1
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Lagunes L, Briggs K, Martin-Holder P, Xu Z, Maurer D, Ghabra K, Deeds EJ. Modeling reveals the strength of weak interactions in stacked-ring assembly. Biophys J 2024; 123:1763-1780. [PMID: 38762753 PMCID: PMC11267433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cells employ many large macromolecular machines for the execution and regulation of processes that are vital for cell and organismal viability. Interestingly, cells cannot synthesize these machines as functioning units. Instead, cells synthesize the molecular parts that must then assemble into the functional complex. Many important machines, including chaperones such as GroEL and proteases such as the proteasome, comprise protein rings that are stacked on top of one another. While there is some experimental data regarding how stacked-ring complexes such as the proteasome self-assemble, a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of stacked-ring assembly is currently lacking. Here, we developed a mathematical model of stacked-trimer assembly and performed an analysis of the assembly of the stacked homomeric trimer, which is the simplest stacked-ring architecture. We found that stacked rings are particularly susceptible to a form of kinetic trapping that we term "deadlock," in which the system gets stuck in a state where there are many large intermediates that are not the fully assembled structure but that cannot productively react. When interaction affinities are uniformly strong, deadlock severely limits assembly yield. We thus predicted that stacked rings would avoid situations where all interfaces in the structure have high affinity. Analysis of available crystal structures indicated that indeed the majority-if not all-of stacked trimers do not contain uniformly strong interactions. Finally, to better understand the origins of deadlock, we developed a formal pathway analysis and showed that, when all the binding affinities are strong, many of the possible pathways are utilized. In contrast, optimal assembly strategies utilize only a small number of pathways. Our work suggests that deadlock is a critical factor influencing the evolution of macromolecular machines and provides general principles for understanding the self-assembly efficiency of existing machines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonila Lagunes
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California; Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Koan Briggs
- Department of Physics, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Paige Martin-Holder
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Microbiology and Genetics, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zaikun Xu
- Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Dustin Maurer
- Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Karim Ghabra
- Computational and Systems Biology IDP, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Eric J Deeds
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California; Institute for Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, UCLA, Los Angeles, California; Center for Computational Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas.
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2
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Alhasan BA, Morozov AV, Guzhova IV, Margulis BA. The ubiquitin-proteasome system in the regulation of tumor dormancy and recurrence. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189119. [PMID: 38761982 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189119] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Tumor recurrence is a mechanism triggered in sparse populations of cancer cells that usually remain in a quiescent state after strict stress and/or therapeutic factors, which is affected by a variety of autocrine and microenvironmental cues. Despite thorough investigations, the biology of dormant and/or cancer stem cells is still not fully elucidated, as for the mechanisms of their reawakening, while only the major molecular patterns driving the relapse process have been identified to date. These molecular patterns profoundly interfere with the elements of cellular proteostasis systems that support the efficiency of the recurrence process. As a major proteostasis machinery, we review the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in tumor cell dormancy and reawakening, devoting particular attention to the functions of its components, E3 ligases, deubiquitinating enzymes and proteasomes in cancer recurrence. We demonstrate how UPS components functionally or mechanistically interact with the pivotal proteins implicated in the recurrence program and reveal that modulators of the UPS hold promise to become an efficient adjuvant therapy for eradicating refractory tumor cells to impede tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashar A Alhasan
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Alexey V Morozov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vavilov Street 32, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Irina V Guzhova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Boris A Margulis
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia.
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3
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Song Y, Dong QQ, Ni YK, Xu XL, Chen CX, Chen W. Nano-Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (Nano-PROTACs) in Cancer Therapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:5739-5761. [PMID: 38882545 PMCID: PMC11180470 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s448684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are heterobifunctional molecules that have the capability to induce specific protein degradation. While playing a revolutionary role in effectively degrading the protein of interest (POI), PROTACs encounter certain limitations that impede their clinical translation. These limitations encompass off-target effects, inadequate cell membrane permeability, and the hook effect. The advent of nanotechnology presents a promising avenue to surmount the challenges associated with conventional PROTACs. The utilization of nano-proteolysis targeting chimeras (nano-PROTACs) holds the potential to enhance specific tissue accumulation, augment membrane permeability, and enable controlled release. Consequently, this approach has the capacity to significantly enhance the controllable degradation of target proteins. Additionally, they enable a synergistic effect by combining with other therapeutic strategies. This review comprehensively summarizes the structural basis, advantages, and limitations of PROTACs. Furthermore, it highlights the latest advancements in nanosystems engineered for delivering PROTACs, as well as the development of nano-sized PROTACs employing nanocarriers as linkers. Moreover, it delves into the underlying principles of nanotechnology tailored specifically for PROTACs, alongside the current prospects of clinical research. In conclusion, the integration of nanotechnology into PROTACs harbors vast potential in enhancing the anti-tumor treatment response and expediting clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Song
- Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing-Qing Dong
- ICU, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ke Ni
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Ling Xu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chao-Xiang Chen
