 in HCC, and further evaluate its potential application in the diagnosis and prognosis of HCC, especially in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related patients.
METHODS P-Rex1 expression in HCC was evaluated by real-time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The expression of P-Rex1 was subjected to correlation analysis with clinical features, such as lymph node invasion, distant metastasis, HBV infection, patient's age and gender. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to examine the potential role of P-Rex1 as a diagnostic biomarker in HCC. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the association between P-Rex1 expression and overall survival, progression-free survival and relapse-free survival. Bioinformatic analysis was used to validate the clinical findings.
RESULTS P-Rex1 expression was significantly increased in HCC tumors than adjacent tissues. The expression of P-Rex1 was higher in HCC patients with lymph node invasion, distant metastasis, HBV infection and positive alpha-fetoprotein, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that P-Rex1 was a diagnostic biomarker with a higher area under the curve value, especially in patients with HBV infection. Survival analysis showed that patients with higher P-Rex1 expression had a favorable survival rate, even in early-stage patients.
CONCLUSION P-Rex1 expression was highly increased in HCC, and the expression level of P-Rex1 was positively correlated with tumor progression. P-Rex1 has a higher efficiency in the diagnosis of HBV-related HCC, and could also be used as a favorable prognostic factor for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Cai
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiao Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - De-Jiao Yao
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
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10
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Baker MJ, Cooke M, Kreider-Letterman G, Garcia-Mata R, Janmey PA, Kazanietz MG. Evaluation of active Rac1 levels in cancer cells: A case of misleading conclusions from immunofluorescence analysis. J Biol Chem 2020; 295:13698-13710. [PMID: 32817335 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra120.013919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A large number of aggressive cancer cell lines display elevated levels of activated Rac1, a small GTPase widely implicated in cytoskeleton reorganization, cell motility, and metastatic dissemination. A commonly accepted methodological approach for detecting Rac1 activation in cancer cells involves the use of a conformation-sensitive antibody that detects the active (GTP-bound) Rac1 without interacting with the GDP-bound inactive form. This antibody has been extensively used in fixed cell immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Taking advantage of prostate and pancreatic cancer cell models known to have high basal Rac1-GTP levels, here we have established that this antibody does not recognize Rac1 but rather detects the intermediate filament protein vimentin. Indeed, Rac1-null PC3 prostate cancer cells or cancer models with low levels of Rac1 activation still show a high signal with the anti-Rac1-GTP antibody, which is lost upon silencing of vimentin expression. Moreover, this antibody was unable to detect activated Rac1 in membrane ruffles induced by epidermal growth factor stimulation. These results have profound implications for the study of this key GTPase in cancer, particularly because a large number of cancer cell lines with characteristic mesenchymal features show simultaneous up-regulation of vimentin and high basal Rac1-GTP levels when measured biochemically. This misleading correlation can lead to assumptions about the validity of this antibody and inaccurate conclusions that may affect the development of appropriate therapeutic approaches for targeting the Rac1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin J Baker
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
| | - Mariana Cooke
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Medicine, Einstein Medical Center Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Paul A Janmey
- Institute for Medicine and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Marcelo G Kazanietz
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
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