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Kamble PR, Kulkarni B, Malaviya A, Bajaj M, Breed AA, Jagtap D, Mahale S, Pathak BR. Comparison of Anti-Trop2 Extracellular Domain Antibodies Generated Against Peptide and Protein Immunogens for Targeting Trop2-Positive Tumour Cells. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 196:3402-3419. [PMID: 37656352 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04706-4] [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] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Trophoblast antigen 2 (Trop2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein upregulated in multiple solid tumours. Trop2-based passive immunotherapies are in clinical trials, while Trop2 targeting CAR-T cell-based therapies are also reported. Information about its T- and B-cell epitopes is needed for it to be pursued as an active immunotherapeutic target. This study focused on identification of immunodominant epitopes in the Trop2 extracellular domain (ECD) that can mount an efficient anti-Trop2 antibody response. In silico analysis using various B-cell epitope prediction tools was carried out to identify linear and conformational B-cell epitopes in the ECD of Trop2. Three linear peptide immunogens were shortlisted and synthesized. Along with linear peptides, truncated Trop2 ECD that possesses combination of linear and conformational epitopes was also selected. Recombinant protein immunogen was produced in 293-F suspension culture system and affinity purified. Antisera against different immunogens were characterized by ELISA and Western blotting. Two anti-peptide antisera detected recombinant and ectopically expressed Trop2 protein; however, they were unable to recognize the endogenous Trop2 protein expressed by cancer cells. Antibodies against truncated Trop2 ECD could bind to the endogenous Trop2 expressed on the surface of cancer cells. In addition to their high avidity, these polyclonal anti-sera against truncated Trop2 protein also mediated antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). In summary, our comparative analysis demonstrated the utility of truncated Trop2 ECD as a promising candidate to be pursued as an active immunotherapeutic molecule against Trop2-positive cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradnya R Kamble
- Cellular and Structural Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Bhalchandra Kulkarni
- Cellular and Structural Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | | | - Madhulika Bajaj
- Cellular and Structural Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Ananya A Breed
- Cellular and Structural Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Dhanashree Jagtap
- Cellular and Structural Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Smita Mahale
- Cellular and Structural Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Bhakti R Pathak
- Cellular and Structural Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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2
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Rickman OJ, Guignard E, Chabanon T, Bertoldi G, Auberson M, Hummler E. Tmprss2 maintains epithelial barrier integrity and transepithelial sodium transport. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302304. [PMID: 38171596 PMCID: PMC10765116 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302304] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The mouse cortical collecting duct cell line presents a tight epithelium with regulated ion and water transport. The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is localized in the apical membrane and constitutes the rate-limiting step for sodium entry, thereby enabling transepithelial transport of sodium ions. The membrane-bound serine protease Tmprss2 is co-expressed with the alpha subunit of ENaC. αENaC gene expression followed the Tmprss2 expression, and the absence of Tmprss2 resulted not only in down-regulation of αENaC gene and protein expression but also in abolished transepithelial sodium transport. In addition, RNA-sequencing analyses unveiled drastic down-regulation of the membrane-bound protease CAP3/St14, the epithelial adhesion molecule EpCAM, and the tight junction proteins claudin-7 and claudin-3 as also confirmed by immunohistochemistry. In summary, our data clearly demonstrate a dual role of Tmprss2 in maintaining not only ENaC-mediated transepithelial but also EpCAM/claudin-7-mediated paracellular barrier; the tight epithelium of the mouse renal mCCD cells becomes leaky. Our working model proposes that Tmprss2 acts via CAP3/St14 on EpCAM/claudin-7 tight junction complexes and through regulating transcription of αENaC on ENaC-mediated sodium transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J Rickman
- https://ror.org/019whta54 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emma Guignard
- https://ror.org/019whta54 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Chabanon
- https://ror.org/019whta54 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Giovanni Bertoldi