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, 310015, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Chen
- ICU, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Nussinov R, Yavuz BR, Jang H. Anticancer drugs: How to select small molecule combinations? Trends Pharmacol Sci 2024; 45:503-519. [PMID: 38782689 PMCID: PMC11162304 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2024.04.012] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Small molecules are at the forefront of anticancer therapies. Successive treatments with single molecules incur drug resistance, calling for combination. Here, we explore the tough choices oncologists face - not just which drugs to use but also the best treatment plans, based on factors such as target proteins, pathways, and gene expression. We consider the reality of cancer's disruption of normal cellular processes, highlighting why it's crucial to understand the ins and outs of current treatment methods. The discussion on using combination drug therapies to target multiple pathways sheds light on a promising approach while also acknowledging the hurdles that come with it, such as dealing with pathway crosstalk. We review options and provide examples and the mechanistic basis, altogether providing the first comprehensive guide to combinatorial therapy selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Bengi Ruken Yavuz
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
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5
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Kasturirangan S, Nancarrow DJ, Shah A, Lagisetty KH, Lawrence TS, Beer DG, Ray D. Isoform alterations in the ubiquitination machinery impacting gastrointestinal malignancies. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:194. [PMID: 38453895 PMCID: PMC10920915 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06575-z] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The advancement of RNAseq and isoform-specific expression platforms has led to the understanding that isoform changes can alter molecular signaling to promote tumorigenesis. An active area in cancer research is uncovering the roles of ubiquitination on spliceosome assembly contributing to transcript diversity and expression of alternative isoforms. However, the effects of isoform changes on functionality of ubiquitination machineries (E1, E2, E3, E4, and deubiquitinating (DUB) enzymes) influencing onco- and tumor suppressor protein stabilities is currently understudied. Characterizing these changes could be instrumental in improving cancer outcomes via the identification of novel biomarkers and targetable signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on highlighting reported examples of direct, protein-coded isoform variation of ubiquitination enzymes influencing cancer development and progression in gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies. We have used a semi-automated system for identifying relevant literature and applied established systems for isoform categorization and functional classification to help structure literature findings. The results are a comprehensive snapshot of known isoform changes that are significant to GI cancers, and a framework for readers to use to address isoform variation in their own research. One of the key findings is the potential influence that isoforms of the ubiquitination machinery have on oncoprotein stability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Derek J Nancarrow
- Surgery - Section of Thoracic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Ayush Shah
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kiran H Lagisetty
- Surgery - Section of Thoracic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Theodore S Lawrence
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - David G Beer
- Surgery - Section of Thoracic Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Dipankar Ray
- Departments of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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6
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Göransson S, Strömblad S. Regulation of protein synthesis and stability by mechanical cues and its implications in cancer. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2024; 86:102304. [PMID: 38113713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2023.102304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Elevated tissue stiffness is a common feature of many solid tumors and the downstream mechanical signaling affects many cellular processes and contributes to cancer progression. Significant progress has been made in understanding how the mechanical properties of the matrix affect cancer cell behavior as well as transcription. However, how the same mechanical cues impact protein synthesis and stability and how this may contribute to disease is less well understood. Here, we present emerging evidence that cancer progression is frequently supported by gene regulation acting beyond the mRNA level and highlight some of the known crosstalk between this type of regulation and mechanotransduction in cancer as well as in other contexts. We suggest that future systematic approaches to define mechanosensitive translatomes and proteomes and how these are controlled may provide novel targets for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Göransson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Staffan Strömblad
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-141 83 Huddinge, Sweden.
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7
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Ajithkumar P, Vasantharajan SS, Pattison S, McCall JL, Rodger EJ, Chatterjee A. Exploring Potential Epigenetic Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:874. [PMID: 38255946 PMCID: PMC10815915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020874] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic progression is a complex, multistep process and the leading cause of cancer mortality. There is growing evidence that emphasises the significance of epigenetic modification, specifically DNA methylation and histone modifications, in influencing colorectal (CRC) metastasis. Epigenetic modifications influence the expression of genes involved in various cellular processes, including the pathways associated with metastasis. These modifications could contribute to metastatic progression by enhancing oncogenes and silencing tumour suppressor genes. Moreover, specific epigenetic alterations enable cancer cells to acquire invasive and metastatic characteristics by altering cell adhesion, migration, and invasion-related pathways. Exploring the involvement of DNA methylation and histone modification is crucial for identifying biomarkers that impact cancer prediction for metastasis in CRC. This review provides a summary of the potential epigenetic biomarkers associated with metastasis in CRC, particularly DNA methylation and histone modifications, and examines the pathways associated with these biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadarshana Ajithkumar
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (P.A.)
| | - Sai Shyam Vasantharajan
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (P.A.)
| | - Sharon Pattison
- Department of Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - John L. McCall
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Euan J. Rodger
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (P.A.)
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand; (P.A.)
