1
|
Wang X, Nie X, Wang H, Ren Z. Roles of small GTPases in cardiac hypertrophy (Review). Mol Med Rep 2024; 30:208. [PMID: 39301654 PMCID: PMC11425065 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy results from the heart reacting and adapting to various pathological stimuli and its persistent development is a major contributing factor to heart failure. However, the molecular mechanisms of cardiac hypertrophy remain unclear. Small GTPases in the Ras, Rho, Rab, Arf and Ran subfamilies exhibit GTPase activity and play crucial roles in regulating various cellular responses. Previous studies have shown that Ras, Rho and Rab are closely linked to cardiac hypertrophy and that their overexpression can induce cardiac hypertrophy. Here, we review the functions of small GTPases in cardiac hypertrophy and provide additional insights and references for the prevention and treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Xinwen Nie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Hao Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Zhanhong Ren
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Medicine Research Institute, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mo X, Wang C, Pu Q, Zhang Z, Wu D. Revealing genetic causality between blood-based biomarkers and major depression in east Asian ancestry. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1424958. [PMID: 39323965 PMCID: PMC11423294 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1424958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Major Depression (MD) is a common mental disorder. In East Asian ancestry, the association, causality, and shared genetic basis between blood-based biomarkers and MD remain unclear. Methods We investigated the relationships between blood-based biomarkers and MD through a cross-sectional study and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Cross-trait analysis and enrichment analyses were used to highlight the shared genetic determinants and biological pathways. We conducted summary data-based MR to identify shared genes, which were then validated using a transcriptome dataset from drug-naïve patients with MD. Results In the cross-sectional study, C-Reactive Protein showed the significantly positive correlation with depressive symptoms, while hematocrit, hemoglobin, and uric acid exhibited significantly negative correlations. In MR analysis, basophil count (BASO) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) had a significant causal effect on MD. The enrichment analysis indicated a significant role of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. The shared genes MFN2, FAM55C, GCC2, and SCAPER were validated, with MFN2 identified as a pleiotropic gene involved in MD, BASO, and LDLc. Discussion This study highlighted that BASO and LDLc have a causal effect on MD in East Asian ancestry. The pathological mechanisms of MD are related not only to inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress but also to down regulation of MFN2 expression and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Mo
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiuyi Pu
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengdong Zhang
- Department of Environmental Genomics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongmei Wu
- Department of Genetic Toxicology, The Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry Education, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cozzolino K, Sanford L, Hunter S, Molison K, Erickson B, Jones T, Courvan MCS, Ajit D, Galbraith MD, Espinosa JM, Bentley DL, Allen MA, Dowell RD, Taatjes DJ. Mediator kinase inhibition suppresses hyperactive interferon signaling in Down syndrome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.07.05.547813. [PMID: 37461585 PMCID: PMC10349994 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.05.547813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Hyperactive interferon (IFN) signaling is a hallmark of Down syndrome (DS), a condition caused by trisomy 21 (T21); strategies that normalize IFN signaling could benefit this population. Mediator-associated kinases CDK8 and CDK19 drive inflammatory responses through incompletely understood mechanisms. Using sibling-matched cell lines with/without T21, we investigated Mediator kinase function in the context of hyperactive IFN in DS over a 45min - 24h timeframe. Activation of IFN-response genes was suppressed in cells treated with the CDK8/CDK19 inhibitor cortistatin A (CA), and this occurred through rapid suppression of IFN-responsive transcription factor activity. Moreover, we discovered that CDK8/CDK19 affect splicing, a novel means by which Mediator kinases control gene expression. To further probe Mediator kinase function, we completed cytokine screens and untargeted metabolomics experiments. Cytokines are master regulators of inflammatory responses; by screening 105 different cytokine proteins, we show that Mediator kinases help drive IFN-dependent cytokine responses at least in part through transcriptional regulation of cytokine genes and receptors. Metabolomics revealed that Mediator kinase inhibition altered core metabolic pathways, including broad up-regulation of anti-inflammatory lipid mediators, whose levels were elevated during hyperactive IFN signaling. A subset of these lipid mediators (e.g. oleamide, desmosterol) serve as ligands for nuclear receptors PPAR and LXR, and activation of these receptors occurred specifically during hyperactive IFN signaling in CA-treated cells, revealing a mechanistic link between Mediator kinase activity and nuclear receptor function. Collectively, our results identify new mechanisms by which CDK8/CDK19 regulate gene expression, and establish that Mediator kinase inhibition antagonizes IFN signaling through transcriptional, metabolic, and cytokine responses, with implications for DS and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kira Cozzolino
