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Frederick MI, Nassef MZ, Borrelli MJ, Kuang S, Buensuceso A, More T, Cordes T, O'Donoghue P, Shepherd TG, Hiller K, Heinemann IU. Metabolic adaptation in epithelial ovarian cancer metastasis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:167312. [PMID: 38901649 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167312] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is highly lethal due to its unique metastatic characteristics. EOC spheroids enter a non-proliferative state, with hypoxic cores and reduced oncogenic signaling, all of which contribute to tumour dormancy during metastasis. We investigated the metabolomic states of EOC cells progressing through the three steps to metastasis. Metabolomes of adherent, spheroid, and re-adherent cells were validated by isotopic metabolic flux analysis and mitochondrial functional assays to identify metabolic pathways that were previously unknown to promote EOC metastasis. Although spheroids were thought to exist in a dormant state, metabolomic analysis revealed an unexpected upregulation of energy production pathways in spheroids, accompanied by increased abundance of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and electron transport chain proteins. Tracing of 13C-labelled glucose and glutamine showed increased pyruvate carboxylation and decreased glutamine anaplerosis in spheroids. Increased reductive carboxylation suggests spheroids adjust redox homeostasis by shuttling cytosolic NADPH into mitochondria via isocitrate dehydrogenase. Indeed, we observed spheroids have increased respiratory capacity and mitochondrial ATP production. Relative to adherent cells, spheroids reduced serine consumption and metabolism, processes which were reversed upon spheroid re-adherence. The data reveal a distinct metabolism in EOC spheroids that enhances energy production by the mitochondria while maintaining a dormant state with respect to growth and proliferation. The findings advance our understanding of EOC metastasis and identify the TCA cycle and mitochondrional activity as novel targets to disrupt EOC metastasis, providing new approaches to treat advanced disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory I Frederick
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Mohamed Z Nassef
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Matthew J Borrelli
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Siyun Kuang
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Adrian Buensuceso
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Tushar More
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Thekla Cordes
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Patrick O'Donoghue
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Trevor G Shepherd
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada; London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Karsten Hiller
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biochemistry, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of Systems Biology (BRICS), Technische Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany.
| | - Ilka U Heinemann
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada.
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Wang F, Zhou C, Zhu Y, Keshavarzi M. The microRNA Let-7 and its exosomal form: Epigenetic regulators of gynecological cancers. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:42. [PMID: 38836981 PMCID: PMC11153289 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09884-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Many types of gynecological cancer (GC) are often silent until they reach an advanced stage, and are therefore often diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Hence, there is a real need for more efficient diagnosis and treatment for patients with GC. During recent years, researchers have increasingly studied the impact of microRNAs cancer development, leading to a number of applications in detection and treatment. MicroRNAs are a particular group of tiny RNA molecules that regulate regular gene expression by affecting the translation process. The downregulation of numerous miRNAs has been observed in human malignancies. Let-7 is an example of a miRNA that controls cellular processes as well as signaling cascades to affect post-transcriptional gene expression. Recent research supports the hypothesis that enhancing let-7 expression in those cancers where it is downregulated may be a potential treatment option. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that move through body fluids and can include components like miRNAs (including let-7) that are important for communication between cells. Studies proved that exosomes are able to enhance tumor growth, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, metastasis, and immune evasion, thus suggesting their importance in GC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- Haiyan People's Hospital, Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing, 314300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chundi Zhou
- Haiyan People's Hospital, Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing, 314300, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanping Zhu
- Haiyan People's Hospital, Zhejiang Province, Jiaxing, 314300, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Maryam Keshavarzi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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3