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES University, Dehradun 248007, India
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8
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Meng Y, Hong C, Yang S, Qin Z, Yang L, Huang Y. Roles of USP9X in cellular functions and tumorigenesis (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 26:506. [PMID: 37920433 PMCID: PMC10618932 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.14093] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9X (USP9X) is involved in certain human diseases, including malignancies, atherosclerosis and certain diseases of the nervous system. USP9X promotes the deubiquitination and stabilization of diverse substrates, thereby exerting a versatile range of effects on pathological and physiological processes. USP9X serves vital roles in the processes of cell survival, invasion and migration in various types of cancer. The present review aims to highlight the current knowledge of USP9X in terms of its structure and the possible mediatory mechanisms involved in certain types of cancer, providing a thorough introduction to its biological functions in carcinogenesis and further outlining its oncogenic or suppressive properties in a diverse range of cancer types. Finally, several perspectives regarding USP9X-targeted pharmacological therapeutics in cancer development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimei Meng
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Chaojin Hong
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Sifu Yang
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Zhiquan Qin
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Liu Yang
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
| | - Yumei Huang
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, P.R. China
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9
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Barmaki H, Nourazarian A, Khaki-Khatibi F. Proteostasis and neurodegeneration: a closer look at autophagy in Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1281338. [PMID: 38020769 PMCID: PMC10652403 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1281338] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of misfolded amyloid-beta and tau proteins. Autophagy acts as a proteostasis process to remove protein clumps, although it progressively weakens with aging and AD, thus facilitating the accumulation of toxic proteins and causing neurodegeneration. This review examines the impact of impaired autophagy on the progression of AD disease pathology. Under normal circumstances, autophagy removes abnormal proteins and damaged organelles, but any dysfunction in this process can lead to the exacerbation of amyloid and tau pathology, particularly in AD. There is increasing attention to therapeutic tactics to revitalize autophagy, including reduced caloric intake, autophagy-stimulating drugs, and genetic therapy. However, the translation of these strategies into clinical practice faces several hurdles. In summary, this review integrates the understanding of the intricate role of autophagy dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease progression and reinforces the promising prospects of autophagy as a beneficial target for treatments to modify the course of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleh Barmaki
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Nourazarian
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Khoy University of Medical Sciences, Khoy, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khaki-Khatibi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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10
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Abdalbari FH, Martinez-Jaramillo E, Forgie BN, Tran E, Zorychta E, Goyeneche AA, Sabri S, Telleria CM. Auranofin Induces Lethality Driven by Reactive Oxygen Species in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5136. [PMID: 37958311 PMCID: PMC10650616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) accounts for 70% of ovarian cancer cases, and the survival rate remains remarkably low due to the lack of effective long-term consolidation therapies. Clinical remission can be temporarily induced by platinum-based chemotherapy, but death subsequently results from the extensive growth of a platinum-resistant component of the tumor. This work explores a novel treatment against HGSOC using the gold complex auranofin (AF). AF primarily functions as a pro-oxidant by inhibiting thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), an antioxidant enzyme overexpressed in ovarian cancer. We investigated the effect of AF on TrxR activity and the various mechanisms of cytotoxicity using HGSOC cells that are clinically sensitive or resistant to platinum. In addition, we studied the interaction between AF and another pro-oxidant, L-buthionine sulfoximine (L-BSO), an anti-glutathione (GSH) compound. We demonstrated that AF potently inhibited TrxR activity and reduced the vitality and viability of HGSOC cells regardless of their sensitivities to platinum. We showed that AF induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggers the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, and kills HGSOC cells by inducing apoptosis. Notably, AF-induced cell death was abrogated by the ROS-scavenger N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). In addition, the lethality of AF was associated with the activation of caspases-3/7 and the generation of DNA damage, effects that were also prevented by the presence of NAC. Finally, when AF and L-BSO were combined, we observed synergistic lethality against HGSOC cells, which was mediated by a further increase in ROS and a decrease in the levels of the antioxidant GSH. In summary, our results support the concept that AF can be used alone or in combination with L-BSO to kill HGSOC cells regardless of their sensitivity to platinum, suggesting that the depletion of antioxidants is an efficient strategy to mitigate the course of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah H. Abdalbari
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
| | - Elvis Martinez-Jaramillo
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
| | - Benjamin N. Forgie
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
| | - Estelle Tran
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
| | - Edith Zorychta
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
| | - Alicia A. Goyeneche
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - Siham Sabri
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
| | - Carlos M. Telleria
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; (F.H.A.); (E.M.-J.); (B.N.F.); (E.T.); (E.Z.); (A.A.G.)
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
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11
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Sanati M, Afshari AR, Ahmadi SS, Moallem SA, Sahebkar A. Modulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system by phytochemicals: Therapeutic implications in malignancies with an emphasis on brain tumors. Biofactors 2023; 49:782-819. [PMID: 37162294 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Regarding the multimechanistic nature of cancers, current chemo- or radiotherapies often fail to eradicate disease pathology, and frequent relapses or resistance to therapies occur. Brain malignancies, particularly glioblastomas, are difficult-to-treat cancers due to their highly malignant and multidimensional biology. Unfortunately, patients suffering from malignant tumors often experience poor prognoses and short survival periods. Thus far, significant efforts have been conducted to discover novel and more effective modalities. To that end, modulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) has attracted tremendous interest since it affects the homeostasis of proteins critically engaged in various cell functions, for example, cell metabolism, survival, proliferation, and differentiation. With their safe and multimodal actions, phytochemicals are among the promising therapeutic tools capable of turning the operation of various UPS elements. The present review, along with an updated outline of the role of UPS dysregulation in multiple cancers, provided a detailed discussion on the impact of phytochemicals on the UPS function in malignancies, especially brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Sanati
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Experimental and Animal Study Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Amir R Afshari
- Natural Products and Medicinal Plants Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Seyed Sajad Ahmadi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Khatam-Ol-Anbia Hospital, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed Adel Moallem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Al-Zahraa University for Women, Karbala, Iraq
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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12
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Seipp EK, Huang R. Design and synthesis of a fluorescent probe to develop a fluorescence polarization assay for the E3 ligase FEM1C. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 90:117371. [PMID: 37339537 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
A proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) is a bivalent molecule consisting of an E3 ligase ligand and a protein of interest ligand, which promotes the degradation of specific proteins by recruiting the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Although VHL and CRBN ligands have been extensively used in PROTAC development, the availability of small molecule E3 ligase ligands remains limited. Therefore, identifying novel E3 ligase ligands would expand the repertoire for PROTAC development. FEM1C, an E3 ligase that recognizes proteins with an R/K-X-R or R/K-X-X-R motif at the C-terminus, is a promising candidate for this purpose. In this study, we present the design and synthesis of a fluorescent probe ES148, exhibiting a Ki value of 1.6 ± 0.1 µM for FEM1C. Utilizing this fluorescent probe, we have established a robust fluorescence polarization (FP) based competition assay to characterize FEM1C ligands, with a Z' factor of 0.80 and a S/N ratio > 20 in a high-throughput format. Furthermore, we have validated binding affinities of FEM1C ligands using isothermal titration calorimetry, consistently corroborating the results from our FP assay. Thus, we anticipate that our FP competition assay will expedite the discovery of FEM1C ligands, offering new tools for PROTAC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma K Seipp
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Center for Cancer Research, Institute for Drug Discovery, Purdue University, 720 Clinic Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States.