- https://ror.org/019whta54 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Muriel Auberson
- https://ror.org/019whta54 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Edith Hummler
- https://ror.org/019whta54 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Müller JH, Plage H, Elezkurtaj S, Mandelkow T, Huang Z, Lurati MCJ, Raedler JB, Debatin NF, Vettorazzi E, Samtleben H, Hofbauer S, Furlano K, Neymeyer J, Goranova I, Ralla B, Weinberger S, Horst D, Roßner F, Schallenberg S, Marx AH, Fisch M, Rink M, Slojewski M, Kaczmarek K, Ecke T, Hallmann S, Koch S, Adamini N, Lennartz M, Minner S, Simon R, Sauter G, Zecha H, Schlomm T, Bady E. Loss of TROP2 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule expression is linked to grade progression in pTa but unrelated to disease outcome in pT2-4 urothelial bladder carcinomas. Front Oncol 2024; 13:1342367. [PMID: 38282671 PMCID: PMC10811247 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1342367] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2; EpCAM2) is a transmembrane glycoprotein which is closely related to EpCAM (EpCAM; EpCAM1). Both proteins share partial overlapping functions in epithelial development and EpCAM expression but have not been comparatively analyzed together in bladder carcinomas. TROP2 constitutes the target for the antibody-drug conjugate Sacituzumab govitecan (SG; TrodelvyTM) which has been approved for treatment of metastatic urothelial carcinoma by the United States Food and Drug administration (FDA) irrespective of its TROP2 expression status. Methods To evaluate the potential clinical significance of subtle differences in TROP2 and EpCAM expression in urothelial bladder cancer, both proteins were analyzed by multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry in combination with a deep-learning based algorithm for automated cell detection on more than 2,700 urothelial bladder carcinomas in a tissue microarray (TMA) format. Results The staining pattern of TROP2 and EpCAM were highly similar. For both proteins, the staining intensity gradually decreased from pTa G2 low grade (TROP2: 68.8±36.1; EpCAM: 21.5±11.7) to pTa G2 high grade (64.6±38.0; 19.3±12.2) and pTa G3 (52.1±38.7; 16.0±13.0, p<0.001 each). In pT2-4 carcinomas, the average TROP2 and EpCAM staining intensity was intermediate (61.8±40.9; 18.3±12.3). For both proteins, this was significantly lower than in pTa G2 low grade (p<0.001 each) but also higher than in pTa G3 tumors (p=0.022 for TROP2, p=0.071 for EpCAM). Within pT2-4 carcinomas, the TROP2 and EpCAM staining level was unrelated to pT, grade, UICC-category, and overall or tumor-specific patient survival. The ratio TROP2/EpCAM was unrelated to malignant phenotype and patient prognosis. Conclusion Our data show that TROP2 and EpCAM expression is common and highly interrelated in urothelial neoplasms. Despite of a progressive loss of TROP2/EpCAM during tumor cell dedifferentiation in pTa tumors, the lack of associations with clinicopathological parameters in pT2-4 cancer argues against a major cancer driving role of both proteins for the progression of urothelial neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan H. Müller
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henning Plage
- Department of Urology, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Tim Mandelkow
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Zhihao Huang
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Magalie C. J. Lurati
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas B. Raedler
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- College of Arts and Sciences, Boston University, Fürth, Germany
| | - Nicolaus F. Debatin
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Eik Vettorazzi
- Department of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Kira Furlano
- Department of Urology, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Neymeyer
- Department of Urology, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - David Horst
- Insitute of Pathology, Charité Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Andreas H. Marx
- Department of Pathology, Academic Hospital Fuerth, Fuerth, Germany
| | - Margit Fisch
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Rink
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marcin Slojewski
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Stettin, Stettin, Poland
| | | | - Thorsten Ecke
- Department of Urology, Helios Hospital Bad Saarow, Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - Steffen Hallmann
- Department of Urology, Helios Hospital Bad Saarow, Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - Stefan Koch
- Department of Pathology, Helios Hospital Bad Saarow, Bad Saarow, Germany
| | - Nico Adamini
- Department of Urology, Albertinen Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Lennartz
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Minner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ronald Simon
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henrik Zecha
- Department of Urology, Albertinen Hospital, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Elena Bady
