1
|
McCusker P, Clarke NG, Gardiner E, Armstrong R, McCammick EM, McVeigh P, Robb E, Wells D, Nowak-Roddy M, Albaqami A, Mousley A, Coulter JA, Harrington J, Marks NJ, Maule AG. Neoblast-like stem cells of Fasciola hepatica. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1011903. [PMID: 38805551 PMCID: PMC11161113 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The common liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) causes the disease fasciolosis, which results in considerable losses within the global agri-food industry. There is a shortfall in the drugs that are effective against both the adult and juvenile life stages within the mammalian host, such that new drug targets are needed. Over the last decade the stem cells of parasitic flatworms have emerged as reservoirs of putative novel targets due to their role in development and homeostasis, including at host-parasite interfaces. Here, we investigate and characterise the proliferating cells that underpin development in F. hepatica. We provide evidence that these cells are capable of self-renewal, differentiation, and are sensitive to ionising radiation- all attributes of neoblasts in other flatworms. Changes in cell proliferation were also noted during the early stages of in vitro juvenile growth/development (around four to seven days post excystment), which coincided with a marked reduction in the nuclear area of proliferating cells. Furthermore, we generated transcriptomes from worms following irradiation-based ablation of neoblasts, identifying 124 significantly downregulated transcripts, including known stem cell markers such as fgfrA and plk1. Sixty-eight of these had homologues associated with neoblast-like cells in Schistosoma mansoni. Finally, RNA interference mediated knockdown of histone h2b (a marker of proliferating cells), ablated neoblast-like cells and impaired worm development in vitro. In summary, this work demonstrates that the proliferating cells of F. hepatica are equivalent to neoblasts of other flatworm species and demonstrate that they may serve as attractive targets for novel anthelmintics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul McCusker
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Nathan G. Clarke
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Erica Gardiner
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Armstrong
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Erin M. McCammick
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Paul McVeigh
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Robb
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan Wells
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Madelyn Nowak-Roddy
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Abdullah Albaqami
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Mousley
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | - John Harrington
- Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, Duluth, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Nikki J. Marks
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron G. Maule
- Understanding Health & Disease, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen M, Zhang S, Wang F, He J, Jiang W, Zhang L. DLGAP5 promotes lung adenocarcinoma growth via upregulating PLK1 and serves as a therapeutic target. J Transl Med 2024; 22:209. [PMID: 38414025 PMCID: PMC10900829 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04910-8] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human discs large-associated protein 5 (DLGAP5) is reported to play a pivotal role in regulating the cell cycle and implicate in tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers. Our current research endeavored to explore the prognostic value, immune implication, biological function and targeting strategy of DLGAP5 in LUAD through approaches including bioinformatics, network pharmacology analysis and experimental study. METHODS Multiple databases, including TCGA, GEO, CPTAC and Human Protein Atlas, were utilized to explore the expression and clinical significance of DLGAP5 in LUAD. The genetic alterations of DLGAP5 were assessed through cBioPortal and COSMIC databases. The relationship between DLGAP5 expression and genetic abnormalities of driver genes in LUAD was analyzed through TIMER2.0 database. CancerSEA database was utilized to explore the function of DLGAP5 in 14 different states in LUAD at single-cell resolution. GDSC database was utilized to analyze the impact of DLGAP5 on IC50 of frequently-used anti-LUAD drugs. CIBERSORT method and TIMER2.0 database was utilized to explore the relationship between DLGAP5 and tumor immune infiltration. Network pharmacology was applied to screen potential DLGAP5 inhibitor. In vitro and in vivo experiments were utilized to evaluate biological function and downstream targets of DLGAP5, and the effect of screened DLGAP5 inhibitor on LUAD growth. RESULTS High DLGAP5 expression was commonly observed in LUAD and associated with mutation of major driver genes, poor prognosis, high IC50 values of frequently-used anti-LUAD drugs, increasing immune infiltration and elevated immune checkpoint blockade-related genes in LUAD. PLK1 was revealed as a potential DLGAP5 downstream target in LUAD. DLGAP5 overexpression or knockdown significantly promoted or inhibited LUAD cell proliferation and PLK1 expression. PLK1 overexpression well rescued DLGAP5 knockdown-induced cell proliferation inhibition, or vice versa. Furthermore, by virtual screening