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13
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Kim SH, Baek KH. Ovarian tumor deubiquitinase 6A regulates cell proliferation via deubiquitination of nucleolin and caspase‑7. Int J Oncol 2022; 61:127. [PMID: 36082810 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Most proteins maintain protein homeostasis via post‑translational modifications, including the ubiquitin‑proteasome system. Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) have essential intercellular roles, such as responses to DNA damage, proteolysis and apoptosis. Therefore, it is important to understand DUB‑related diseases to identify DUBs that target abnormally regulated proteins in cells. Ovarian tumor deubiquitinase 6A (OTUD6A) was previously reported as a downregulated DUB in HCT116 cells with p53 knockdown. Therefore, it was expected that the relationship between OTUD6A and p53 would affect cell proliferation. In the present study, putative substrates of OTUD6A related to the p53 signaling pathway were identified. Application of liquid chromatography‑tandem mass spectrometry and proteomic analysis led to the identification of nucleolin (known to bind p53) as a binding protein. In addition, immunoprecipitation studies determined that caspase‑7, an apoptotic protein, is associated with p53 signaling and is regulated by OTUD6A. It was further identified that OTUD6A regulates the protein stability of nucleolin, but not caspase‑7. It was also demonstrated that OTUD6A acts as a respective DUB through the deubiquitination of K48‑linked polyubiquitin chain of nucleolin and the K63‑linked polyubiquitin chain of caspase‑7. Furthermore, overexpression of OTUD6A induced cell proliferation via enhancing cell cycle progression of MCF7 cells. Taken together, OTUD6A may be proposed as a target for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Hee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam‑Si, Gyeonggi‑Do 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hyun Baek
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam‑Si, Gyeonggi‑Do 13488, Republic of Korea
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14
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The Systematic Analyses of RING Finger Gene Signature for Predicting the Prognosis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:2466006. [PMID: 36199791 PMCID: PMC9529411 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2466006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
RING finger (RNF) proteins are frequently dysregulated in human malignancies and are tightly associated with tumorigenesis. However, the expression profiles of RNF genes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their relations with prognosis remain undetermined. Here, we aimed at constructing a prognostic model according to RNF genes for forecasting the outcomes of HCC patients using the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) program. We collected HCC datasets to validate the values of our model in predicting prognosis of HCC patients from International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) platform. Then, functional experiments were carried out to explore the roles of the representative RNF in HCC progression. A total of 107 differentially expressed RNFs were obtained between TCGA-HCC tumor and normal tissues. After comprehensive evaluation, a prognostic signature composed of 11 RNFs (RNF220, RNF25, TRIM25, BMI1, RNF216P1, RNF115, RNF2, TRAIP, RNF157, RNF145, and RNF19B) was constructed based on TCGA cohort. Then, the Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were employed to evaluate predictive power of the prognostic model in testing cohort (TCGA) and validation cohort (ICGC). The KM and ROC curves illustrated the good predictive power in testing and validation cohort. The areas under the ROC curve are 0.77 and 0.76 in these two cohorts, respectively. Among the prognostic signature genes, BMI1 was selected as a representative for functional study. We found that BMI1 protein level was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues. Moreover, the inhibitor of BMI1, PTC-209, displayed an excellent anti-HCC effect in vitro. Enrichment analysis of BMI1 downstream targets showed that BMI1 might be involved in tumor immunotherapy. Together, our overall analyses revealed that the 11-RNFs prognostic signature might provide us latent chances for evaluating HCC prognosis and developing novel HCC therapy.