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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4
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Guerra E, Trerotola M, Alberti S. Targeting Trop-2 as a Cancer Driver. J Clin Oncol 2023; 41:4688-4692. [PMID: 37549340 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.01207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Guerra
- Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marco Trerotola
- Laboratory of Cancer Pathology, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Saverio Alberti
- Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences-BIOMORF, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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5
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Szabo R, Kawaguchi M, Kataoka H, Bugge TH. Early-onset tufting enteropathy in HAI-2-deficient mice is independent of matriptase-mediated cleavage of EpCAM. Development 2023; 150:dev201801. [PMID: 37539662 PMCID: PMC10482385 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE) is a life-threatening intestinal disorder resulting from loss-of-function mutations in EPCAM and SPINT2. Mice deficient in Spint2, encoding the protease inhibitor HAI-2, develop CTE-like intestinal failure associated with a progressive loss of the EpCAM protein, which is caused by unchecked activity of the serine protease matriptase (ST14). Here, we show that loss of HAI-2 leads to increased proteolytic processing of EpCAM. Elimination of the reported matriptase cleavage site strongly suppressed proteolytic processing of EpCAM in vitro and in vivo. Unexpectedly, expression of cleavage-resistant EpCAM failed to prevent intestinal failure and postnatal lethality in Spint2-deficient mice. In addition, genetic inactivation of intestinal matriptase (St14) counteracted the effect of Spint2 deficiency in mice expressing cleavage-resistant EpCAM, indicating that matriptase does not drive intestinal dysfunction by excessive proteolysis of EpCAM. Interestingly, mice expressing cleavage-resistant EpCAM developed late-onset intestinal defects and exhibited a shortened lifespan even in the presence of HAI-2, suggesting that EpCAM cleavage is indispensable for EpCAM function. Our findings provide new insights into the role of EpCAM and the etiology of the enteropathies driven by Spint2 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Szabo
- Proteases and Tissue Remodeling Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Makiko Kawaguchi
- Section of Oncopathology and Regenerative Biology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8891692, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kataoka
- Section of Oncopathology and Regenerative Biology, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 8891692, Japan
| | - Thomas H. Bugge
- Proteases and Tissue Remodeling Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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6
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Jia L, Fu Y, Zhang N, Liu Y, Su L, Wang H, Zhao W. Directional conjugation of Trop2 antibody to black phosphorus nanosheets for phototherapy in orthotopic gastric carcinoma. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2023; 51:102687. [PMID: 37121458 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 (Trop2) highly specific expression in gastric carcinoma (GC). The combination of Trop2 antibody and phototherapy agents could exhibit synergetic antitumor activity. Black phosphorus nanosheets (BP) are covalently modified with Trop2 IgG antibodies via heterobifunctional linker of polyethylene glycol (PEG). Then the Trop2 antibody was directionally conjugated to BP via Schiff base reaction between aldehyde group from oxidized Trop2 antibody and amino group of PEG. The Trop2-funcationalzied BP can significantly increase the endocytosis of BP in Trop2-positive GC cells exhibiting a reinforced antitumor activity under near infrared (NIR) irradiation. More importantly, a murine orthotopic GC model demonstrates that Trop2 antibody modification can significantly promote the accumulation of BP at tumor tissues and strengthen antitumoral activity of phototherapy. Directional conjugation of Trop2 antibody to BP facilitates the BP with superior stability, tumor targeting ability and excellent anti-tumor activity under NIR irradiation without systemic toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhou Jia
- Central Laboratory, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur 015000, China
| | - Yuhao Fu
- Central Laboratory, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur 015000, China; Basic Medical Sciences College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur 015000, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Central Laboratory, Bayannur Hospital, Bayannur 015000, China
| | - Lin Su
- Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Haisheng Wang
- Basic Medical Sciences College, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China.
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210012, China.