of an investigational drug library from the DrugBank database, AT9283 was screened and identified as a novel DLGAP5 inhibitor. AT9283 effectively suppressed growth of LUAD cells both in vitro and in vivo. DLGAP5 overexpression significantly reversed AT9283-induced proliferation inhibition. Moreover, AT9283 significantly suppressed DLGAP5 and PLK1 expression, while DLGAP5 overexpression significantly reversed AT9283-induced PLK1 suppression. CONCLUSION Our research has demonstrated that DLGAP5 is upregulated in LUAD and exhibits a strong correlation with unfavorable prognosis. Furthermore, DLGAP5 assumes a significant function in the regulation of tumor immunity and treatment outcome of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Of note, we found that DLGAP5 promotes cell proliferation of LUAD via upregulating PLK1. Targeting DLGAP5 by AT9283, our newly identified DLGAP5 inhibitor, suppresses LUAD growth. DLGAP5 may become a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for patients with LUAD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maojian Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaoping Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Junyi He
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Respiratory Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gregorczyk M, Parkes EE. Targeting mitotic regulators in cancer as a strategy to enhance immune recognition. DNA Repair (Amst) 2023; 132:103583. [PMID: 37871511 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2023.103583] [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: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Eukaryotic DNA has evolved to be enclosed within the nucleus to protect the cellular genome from autoinflammatory responses driven by the immunogenic nature of cytoplasmic DNA. Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (cGAS) is the cytoplasmic dsDNA sensor, which upon activation of Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING), mediates production of pro-inflammatory interferons (IFNs) and interferon stimulated genes (ISGs). However, although this pathway is crucial in detection of viral and microbial genetic material, cytoplasmic DNA is not always of foreign origin. It is now recognised that specifically in genomic instability, a hallmark of cancer, extranuclear material in the form of micronuclei (MN) can be generated as a result of unresolved DNA lesions during mitosis. Activation of cGAS-STING in cancer has been shown to regulate numerous tumour-immune interactions such as acquisition of 'immunologically hot' phenotype which stimulates immune-mediated elimination of transformed cells. Nonetheless, a significant percentage of poorly prognostic cancers is 'immunologically cold'. As this state has been linked with low proportion of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), improving immunogenicity of cold tumours could be clinically relevant by exhibiting synergy with immunotherapy. This review aims to present how inhibition of vital mitotic regulators could provoke cGAS-STING response in cancer and improve the efficacy of current immunotherapy regimens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Gregorczyk
- Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Eileen E Parkes
- Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jin H, Kim J, Lee O, Kim H, No KT. Leveraging the Fragment Molecular Orbital Method to Explore the PLK1 Kinase Binding Site and Polo-Box Domain for Potent Small-Molecule Drug Design. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15639. [PMID: 37958623 PMCID: PMC10650754 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115639] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays a pivotal role in cell division regulation and emerges as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Consequently, the development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting PLK1 has become a focal point in contemporary research. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding site and the polo-box domain in PLK1 present crucial interaction sites for these inhibitors, aiming to disrupt the protein's function. However, designing potent and selective small-molecule inhibitors can be challenging, requiring a deep understanding of protein-ligand interaction mechanisms at these binding sites. In this context, our study leverages the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method to explore these site-specific interactions in depth. Using the FMO approach, we used the FMO method to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of small-molecule drugs binding to these sites to design PLK1 inhibitors that are both potent and selective. Our investigation further entailed a comparative analysis of various PLK1 inhibitors, each characterized by distinct structural attributes, helping us gain a better understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and biological activity. The FMO method was particularly effective in identifying key binding features and predicting binding modes for small-molecule ligands. Our research also highlighted specific "hot spot" residues that played a critical role in the selective and robust binding of PLK1. These findings provide valuable insights that can be used to design new and effective PLK1 inhibitors, which can have significant implications for developing anticancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jin
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (O.L.)
