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Zhang X, Wang H, Yuan Y, Zhang J, Yang J, Zhang L, He J. PPM1G and its diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic potential in HCC (Review). Int J Oncol 2024; 65:109. [PMID: 39329206 PMCID: PMC11436262 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2024.5697] [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: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Global statistics indicate that hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer‑related death. Protein phosphatase Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1G (PPM1G, also termed PP2Cγ) is one of the 17 members of the PPM family. The enzymatic activity of PPM1G is highly reliant on Mg2+ or Mn2+ and serves as a dephosphorylation regulator for numerous key proteins. PPM1G, functioning as a phosphatase, is involved in a number of significant biological processes such as the regulation of eukaryotic gene expression, DNA damage response, cell cycle and apoptosis, cell migration ability, cell survival and embryonic nervous system development. Additionally, PPM1G serves a role in regulating various signaling pathways. In recent years, further research has increasingly highlighted PPM1G as an oncogene in HCC. A high expression level of PPM1G is closely associated with the occurrence, progression and poor prognosis of HCC, offering notable diagnostic and therapeutic value for this patient population. In the present review, the regulatory role of PPM1G in diverse biological processes and signaling pathway activation in eukaryotes is evaluated. Furthermore, its potential application as a biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of HCC is assessed, and future prospects for HCC treatment strategies centered on PPM1G are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030032, P.R. China
| | - Heyue Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030032, P.R. China
| | - Yiran Yuan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030032, P.R. China
| | - Jieya Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030032, P.R. China
| | - Jize Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030032, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030032, P.R. China
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Jiefeng He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030032, P.R. China
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Tseng C, Chen CM, Hsieh YH, Lin CY, Chen JW, Hsiao PH, Fong YC, Wang PH, Chen PN, Lin RC. MTA2 knockdown suppresses human osteosarcoma metastasis by inhibiting uPA expression. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:12239-12251. [PMID: 39248711 PMCID: PMC11424574 DOI: 10.18632/aging.206070] [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: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The relationship between metastasis-associated protein 2 (MTA2) overexpression and tumor growth and metastasis has been extensively studied in a variety of tumor cells but not in human osteosarcoma cells. This study aims to elucidate the clinical significance, underlying molecular mechanisms, and biological functions of MTA2 in human osteosarcoma in vitro and in vivo. Our results show that MTA2 was elevated in osteosarcoma cell lines and osteosarcoma tissues and was associated with tumor stage and overall survival of osteosarcoma patients. Knockdown of MTA2 inhibited osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion by reducing the expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated that high levels of uPA in human osteosarcoma tissues correlated positively with MTA2 expression. Furthermore, treatment with recombinant human uPA (Rh-uPA) caused significant restoration of OS cell migration and invasion in MTA2 knockdown osteosarcoma cells. We found that ERK1/2 depletion increased the expression of uPA, facilitating osteosarcoma cell migration and invasion. Finally, MTA2 depletion significantly reduced tumor metastasis and the formation of lung nodules in vivo. Overall, our study suggests that MTA2 knockdown suppresses osteosarcoma cell metastasis by decreasing uPA expression via ERK signaling. This finding provides new insight into potential treatment strategies against osteosarcoma metastasis by targeting MTA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Tseng
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Spine Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Beigang Hospital, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Min Chen
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
- Department of Leisure Industry Management, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yu Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Spine Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jian-Wen Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Spine Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pang-Hsuan Hsiao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Sports Medicine, College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chin Fong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Spine Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Sports Medicine, College of Health Care, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Han Wang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ni Chen
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Renn-Chia Lin
- Department of Orthopedics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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3