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15
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Xu N, Cui Y, Shi H, Guo G, Sun F, Jian T, Rao H. UBE2T/STAT3 Signaling Promotes the Proliferation and Tumorigenesis in Retinoblastoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:20. [PMID: 35980647 PMCID: PMC9404369 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.9.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this paper was to investigate the expression and function of Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 2T (UBE2T), a human E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme, in human retinoblastoma. Methods The expression of UBE2T in normal retina and retinoblastoma was analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases, and its expression was immunohistochemically evaluated in 29 retinoblastoma sections and 5 normal retinas. Then CCK-8, flow cytometry, RNA-sequencing analysis, and in vivo assays were performed to explore the exact role of UBE2T in retinoblastoma. Results We found that retinoblastoma showed higher UBE2T expression than normal retina in GEO datasets and tissues. The immunoreactive score of UBE2T ≥4 was associated with group E in IIRC, T2-T4b in pTNM staging, poorly differentiated retinoblastoma, and high-risk histopathological factors. Knockdown of UBE2T reduced the cell viability, increased the apoptosis cells and G0/G1 cells, and inhibited subcutaneous tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistic studies showed that UBE2T knockdown induced down-regulation of phosphorylation of STAT3 and its downstream genes in vitro and in vivo. Rescue assays confirmed that STAT3 signaling pathway was involved in the effect of reduced cell viability, elevated apoptosis cells, and G0/G1 cells mediated by UBE2T knockdown. Conclusions Our data indicate that UBE2T significantly participates in the proliferation of retinoblastoma via the STAT3 signaling pathway, suggesting the potential of UBE2T as a therapeutic target for retinoblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuo Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Department of Oculoplastic and Orbital Diseases, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Cui
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Shi
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Guodong Guo
- Department of Pathology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Fengyuan Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Department of Oculoplastic and Orbital Diseases, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianming Jian
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Department of Oculoplastic and Orbital Diseases, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Huiying Rao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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16
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Proteasome Inhibitors Decrease the Viability of Pulmonary Arterial Smooth Muscle Cells by Restoring Mitofusin-2 Expression under Hypoxic Conditions. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040873. [PMID: 35453623 PMCID: PMC9030547 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040873] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe progressive disease, and the uncontrolled proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is one of the main causes. Mitofusin-2 (MFN2) profoundly inhibits cell growth and proliferation in a variety of tumor cell lines and rat vascular smooth muscle cells. Down-regulation of MFN2 is known to contribute to PH. Proteasome inhibitors have been shown to inhibit the proliferation of PASMCs; however, there is no study on the regulation of proteasome inhibitors through MFN-2 in the proliferation of PASMCs, a main pathophysiology of PH. In this study, PASMCs were exposed to hypoxic conditions and the expression of MFN2 and cleaved-PARP1 were detected by Western blotting. The effects of hypoxia and proteasome inhibitors on the cell viability of PASMC cells were detected by CCK8 assay. The results indicated that hypoxia increases the viability and reduces the expression of MFN2 in a PASMCs model. MFN2 overexpression inhibits the hypoxia-induced proliferation of PASMCs. In addition, proteasome inhibitors, bortezomib and marizomib, restored the decreased expression of MFN2 under hypoxic conditions, inhibited hypoxia-induced proliferation and induced the expression of cleaved-PARP1. These results suggest that bortezomib and marizomib have the potential to improve the hypoxia-induced proliferation of PASMCs by restoring MFN2 expression.
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17
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Cable J, Weber-Ban E, Clausen T, Walters KJ, Sharon M, Finley DJ, Gu Y, Hanna J, Feng Y, Martens S, Simonsen A, Hansen M, Zhang H, Goodwin JM, Reggio A, Chang C, Ge L, Schulman BA, Deshaies RJ, Dikic I, Harper JW, Wertz IE, Thomä NH, Słabicki M, Frydman J, Jakob U, David DC, Bennett EJ, Bertozzi CR, Sardana R, Eapen VV, Carra S. Targeted protein degradation: from small molecules to complex organelles-a Keystone Symposia report. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1510:79-99. [PMID: 35000205 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted protein degradation is critical for proper cellular function and development. Protein degradation pathways, such as the ubiquitin proteasomes system, autophagy, and endosome-lysosome pathway, must be tightly regulated to ensure proper elimination of misfolded and aggregated proteins and regulate changing protein levels during cellular differentiation, while ensuring that normal proteins remain unscathed. Protein degradation pathways have also garnered interest as a means to selectively eliminate target proteins that may be difficult to inhibit via other mechanisms. On June 7 and 8, 2021, several experts in protein degradation pathways met virtually for the Keystone eSymposium "Targeting protein degradation: from small molecules to complex organelles." The event brought together researchers working in different protein degradation pathways in an effort to begin to develop a holistic, integrated vision of protein degradation that incorporates all the major pathways to understand how changes in them can lead to disease pathology and, alternatively, how they can be leveraged for novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eilika Weber-Ban
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tim Clausen
- Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna BioCenter and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kylie J Walters
- Protein Processing Section, Center for Structural Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Michal Sharon
- Department of Bimolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Daniel J Finley
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yangnan Gu
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology and Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, California
| | - John Hanna
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yue Feng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sascha Martens
- Max Perutz Labs, University of Vienna, Vienna BioCenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Anne Simonsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Malene Hansen
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Program of Development, Aging, and Regeneration, La Jolla, California
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Alessio Reggio
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Chunmei Chang
- Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California
| | - Liang Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua University-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Brenda A Schulman
- Department of Molecular Machines and Signaling, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry, Martinsried, Germany
| | | | - Ivan Dikic
- Institute of Biochemistry II, School of Medicine and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - J Wade Harper
- Department of Cell Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ingrid E Wertz
- Departments of Molecular Oncology and Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Brisbane, California
| | - Nicolas H Thomä
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mikołaj Słabicki
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Division of Translational Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Judith Frydman
- Biophysics Graduate Program, Department of Biology and Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Biohub, San Francisco, California
- Division of CryoEM and Bioimaging, SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Menlo Park, California
| | - Ursula Jakob
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Della C David
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), and Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Eric J Bennett
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Carolyn R Bertozzi
- Department of Chemistry and Stanford ChEM-H, Stanford University and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, California
| | - Richa Sardana
- Weill Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology and Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Vinay V Eapen
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Serena Carra
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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18
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High Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 2a Expression Level Predicts Poor Prognosis in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2022; 30:304-310. [PMID: 35384881 DOI: 10.1097/pai.0000000000001014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation has been reported to be involved in regulating the activity of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors. Dysfunction or dysregulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system may induce tumorigenesis. Deubiquitinase ubiquitin-specific protease 2a (USP2a) has been reported to regulate cell growth or death and is involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancers. However, the role of USP2a in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has not been investigated yet. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of USP2a expression in UTUC. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 110 UTUC cases were included in this study. USP2a expression level was evaluated through immunohistochemistry staining, and the correlation of USP2a expression level with both clinical and pathologic variables was analyzed. RESULTS High USP2a expression level was observed in 48 (43.6%) cancer specimens. USP2a expression level was significantly correlated with tumor stage (P=0.001), grade (P=0.033), and tumor recurrence (P=0.008). High USP2a expression level was correlated with poor disease-free survival (P=0.005) and cancer-specific survival (P<0.001). In addition, high USP2a expression level was an independent predictor of poor disease-free survival (hazard ratio=2.31; P=0.007) and cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio=5.49; P=0.009). CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that USP2a protein expression level may be a potential biomarker for predicting UTUC patient survival. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate the role of USP2a in UTUC progression.