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7
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Understanding the versatile roles and applications of EpCAM in cancers: from bench to bedside. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:97. [PMID: 36369033 PMCID: PMC9650829 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) functions not only in physiological processes but also participates in the development and progression of cancer. In recent decades, extensive efforts have been made to decipher the role of EpCAM in cancers. Great advances have been achieved in elucidating its structure, molecular functions, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical applications. Beyond its well-recognized role as a biomarker of cancer stem cells (CSCs) or circulating tumor cells (CTCs), EpCAM exhibits novel and promising value in targeted therapy. At the same time, the roles of EpCAM in cancer progression are found to be highly context-dependent and even contradictory in some cases. The versatile functional modules of EpCAM and its communication with other signaling pathways complicate the study of this molecule. In this review, we start from the structure of EpCAM and focus on communication with other signaling pathways. The impacts on the biology of cancers and the up-to-date clinical applications of EpCAM are also introduced and summarized, aiming to shed light on the translational prospects of EpCAM.
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TROP2 Represents a Negative Prognostic Factor in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma and Its Expression Is Associated with Features of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition and Invasiveness. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174137. [PMID: 36077674 PMCID: PMC9454662 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. While the systemic treatment of CRC is based on chemotherapy, subsequent therapeutic options are far less effective. Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) is highly expressed in many carcinomas, including CRC, where its expression correlates with a poor prognosis. Anti-TROP2-targeted therapy was approved for the treatment of breast and urothelial carcinomas. We aimed to determine whether TROP2 is a suitable target for the treatment of CRC. We demonstrated that TROP2 expression in CRC correlates with lymph node metastasis and poor tumor differentiation. An analysis of mouse tumor models, patient-derived organoids, and tumor cells revealed that TROP2 expression is associated with features related to epithelial–mesenchymal transition and invasiveness. Our results suggest that TROP2 targeting may be a promising approach, especially in the early phase of treatment. Abstract Trophoblastic cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) is a membrane glycoprotein overexpressed in many solid tumors with a poor prognosis, including intestinal neoplasms. In our study, we show that TROP2 is expressed in preneoplastic lesions, and its expression is maintained in most colorectal cancers (CRC). High TROP2 positivity correlated with lymph node metastases and poor tumor differentiation and was a negative prognostic factor. To investigate the role of TROP2 in intestinal tumors, we analyzed two mouse models with conditional disruption of the adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) tumor-suppressor gene, human adenocarcinoma samples, patient-derived organoids, and TROP2-deficient tumor cells. We found that Trop2 is produced early after Apc inactivation and its expression is associated with the transcription of genes involved in epithelial–mesenchymal transition, the regulation of migration, invasiveness, and extracellular matrix remodeling. A functionally similar group of genes was also enriched in TROP2-positive cells from human CRC samples. To decipher the driving mechanism of TROP2 expression, we analyzed its promoter. In human cells, this promoter was activated by β-catenin and additionally by the Yes1-associated transcriptional regulator (YAP). The regulation of TROP2 expression by active YAP was verified by YAP knockdown in CRC cells. Our results suggest a possible link between aberrantly activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, YAP, and TROP2 expression.
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Szabo R, Ward JM, Artunc F, Bugge TH. EPCAM and TROP2 share role in claudin stabilization and development of intestinal and extraintestinal epithelia in mice. Biol Open 2022; 11:275770. [PMID: 35730316 PMCID: PMC9294608 DOI: 10.1242/bio.059403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
EPCAM (Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on the surface of most epithelial and epithelium-derived tumor cells and reported to regulate stability of epithelial tight junction proteins, claudins. Despite its widespread expression, loss of EPCAM function has so far only been reported to prominently affect intestinal development, resulting in severe early onset enteropathy associated with impaired growth and decreased survival in both humans and mice. In this study, we show that the critical role of EPCAM is not limited to intestinal tissues and that it shares its essential function with its only known homolog, TROP2 (Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2). EPCAM-deficient mice show significant growth retardation and die within four weeks after birth. In addition to changes in small and large intestines, loss of EPCAM results in hyperkeratosis in skin and forestomach, hair follicle atrophy leading to alopecia, nephron hypoplasia in kidney, proteinuria, and altered production of digestive enzymes by pancreas. Expression of TROP2 partially, but not completely, overlaps with EPCAM in a number developing epithelia. Although loss of TROP2 had no gross impact on mouse development and survival, TROP2 deficiency generally compounded developmental defects observed in EPCAM-deficient mice, led to about 60% decrease in embryonic viability, and further shortened postnatal lifespan of born pups. Importantly, TROP2 was able to compensate for the loss of EPCAM in stabilizing claudin-7 expression and cell membrane localization in tissues that co-express both proteins. These findings identify overlapping functions of EPCAM and TROP2 as regulators of epithelial development in both intestinal and extraintestinal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Szabo