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Lynn Sanford
- Dept. of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Samuel Hunter
- Dept. of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Kayla Molison
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Benjamin Erickson
- Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- UC-Denver RNA Bioscience Initiative
| | - Taylor Jones
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Meaghan C S Courvan
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Dept. of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Crnic Institute Boulder Branch
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Deepa Ajit
- Metabolon, Inc., Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Matthew D Galbraith
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Dept. of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Joaquin M Espinosa
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Dept. of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - David L Bentley
- Dept. Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- UC-Denver RNA Bioscience Initiative
| | - Mary A Allen
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Robin D Dowell
- Dept. of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Dylan J Taatjes
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tkachenko A. Apoptosis and eryptosis: similarities and differences. Apoptosis 2024; 29:482-502. [PMID: 38036865 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-023-01915-4] [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] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Eryptosis is a regulated cell death (RCD) of mature erythrocytes initially described as a counterpart of apoptosis for enucleated cells. However, over the recent years, a growing number of studies have emphasized certain differences between both cell death modalities. In this review paper, we underline the hallmarks of eryptosis and apoptosis and highlight resemblances and dissimilarities between both RCDs. We summarize and critically discuss differences in the impact of caspase-3, Ca2+ signaling, ROS signaling pathways, opposing roles of casein kinase 1α, protein kinase C, Janus kinase 3, cyclin-dependent kinase 4, and AMP-activated protein kinase to highlight a certain degree of divergence between apoptosis and eryptosis. This review emphasizes the crucial importance of further studies that focus on deepening our knowledge of cell death machinery and identifying novel differences between cell death of nucleated and enucleated cells. This might provide evidence that erythrocytes can be defined as viable entities capable of programmed cell destruction. Additionally, the revealed cell type-specific patterns in cell death can facilitate the development of cell death-modulating therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton Tkachenko
- 1st Faculty of Medicine, BIOCEV, Charles University, Průmyslová 595, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhang Q, Wen XH, Tang SL, Zhao ZW, Tang CK. Role and therapeutic potential of gelsolin in atherosclerosis. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 178:59-67. [PMID: 36967105 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the major pathophysiological basis of a variety of cardiovascular diseases and has been recognized as a lipid-driven chronic inflammatory disease. Gelsolin (GSN) is a member of the GSN family. The main function of GSN is to cut and seal actin filaments to regulate the cytoskeleton and participate in a variety of biological functions, such as cell movement, morphological changes, metabolism, apoptosis and phagocytosis. Recently, more and more evidences have demonstrated that GSN is Closely related to atherosclerosis, involving lipid metabolism, inflammation, cell proliferation, migration and thrombosis. This article reviews the role of GSN in atherosclerosis from inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and thrombosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Zhang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Wen
- School of Nursing, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Shi-Lin Tang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Zhen-Wang Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, Hubei 441053, China.
| | - Chao-Ke Tang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Lab for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, Department of Intensive Care Unit, the First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Filić V, Weber I. Rho GTPases in Model Systems. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050779. [PMID: 36899915 PMCID: PMC10000384 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050779] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of their role in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton 30 years ago, Rho GTPases have taken center stage in cell motility research [...].