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19
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Prieto-Garcia C, Hartmann O, Reissland M, Braun F, Bozkurt S, Pahor N, Fuss C, Schirbel A, Schülein-Völk C, Buchberger A, Calzado Canale MA, Rosenfeldt M, Dikic I, Münch C, Diefenbacher ME. USP28 enables oncogenic transformation of respiratory cells and its inhibition potentiates molecular therapy targeting mutant EGFR, BRAF and PI3K. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3082-3106. [PMID: 35364627 PMCID: PMC9441007 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic transformation of lung epithelial cells is a multistep process, frequently starting with the inactivation of tumour suppressors and subsequent development of activating mutations in proto‐oncogenes, such as members of the PI3K or MAPK families. Cells undergoing transformation have to adjust to changes, including altered metabolic requirements. This is achieved, in part, by modulating the protein abundance of transcription factors. Here, we report that the ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase 28 (USP28) enables oncogenic reprogramming by regulating the protein abundance of proto‐oncogenes such as c‐JUN, c‐MYC, NOTCH and ∆NP63 at early stages of malignant transformation. USP28 levels are increased in cancer compared with in normal cells due to a feed‐forward loop, driven by increased amounts of oncogenic transcription factors such as c‐MYC and c‐JUN. Irrespective of oncogenic driver, interference with USP28 abundance or activity suppresses growth and survival of transformed lung cells. Furthermore, inhibition of USP28 via a small‐molecule inhibitor resets the proteome of transformed cells towards a ‘premalignant’ state, and its inhibition synergizes with clinically established compounds used to target EGFRL858R‐, BRAFV600E‐ or PI3KH1047R‐driven tumour cells. Targeting USP28 protein abundance at an early stage via inhibition of its activity is therefore a feasible strategy for the treatment of early‐stage lung tumours, and the observed synergism with current standard‐of‐care inhibitors holds the potential for improved targeting of established tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Prieto-Garcia
- Protein Stability and Cancer Group, University of Wuerzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Molecular Signaling Group, Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Oliver Hartmann
- Protein Stability and Cancer Group, University of Wuerzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Reissland
- Protein Stability and Cancer Group, University of Wuerzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Braun
- Protein Stability and Cancer Group, University of Wuerzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Bozkurt
- Protein quality control, Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nikolett Pahor
- Protein Stability and Cancer Group, University of Wuerzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Carmina Fuss
- Protein Stability and Cancer Group, University of Wuerzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schirbel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Marco A Calzado Canale
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mathias Rosenfeldt
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Institut für Pathologie, Universitaetsklinikum Wuerzburg
| | - Ivan Dikic
- Molecular Signaling Group, Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christian Münch
- Protein quality control, Institute of Biochemistry II, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Markus E Diefenbacher
- Protein Stability and Cancer Group, University of Wuerzburg, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, Wuerzburg, Germany
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20
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Cao Y, Tu Y, Fu L, Yu Q, Gao L, Zhang M, Zeng L, Zhang C, Shao J, Zhu H, Zhou Y, Li J, Zhang J. Metabolism guided optimization of peptidomimetics as non-covalent proteasome inhibitors for cancer treatment. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 233:114211. [PMID: 35218994 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
A series of novel non-covalent peptidomimetic proteasome inhibitors possessing bulky group at the C-terminus and N-alkylation at the N-terminus were designed with the aim to increase metabolic stabilities in vivo. All the target compounds were screened for their inhibitory activities against human 20S proteasome, and most analogs exhibited notable potency compared with the positive control bortezomib with IC50 values lower than 10 nM, which also displayed potent cytotoxic activities against multiple myeloma (MM) cell lines and human acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Furthermore, whole blood stability and in vivo proteasome inhibitory activity experiments of selected compounds were conducted for further evaluation, and the representative compound 43 (IC50 = 8.39 ± 2.32 nM, RPMI-8226: IC50 = 15.290 ± 2.281 nM, MM-1S: IC50 = 9.067 ± 3.103 nM, MV-4-11: IC50 = 2.464 ± 0.713 nM) revealed a half-life extension of greater than 9-fold (329.21 min VS 36.79 min) and potent proteasome inhibitory activity in vivo. The positive results confirmed the reliability of the metabolism guided optimization strategy, and the analogs discovered are potential leads for exploring new anti-MM drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cao
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Yutong Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Liping Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaoxing TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Shaoxing, 312000, China
| | - Qian Yu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Lixin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Linghui Zeng
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Jiaan Shao
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Huajian Zhu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Yubo Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Metria Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong, 528400, China.
| | - Jia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Metria Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangdong, 528400, China; School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310000, China.