- Proteases and Tissue Remodeling Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Ferruh Artunc
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases (IDM) of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD) at the University Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas H Bugge
- Proteases and Tissue Remodeling Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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10
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Lenárt S, Lenárt P, Knopfová L, Kotasová H, Pelková V, Sedláková V, Vacek O, Pokludová J, Čan V, Šmarda J, Souček K, Hampl A, Beneš P. TACSTD2 upregulation is an early reaction to lung infection. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9583. [PMID: 35688908 PMCID: PMC9185727 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13637-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
TACSTD2 encodes a transmembrane glycoprotein Trop2 commonly overexpressed in carcinomas. While the Trop2 protein was discovered already in 1981 and first antibody–drug conjugate targeting Trop2 were recently approved for cancer therapy, the physiological role of Trop2 is still not fully understood. In this article, we show that TACSTD2/Trop2 expression is evolutionarily conserved in lungs of various vertebrates. By analysis of publicly available transcriptomic data we demonstrate that TACSTD2 level consistently increases in lungs infected with miscellaneous, but mainly viral pathogens. Single cell and subpopulation based transcriptomic data revealed that the major source of TACSTD2 transcript are lung epithelial cells and their progenitors and that TACSTD2 is induced directly in lung epithelial cells following infection. Increase in TACSTD2 expression may represent a mechanism to maintain/restore epithelial barrier function and contribute to regeneration process in infected/damaged lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sára Lenárt
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Lenárt
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Institute of Cell Biology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Knopfová
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Kotasová
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vendula Pelková
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Sedláková
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Vacek
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Pokludová
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Čan
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Šmarda
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Hampl
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Beneš
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 5, Brno, 62500, Czech Republic. .,International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.
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11
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Kamble PR, Patkar SR, Breed AA, Pathak BR. N-glycosylation status of Trop2 impacts its surface density, interaction with claudin-7 and exosomal release. Arch Biochem Biophys 2021; 714:109084. [PMID: 34774484 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2021.109084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Trophoblast antigen 2 (Trop2) is a type I transmembrane protein post-translationally modified by N-linked glycosylation. It was originally detected in trophoblasts but was later shown to be frequently overexpressed in many epithelial cancers. Recently, anti-Trop2 antibody-drug conjugate has been FDA approved for the treatment of metastatic triple-negative breast and urothelial carcinomas, making it an important tumor antigen. The current study explored the significance of N-glycosylation of Trop2 by substituting specific N-glycan addition sites by site-directed mutagenesis. The mutant proteins were characterized in transiently transfected HEK293 cells. The N-glycosylation mutants did not affect protein expression, stability, dimerization ability and matriptase mediated cleavage. However, N120A and N208A mutants showed decreased interaction with its binding partner claudin-7. Our earlier reported Trop2 mutant V194A, which shows aberrant glycosylation, also displayed hampered interaction with claudin-7. To further characterize the mutants, stable clones expressing wild type and mutant Trop2 were generated in OVCAR3 cell line. Interestingly, surface biotinylation assay showed significantly higher surface expression of N120A and N208A mutants whereas surface localization was drastically reduced for V194A Trop2 mutant. Though overexpression of wild type Trop2 did not cause any change in fibronectin-mediated FAK (Focal adhesion kinase) signaling; expression of N120A mutant, surprisingly downregulated FAK signaling. Furthermore, exosomal release of Trop2 was also decreased in N120A and N208A mutants. This data suggests that site-specific N-glycan addition determines Trop2 surface density, claudin-7 interaction and exosomal release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradnya R Kamble
- Cellular and Structural Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Shivali R Patkar
- Cellular and Structural Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Ananya A Breed
- Cellular and Structural Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Bhakti R Pathak
- Cellular and Structural Biology Division, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India.
