1
|
Zhang Z, Wu Y, Fu J, Yu X, Su Y, Jia S, Cheng H, Shen Y, He X, Ren K, Zheng X, Guan H, Rao F, Zhao L. Proteostatic reactivation of the developmental transcription factor TBX3 drives BRAF/MAPK-mediated tumorigenesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4108. [PMID: 38750011 PMCID: PMC11096176 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48173-9] [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: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
MAPK pathway-driven tumorigenesis, often induced by BRAFV600E, relies on epithelial dedifferentiation. However, how lineage differentiation events are reprogrammed remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that proteostatic reactivation of developmental factor, TBX3, accounts for BRAF/MAPK-mediated dedifferentiation and tumorigenesis. During embryonic development, BRAF/MAPK upregulates USP15 to stabilize TBX3, which orchestrates organogenesis by restraining differentiation. The USP15-TBX3 axis is reactivated during tumorigenesis, and Usp15 knockout prohibits BRAFV600E-driven tumor development in a Tbx3-dependent manner. Deleting Tbx3 or Usp15 leads to tumor redifferentiation, which parallels their overdifferentiation tendency during development, exemplified by disrupted thyroid folliculogenesis and elevated differentiation factors such as Tpo, Nis, Tg. The clinical relevance is highlighted in that both USP15 and TBX3 highly correlates with BRAFV600E signature and poor tumor prognosis. Thus, USP15 stabilized TBX3 represents a critical proteostatic mechanism downstream of BRAF/MAPK-directed developmental homeostasis and pathological transformation, supporting that tumorigenesis largely relies on epithelial dedifferentiation achieved via embryonic regulatory program reinitiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlei Zhang
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yufan Wu
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinrong Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiujie Yu
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Su
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shikai Jia
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huili Cheng
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Central Hospital of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tianjin, China
| | - Xianghui He
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai Ren
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangqian Zheng
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Haixia Guan
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Feng Rao
- School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumor, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li M, Li T, Jin T, Chen Y, Cheng L, Liang Q, Yan S, Li T, Ran Q, Chen W. Abnormal activation of the Wnt3a/β-catenin signaling pathway promotes the expression of T-box transcription factor 3(TBX3) and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathway to mediate the occurrence of adenomyosis. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:9935-9950. [PMID: 37878207 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08870-y] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-box transcription factor 3(TBX3) is a transcription factor that can regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration in different tumor cells; however, its role in adenomyosis (ADM) has not been previously studied. Some of ADM's pathophysiological characteristics are similar to those of malignant tumors (e.g., abnormal proliferation, migration, and invasion). METHODS AND RESULTS We hypothesized that TBX3 might have a role in ADM. We used tamoxifen-induced Institute of Cancer research (ICR) mice to establish ADM disease model. The study procedure included western blotting and immunohistochemistry to analyze protein levels; additionally, we used intraperitoneal injection of Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor XAV-939 to study the relationship between TBX3 and Wnt/β-catenin pathway as well as Anti-proliferation cell nuclear antigen( PCNA) and TUNEL to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. TBX3 overexpression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ADM mice was found to be associated with activation of the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway. Treatment with XAV-939 in ADM mice led to the inhibition of both TBX3 and EMT; moreover, abnormal cell proliferation was suppressed, the depth of invasion of endometrium cells was limited. Thus, the use of XAV-939 effectively inhibited further invasion of endometrial cells. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that TBX3 may play an important role in the development of ADM. The expression of TBX3 in ADM was regulated by the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway. The activation of the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway in ADM promoted TBX3 expression and induced the occurrence of EMT, thus promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, ultimately accelerating the development of ADM. The study provides a reference for the diagnosis of ADM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengqi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiheng Liang
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Simiao Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingting Li
- Division of Histology and Embryology, International Joint Laboratory for Embryonic Development & Prenatal Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingzhen Ran