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Ling S, Kwak D, Takuwa Y, Ge C, Franceschi R, Kim KK. Discoidin domain receptor 2 signaling through PIK3C2α in fibroblasts promotes lung fibrosis. J Pathol 2024; 262:505-516. [PMID: 38332727 PMCID: PMC10940211 DOI: 10.1002/path.6253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis, especially idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), portends significant morbidity and mortality, and current therapeutic options are suboptimal. We have previously shown that type I collagen signaling through discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2), a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed by fibroblasts, is critical for the regulation of fibroblast apoptosis and progressive fibrosis. However, the downstream signaling pathways for DDR2 remain poorly defined and could also be attractive potential targets for therapy. A recent phosphoproteomic approach indicated that PIK3C2α, a poorly studied member of the PI3 kinase family, could be a downstream mediator of DDR2 signaling. We hypothesized that collagen I/DDR2 signaling through PIK3C2α regulates fibroblast activity during progressive fibrosis. To test this hypothesis, we found that primary murine fibroblasts and IPF-derived fibroblasts stimulated with endogenous or exogenous type I collagen led to the formation of a DDR2/PIK3C2α complex, resulting in phosphorylation of PIK3C2α. Fibroblasts treated with an inhibitor of PIK3C2α or with deletion of PIK3C2α had fewer markers of activation after stimulation with TGFβ and more apoptosis after stimulation with a Fas-activating antibody. Finally, mice with fibroblast-specific deletion of PIK3C2α had less fibrosis after bleomycin treatment than did littermate control mice with intact expression of PIK3Cα. Collectively, these data support the notion that collagen/DDR2/PIK3C2α signaling is critical for fibroblast function during progressive fibrosis, making this pathway a potential target for antifibrotic therapy. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Ling
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Doyun Kwak
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Yoh Takuwa
- Department of Physiology, Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Kanazawa Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Chunxi Ge
- Departments of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Renny Franceschi
- Departments of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kevin K. Kim
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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4
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Wang L, Wang X, Zhu X, Zhong L, Jiang Q, Wang Y, Tang Q, Li Q, Zhang C, Wang H, Zou D. Drug resistance in ovarian cancer: from mechanism to clinical trial. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:66. [PMID: 38539161 PMCID: PMC10976737 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01967-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecological cancer-related death. Drug resistance is the bottleneck in ovarian cancer treatment. The increasing use of novel drugs in clinical practice poses challenges for the treatment of drug-resistant ovarian cancer. Continuing to classify drug resistance according to drug type without understanding the underlying mechanisms is unsuitable for current clinical practice. We reviewed the literature regarding various drug resistance mechanisms in ovarian cancer and found that the main resistance mechanisms are as follows: abnormalities in transmembrane transport, alterations in DNA damage repair, dysregulation of cancer-associated signaling pathways, and epigenetic modifications. DNA methylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNA activity, three key classes of epigenetic modifications, constitute pivotal mechanisms of drug resistance. One drug can have multiple resistance mechanisms. Moreover, common chemotherapies and targeted drugs may have cross (overlapping) resistance mechanisms. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can interfere with and thus regulate the abovementioned pathways. A subclass of miRNAs, "epi-miRNAs", can modulate epigenetic regulators to impact therapeutic responses. Thus, we also reviewed the regulatory influence of miRNAs on resistance mechanisms. Moreover, we summarized recent phase I/II clinical trials of novel drugs for ovarian cancer based on the abovementioned resistance mechanisms. A multitude of new therapies are under evaluation, and the preliminary results are encouraging. This review provides new insight into the classification of drug resistance mechanisms in ovarian cancer and may facilitate in the successful treatment of resistant ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Specialized Medical Research Center of Ovarian Cancer, Chongqing, China
- Organoid Transformational Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Specialized Medical Research Center of Ovarian Cancer, Chongqing, China
- Organoid Transformational Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Xueping Zhu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Specialized Medical Research Center of Ovarian Cancer, Chongqing, China
- Organoid Transformational Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Zhong
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Specialized Medical Research Center of Ovarian Cancer, Chongqing, China
- Organoid Transformational Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Qingxiu Jiang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Specialized Medical Research Center of Ovarian Cancer, Chongqing, China
- Organoid Transformational Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Ya Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Specialized Medical Research Center of Ovarian Cancer, Chongqing, China
- Organoid Transformational Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Tang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Specialized Medical Research Center of Ovarian Cancer, Chongqing, China
- Organoid Transformational Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Qiaoling Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Chongqing Specialized Medical Research Center of Ovarian Cancer, Chongqing, China
- Organoid Transformational Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Chongqing Specialized Medical Research Center of Ovarian Cancer, Chongqing, China
- Organoid Transformational Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
- Biological and Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Specialized Medical Research Center of Ovarian Cancer, Chongqing, China.
- Organoid Transformational Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
| | - Dongling Zou
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital & Chongqing Cancer Institute & Chongqing Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
- Chongqing Specialized Medical Research Center of Ovarian Cancer, Chongqing, China.