| | - Jongwan Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
| | - Onju Lee
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (O.L.)
| | - Hyein Kim
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
| | - Kyoung Tai No
- The Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Integrative Biotechnology & Translational Medicine, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea; (H.J.); (O.L.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea
- Bioinformatics and Molecular Design Research Center (BMDRC), Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea;
- Baobab AiBIO Co., Ltd., Incheon 21983, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lashen AG, Toss MS, Wootton L, Green AR, Mongan NP, Madhusudan S, Rakha E. Characteristics and prognostic significance of polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1) expression in breast cancer. Histopathology 2023; 83:414-425. [PMID: 37222669 DOI: 10.1111/his.14960] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
AIM Polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1) plays a crucial role in cell cycle progression, and it is considered a potential therapeutic target in many cancers. Although the role of PLK1 is well established in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) as an oncogene, its role in luminal BC is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic and predictive role of PLK1 in BC and its molecular subtypes. METHODS A large BC cohort (n = 1208) were immunohistochemically stained for PLK1. The association with clinicopathological, molecular subtypes, and survival data was analysed. PLK1 mRNA was evaluated in the publicly available datasets (n = 6774), including The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Kaplan-Meier Plotter tool. RESULTS 20% of the study cohort showed high cytoplasmic PLK1 expression. High PLK1 expression was significantly associated with a better outcome in the whole cohort, luminal BC. In contrast, high PLK1 expression was associated with a poor outcome in TNBC. Multivariate analyses indicated that high PLK1 expression is independently associated with longer survival in luminal BC, and in poorer prognosis in TNBC. At the mRNA levels, PLK1 expression was associated with short survival in TNBC consistent with the protein expression. However, in luminal BC, its prognostic value significantly varies between cohorts. CONCLUSION The prognostic role of PLK1 in BC is molecular subtype-dependent. As PLK1 inhibitors are introduced to clinical trials for several cancer types, our study supports evaluation of the pharmacological inhibition of PLK1 as an attractive therapeutic target in TNBC. However, in luminal BC, PLK1 prognostic role remains controversial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayat G Lashen
- Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Egypt
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Michael S Toss
- Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Histopathology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Louisa Wootton
- Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew R Green
- Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Nigel P Mongan
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Srinivasan Madhusudan
- Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Oncology, Nottingham University Hospitals, Nottingham, UK
| | - Emad Rakha
- Academic Unit for Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El Kom, Egypt
- Department of Pathology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Moore XTR, Gheghiani L, Fu Z. The Role of Polo-Like Kinase 1 in Regulating the Forkhead Box Family Transcription Factors. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091344. [PMID: 37174744 PMCID: PMC10177174 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091344] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is a serine/threonine kinase with more than 600 phosphorylation substrates through which it regulates many biological processes, including mitosis, apoptosis, metabolism, RNA processing, vesicle transport, and G2 DNA-damage checkpoint recovery, among others. Among the many PLK1 targets are members of the FOX family of transcription factors (FOX TFs), including FOXM1, FOXO1, FOXO3, and FOXK1. FOXM1 and FOXK1 have critical oncogenic roles in cancer through their antagonism of apoptotic signals and their promotion of cell proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis, and therapeutic resistance. In contrast, FOXO1 and FOXO3 have been identified to have broad functions in maintaining cellular homeostasis. In this review, we discuss PLK1-mediated regulation of FOX TFs, highlighting the effects of PLK1 on the activity and stability of these proteins. In addition, we review the prognostic and clinical significance of these proteins in human cancers and, more importantly, the different approaches that have been used to disrupt PLK1 and FOX TF-mediated signaling networks. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting PLK1-regulated FOX TFs in human cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xavier T R Moore