- Department of Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, 111 Dade Road, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wanqun Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, 601 Huangpu Avenue West, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhan X, Liu Y, Jannu AJ, Huang S, Ye B, Wei W, Pandya PH, Ye X, Pollok KE, Renbarger JL, Huang K, Zhang J. Identify potential driver genes for PAX-FOXO1 fusion-negative rhabdomyosarcoma through frequent gene co-expression network mining. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1080989. [PMID: 36793601 PMCID: PMC9924292 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1080989] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a soft tissue sarcoma usually originated from skeletal muscle. Currently, RMS classification based on PAX-FOXO1 fusion is widely adopted. However, compared to relatively clear understanding of the tumorigenesis in the fusion-positive RMS, little is known for that in fusion-negative RMS (FN-RMS). Methods We explored the molecular mechanisms and the driver genes of FN-RMS through frequent gene co-expression network mining (fGCN), differential copy number (CN) and differential expression analyses on multiple RMS transcriptomic datasets. Results We obtained 50 fGCN modules, among which five are differentially expressed between different fusion status. A closer look showed 23% of Module 2 genes are concentrated on several cytobands of chromosome 8. Upstream regulators such as MYC, YAP1, TWIST1 were identified for the fGCN modules. Using in a separate dataset we confirmed that, comparing to FP-RMS, 59 Module 2 genes show consistent CN amplification and mRNA overexpression, among which 28 are on the identified chr8 cytobands. Such CN amplification and nearby MYC (also resides on one of the above cytobands) and other upstream regulators (YAP1, TWIST1) may work together to drive FN-RMS tumorigenesis and progression. Up to 43.1% downstream targets of Yap1 and 45.8% of the targets of Myc are differentially expressed in FN-RMS vs. normal comparisons, which also confirmed the driving force of these regulators. Discussion We discovered that copy number amplification of specific cytobands on chr8 and the upstream regulators MYC, YAP1 and TWIST1 work together to affect the downstream gene co-expression and promote FN-RMS tumorigenesis and progression. Our findings provide new insights for FN-RMS tumorigenesis and offer promising targets for precision therapy. Experimental investigation about the functions of identified potential drivers in FN-RMS are in progress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Zhan
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yusong Liu
- College of Intelligent Systems Science and Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, China
| | - Asha Jacob Jannu
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Bo Ye
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pankita H Pandya
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Xiufen Ye
- College of Intelligent Systems Science and Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, China
| | - Karen E Pollok
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jamie L Renbarger
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Kun Huang
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dzhumashev D, Timpanaro A, Ali S, De Micheli AJ, Mamchaoui K, Cascone I, Rössler J, Bernasconi M. Quantum Dot-Based Screening Identifies F3 Peptide and Reveals Cell Surface Nucleolin as a Therapeutic Target for Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205048. [PMID: 36291832 PMCID: PMC9600270 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205048] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Active drug delivery by tumor-targeting peptides is a promising approach to improve existing therapies for rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), by increasing the therapeutic effect and decreasing the systemic toxicity, e.g., by drug-loaded peptide-targeted nanoparticles. Here, we tested 20 different tumor-targeting peptides for their ability to bind to two RMS cell lines, Rh30 and RD, using quantum dots Streptavidin and biotin-peptides conjugates as a model for nanoparticles. Four peptides revealed a very strong binding to RMS cells: NCAM-1-targeting NTP peptide, nucleolin-targeting F3 peptide, and two Furin-targeting peptides, TmR and shTmR. F3 peptide showed the strongest binding to all RMS cell lines tested, low binding to normal control myoblasts and fibroblasts, and efficient internalization into RMS cells demonstrated by the cytoplasmic delivery of the Saporin toxin. The expression of the nucleophosphoprotein nucleolin, the target of F3, on the surface of RMS cell lines was validated by competition with the natural ligand lactoferrin, by colocalization with the nucleolin-binding aptamer AS1411, and by the marked sensitivity of RMS cell lines to the growth inhibitory nucleolin-binding N6L pseudopeptide. Taken together, our results indicate that nucleolin-targeting by F3 peptide represents a potential therapeutic approach for RMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dzhangar Dzhumashev
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Timpanaro
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Safa Ali
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Andrea J. De Micheli
- Department of Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 3032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kamel Mamchaoui
- Centre de Recherche en Myologie, Institut de Myologie, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Ilaria Cascone
- IMRB, INSERM, University Paris Est Creteil, 94010 Creteil, France
- AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalo-Universitaire Chenevier Mondor, Centre d’Investigation Clinique Biothérapie, 94010 Créteil, France
| | - Jochen Rössler
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 3032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Codenotti S, Zizioli D, Mignani L, Rezzola S, Tabellini G, Parolini S, Giacomini A, Asperti M, Poli M, Mandracchia D, Vezzoli M, Bernardi S, Russo D, Mitola S, Monti E, Triggiani L, Tomasini D, Gastaldello S, Cassandri M, Rota R, Marampon F, Fanzani A. Hyperactive Akt1 Signaling Increases Tumor Progression and DNA Repair in Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma RD Line and Confers Susceptibility to Glycolysis and Mevalonate Pathway Inhibitors. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182859. [PMID: 36139434 PMCID: PMC9497225 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), elevated Akt signaling is associated with increased malignancy. Here, we report that expression of a constitutively active, myristoylated form of Akt1 (myrAkt1) in human RMS RD cells led to hyperactivation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) pathway, resulting in the loss of both MyoD and myogenic capacity, and an increase of Ki67 expression due to high cell mitosis. MyrAkt1 signaling increased migratory and invasive cell traits, as detected by wound healing, zymography, and xenograft zebrafish assays, and promoted repair of DNA damage after radiotherapy and doxorubicin treatments, as revealed by nuclear detection of phosphorylated H2A histone family member X (γH2AX) through activation of DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK). Treatment with synthetic inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt was sufficient to completely revert the aggressive cell phenotype, while the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin failed to block cell dissemination. Furthermore, we found that pronounced Akt1 signaling increased the susceptibility to cell apoptosis after treatments with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) and lovastatin, enzymatic inhibitors of hexokinase, and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), especially in combination with radiotherapy and doxorubicin. In conclusion, these data suggest that restriction of glucose metabolism and the mevalonate pathway, in combination with standard therapy, may increase therapy success in RMS tumors characterized by a dysregulated Akt signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Codenotti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Zizioli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Mignani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Rezzola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Tabellini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Parolini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Arianna Giacomini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Michela Asperti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maura Poli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Delia Mandracchia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marika Vezzoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Simona Bernardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Domenico Russo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefania Mitola
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Eugenio Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Triggiani
- Radiation Oncology Department, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Davide Tomasini
- Radiation Oncology Department, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Gastaldello
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Precision Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Laishan District, Guanhai Road 346, Yantai 264003, China
| | - Matteo Cassandri
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Marampon
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fanzani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-030-3717567
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Willmer T, Damerell V, Smyly S, Sims D, Du Toit M, Ncube S, Sinkala M, Govender D, Sturrock E, Blackburn JM, Prince S. Targeting the oncogenic TBX3:nucleolin complex to treat multiple sarcoma subtypes. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5680-5700. [PMID: 34873487 PMCID: PMC8640805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are diverse cancers of mesenchymal origin, with compromised clinical management caused by insufficient diagnostic biomarkers and limited treatment options. The transcription factor TBX3 is upregulated in a diverse range of sarcoma subtypes, where it plays a direct oncogenic role, and it may thus represent a novel therapeutic target. To identify versatile ways to target TBX3, we performed affinity purification coupled by mass spectrometry to identify putative TBX3 protein cofactors that regulate its oncogenic activity in sarcomas. Here we identify and validate the multifunctional phosphoprotein nucleolin as a TBX3 cofactor. We show that nucleolin is co-expressed with TBX3 in several sarcoma subtypes and their expression levels positively correlate in sarcoma patients which are associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that nucleolin and TBX3 interact in chondrosarcoma, liposarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma cells where they act together to enhance proliferation and migration and regulate a common set of tumor suppressor genes. Importantly, the nucleolin targeting aptamer, AS1411, exhibits selective anti-cancer activity in these cells and mislocalizes TBX3 and nucleolin to the cytoplasm which correlates with the re-expression of the TBX3/nucleolin target tumor suppressors CDKN1A (p21CIP1) and CDKN2A (p14ARF). Our findings provide the first evidence that TBX3 requires nucleolin to promote features of sarcomagenesis and that disruption of the oncogenic TBX3-nucleolin interaction by AS1411 may be a novel approach for treating sarcomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tarryn Willmer
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape TownCape Town 7925, South Africa
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research CouncilTygerberg 7505, South Africa
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch UniversityTygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | - Victoria Damerell
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape TownCape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Shannon Smyly
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape TownCape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Danica Sims
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape TownCape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Michelle Du Toit
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape TownCape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Stephanie Ncube
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape TownCape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Musalula Sinkala
- Division of Computational Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape TownCape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Dhirendra Govender
- Anatomical Pathology, PathcareCape Town 7925, South Africa
- Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, NHLS-Groote Schuur HospitalCape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Edward Sturrock
- Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape TownCape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Jonathan M Blackburn
- Division of Chemical and Systems Biology, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape TownCape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Sharon Prince