| | - Jiankang Zhang
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
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21
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Fungal Secondary Metabolites as Inhibitors of the Ubiquitin-Proteasome System. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413309. [PMID: 34948102 PMCID: PMC8707610 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) is the major non-lysosomal pathway responsible for regulated degradation of intracellular proteins in eukaryotes. As the principal proteolytic pathway in the cytosol and the nucleus, the UPS serves two main functions: the quality control function (i.e., removal of damaged, misfolded, and functionally incompetent proteins) and a major regulatory function (i.e., targeted degradation of a variety of short-lived regulatory proteins involved in cell cycle control, signal transduction cascades, and regulation of gene expression and metabolic pathways). Aberrations in the UPS are implicated in numerous human pathologies such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmunity, inflammation, or infectious diseases. Therefore, the UPS has become an attractive target for drug discovery and development. For the past two decades, much research has been focused on identifying and developing compounds that target specific components of the UPS. Considerable effort has been devoted to the development of both second-generation proteasome inhibitors and inhibitors of ubiquitinating/deubiquitinating enzymes. With the feature of unique structure and bioactivity, secondary metabolites (natural products) serve as the lead compounds in the development of new therapeutic drugs. This review, for the first time, summarizes fungal secondary metabolites found to act as inhibitors of the UPS components.
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Conversion of Osteoclasts into Bone-Protective, Tumor-Suppressing Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225593. [PMID: 34830748 PMCID: PMC8615769 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Osteoclasts are bone-resorbing cells and, together with bone-forming osteoblasts, they are responsible for maintaining healthy bones. When cancer cells invade into the bone, however, osteoclasts assist in cancer progression and stimulate bone loss. In this study, we converted the bone-destructive action of osteoclasts by activating their Wnt signaling and generated an osteoclast-derived, bone-protective, tumor-suppressive conditioned medium. The conditioned medium was able to suppress tumor growth and bone loss in a mouse model of mammary tumors and bone metastasis. The described approach is expected to add a novel strategy to treat primary breast cancer as well as bone metastasis. Abstract Osteoclasts are a driver of a vicious bone-destructive cycle with breast cancer cells. Here, we examined whether this vicious cycle can be altered into a beneficial one by activating Wnt signaling with its activating agent, BML284. The conditioned medium, derived from Wnt-activated RAW264.7 pre-osteoclast cells (BM CM), reduced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of EO771 mammary tumor cells. The same inhibitory effect was obtained with BML284-treated primary human macrophages. In a mouse model, BM CM reduced the progression of mammary tumors and tumor-induced osteolysis and suppressed the tumor invasion to the lung. It also inhibited the differentiation of RANKL-stimulated osteoclasts and enhanced osteoblast differentiation. BM CM was enriched with atypical tumor-suppressing proteins such as Hsp90ab1 and enolase 1 (Eno1). Immunoprecipitation revealed that extracellular Hsp90ab1 interacted with latent TGFβ (LAP-TGFβ) as an inhibitor of TGFβ activation, while Hsp90ab1 and Eno1 interacted and suppressed tumor progression via CD44, a cell-adhesion receptor and a cancer stem cell marker. This study demonstrated that osteoclast-derived CM can be converted into a bone-protective, tumor-suppressing agent by activating Wnt signaling. The results shed a novel insight on the unexplored function of osteoclasts as a potential bone protector that may develop an unconventional strategy to combat bone metastasis.
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Abdalbari FH, Telleria CM. The gold complex auranofin: new perspectives for cancer therapy. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:42. [PMID: 35201489 PMCID: PMC8777575 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced stages of cancer are highly associated with short overall survival in patients due to the lack of long-term treatment options following the standard form of care. New options for cancer therapy are needed to improve the survival of cancer patients without disease recurrence. Auranofin is a clinically approved agent against rheumatoid arthritis that is currently enrolled in clinical trials for potential repurposing against cancer. Auranofin mainly targets the anti-oxidative system catalyzed by thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), which protects the cell from oxidative stress and death in the cytoplasm and the mitochondria. TrxR is over-expressed in many cancers as an adaptive mechanism for cancer cell proliferation, rendering it an attractive target for cancer therapy, and auranofin as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer. Inhibiting TrxR dysregulates the intracellular redox state causing increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, and stimulates cellular demise. An alternate mechanism of action of auranofin is to mimic proteasomal inhibition by blocking the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which is critically important in cancer cells to prevent cell death when compared to non-cancer cells, because of its role on cell cycle regulation, protein degradation, gene expression, and DNA repair. This article provides new perspectives on the potential mechanisms used by auranofin alone, in combination with diverse other compounds, or in combination with platinating agents and/or immune checkpoint inhibitors to combat cancer cells, while assessing the feasibility for its repurposing in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farah H Abdalbari
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carlos M Telleria
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Pan K, Fu J, Xu W. Role of Ubiquitin-Specific Peptidase 47 in Cancers and Other Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:726632. [PMID: 34604226 PMCID: PMC8484750 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.726632] [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: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Deubiquitination is the reverse process of ubiquitination, which is catalyzed by deubiquitinase enzymes. More than 100 deubiquitinases have been identified. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 47 (USP47), a member of the ubiquitin-specific protease family with high homology to USP7, is an active molecule with a wide range of functions and is closely associated with cancer and other diseases. However, no systematic summary exists regarding the functions of USP47. Here, we summarize the functions and expression regulation of USP47. USP47 is highly expressed in many tumors and is widely involved in tumor development, metastasis, drug resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and other processes. Targeted inhibition of USP47 can reverse malignant tumor behavior. USP47 also plays a role in inflammatory responses, myocardial infarction, and neuronal development. USP47 is involved in multiple levels of expression-regulating mechanisms, including transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modifications. Development of targeted inhibitors against USP47 will provide a basis for studying the mechanisms of USP47 and developing therapeutic strategies for cancers and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailing Pan
