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Pasamba EC, Orda MA, Villanueva BHA, Tsai PW, Tayo LL. Transcriptomic Analysis of Hub Genes Reveals Associated Inflammatory Pathways in Estrogen-Dependent Gynecological Diseases. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:397. [PMID: 38927277 PMCID: PMC11201105 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Gynecological diseases are triggered by aberrant molecular pathways that alter gene expression, hormonal balance, and cellular signaling pathways, which may lead to long-term physiological consequences. This study was able to identify highly preserved modules and key hub genes that are mainly associated with gynecological diseases, represented by endometriosis (EM), ovarian cancer (OC), cervical cancer (CC), and endometrial cancer (EC), through the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of microarray datasets sourced from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Five highly preserved modules were observed across the EM (GSE51981), OC (GSE63885), CC (GSE63514), and EC (GSE17025) datasets. The functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the highly preserved modules were heavily involved in several inflammatory pathways that are associated with transcription dysregulation, such as NF-kB signaling, JAK-STAT signaling, MAPK-ERK signaling, and mTOR signaling pathways. Furthermore, the results also include pathways that are relevant in gynecological disease prognosis through viral infections. Mutations in the ESR1 gene that encodes for ERα, which were shown to also affect signaling pathways involved in inflammation, further indicate its importance in gynecological disease prognosis. Potential drugs were screened through the Drug Repurposing Encyclopedia (DRE) based on the up-and downregulated hub genes, wherein a bacterial ribosomal subunit inhibitor and a benzodiazepine receptor agonist were the top candidates. Other drug candidates include a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, glucocorticoid receptor agonists, cholinergic receptor agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, sterol demethylase inhibitors, a bacterial antifolate, and serotonin receptor antagonist drugs which have known anti-inflammatory effects, demonstrating that the gene network highlights specific inflammatory pathways as a therapeutic avenue in designing drug candidates for gynecological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine C. Pasamba
- School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines; (E.C.P.); (M.A.O.); (B.H.A.V.)
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines
| | - Marco A. Orda
- School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines; (E.C.P.); (M.A.O.); (B.H.A.V.)
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines
| | - Brian Harvey Avanceña Villanueva
- School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines; (E.C.P.); (M.A.O.); (B.H.A.V.)
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines
| | - Po-Wei Tsai
- Department of Food Science, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan;
| | - Lemmuel L. Tayo
- School of Graduate Studies, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines; (E.C.P.); (M.A.O.); (B.H.A.V.)
- School of Chemical, Biological, and Materials Engineering and Sciences, Mapúa University, Manila City 1002, Philippines
- Department of Biology, School of Health Sciences, Mapúa University, Makati City 1203, Philippines
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Tao Y, Zhang Q, Wang H, Yang X, Mu H. Alternative splicing and related RNA binding proteins in human health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:26. [PMID: 38302461 PMCID: PMC10835012 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01734-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) serves as a pivotal mechanism in transcriptional regulation, engendering transcript diversity, and modifications in protein structure and functionality. Across varying tissues, developmental stages, or under specific conditions, AS gives rise to distinct splice isoforms. This implies that these isoforms possess unique temporal and spatial roles, thereby associating AS with standard biological activities and diseases. Among these, AS-related RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play an instrumental role in regulating alternative splicing events. Under physiological conditions, the diversity of proteins mediated by AS influences the structure, function, interaction, and localization of proteins, thereby participating in the differentiation and development of an array of tissues and organs. Under pathological conditions, alterations in AS are linked with various diseases, particularly cancer. These changes can lead to modifications in gene splicing patterns, culminating in changes or loss of protein functionality. For instance, in cancer, abnormalities in AS and RBPs may result in aberrant expression of cancer-associated genes, thereby promoting the onset and progression of tumors. AS and RBPs are also associated with numerous neurodegenerative diseases and autoimmune diseases. Consequently, the study of AS across different tissues holds significant value. This review provides a detailed account of the recent advancements in the study of alternative splicing and AS-related RNA-binding proteins in tissue development and diseases, which aids in deepening the understanding of gene expression complexity and offers new insights and methodologies for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Tao
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Tumor Microenvironment and Inflammation, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiyu Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Haoran Mu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 200000, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Bone Tumor Institution, 200000, Shanghai, China.