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape TownCape Town 7925, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Damerell V, Pepper MS, Prince S. Molecular mechanisms underpinning sarcomas and implications for current and future therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:246. [PMID: 34188019 PMCID: PMC8241855 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00647-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are complex mesenchymal neoplasms with a poor prognosis. Their clinical management is highly challenging due to their heterogeneity and insensitivity to current treatments. Although there have been advances in understanding specific genomic alterations and genetic mutations driving sarcomagenesis, the underlying molecular mechanisms, which are likely to be unique for each sarcoma subtype, are not fully understood. This is in part due to a lack of consensus on the cells of origin, but there is now mounting evidence that they originate from mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs). To identify novel treatment strategies for sarcomas, research in recent years has adopted a mechanism-based search for molecular markers for targeted therapy which has included recapitulating sarcomagenesis using in vitro and in vivo MSC models. This review provides a comprehensive up to date overview of the molecular mechanisms that underpin sarcomagenesis, the contribution of MSCs to modelling sarcomagenesis in vivo, as well as novel topics such as the role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition (EMT)/mesenchymal-to-epithelial-transition (MET) plasticity, exosomes, and microRNAs in sarcomagenesis. It also reviews current therapeutic options including ongoing pre-clinical and clinical studies for targeted sarcoma therapy and discusses new therapeutic avenues such as targeting recently identified molecular pathways and key transcription factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Damerell
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Michael S Pepper
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Immunology, SAMRC Extramural Unit for Stem Research and Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sharon Prince
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Miwa S, Yamamoto N, Hayashi K, Takeuchi A, Igarashi K, Tsuchiya H. Recent Advances and Challenges in the Treatment of Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071758. [PMID: 32630642 PMCID: PMC7409313 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft tissue sarcoma noted in childhood, requires multimodality treatment, including chemotherapy, surgical resection, and/or radiation therapy. The majority of the patients with localized rhabdomyosarcoma can be cured; however, the long-term outcomes in patients with metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma remain poor. The standard chemotherapy regimen for patients with rhabdomyosarcoma is the combination of vincristine, actinomycin, and cyclophosphamide/ifosfamide. In recent clinical trials, modifications of the standard chemotherapy protocol have shown improvements in the outcomes in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma. In various type of malignancies, new treatments, such as molecular targeted drugs and immunotherapies, have shown superior clinical outcomes compared to those of standard treatments. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the benefits of these treatments in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma. Moreover, recent basic and clinical studies on rhabdomyosarcoma have reported promising therapeutic targets and novel therapeutic approaches. This article reviews the recent challenges and advances in the management of rhabdomyosarcoma.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ashrafizadeh M, Zarrabi A, Hushmandi K, Hashemi F, Hashemi F, Samarghandian S, Najafi M. MicroRNAs in cancer therapy: Their involvement in oxaliplatin sensitivity/resistance of cancer cells with a focus on colorectal cancer. Life Sci 2020; 256:117973. [PMID: 32569779 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The resistance of cancer cells into chemotherapy has restricted the efficiency of anti-tumor drugs. Oxaliplatin (OX) being an anti-tumor agent/drug is extensively used in the treatment of various cancer diseases. However, its frequent application has led to chemoresistance. As a consequence, studies have focused in finding underlying molecular pathways involved in OX resistance. MicroRNAs (miRs) are short endogenous non-coding RNAs that are able to regulate vital biological mechanisms such as cell proliferation and cell growth. The abnormal expression of miRs occurs in pathological events, particularly cancer. In the present review, we describe the involvement of miRs in OX resistance and sensitivity. The miRs are able to induce the oncogene factors and mechanisms, resulting in stimulation OX chemoresistance. Also, onco-suppressor miRs can enhance the sensitivity of cancer cells into OX chemotherapy and trigger apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, leading to reduced viability and progression of cancer cells. MiRs can also enhance the efficacy of OX chemotherapy. It is worth mentioning that miRs affect various down-stream targets in OX resistance/sensitivity such as STAT3, TGF-β, ATG4B, FOXO1, LATS2, NF-κB and so on. By identification of these miRs and their upstream and down-stream mediators, further studies can focus on targeting them to sensitize cancer cells into OX chemotherapy and induce apoptotic cell death.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Sabanci University Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Tuzla 34956, Istanbul, Turkey; Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces (EFSUN), Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Tuzla, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | | | - Farid Hashemi
- DVM. Graduated, Young Researcher and Elite Club, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazeroon, Iran
| | - Fardin Hashemi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Healthy Ageing Research Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
| | - Masoud Najafi
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine Department, School of Paramedical Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|