Collapse
|
7
|
Dong R, Jiang G, Tian Y, Shi X. Identification of immune-related biomarkers and construction of regulatory network in patients with atherosclerosis. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:245. [PMID: 36437453 PMCID: PMC9703734 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01397-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More and more evidence has established the crucial roles of the innate and adaptive immune systems in driving atherosclerosis-associated chronic inflammation in arterial blood vessels. Thus, the goal of this research was to determine immune-related biomarkers in atherosclerosis. METHODS In this study, we conducted analysis on the mRNA expression profile of atherosclerosis obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between atherosclerosis and control samples and immune-related genes (IRGs) were intersected to obtain differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs). The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was created by STRING database and hub genes were identified by the MCODE plug-in. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was executed to verify the diagnostic value of the hub genes, and microRNA (miRNA)-gene-transcription factor (TF) regulatory networks were used to explain the regulatory mechanism of hub genes in atherosclerosis. Finally, qRT-PCR was performed to identify the mRNA levels of the target genes. RESULTS A total of 199 overlapping genes were screened out as DEIRGs by intersecting the DEGs and IRGs. Then, 6 hub genes with high diagnostic value (IFIH1, IFIT1, IFIT2, IFIT3, ISG15 and OAS3) were identified via PPI network and ROC curve. Finally, miRNA-gene-TF networks revealed the regulatory mechanism of diagnostic genes.We used the carotid artery of AS patients and normal human carotid artery plaque samples for qRT-PCR verification, and the results showed that the hub gene had the same trend. CONCLUSION Our study identified IFIH1, IFIT1, IFIT2, IFIT3, ISG15 and OAS3 as immune-related hub genes of atherosclerosis. These genes may serve as potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Dong
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hebei Provincial People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Guangwei Jiang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hebei Provincial People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Yunjie Tian
- The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University Gynecology, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China
| | - Xiaoming Shi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hebei Provincial People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang, 050000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang L, Shi J, Liu S, Huang Y, Ding H, Zhao B, Liu Y, Wang W, Yang J, Chen Z. RAC3 Inhibition Induces Autophagy to Impair Metastasis in Bladder Cancer Cells via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway. Front Oncol 2022; 12:915240. [PMID: 35847878 PMCID: PMC9279623 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.915240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bladder cancer (BCa) is one of the most frequent malignant tumors globally, with a significant morbidity and mortality rate. Gene expression dysregulation has been proven to play a critical role in tumorigenesis. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate3 (RAC3), which is overexpressed in several malignancies and promotes tumor progression, has been identified as an oncogene. However, RAC3 has important but not fully understood biological functions in cancer. Our research aims to reveal the new functions and potential mechanisms of RAC3 involved in BCa progression. Methods We explored the expression level of RAC3 and its relationship with prognosis by publicly accessible BCa datasets, while the correlation of RAC3 expression with clinicopathological variables of patients was analyzed. In vitro and in vivo proliferation, migration, autophagy, and other phenotypic changes were examined by constructing knockdown(KD)/overexpression(OE) RAC3 cells and their association with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was explored by adding autophagy-related compounds. Results Compared with non-tumor samples, RAC3 was highly expressed in BCa and negatively correlated with prognosis. KD/OE RAC3 inhibited/promoted the proliferation and migration of BCa cells. Knockdown RAC3 caused cell cycle arrest and decreased adhesion without affecting apoptosis. Inhibition of RAC3 activates PI3K/AKT/mTOR mediated autophagy and inhibits proliferation and migration of BCa cells in vivo and in vitro. Autophagy inhibitor 3MA can partially rescue the metastasis and proliferation inhibition effect caused by RAC3 inhibition. Inhibit/activate mTOR enhanced/impaired autophagy, resulting in shRAC3-mediated migration defect exacerbated/rescued. Conclusion RAC3 is highly expressed in BCa. It is associated with advanced clinicopathological variables and poor prognosis. Knockdown RAC3 exerts an antitumor effect by enhancing PI3K/AKT/mTOR mediated autophagy. Targeting RAC3 and autophagy simultaneously is a potential therapeutic strategy for inhibiting BCa progression and prolonging survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Wang