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Hou CH, Chen WL, Lin CY. Targeting nerve growth factor-mediated osteosarcoma metastasis: mechanistic insights and therapeutic opportunities using larotrectinib. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:381. [PMID: 38816365 PMCID: PMC11139949 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06752-0] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) therapy presents numerous challenges, due largely to a low survival rate following metastasis onset. Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been implicated in the metastasis and progression of various cancers; however, the mechanism by which NGF promotes metastasis in osteosarcoma has yet to be elucidated. This study investigated the influence of NGF on the migration and metastasis of osteosarcoma patients (88 cases) as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms, based on RNA-sequencing and gene expression data from a public database (TARGET-OS). In osteosarcoma patients, the expression of NGF was significantly higher than that of other growth factors. This observation was confirmed in bone tissue arrays from 91 osteosarcoma patients, in which the expression levels of NGF and matrix metallopeptidase-2 (MMP-2) protein were significantly higher than in normal bone, and strongly correlated with tumor stage. In summary, NGF is positively correlated with MMP-2 in human osteosarcoma tissue and NGF promotes osteosarcoma cell metastasis by upregulating MMP-2 expression. In cellular experiments using human osteosarcoma cells (143B and MG63), NGF upregulated MMP-2 expression and promoted wound healing, cell migration, and cell invasion. Pre-treatment with MEK and ERK inhibitors or siRNA attenuated the effects of NGF on cell migration and invasion. Stimulation with NGF was shown to promote phosphorylation along the MEK/ERK signaling pathway and decrease the expression of microRNA-92a-1-5p (miR-92a-1-5p). In in vivo experiments involving an orthotopic mouse model, the overexpression of NGF enhanced the effects of NGF on lung metastasis. Note that larotrectinib (a tropomyosin kinase receptor) strongly inhibited the effect of NGF on lung metastasis. In conclusion, it appears that NGF promotes MMP-2-dependent cell migration by inhibiting the effects of miR-92a-1-5p via the MEK/ERK signaling cascade. Larotrectinib emerged as a potential drug for the treatment of NGF-mediated metastasis in osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Han Hou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, No. 1, Jen-Ai Road, Taipei, 100, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wei-Li Chen
- Translational Medicine Center, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 111, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chih-Yang Lin
- Translational Medicine Center, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 111, Taiwan, ROC.
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Yang JS, Chou CH, Hsieh YH, Lu PWA, Lin YC, Yang SF, Lu KH. Morin inhibits osteosarcoma migration and invasion by suppressing urokinase plasminogen activator through a signal transducer and an activator of transcription 3. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:2024-2031. [PMID: 38093596 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma, the most common primary bone cancer that affects adolescents worldwide, has the early metastatic potential to be responsible for high mortality rates. Morin has a multipurpose role in numerous cancers, whereas little is known about its role in osteosarcoma migration and invasion. Therefore, we hypothesized that morin suppresses the invasive activities and the migratory potential of human osteosarcoma cells. Our results showed that morin reduced migration and invasion capabilities in human osteosarcoma U2OS and HOS cells. Moreover, morin inhibited the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) expression through a signal transducer and an activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) phosphorylation. After STAT3 overexpression, the decrease of the migratory potential and uPA expression caused by 100 μM of morin in U2OS cells was countered, indicating that STAT3 contributes to the antimetastatic property of morin in human osteosarcoma cells by reducing uPA. In conclusion, morin may be a potential candidate for the antimetastatic treatment of human osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Sin Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsuan Chou
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Peace Wun-Ang Lu
- Department of Natural Science and Mathematics, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ya-Chiu Lin
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ko-Hsiu Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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5
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Barer L, Schröder SK, Weiskirchen R, Bacharach E, Ehrlich M. Lipocalin-2 regulates the expression of interferon-stimulated genes and the susceptibility of prostate cancer cells to oncolytic virus infection. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151328. [PMID: 37321037 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2023.151328] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) performs pleiotropic and tumor context-dependent functions in cancers of diverse etiologies. In prostate cancer (PCa) cells, LCN2 regulates distinct phenotypic features, including cytoskeleton organization and expression of inflammation mediators. Oncolytic virotherapy uses oncolytic viruses (OVs) to kill cancer cells and induce anti-tumor immunity. A main source of specificity of OVs towards tumor cells stems from cancer-induced defects in interferon (IFN)-based cell autonomous immune responses. However, the molecular underpinnings of such defects in PCa cells are only partially understood. Moreover, LCN2 effects on IFN responses of PCa cells and their susceptibility to OVs are unknown. To examine these issues, we queried gene expression databases for genes coexpressed with LCN2, revealing co-expression of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) and LCN2. Analysis of human PCa cells revealed correlated expression of LCN2 and subsets of IFNs and ISGs. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated stable knockout of LCN2 in PC3 cells or transient overexpression of LCN2 in LNCaP cells revealed LCN2-mediated regulation of IFNE (and IFNL1) expression, activation of JAK/STAT pathway, and expression of selected ISGs. Accordingly, and dependent on a functional JAK/STAT pathway, LCN2 reduced the susceptibility of PCa cells to infection with the IFN-sensitive OV, EHDV-TAU. In PC3 cells, LCN2 knockout increased phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (p-eIF2α). Inhibition of PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) in PC3-LCN2-KO cells reduced p-eIF2α while increasing constitutive IFNE expression, phosphorylation of STAT1, and ISG expression; and decreasing EHDV-TAU infection. Together, these data propose that LCN2 regulates PCa susceptibility to OVs through attenuation of PERK activity and increased IFN and ISG expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilach Barer
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
| | - Sarah K Schröder
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Eran Bacharach
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
| | - Marcelo Ehrlich
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
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6
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Hsieh MC, Hsieh YH, Chou CH, Yang JS, Lu PWA, Huang TY, Yang SF, Lu KH. Apoptotic effect and cell arrest of deoxyshikonin in human osteosarcoma cells through the p38 pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2023. [PMID: 37155410 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer that affects adolescents with early metastatic potential and drastically reduces their long-term survival rate if pulmonary metastases are detected at diagnosis. The natural naphthoquinol compound deoxyshikonin exhibits anticancer properties, so we hypothesized that it has an apoptotic effect on osteosarcoma U2OS and HOS cells and studied its mechanisms. After deoxyshikonin treatment, dose-dependent decreases in cell viability, induction of cell apoptosis and arrest in the sub-G1 phase of U2OS and HOS cells were observed. The increases in cleaved caspase 3 expression and the decreases in X-chromosome-linked IAP (XIAP) and cellular inhibitors of apoptosis 1 (cIAP-1) expressions after deoxyshikonin treatment in the human apoptosis array were identified in HOS cells, and dose-dependent expression changes of IAPs and cleaved caspase 3, 8 and 9 were verified by Western blotting in U2OS and HOS cells. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK)1/2 and p38 expressions in U2OS and HOS cells was also increased by deoxyshikonin in a dose-dependent manner. Subsequently, cotreatment with inhibitors of ERK (U0126), JNK (JNK-IN-8) and p38 (SB203580) was performed to show that p38 signalling is responsible for deoxyshikonin-induced apoptosis in U2OS and HOS cells, but not via the ERK and JNK pathways. These discoveries demonstrate that deoxyshikonin may be a possible chemotherapeutic candidate to induce cell arrest and apoptosis by activating extrinsic and intrinsic pathways through p38 for human osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chang Hsieh
- School of Medical Laboratory and Biotechnology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Hsieh
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsuan Chou
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Sin Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | - Tzu-Yu Huang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shun-Fa Yang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ko-Hsiu Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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7
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Su Y, Gao X, Wang Y, Li X, Zhang W, Zhao J. Astragalus polysaccharide promotes sheep satellite cell differentiation by regulating miR-133a through the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 239:124351. [PMID: 37023880 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124351] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) possesses extensive biological activities, pharmacological effects, and anti-fatigue function. MiR-133a is a specifically expressed miRNA in skeletal muscle that participates in the regulation of myoblast proliferation and differentiation. However, little is known about the role of APS in the development of sheep skeletal muscle. In this study, we aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of APS and miR-133a on the differentiation of sheep skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs) and the regulatory relationship between APS and miR-133a. The results suggested that APS plays a positive regulatory role in the proliferation and differentiation of sheep SMSCs. Moreover, miR-133a significantly promotes SMSC differentiation and the activity of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway. Importantly, we found that APS function requires the mediation of miR-133a in the differentiation of sheep SMSCs. Taken together, our results indicate that APS accelerates SMSC differentiation by regulating miR-133a via the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Su
- College of Animal Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, PR China
| | - Xuyang Gao
- College of Animal Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, PR China
| | - Xuying Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, PR China
| | - Weipeng Zhang
- College of Animal Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, PR China
| | - Junxing Zhao
- College of Animal Sciences, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu 030801, PR China.