- Department of Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Lilia Gheghiani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Zheng Fu
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang J, Zhang L, Wang J, Ouyang L, Wang Y. Polo-like Kinase 1 Inhibitors in Human Cancer Therapy: Development and Therapeutic Potential. J Med Chem 2022; 65:10133-10160. [PMID: 35878418 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) plays an important role in a variety of cellular functions, including the regulation of mitosis, DNA replication, autophagy, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). PLK1 overexpression is often associated with cell proliferation and poor prognosis in cancer patients, making it a promising antitumor target. To date, at least 10 PLK1 inhibitors (PLK1i) have been entered into clinical trials, among which the typical kinase domain (KD) inhibitor BI 6727 (volasertib) was granted "breakthrough therapy designation" by the FDA in 2013. Unfortunately, many other KD inhibitors showed poor specificity, resulting in dose-limiting toxicity, which has greatly impeded their development. Researchers recently discovered many PLK1i with higher selectivity, stronger potency, and better absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) characteristics. In this review, we emphasize the structure-activity relationships (SARs) of PLK1i, providing insights into new drugs targeting PLK1 for antitumor clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jifa Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lele Zhang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiaxing Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis 38163, Tennessee, United States
| | - Liang Ouyang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, Joint Research Institution of Altitude Health, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
SignificanceMitosis is an essential process in all eukaryotes, but paradoxically, genes required for mitosis vary among species. The essentiality of many mitotic genes was bypassed by activating alternative mechanisms during evolution. However, bypass events have rarely been recapitulated experimentally. Here, using the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the essentiality of a kinase (Plo1) required for bipolar spindle formation was bypassed by other mutations, many of which are associated with glucose metabolism. The Plo1 bypass by the reduction in glucose uptake was dependent on another kinase (casein kinase I), which potentiated spindle microtubule formation. This study illustrates a rare experimental bypass of essentiality for mitotic genes and provides insights into the molecular diversity of mitosis.
Collapse
|
9
|
Quan M, Oh Y, Cho SY, Kim JH, Moon HG. Polo-Like Kinase 1 Regulates Chromosomal Instability and Paclitaxel Resistance in Breast Cancer Cells. J Breast Cancer 2022; 25:178-192. [PMID: 35775700 PMCID: PMC9250878 DOI: 10.4048/jbc.2022.25.e28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Chromosomal instability (CIN) contributes to intercellular genetic heterogeneity and has been implicated in paclitaxel (PTX) resistance in breast cancer. In this study, we explored polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) as an important regulator of mitotic integrity and as a useful predictive biomarker for PTX resistance in breast cancer. Methods We performed PTX resistance screening using the human kinome CRISPR/Cas9 library in breast cancer cells. In vitro cell proliferation and apoptosis assays and in vivo xenograft experiments were performed to determine the effects of PLK1 on breast cancer cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to measure the degree of multipolar cell division. Results Kinome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening identified various kinases involved in PTX resistance in breast cancer cells; among these, PLK1 was chosen for further experiments. PLK1 knockdown inhibited the proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, PLK1 silencing sensitized breast cancer cells and mouse xenograft tumor models to PTX cytotoxicity. Silencing of PLK1 induced the formation of multipolar spindles and increased the percentage of multipolar cells. In addition, PLK1 silencing resulted in the downregulation of BubR1 and Mad2 in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, PLK1 upregulation in primary breast cancer was associated with decreased overall patient survival based on the analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium databases. Conclusion PLK1 plays an important role in PTX resistance by regulating CIN in breast cancer cells. Targeting PLK1 may be an effective treatment strategy for PTX-resistant breast cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingji Quan