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Junhao Fu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Wenxia Xu
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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Wang L, Sun X, He J, Liu Z. Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of Deltex Family Ubiquitin E3 Ligases in Development and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:706997. [PMID: 34513839 PMCID: PMC8424196 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.706997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination is a posttranslational modification of proteins that significantly affects protein stability and function. The specificity of substrate recognition is determined by ubiquitin E3 ligase during ubiquitination. Human Deltex (DTX) protein family, which functions as ubiquitin E3 ligases, comprises five members, namely, DTX1, DTX2, DTX3, DTX3L, and DTX4. The characteristics and functional diversity of the DTX family proteins have attracted significant attention over the last decade. DTX proteins have several physiological and pathological roles and are closely associated with cell signal transduction, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, as well as the occurrence and development of various tumors. Although they have been extensively studied in various species, data on structural features, biological functions, and potential mechanisms of action of the DTX family proteins remain limited. In this review, recent research progress on each member of the DTX family is summarized, providing insights into future research directions and potential strategies in disease diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaodan Sun
- Postdoctoral Research Workstation, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Jingni He
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Application of SPRi Biosensors for Determination of 20S Proteasome and UCH-L1 Levels in the Serum and Urine of Transitional Bladder Cancer Patients. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11177835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) participates in the degradation of proteins which play an important role in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, as well as in the immune system. These processes are important in carcinogenesis. Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is one of the predominant types of bladder cancer. The relationship between the ubiquitin–proteasome system and cancer progression has become a topic of increasing interest among researchers. In this work, we propose an application of surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi)-based biosensors for the detection of 20S proteasome and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) in the blood serum and urine of patients with TCC. The aim of the study was to determine 20S proteasome and UCH-L1 concentrations and to correlate the results with clinicopathological parameters. The group of subjects consisted of 82 patients with confirmed TCC, in addition to a control group of 27 healthy volunteers. It was found that 20S proteasome and UCH-L1 concentrations were significantly elevated in both the serum and urine of TCC patients, compared with the healthy subjects. There was a correlation between 20S proteasome concentrations in serum and urine, as well as between serum proteasome and UCH-L1 concentration. The SPRi biosensor sensitive to 20S proteasome using PSI inhibitor as the receptor, and the SPRi biosensor sensitive to the UCH-L1 protein using the protein-specific antibody as the receptor is suitable for the determination of 20S proteasome and UCH-L1 in body fluids and can serve as useful tools in the investigation of cancer biomarkers.
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Liu J, Knani I, Gross-Cohen M, Hu J, Wang S, Tang L, Ilan N, Yang S, Vlodavsky I. Role of heparanase 2 (Hpa2) in gastric cancer. Neoplasia 2021; 23:966-978. [PMID: 34343822 PMCID: PMC8349917 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We report that gastric cancer patients exhibiting high levels of heparanase 2 (Hpa2) survive longer. Similarly, mice administrated with gastric carcinoma cells engineered to overexpress Hpa2 produced smaller tumors and survived longer than mice administrated with control cells. These beneficial effects were found to associate with increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) that play an instrumental role in cell metabolism and is situated at the center of a tumor suppressor network. We also found that MG132, an inhibitor of the proteasome that results in proteotoxic stress, prominently enhances Hpa2 expression. Notably, Hpa2 induction by MG132 appeared to be mediated by AMPK, thus establishing a loop that feeds itself where Hpa2 enhances AMPK phosphorylation that, in turn, induces Hpa2 expression, possibly leading to attenuation of gastric tumorigenesis.
Heparanase is highly implicated in tumor metastasis due to its capacity to cleave heparan sulfate and, consequently, remodel the extracellular matrix underlying epithelial and endothelial cells. In striking contrast, only little attention was given to its close homolog, heparanase 2 (Hpa2), possibly because it lacks heparan sulfate-degrading activity typical of heparanase. We subjected sections of gastric carcinoma to immunostaining and correlated Hpa2 immunoreactivity with clinical records, including tumor grade, stage and patients' status. We over-expressed Hpa2 in gastric carcinoma cell lines and examined their tumorigenic properties in vitro and in vivo. We also evaluated the expression of Hpa2 by gastric carcinoma cells following inhibition of the proteasome, leading to proteotoxic stress, and the resulting signaling responsible for Hpa2 gene regulation. Here, we report that gastric cancer patients exhibiting high levels of Hpa2 survive longer. Similarly, mice administrated with gastric carcinoma cells engineered to over-express Hpa2 produced smaller tumors and survived longer than mice administrated with control cells. This was associated with increased phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a kinase that is situated at the center of a tumor suppressor network. We also found that MG132, an inhibitor of the proteasome that results in proteotoxic stress, prominently enhances Hpa2 expression. Notably, Hpa2 induction by MG132 appeared to be mediated by AMPK, and AMPK was found to induce the expression of Hpa2, thus establishing a loop that feeds itself where Hpa2 enhances AMPK phosphorylation that, in turn, induces Hpa2 expression, leading to attenuation of gastric tumorigenesis. These results indicate that high levels of Hpa2 in some tumors are due to stress conditions that tumors often experience due to their high rates of cell proliferation and high metabolic demands. This increase in Hpa2 levels by the stressed tumors appears critically important for patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ibrahim Knani
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Miriam Gross-Cohen
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jiaxi Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sumin Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Neta Ilan
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shiming Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Israel Vlodavsky
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion Integrated Cancer Center, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
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