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Huang Z, Rui X, Yi C, Chen Y, Chen R, Liang Y, Wang Y, Yao W, Xu X, Huang Z. Silencing LCN2 suppresses oral squamous cell carcinoma progression by reducing EGFR signal activation and recycling. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:60. [PMID: 36899380 PMCID: PMC10007849 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02618-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND EGFR is an important signal involved in tumor growth that can induce tumor metastasis and drug resistance. Exploring targets for effective EGFR regulation is an important topic in current research and drug development. Inhibiting EGFR can effectively inhibit the progression and lymph node metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) because OSCC is a type of cancer with high EGFR expression. However, the problem of EGFR drug resistance is particularly prominent, and identifying a new target for EGFR regulation could reveal an effective strategy. METHODS We sequenced wild type or EGFR-resistant OSCC cells and samples from OSCC patients with or without lymph node metastasis to find new targets for EGFR regulation to effectively replace the strategy of directly inhibiting EGFR and exert an antitumor effect. We then investigated the effect of LCN2 on OSCC biological abilities in vitro and in vivo through protein expression regulation. Subsequently, we elucidated the regulatory mechanism of LCN2 through mass spectrometry, protein interaction, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence analyses. As a proof of concept, a reduction-responsive nanoparticle (NP) platform was engineered for effective LCN2 siRNA (siLCN2) delivery, and a tongue orthotopic xenograft model as well as an EGFR-positive patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model were applied to investigate the curative effect of siLCN2. RESULTS We identified lipocalin-2 (LCN2), which is upregulated in OSCC metastasis and EGFR resistance. Inhibition of LCN2 expression can effectively inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of OSCC in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting EGFR phosphorylation and downstream signal activation. Mechanistically, LCN2 binds EGFR and enhances the recycling of EGFR, thereby activating the EGFR-MEK-ERK cascade. Inhibition of LCN2 effectively inhibited the activation of EGFR. We translated this finding by systemic delivery of siLCN2 by NPs, which effectively downregulated LCN2 in the tumor tissues, thereby leading to a significant inhibition of the growth and metastasis of xenografts. CONCLUSIONS This research indicated that targeting LCN2 could be a promising strategy for the treatment of OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixian Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Rui
- Hospital of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China
| | - Chen Yi
- Guanghua School of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongju Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yancan Liang
- Department of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weicheng Yao
- Department of Stomatology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoding Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. .,Nanhai Translational Innovation Center of Precision Immunology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Foshan, 528200, China.
| | - Zhiquan Huang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Inhibition of Macropinocytosis Enhances the Sensitivity of Osteosarcoma Cells to Benzethonium Chloride. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030961. [PMID: 36765917 PMCID: PMC9913482 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030961] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a primary malignant tumor of bone. Chemotherapy is one of the crucial approaches to prevent its metastasis and improve prognosis. Despite continuous improvements in the clinical treatment of OS, tumor resistance and metastasis remain dominant clinical challenges. Macropinocytosis, a form of non-selective nutrient endocytosis, has received increasing attention as a novel target for cancer therapy, yet its role in OS cells remains obscure. Benzethonium chloride (BZN) is an FDA-approved antiseptic and bactericide with broad-spectrum anticancer effects. Here, we described that BZN suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OS cells in vitro and in vivo, but simultaneously promoted the massive accumulation of cytoplasmic vacuoles as well. Mechanistically, BZN repressed the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and the ERK1/2 activator partially neutralized the inhibitory effect of BZN on OS cells. Subsequently, we demonstrated that vacuoles originated from macropinocytosis and indicated that OS cells might employ macropinocytosis as a compensatory survival mechanism in response to BZN. Remarkably, macropinocytosis inhibitors enhanced the anti-OS effect of BZN in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, our results suggest that BZN may inhibit OS cells by repressing the ERK1/2 signaling pathway and propose a potential strategy to enhance the BZN-induced inhibitory effect by suppressing macropinocytosis.