- Urology Institute of People’s Liberation Army, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Unit 32357 of People’s Liberation Army, Pujiang, China
| | - Jiazhong Shi
- Department of Cell Biology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Sha Liu
- Department of Cell Biology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yaqin Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Ding
- Urology Institute of People’s Liberation Army, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Baixiong Zhao
- Urology Institute of People’s Liberation Army, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- Urology Institute of People’s Liberation Army, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Wuxing Wang
- Urology Institute of People’s Liberation Army, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Zhiwen Chen
- Urology Institute of People’s Liberation Army, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rac1 as a Target to Treat Dysfunctions and Cancer of the Bladder. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061357. [PMID: 35740379 PMCID: PMC9219850 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder pathologies, very common in the aged population, have a considerable negative impact on quality of life. Novel targets are needed to design drugs and combinations to treat diseases such as overactive bladder and bladder cancers. A promising new target is the ubiquitous Rho GTPase Rac1, frequently dysregulated and overexpressed in bladder pathologies. We have analyzed the roles of Rac1 in different bladder pathologies, including bacterial infections, diabetes-induced bladder dysfunctions and bladder cancers. The contribution of the Rac1 protein to tumorigenesis, tumor progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition of bladder cancer cells and their metastasis has been analyzed. Small molecules selectively targeting Rac1 have been discovered or designed, and two of them—NSC23766 and EHT 1864—have revealed activities against bladder cancer. Their mode of interaction with Rac1, at the GTP binding site or the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEF) interaction site, is discussed. Our analysis underlines the possibility of targeting Rac1 with small molecules with the objective to combat bladder dysfunctions and to reduce lower urinary tract symptoms. Finally, the interest of a Rac1 inhibitor to treat advanced chemoresistance prostate cancer, while reducing the risk of associated bladder dysfunction, is discussed. There is hope for a better management of bladder pathologies via Rac1-targeted approaches.
Collapse
|
10
|
Sauzeau V, Beignet J, Vergoten G, Bailly C. Overexpressed or hyperactivated Rac1 as a target to treat hepatocellular carcinoma. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106220. [PMID: 35405309 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Despite novel targeted and immunotherapies, the prognosis remains bleak for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially for advanced and/or metastatic forms. The rapid emergence of drug resistance is a major obstacle in the success of chemo-, targeted-, immuno-therapies of HCC. Novel targets are needed. The prominent roles of the small GTPase Rac1 in the development and progression of HCC are discussed here, together with its multiple protein partners, and the targeting of Rac1 with RNA-based regulators and small molecules. We discuss the oncogenic functions of Rac1 in HCC, including the contribution of Rac1 mutants and isoform Rac1b. Rac1 is a ubiquitous target, but the protein is frequently overexpressed and hyperactivated in HCC. It contributes to the aggressivity of the disease, with key roles in cancer cell proliferation, tumor metastasis and resistance to treatment. Small molecule targeting Rac1, indirectly or directly, have shown anticancer effects in HCC experimental models. Rac1-binding agents such as EHT 1864 and analogues offer novel opportunities to combat HCC. We discuss the different modalities to repress Rac1 overactivation in HCC with small molecules and the combination with reference drugs to promote cancer cell death and to repress cell invasion. We highlight the necessity to combine Rac1-targeted approach with appropriate biomarkers to select Rac1 activated tumors. Our analysis underlines the prominent oncogenic functions of Rac1 in HCC and discuss the modalities to target this small GTPase. Rac1 shall be considered as a valid target to limit the acquired and intrinsic resistance of HCC tumors and their metastatic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Sauzeau
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, Institut du Thorax, Nantes, France.
| | - Julien Beignet
- SATT Ouest Valorisation, 30 boulevard Vincent Gâche, CS 70211, 44202 Nantes Cedex, France
| | - Gérard Vergoten
- University of Lille, Inserm, INFINITE - U1286, Institut de Chimie Pharmaceutique Albert Lespagnol (ICPAL), Faculté de Pharmacie, 3 rue du Professeur Laguesse, BP-83, 59006, Lille, France
| | - Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille, Wasquehal 59290, France.
| |
Collapse
|