- Organoid Transformational Research Center, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
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5
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Wang D, Zhao X, Li S, Guo H, Li S, Yu D. The impact of LncRNA-SOX2-OT/let-7c-3p/SKP2 Axis on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progression: Insights from bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Cell Signal 2024; 115:111018. [PMID: 38110167 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.111018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND LncRNA SRY-box transcription factor 2 overlapping transcript (SOX2-OT) is linked to multiple cancers, but its specific role and mechanism in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain poorly understood. METHODS We harnessed clinical data and HNSCC transcriptome profiles from UCSC Xena, TCGA, and GEO databases. Employing various algorithms, we assessed the correlation between SOX2-OT expression and the HNSCC immune microenvironment. Differential expression analysis identified immune-enriched miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs). Utilizing miRanda, miRWalk, and Cytoscape, we constructed a ceRNA network encompassing SOX2-OT, DEmiRNAs, and DEmRNAs. A Sankey diagram visualized pivotal SOX2-OT-miRNA-mRNA-pathways. Functional assays validated SOX2-OT silencing effects in HNSCC cells. Luciferase reporter assays verified SOX2-OT/let-7c-3p/SKP2 relationships. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model revealed SOX2-OT's impact on xenograft growth and lung metastasis. RESULTS SOX2-OT expression demonstrated a predominantly positive correlation with B lineage and VTCN1, while manifesting a negative correlation with Neutrophil and CD47 in HNSCC tissues. We discerned a ceRNA network comprising 65 DEmiRNAs and 116 DEmRNAs, while a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network revealed 97 protein nodes among DEmRNAs. Notably, the Sankey diagram spotlighted six key DEmRNAs intricately linked to the SOX2-OT-regulated DEmiRNAs immune-related pathway. Experimental assays established that SOX2-OT silencing exerted inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, migration, tumor growth, and lung metastasis within HNSCC cells, both in vitro and in vivo. We identified let-7c-3p as a target miRNA of SOX2-OT and SKP2 as a target mRNA of let-7c-3p. CONCLUSIONS Our study establishes the critical SOX2-OT/let-7c-3p/SKP2 axis as a pivotal regulator of HNSCC tumorigenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Haixian Guo
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Shaonan Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, People's Republic of China.
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Frederick MI, Hovey OFJ, Kakadia JH, Shepherd TG, Li SSC, Heinemann IU. Proteomic and Phosphoproteomic Reprogramming in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Metastasis. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100660. [PMID: 37820923 PMCID: PMC10652129 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100660] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is a high-risk cancer presenting with heterogeneous tumors. The high incidence of EOC metastasis from primary tumors to nearby tissues and organs is a major driver of EOC lethality. We used cellular models of spheroid formation and readherence to investigate cellular signaling dynamics in each step toward EOC metastasis. In our system, adherent cells model primary tumors, spheroid formation represents the initiation of metastatic spread, and readherent spheroid cells represent secondary tumors. Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses show that spheroid cells are hypoxic and show markers for cell cycle arrest. Aurora kinase B abundance and downstream substrate phosphorylation are significantly reduced in spheroids and readherent cells, explaining their cell cycle arrest phenotype. The proteome of readherent cells is most similar to spheroids, yet greater changes in the phosphoproteome show that spheroid cells stimulate Rho-associated kinase 1 (ROCK1)-mediated signaling, which controls cytoskeletal organization. In spheroids, we found significant phosphorylation of ROCK1 substrates that were reduced in both adherent and readherent cells. Application of the ROCK1-specific inhibitor Y-27632 to spheroids increased the rate of readherence and altered spheroid density. The data suggest ROCK1 inhibition increases EOC metastatic potential. We identified novel pathways controlled by Aurora kinase B and ROCK1 as major drivers of metastatic behavior in EOC cells. Our data show that phosphoproteomic reprogramming precedes proteomic changes that characterize spheroid readherence in EOC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory I Frederick
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Owen F J Hovey
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jenica H Kakadia
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Trevor G Shepherd
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; London Regional Cancer Program, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shawn S C Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Ilka U Heinemann
- Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Shiau JP, Chuang YT, Yen CY, Chang FR, Yang KH, Hou MF, Tang JY, Chang HW. Modulation of AKT Pathway-Targeting miRNAs for Cancer Cell Treatment with Natural Products. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043688. [PMID: 36835100 PMCID: PMC9961959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Many miRNAs are known to target the AKT serine-threonine kinase (AKT) pathway, which is critical for the regulation of several cell functions in cancer cell development. Many natural products exhibiting anticancer effects have been reported, but their connections to the AKT pathway (AKT and its effectors) and miRNAs have rarely been investigated. This review aimed to demarcate the relationship between miRNAs and the AKT pathway during the regulation of cancer cell functions by natural products. Identifying the connections between miRNAs and the AKT pathway and between miRNAs and natural products made it possible to establish an miRNA/AKT/natural product axis to facilitate a better understanding of their anticancer mechanisms. Moreover, the miRNA database (miRDB) was used to retrieve more AKT pathway-related target candidates for miRNAs. By evaluating the reported facts, the cell functions of these database-generated candidates were connected to natural products. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the natural product/miRNA/AKT pathway in the modulation of cancer cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Ping Shiau
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yu Yen
- School of Dentistry, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Rong Chang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Han Yang
- Graduate Institute of Natural Products, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Feng Hou
- Division of Breast Oncology and Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Yang Tang
- School of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (J.-Y.T.); (H.-W.C.); Tel.: +88-67-3121101 (ext. 8105) (J.-Y.T.); +88-67-3121101 (ext. 2691) (H.-W.C.)