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Gozes I. Tau, ADNP, and sex. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024; 81:16-23. [PMID: 37572043 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
With 50 years to the original discovery of Tau, I gave here my perspective, looking through the prism of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), and the influence of sex. My starting point was vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), a regulator of ADNP. I then moved to the original discovery of ADNP and its active neuroprotective site, NAP, drug candidate, davunetide. Tau-ADNP-NAP interactions were then explained with emphasis on sex and future translational medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Illana Gozes
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Parisi F, Fenizia C, Introini A, Zavatta A, Scaccabarozzi C, Biasin M, Savasi V. The pathophysiological role of estrogens in the initial stages of pregnancy: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications for pregnancy outcome from the periconceptional period to end of the first trimester. Hum Reprod Update 2023; 29:699-720. [PMID: 37353909 PMCID: PMC10628507 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogens regulate disparate female physiological processes, thus ensuring reproduction. Altered estrogen levels and signaling have been associated with increased risks of pregnancy failure and complications, including hypertensive disorders and low birthweight babies. However, the role of estrogens in the periconceptional period and early pregnancy is still understudied. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE This review aims to summarize the current evidence on the role of maternal estrogens during the periconceptional period and the first trimester of pregnancies conceived naturally and following ART. Detailed molecular mechanisms and related clinical impacts are extensively described. SEARCH METHODS Data for this narrative review were independently identified by seven researchers on Pubmed and Embase databases. The following keywords were selected: 'estrogens' OR 'estrogen level(s)' OR 'serum estradiol' OR 'estradiol/estrogen concentration', AND 'early pregnancy' OR 'first trimester of pregnancy' OR 'preconceptional period' OR 'ART' OR 'In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)' OR 'Embryo Transfer' OR 'Frozen Embryo Transfer' OR 'oocyte donation' OR 'egg donation' OR 'miscarriage' OR 'pregnancy outcome' OR 'endometrium'. OUTCOMES During the periconceptional period (defined here as the critical time window starting 1 month before conception), estrogens play a crucial role in endometrial receptivity, through the activation of paracrine/autocrine signaling. A derailed estrogenic milieu within this period seems to be detrimental both in natural and ART-conceived pregnancies. Low estrogen levels are associated with non-conception cycles in natural pregnancies. On the other hand, excessive supraphysiologic estrogen concentrations at time of the LH peak correlate with lower live birth rates and higher risks of pregnancy complications. In early pregnancy, estrogen plays a massive role in placentation mainly by modulating angiogenic factor expression-and in the development of an immune-tolerant uterine micro-environment by remodeling the function of uterine natural killer and T-helper cells. Lower estrogen levels are thought to trigger abnormal placentation in naturally conceived pregnancies, whereas an estrogen excess seems to worsen pregnancy development and outcomes. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Most current evidence available endorses a relation between periconceptional and first trimester estrogen levels and pregnancy outcomes, further depicting an optimal concentration range to optimize pregnancy success. However, how estrogens co-operate with other factors in order to maintain a fine balance between local tolerance towards the developing fetus and immune responses to pathogens remains elusive. Further studies are highly warranted, also aiming to identify the determinants of estrogen response and biomarkers for personalized estrogen administration regimens in ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Parisi
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, 'V. Buzzi' Children Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, via L. Castelvetro 32, Milan, Italy
| | - C Fenizia
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, via F. Sforza 35, Milan 20122, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, "L.Sacco" Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, via G.B. Grassi 74, Milan 20157, Italy
| | - A Introini
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Nobels väg 5, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Zavatta
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, 'V. Buzzi' Children Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milan, via L. Castelvetro 32, Milan, Italy
| | - C Scaccabarozzi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, "L.Sacco" Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, via G.B. Grassi 74, Milan 20157, Italy
| | - M Biasin
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, "L.Sacco" Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, via G.B. Grassi 74, Milan 20157, Italy
| | - V Savasi
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, "L.Sacco" Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, via G.B. Grassi 74, Milan 20157, Italy