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12
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Pavšič M. Trop2 Forms a Stable Dimer with Significant Structural Differences within the Membrane-Distal Region as Compared to EpCAM. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910640. [PMID: 34638982 PMCID: PMC8508679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Trop2 is a cell-surface transmembrane glycoprotein involved in the maintenance of epithelial tissue integrity and is an important carcinoma marker. It shares similar claudin-interaction capacity with its paralogue EpCAM, and both are implicated in signaling triggered by proteolytic cleavage within the ectodomain. However, the cell proliferation-regulating interactions with IGF-1, neuregulin-1, and α5β1 integrin appear to be Trop2-specific. To illuminate the structural differences between Trop2 and EpCAM, we report the first crystal structure of a Trop2 ectodomain dimer and compare it to the analogous part of EpCAM. While the overall fold of the two proteins is similar, the dimers differ. In Trop2, the inter-subunit contacts are more extensive than in EpCAM, and there are two major differences in the membrane-distal regions. The immunogenic N-terminal domain is in Trop2 almost colinear with the dimer interface plain and consequently more laterally exposed, and the cleft of yet unknown functionality between the two subunits is almost absent. Furthermore, the site of initial signaling-associated proteolytic cleavage in Trop2 is accessible in the dimeric state, while in EpCAM dimer destabilization is required. The structural differences highlight the divergent evolutionary path of the two proteins and pave the way for their structure-based utilization in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miha Pavšič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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13
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Trop-2 cleavage by ADAM10 is an activator switch for cancer growth and metastasis. Neoplasia 2021; 23:415-428. [PMID: 33839455 PMCID: PMC8042651 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Trop-2 is a transmembrane signal transducer that can induce cancer growth. Using antibody targeting and N-terminal Edman degradation, we show here that Trop-2 undergoes cleavage in the first thyroglobulin domain loop of its extracellular region, between residues R87 and T88. Molecular modeling indicated that this cleavage induces a profound rearrangement of the Trop-2 structure, which suggested a deep impact on its biological function. No Trop-2 cleavage was detected in normal human tissues, whereas most tumors showed Trop-2 cleavage, including skin, ovary, colon, and breast cancers. Coimmunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analysis revealed that ADAM10 physically interacts with Trop-2. Immunofluorescence/confocal time-lapse microscopy revealed that the two molecules broadly colocalize at the cell membrane. We show that ADAM10 inhibitors, siRNAs and shRNAs abolish the processing of Trop-2, which indicates that ADAM10 is an effector protease. Proteolysis of Trop-2 at R87-T88 triggered cancer cell growth both in vitro and in vivo. A corresponding role was shown for metastatic spreading of colon cancer, as the R87A-T88A Trop-2 mutant abolished xenotransplant metastatic dissemination. Activatory proteolysis of Trop-2 was recapitulated in primary human breast cancers. Together with the prognostic impact of Trop-2 and ADAM10 on cancers of the skin, ovary, colon, lung, and pancreas, these data indicate a driving role of this activatory cleavage of Trop-2 on malignant progression of tumors.