| | - Hsueh-Wei Chang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, College of Life Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Science and Technology, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (J.-Y.T.); (H.-W.C.); Tel.: +88-67-3121101 (ext. 8105) (J.-Y.T.); +88-67-3121101 (ext. 2691) (H.-W.C.)
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8
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Ghaderi P, Fallah S, Khaledi H, Tehranian A, Rahmati F, Sheikhhasani S. EXPRESSION LEVELS OF FOXO-1, P27KIP1, MIR-27, MIR-186 AND AKT1/AKT-P PROTEINS IN WOMEN WITH ENDOMETRIAL CANCER AND HYPERPLASIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE HUMAN REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUCHAREST, ROMANIA : 2005) 2023; 19:1-9. [PMID: 37601705 PMCID: PMC10439323 DOI: 10.4183/aeb.2023.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Despite extensive research on endometrial cancer (EC) and endometrial hyperplasia, there is still a gap in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying their development and progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of FOXO-1, P27Kip1, miR-27, and miR-186, and Akt1, Akt-P proteins in patients with EC and endometrial hyperplasia compared to control subjects. Subjects and methods Samples of the endometrial tumor (n=30), normal (control) (n=30) and endometrial hyperplastic (n=30) tissue were obtained from patients referring to Arash and Imam Khomani hospitals, Tehran, Iran. Expression levels of genes and microRNAs were evaluated by qRT- PCR. Western blot analysis was applied for protein evaluation. The data were analyzed using t-test, Mann -Whitney U, Pearson correlation coefficient analysis, ANCOVA and ANOVA. Results There was significant decrease in FOXO-1 in EC tissue compared to control tissue (p<0.05). Significant increase was observed in expression of miR-27 in patients with EC (p<0.001) and hyperplasia (p<0.01), whereas miR-186 expression level increased significantly only in patients with EC (p<0.05). P27Kip1 expression level did not significantly change in patients with EC and hyperplasia. There was a significant association between expression levels of miR-27 with FOXO-1 and P27Kip1 in patients with EC. Western blot analysis revealed higher endometrial AKT1-P protein levels in patients with EC and hyperplasia than control subjects (p<0.05). Conclusions Our findings suggest that FOXO-1, miR-27, miR-186, and Akt1-P/Akt1 protein have the potential to serve as tissue biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis, and progression of EC in the human reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Ghaderi
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North -Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - S. Fallah
- Dept. of Biochemistry Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H.R. Khaledi
- Dept. of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Technical-Engineering and Basic Sciences, Shahre Rey Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - A. Tehranian
- Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Development Center, Arash Women's Hospital
| | - F. Rahmati
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, North -Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - S. Sheikhhasani
- Obstetrician & Gynecologist – Oncologist, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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9
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Rajabi A, Kayedi M, Rahimi S, Dashti F, Mirazimi SMA, Homayoonfal M, Mahdian SMA, Hamblin MR, Tamtaji OR, Afrasiabi A, Jafari A, Mirzaei H. Non-coding RNAs and glioma: Focus on cancer stem cells. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2022; 27:100-123. [PMID: 36321132 PMCID: PMC9593299 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.09.005] [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] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma and gliomas can have a wide range of histopathologic subtypes. These heterogeneous histologic phenotypes originate from tumor cells with the distinct functions of tumorigenesis and self-renewal, called glioma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are characterized based on multi-layered epigenetic mechanisms, which control the expression of many genes. This epigenetic regulatory mechanism is often based on functional non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). ncRNAs have become increasingly important in the pathogenesis of human cancer and work as oncogenes or tumor suppressors to regulate carcinogenesis and progression. These RNAs by being involved in chromatin remodeling and modification, transcriptional regulation, and alternative splicing of pre-mRNA, as well as mRNA stability and protein translation, play a key role in tumor development and progression. Numerous studies have been performed to try to understand the dysregulation pattern of these ncRNAs in tumors and cancer stem cells (CSCs), which show robust differentiation and self-regeneration capacity. This review provides recent findings on the role of ncRNAs in glioma development and progression, particularly their effects on CSCs, thus accelerating the clinical implementation of ncRNAs as promising tumor biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Rajabi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Kayedi