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Gozes I, Shapira G, Lobyntseva A, Shomron N. Unexpected gender differences in progressive supranuclear palsy reveal efficacy for davunetide in women. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:319. [PMID: 37845254 PMCID: PMC10579238 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02618-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a pure tauopathy, implicating davunetide, enhancing Tau-microtubule interaction, as an ideal drug candidate. However, pooling patient data irrespective of sex concluded no efficacy. Here, analyzing sex-dependency in a 52 week-long- PSP clinical trial (involving over 200 patients) demonstrated clear baseline differences in brain ventricular volumes, a secondary endpoint. Dramatic baseline ventricular volume-dependent/volume increase correlations were observed in 52-week-placebo-treated females (r = 0.74, P = 2.36-9), whereas davunetide-treated females (like males) revealed no such effects. Assessment of primary endpoints, by the PSP Rating Scale (PSPRS) and markedly more so by the Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living (SEADL) scale, showed significantly faster deterioration in females, starting at trial week 13 (P = 0.01, and correlating with most other endpoints by week 52). Twice daily davunetide treatments slowed female disease progression and revealed significant protection according to the SEADL scale as early as at 39 weeks (P = 0.008), as well as protection of the bulbar and limb motor domains considered by the PSPRS, including speaking and swallowing difficulties caused by brain damage, and deterioration of fine motor skills, respectably (P = 0.01), at 52 weeks. Furthermore, at 52 weeks of trial, the exploratory Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) significantly correlated with the SEADL scale deterioration in the female placebo group and demonstrated davunetide-mediated protection of females. Female-specific davunetide-mediated protection of ventricular volume corresponded to clinical efficacy. Together with the significantly slower disease progression seen in men, the results reveal sex-based drug efficacy differences, demonstrating the neuroprotective and disease-modifying impact of davunetide treatment for female PSP patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Illana Gozes
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Guy Shapira
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Edmond J Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alexandra Lobyntseva
- Elton Laboratory for Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Adams Super Center for Brain Studies and Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience, Edmond J Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Mhlekude B, Postmus D, Stenzel S, Weiner J, Jansen J, Zapatero-Belinchón FJ, Olmer R, Richter A, Heinze J, Heinemann N, Mühlemann B, Schroeder S, Jones TC, Müller MA, Drosten C, Pich A, Thiel V, Martin U, Niemeyer D, Gerold G, Beule D, Goffinet C. Pharmacological inhibition of bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins induces an NRF-2-mediated antiviral state that is subverted by SARS-CoV-2 infection. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011657. [PMID: 37747932 PMCID: PMC10629670 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of bromodomain and extra-terminal proteins (iBETs), including JQ-1, have been suggested as potential prophylactics against SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, molecular mechanisms underlying JQ-1-mediated antiviral activity and its susceptibility to viral subversion remain incompletely understood. Pretreatment of cells with iBETs inhibited infection by SARS-CoV-2 variants and SARS-CoV, but not MERS-CoV. The antiviral activity manifested itself by reduced reporter expression of recombinant viruses, and reduced viral RNA quantities and infectious titers in the culture supernatant. While we confirmed JQ-1-mediated downregulation of expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), multi-omics analysis addressing the chromatin accessibility, transcriptome and proteome uncovered induction of an antiviral nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2)-mediated cytoprotective response as an additional mechanism through which JQ-1 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication. Pharmacological inhibition of NRF-2, and knockdown of NRF-2 and its target genes reduced JQ-1-mediated inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication. Serial passaging of SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of JQ-1 resulted in predominance of ORF6-deficient variant, which exhibited resistance to JQ-1 and increased sensitivity to exogenously administered type I interferon (IFN-I), suggesting a minimised need for SARS-CoV-2 ORF6-mediated repression of IFN signalling in the presence of JQ-1. Importantly, JQ-1 exhibited a transient antiviral activity when administered prophylactically in human airway bronchial epithelial cells (hBAECs), which was gradually subverted by SARS-CoV-2, and no antiviral activity when administered therapeutically following an established infection. We propose that JQ-1 exerts pleiotropic effects that collectively induce an antiviral state in the host, which is ultimately nullified by SARS-CoV-2 infection, raising questions about the clinical suitability of the iBETs in the context of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baxolele Mhlekude
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Virology and Innate Immunity Research Group, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
- Institute of Genetics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Dylan Postmus