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10
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Target Identification of 22-(4-Pyridinecarbonyl) Jorunnamycin A, a Tetrahydroisoquinoline Derivative from the Sponge Xestospongia sp., in Mediating Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cell Apoptosis. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27248948. [PMID: 36558080 PMCID: PMC9782168 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27248948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A dysregulation of the cell-death mechanism contributes to poor prognosis in lung cancer. New potent chemotherapeutic agents targeting apoptosis-deregulating molecules have been discovered. In this study, 22-(4-pyridinecarbonyl) jorunnamycin A (22-(4'py)-JA), a synthetic derivative of bistetrahydroisoquinolinequinone from the Thai blue sponge, was semisynthesized by the Steglich esterification method, and its pharmacological mechanism in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was elucidated by a network pharmacology approach. All predicted targets of 22-(4'py)-JA and genes related to NSCLC were retrieved from drug-target and gene databases. A total of 78 core targets were identified, and their associations were analyzed by STRING and Cytoscape. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses revealed that molecules in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling were potential targets of 22-(4'py)-JA in the induction of NSCLC apoptosis. In silico molecular docking analysis displayed a possible interaction of ERK1/2 and MEK1 with 22-(4'py)-JA. In vitro anticancer activity showed that 22-(4'py)-JA has strong cytotoxic and apoptosis-inducing effects in H460, H292 and A549 NSCLC cells. Furthermore, immunoblotting confirmed that 22-(4'py)-JA induced apoptotic cell death in an ERK/MEK/Bcl-2-dependent manner. The present study demonstrated that 22-(4'py)-JA exhibited a potent anticancer effect that could be further developed for clinical application and showed that network pharmacology approaches are a powerful tool to illustrate the molecular pathways of new drugs or compounds.
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Lipocalin 2 Reduces MET Levels by Inhibiting MEK/ERK Signaling to Inhibit Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cell Migration. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225707. [PMID: 36428800 PMCID: PMC9688489 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most common cancer that occurs in the nasopharynx, and it is difficult to detect early. The main cause of death of NPC patients is cancer metastasis. Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) has been shown to be involved in a variety of carcinogenesis processes. Here, we aimed to study the role of LCN2 in NPC cells and determine its underlying mechanism. We found that LCN2 was expressed differently in NPC cell lines, namely HONE-1, NPC-39, and NPC-BM. The down-regulation of LCN2 levels by siRNA targeting LCN2 (siLCN2) increased cell migration and invasion in HONE-1 cells, while the up-regulation of LCN2 levels by transfection with the LCN2 expression plasmid decreased cell migration and invasion in NPC-BM cells. Furthermore, LCN2 levels negatively regulated the phosphorylation of MEK/ERK pathways. The treatment of the specific MEK/ERK inhibitor, U0126, reduced cell migration in HONE-1 cells, whereas the treatment of tBHQ, an ERK activator, enhanced cell migration in NPC-BM cells. Based on the bioinformatics data, there was a moderately negative correlation between LCN2 and MET in metastatic NPC tissues (r = -0.5946, p = 0.0022). Indeed, the manipulation of LCN2 levels negatively regulated MET levels in these NPC cells. The treatment of U0126 reduced siLCN2-increased MET levels, while the treatment of tBHQ enhanced LCN2-enhanced MET levels. Interestingly, the down-regulation of MET levels by siMET further decreased siLCN2-enhanced MET levels and cell migration. Therefore, LCN2 inhibits NPC cell migration by reducing MET levels through MEK/ERK signaling.