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yumi Oh
- Medical Research Center, Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung-Yup Cho
- Medical Research Center, Genomic Medicine Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ju Hee Kim
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyeong-Gon Moon
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Prognostic Biomarkers in Uveal Melanoma: The Status Quo, Recent Advances and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010096. [PMID: 35008260 PMCID: PMC8749988 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although rare, uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common cancer that develops inside adult eyes. The prognosis is poor, since 50% of patients will develop lethal metastases in the first decade, especially to the liver. Once metastases are detected, life expectancy is limited, given that the available treatments are mostly unsuccessful. Thus, there is a need to find methods that can accurately predict UM prognosis and also effective therapeutic strategies to treat this cancer. In this manuscript, we initially compile the current knowledge on epidemiological, clinical, pathological and molecular features of UM. Then, we cover the most relevant prognostic factors currently used for the evaluation and follow-up of UM patients. Afterwards, we highlight emerging molecular markers in UM published over the last three years. Finally, we discuss the problems preventing meaningful advances in the treatment and prognostication of UM patients, as well as forecast new roadblocks and paths of UM-related research. Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common malignant intraocular tumour in the adult population. It is a rare cancer with an incidence of nearly five cases per million inhabitants per year, which develops from the uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes in the choroid (≈90%), ciliary body (≈6%) or iris (≈4%). Patients initially present either with symptoms like blurred vision or photopsia, or without symptoms, with the tumour being detected in routine eye exams. Over the course of the disease, metastases, which are initially dormant, develop in nearly 50% of patients, preferentially in the liver. Despite decades of intensive research, the only approach proven to mildly control disease spread are early treatments directed to ablate liver metastases, such as surgical excision or chemoembolization. However, most patients have a limited life expectancy once metastases are detected, since there are limited therapeutic approaches for the metastatic disease, including immunotherapy, which unlike in cutaneous melanoma, has been mostly ineffective for UM patients. Therefore, in order to offer the best care possible to these patients, there is an urgent need to find robust models that can accurately predict the prognosis of UM, as well as therapeutic strategies that effectively block and/or limit the spread of the metastatic disease. Here, we initially summarized the current knowledge about UM by compiling the most relevant epidemiological, clinical, pathological and molecular data. Then, we revisited the most important prognostic factors currently used for the evaluation and follow-up of primary UM cases. Afterwards, we addressed emerging prognostic biomarkers in UM, by comprehensively reviewing gene signatures, immunohistochemistry-based markers and proteomic markers resulting from research studies conducted over the past three years. Finally, we discussed the current hurdles in the field and anticipated the future challenges and novel avenues of research in UM.
Collapse
|
11
|
He Y, Duan L, Wu H, Chen S, Lu T, Li T, He Y. Integrated Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Impact of Photodynamic Therapy on Cerebrovascular Endothelial Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:731414. [PMID: 34881175 PMCID: PMC8645902 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.731414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels in the brain tissue form a compact vessel structure and play an essential role in maintaining the homeostasis of the neurovascular system. The low dosage of photodynamic intervention (PDT) significantly affects the expression of cellular biomarkers. To understand the impact of photodynamic interventions on cerebrovascular endothelial cells, we evaluated the dosage-dependent impact of porfimer sodium-mediated PDT on B.END3 cells using flow cytometer, comet assay, RNA sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis. To examine whether PDT can induce disorder of intracellular organelles, we did not observe any significance damage of DNA and cellular skeleton. Moreover, expression levels of cellular transporters-related genes were significantly altered, implying the drawbacks of PDT on cerebrovascular functions. To address the potential molecular mechanisms of these phenotypes, RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were employed to identify critical genes and pathways among these processes. The gene ontology (GO) analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) identified 15 hub genes, highly associated with cellular mitosis process (CDK1, CDC20, MCM5, MCM7, MCM4, CCNA2, AURKB, KIF2C, ESPL1, BUB1B) and DNA replication (POLE2, PLOE, CDC45, CDC6). Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) reveals that TNF-α/NF-κB and KRAS pathways may play a critical role in regulating expression levels of transporter-related genes. To further perform qRT-PCR assays, we find that TNF-α/NF-κB and KRAS pathways were substantially up-regulated, consistent with GSEA analysis. The current findings suggested that a low dosage of PDT intervention may be detrimental to the homeostasis of blood-brain barrier (BBB) by inducing the inflammatory response and affecting the expression of surface biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan He
- Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Duan
- Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Haigang Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Song Chen
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Taoyuan Lu
- Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Tianxiao Li
- Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yingkun He
- Department of Cerebrovascular Disease, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou University People’s Hospital, Henan International Joint Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease, Zhengzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Chen C, Gao D, Huo J, Qu R, Guo Y, Hu X, Luo L. Multiomics analysis reveals CT83 is the most specific gene for triple negative breast cancer and its hypomethylation is oncogenic in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12172. [PMID: 34108519 PMCID: PMC8190062 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91290-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer (BrC) subtype lacking effective therapeutic targets currently. The development of multi-omics databases facilities the identification of core genes for TNBC. Using TCGA-BRCA and METABRIC datasets, we identified CT83 as the most TNBC-specific gene. By further integrating FUSCC-TNBC, CCLE, TCGA pan-cancer, Expression Atlas, and Human Protein Atlas datasets, we found CT83 is frequently activated in TNBC and many other cancers, while it is always silenced in non-TNBC, 120 types of normal non-testis tissues, and 18 types of blood cells. Notably, according to the TCGA-BRCA methylation data, hypomethylation on chromosome X 116,463,019 to 116,463,039 is significantly correlated with the abnormal activation of CT83 in BrC. Using Kaplan-Meier Plotter, we demonstrated that activated CT83 is significantly associated with unfavorably overall survival in BrC and worse outcomes in some other cancers. Furthermore, GSEA suggested that the abnormal activation of CT83 in BrC is probably oncogenic by triggering the activation of cell cycle signaling. Meanwhile, we also noticed copy number variations and mutations of CT83 are quite rare in any cancer type, and its role in immune infiltration is not significant. In summary, we highlighted the significance of CT83 for TNBC and presented a comprehensive bioinformatics strategy for single-gene analysis in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Chen
- grid.452884.7Breast and Thyroid Center, The First People’s Hospital of Zunyi (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Fenghuang N Rd, Zunyi, 563000 Guizhou China
| | - Dan Gao
- grid.452884.7Breast and Thyroid Center, The First People’s Hospital of Zunyi (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Fenghuang N Rd, Zunyi, 563000 Guizhou China
| | - Jinlong Huo
- grid.452884.7Breast and Thyroid Center, The First People’s Hospital of Zunyi (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Fenghuang N Rd, Zunyi, 563000 Guizhou China
| | - Rui Qu
- grid.452884.7Breast and Thyroid Center, The First People’s Hospital of Zunyi (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Fenghuang N Rd, Zunyi, 563000 Guizhou China
| | - Youming Guo
- grid.452884.7Breast and Thyroid Center, The First People’s Hospital of Zunyi (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Fenghuang N Rd, Zunyi, 563000 Guizhou China
| | - Xiaochi Hu
- grid.452884.7Breast and Thyroid Center, The First People’s Hospital of Zunyi (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Fenghuang N Rd, Zunyi, 563000 Guizhou China
| | - Libo Luo
- grid.452884.7Breast and Thyroid Center, The First People’s Hospital of Zunyi (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University), Fenghuang N Rd, Zunyi, 563000 Guizhou China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