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Saskia Stenzel
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - January Weiner
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jenny Jansen
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francisco J. Zapatero-Belinchón
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology & Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ruth Olmer
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, REBIRTH—Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Anja Richter
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Heinze
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicolas Heinemann
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Barbara Mühlemann
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon Schroeder
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Terry C. Jones
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Centre for Pathogen Evolution, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel A. Müller
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Pich
- Institute of Toxicology, Hannover Medical School, Core Facility Proteomics, Hannover, Germany
| | - Volker Thiel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology (IVI), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Martin
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiothoracic, Transplantation and Vascular Surgery, REBIRTH—Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical Research in Endstage and Obstructive Lung Disease Hannover (BREATH), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniela Niemeyer
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gisa Gerold
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Virology, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research; a joint venture between the Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Virology & Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Dieter Beule
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Goffinet
- Institute of Virology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Tropical Disease Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool United Kingdom
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Functional Relationships between Long Non-Coding RNAs and Estrogen Receptor Alpha: A New Frontier in Hormone-Responsive Breast Cancer Management. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021145. [PMID: 36674656 PMCID: PMC9863308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021145] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In the complex and articulated machinery of the human genome, less than 2% of the transcriptome encodes for proteins, while at least 75% is actively transcribed into non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). Among the non-coding transcripts, those ≥200 nucleotides long (lncRNAs) are receiving growing attention for their involvement in human diseases, particularly cancer. Genomic studies have revealed the multiplicity of processes, including neoplastic transformation and tumor progression, in which lncRNAs are involved by regulating gene expression at epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels by mechanism(s) that still need to be clarified. In breast cancer, several lncRNAs were identified and demonstrated to have either oncogenic or tumor-suppressive roles. The functional understanding of the mechanisms of lncRNA action in this disease could represent a potential for translational applications, as these molecules may serve as novel biomarkers of clinical use and potential therapeutic targets. This review highlights the relationship between lncRNAs and the principal hallmark of the luminal breast cancer phenotype, estrogen receptor α (ERα), providing an overview of new potential ways to inhibit estrogenic signaling via this nuclear receptor toward escaping resistance to endocrine therapy.
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A Regulatory Axis between Epithelial Splicing Regulatory Proteins and Estrogen Receptor α Modulates the Alternative Transcriptome of Luminal Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147835. [PMID: 35887187 PMCID: PMC9319905 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial splicing regulatory proteins 1 and 2 (ESRP1/2) control the splicing pattern during epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a physiological context and in cancer, including breast cancer (BC). Here, we report that ESRP1, but not ESRP2, is overexpressed in luminal BCs of patients with poor prognosis and correlates with estrogen receptor α (ERα) levels. Analysis of ERα genome-binding profiles in cell lines and primary breast tumors showed its binding in the proximity of ESRP1 and ESRP2 genes, whose expression is strongly decreased by ERα silencing in hormone-deprived conditions. The combined knock-down of ESRP1/2 in MCF-7 cells followed by RNA-Seq, revealed the dysregulation of 754 genes, with a widespread alteration of alternative splicing events (ASEs) of genes involved in cell signaling, metabolism, cell growth, and EMT. Functional network analysis of ASEs correlated with ESRP1/2 expression in ERα+ BCs showed RAC1 as the hub node in the protein-protein interactions altered by ESRP1/2 silencing. The comparison of ERα- and ESRP-modulated ASEs revealed 63 commonly regulated events, including 27 detected in primary BCs and endocrine-resistant cell lines. Our data support a functional implication of the ERα-ESRP1/2 axis in the onset and progression of BC by controlling the splicing patterns of related genes.
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