- Department of Radiology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shiva Rahimi
- School of Medicine,Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Dashti
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Ali Mirazimi
- School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mina Homayoonfal
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mohammad Amin Mahdian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Michael R. Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein 2028, South Africa
| | - Omid Reza Tamtaji
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Afrasiabi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Jafari
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Proteomics Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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10
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Siddika T, Balasuriya N, Frederick MI, Rozik P, Heinemann IU, O’Donoghue P. Delivery of Active AKT1 to Human Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233834. [PMID: 36497091 PMCID: PMC9738475 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase B (AKT1) is a serine/threonine kinase and central transducer of cell survival pathways. Typical approaches to study AKT1 biology in cells rely on growth factor or insulin stimulation that activates AKT1 via phosphorylation at two key regulatory sites (Thr308, Ser473), yet cell stimulation also activates many other kinases. To produce cells with specific AKT1 activity, we developed a novel system to deliver active AKT1 to human cells. We recently established a method to produce AKT1 phospho-variants from Escherichia coli with programmed phosphorylation. Here, we fused AKT1 with an N-terminal cell penetrating peptide tag derived from the human immunodeficiency virus trans-activator of transcription (TAT) protein. The TAT-tag did not alter AKT1 kinase activity and was necessary and sufficient to rapidly deliver AKT1 protein variants that persisted in human cells for 24 h without the need to use transfection reagents. TAT-pAKT1T308 induced selective phosphorylation of the known AKT1 substrate GSK-3α, but not GSK-3β, and downstream stimulation of the AKT1 pathway as evidenced by phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 at Ser240/244. The data demonstrate efficient delivery of AKT1 with programmed phosphorylation to human cells, thus establishing a cell-based model system to investigate signaling that is dependent on AKT1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarana Siddika
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Nileeka Balasuriya
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Mallory I. Frederick
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Peter Rozik
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Ilka U. Heinemann
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence: (I.U.H.); (P.O.)
| | - Patrick O’Donoghue
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence: (I.U.H.); (P.O.)
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11
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Zhang P, Frederick MI, Heinemann IU. Terminal Uridylyltransferases TUT4/7 Regulate microRNA and mRNA Homeostasis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233742. [PMID: 36497000 PMCID: PMC9736393 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The terminal nucleotidyltransferases TUT4 and TUT7 (TUT4/7) regulate miRNA and mRNA stability by 3' end uridylation. In humans, TUT4/7 polyuridylates both mRNA and pre-miRNA, leading to degradation by the U-specific exonuclease DIS3L2. We investigate the role of uridylation-dependent decay in maintaining the transcriptome by transcriptionally profiling TUT4/7 deleted cells. We found that while the disruption of TUT4/7 expression increases the abundance of a variety of miRNAs, the let-7 family of miRNAs is the most impacted. Eight let-7 family miRNAs were increased in abundance in TUT4/7 deleted cells, and many let-7 mRNA targets are decreased in abundance. The mRNAs with increased abundance in the deletion strain are potential direct targets of TUT4/7, with transcripts coding for proteins involved in cellular stress response, rRNA processing, ribonucleoprotein complex biogenesis, cell-cell signaling, and regulation of metabolic processes most affected in the TUT4/7 knockout cells. We found that TUT4/7 indirectly control oncogenic signaling via the miRNA let-7a, which regulates AKT phosphorylation status. Finally, we find that, similar to fission yeast, the disruption of uridylation-dependent decay leads to major rearrangements of the transcriptome and reduces cell proliferation and adhesion.
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Peng C, Li J. Editorial: MicroRNAs in endocrinology and cell signaling. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1118426. [PMID: 36601018 PMCID: PMC9806391 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1118426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chun Peng
- Department of Biology, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Chun Peng,
| | - Julang Li
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
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