de Oliveira Lisboa M, Brofman PRS, Schmid-Braz AT, Rangel-Pozzo A, Mai S. Chromosomal Instability in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112655. [PMID: 34071283 PMCID: PMC8198625 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal instability (CIN), the increasing rate in which cells acquire new chromosomal alterations, is one of the hallmarks of cancer. Many studies highlighted CIN as an important mechanism in the origin, progression, and relapse of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The ambivalent feature of CIN as a cancer-promoting or cancer-suppressing mechanism might explain the prognostic variability. The latter, however, is described in very few studies. This review highlights the important CIN mechanisms in AML, showing that CIN signatures can occur largely in all the three major AML types (de novo AML, secondary-AML, and therapy-related-AML). CIN features in AML could also be age-related and reflect the heterogeneity of the disease. Although most of these abnormalities show an adverse prognostic value, they also offer a strong new perspective on personalized therapy approaches, which goes beyond assessing CIN in vitro in patient tumor samples to predict prognosis. Current and emerging AML therapies are exploring CIN to improve AML treatment, which includes blocking CIN or increasing CIN beyond the limit threshold to induce cell death. We argue that the characterization of CIN features, not included yet in the routine diagnostic of AML patients, might provide a better stratification of patients and be extended to a more personalized therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mateus de Oliveira Lisboa
- Core for Cell Technology, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná—PUCPR, Curitiba 80215-901, Paraná, Brazil; (M.d.O.L.); (P.R.S.B.)
| | - Paulo Roberto Slud Brofman
- Core for Cell Technology, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná—PUCPR, Curitiba 80215-901, Paraná, Brazil; (M.d.O.L.); (P.R.S.B.)
| | - Ana Teresa Schmid-Braz
- Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba 80060-240, Paraná, Brazil;
| | - Aline Rangel-Pozzo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Cell Biology, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7, Canada
- Correspondence: (A.R.-P.); (S.M.); Tel.: +1-(204)787-4125 (S.M.)
| | - Sabine Mai
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of Manitoba, Cell Biology, CancerCare Manitoba Research Institute, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7, Canada
- Correspondence: (A.R.-P.); (S.M.); Tel.: +1-(204)787-4125 (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kressin M, Fietz D, Becker S, Strebhardt K. Modelling the Functions of Polo-Like Kinases in Mice and Their Applications as Cancer Targets with a Special Focus on Ovarian Cancer. Cells 2021; 10:1176. [PMID: 34065956 PMCID: PMC8151477 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Polo-like kinases (PLKs) belong to a five-membered family of highly conserved serine/threonine kinases (PLK1-5) that play differentiated and essential roles as key mitotic kinases and cell cycle regulators and with this in proliferation and cellular growth. Besides, evidence is accumulating for complex and vital non-mitotic functions of PLKs. Dysregulation of PLKs is widely associated with tumorigenesis and by this, PLKs have gained increasing significance as attractive targets in cancer with diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential. PLK1 has proved to have strong clinical relevance as it was found to be over-expressed in different cancer types and linked to poor patient prognosis. Targeting the diverse functions of PLKs (tumor suppressor, oncogenic) are currently at the center of numerous investigations in particular with the inhibition of PLK1 and PLK4, respectively in multiple cancer trials. Functions of PLKs and the effects of their inhibition have been extensively studied in cancer cell culture models but information is rare on how these drugs affect benign tissues and organs. As a step further towards clinical application as cancer targets, mouse models therefore play a central role. Modelling PLK function in animal models, e.g., by gene disruption or by treatment with small molecule PLK inhibitors offers promising possibilities to unveil the biological significance of PLKs in cancer maintenance and progression and give important information on PLKs' applicability as cancer targets. In this review we aim at summarizing the approaches of modelling PLK function in mice so far with a special glimpse on the significance of PLKs in ovarian cancer and of orthotopic cancer models used in this fatal malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kressin
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Institute for Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany;
| | - Sven Becker
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (S.B.); (K.S.)
| | - Klaus Strebhardt
- Department of Gynecology, Goethe-University, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany; (S.B.); (K.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, Partner Site Frankfurt am Main, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|