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Li R, Li H, Lan J, Yang D, Lin X, Xu H, Han B, Yang M, Su B, Liu F, Jiang W. Damnacanthal isolated from morinda species inhibited ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration through activating autophagy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 100:154084. [PMID: 35421676 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is a very common gynecological malignant tumor. Natural products are important sources of chemotherapy drugs for ovarian cancer. Damnacanthal is an anthraquinone derivative with anti-cancer pharmacological properties. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying damnacanthal's effects against ovarian cancer. METHODS In vitro experiments, CCK8, colony formation and flow cytometry assays were used to evaluate the anti-ovarian cancer effect of damnacanthal on SKVO3 and A2780 cells. The wound healing tests and the transwell invasion assays were used to detect the migration and infiltration of ovarian cancer cells. Western Blot assays and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure autophagy levels. In vivo experiments, the anti-ovarian cancer effect of damnacanthal was further evaluated in a xenograft nude mouse model of SKVO3 cells. RESULTS Damnacanthal induced significant cell death and apoptosis, as well as significant inhibition in migration and invasion, in SKVO3 and A2780 cells, Furthermore, damnacanthal induced cell cycle arrest by increasing the protein levels of p27Kip1 and decreasing cyclin D1 levels. In addition, damnacanthal induced a significant accumulation of autophagosomes, accompanied with an increase in LC3II protein levels, and a decrease in p62 protein levels. 3-methyladenine, an autophagy formation inhibitor, significantly mitigated the damnacanthal-induced apoptosis and migration hindrance, as well as the decline in cell viability. Furthermore, the inactivation of ERK and its downstream effector mTOR signaling pathways, rather than Akt or P38 pathway, were involved in damnacanthal's activation in autophagy. In addition, TBHQ, an ERK activator, significantly inhibited damnacanthal-boosted LC3 II levels and autophagosome accumulation, and reversed damnacanthal-induced cell death, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and migration hindrance. Finally, the anti-ovarian cancer effect of damnacanthal was confirmed in the orthotopic xenograft model of SKVO3 cells in nude mice, with tumor growth being significantly inhibited comparably to the efficacy of cisplatin. Damnacanthal was also synergistic with cisplatin and showed inhibition in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells. CONCLUSION Damnacanthal inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer via the ERK/mTOR/autophagy signaling cascade, indicating that it may be a potential anti-ovarian cancer drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruli Li
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - He Li
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jie Lan
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Dongmei Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - Xinjing Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - Hongling Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - Bin Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - Bo Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - Fu Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, Sichuan, 637000, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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Niclosamide Suppresses Migration and Invasion of Human Osteosarcoma Cells by Repressing TGFBI Expression via the ERK Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23010484. [PMID: 35008910 PMCID: PMC8745393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is a highly common malignant bone tumor. Its highly metastatic properties are the leading cause of mortality for cancer. Niclosamide, a salicylanilide derivative, is an oral antihelminthic drug of known anticancer potential. However, the effect of niclosamide on osteosarcoma cell migration, invasion and the mechanisms underlying have not been fully clarified. Therefore, this study investigated niclosamide’s underlying pathways and antimetastatic effects on osteosarcoma. In this study, U2OS and HOS osteosarcoma cell lines were treated with niclosamide and then subjected to assays for determining cell migration ability. The results indicated that niclosamide, at concentrations of up to 200 nM, inhibited the migration and invasion of human osteosarcoma U2OS and HOS cells and repressed the transforming growth factor beta-induced protein (TGFBI) expression of U2OS cells, without cytotoxicity. After TGFBI knockdown occurred, cellular migration and invasion behaviors of U2OS cells were significantly reduced. Moreover, niclosamide significantly decreased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in U2OS cells and the combination treatment of the MEK inhibitor (U0126) and niclosamide resulted in the intensive inhibition of the TGFBI expression and the migratory ability in U2OS cells. Therefore, TGFBI derived from osteosarcoma cells via the ERK pathway contributed to cellular migration and invasion and niclosamide inhibited these processes. These findings indicate that niclosamide may be a powerful preventive agent against the development and metastasis of osteosarcoma.
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