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14
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Ouchi T, Morimura S, Dow LE, Miyoshi H, Udey MC. EpCAM (CD326) Regulates Intestinal Epithelial Integrity and Stem Cells via Rho-Associated Kinase. Cells 2021; 10:256. [PMID: 33525555 PMCID: PMC7912093 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans with biallelic inactivating mutations in Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (EpCAM) develop congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE). To gain mechanistic insights regarding EpCAM function in this disorder, we prepared intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) organoids and spheroids. IEC organoids and spheroids were generated from ROSA-CreERT2 EpCAMfl/fl mice. Proliferation, tight junctions, cell polarity and epithelial integrity were assessed in tamoxifen-induced EpCAM-deficient organoids via confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and Western blotting. Olfm4-expressing stem cells were assessed in IEC cells in vitro and in vivo via fluorescence in situ hybridization. To determine if existing drugs could ameliorate effects of EpCAM deficiency in IEC cells, a variety of pharmacologic inhibitors were screened. Deletion of EpCAM resulted in increased apoptosis and attenuated growth of organoids and spheroids. Selected claudins were destabilized and epithelial integrity was severely compromised. Epithelial integrity was improved by treatment with Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitors without restoration of claudin expression. Correspondingly, enhanced phosphorylation of myosin light chain, a serine/threonine ROCK substrate, was observed in EpCAM-deficient organoids. Strikingly, frequencies of Olfm4-expressing stem cells in EpCAM-deficient IEC cells in vitro and in vivo were decreased. Treatment with ROCK inhibitors increased numbers of stem cells in EpCAM-deficient organoids and spheroids. Thus, EpCAM regulates intestinal epithelial homeostasis via a signaling pathway that includes ROCK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Ouchi
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan;
| | - Sohshi Morimura
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita-shi, Chiba 286-8520, Japan
| | - Lukas E. Dow
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA;
| | - Hiroyuki Miyoshi
- Institute for Advancement of Clinical and Translational Science (iACT), Kyoto University Hospital, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan;
| | - Mark C. Udey
- Dermatology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA;
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15
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Lenárt S, Lenárt P, Šmarda J, Remšík J, Souček K, Beneš P. Trop2: Jack of All Trades, Master of None. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3328. [PMID: 33187148 PMCID: PMC7696911 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (Trop2) is a widely expressed glycoprotein and an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) family member. Although initially identified as a transmembrane protein, other subcellular localizations and processed forms were described. Its congenital mutations cause a gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy, a disease characterized by loss of barrier function in corneal epithelial cells. Trop2 is considered a stem cell marker and its expression associates with regenerative capacity in various tissues. Trop2 overexpression was described in tumors of different origins; however, functional studies revealed both oncogenic and tumor suppressor roles. Nevertheless, therapeutic potential of Trop2 was recognized and clinical studies with drug-antibody conjugates have been initiated in various cancer types. One of these agents, sacituzumab govitecan, has been recently granted an accelerated approval for therapy of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. In this article, we review the current knowledge about the yet controversial function of Trop2 in homeostasis and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sára Lenárt
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (S.L.); (P.L.); (J.Š.); (K.S.)
| | - Peter Lenárt
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (S.L.); (P.L.); (J.Š.); (K.S.)
- Research Centre for Toxic Compounds in the Environment, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Šmarda
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (S.L.); (P.L.); (J.Š.); (K.S.)
| | - Ján Remšík
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (S.L.); (P.L.); (J.Š.); (K.S.)
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 65 Brno, Czech Republic
- Center of Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Beneš
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic; (S.L.); (P.L.); (J.Š.); (K.S.)
- Center of Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering, International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne’s University Hospital, 656 91 Brno, Czech Republic
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16
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Fagotto F, Aslemarz A. EpCAM cellular functions in adhesion and migration, and potential impact on invasion: A critical review. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188436. [PMID: 32976980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
EpCAM has long been known as a cell surface protein highly expressed in carcinomas. It has since become one of the key cancer biomarkers. Despite its high fame, its actual role in cancer development is still controversial. Beyond a flurry of correlative studies, which point either to a positive or a negative link with tumour progression, there has been surprisingly few studies on the actual cellular mechanisms of EpCAM and on their functional consequences. Clearly, EpCAM plays multiple important roles, in cell proliferation as well as in cell adhesion and migration. The two latter functions, directly relevant for metastasis, are the focus of this review. We attempt here to bring together the available experimental data to build a global coherent view of EpCAM functions. We also include in this overview EpCAM2/Trop2, the close relative of EpCAM. At the core of EpCAM (and EpCAM2/Trop2) function stands the ability to repress contractility of the actomyosin cell cortex. This activity appears to involve direct inhibition by EpCAM of members of the novel PKC family and of a specific downstream PKD-Erk cascade. We will discuss how this activity can result in a variety of adhesive and migratory phenotypes, thus potentially explaining at least part of the apparent inconsistencies between different studies. The picture remains fragmented, and we will highlight some of the conflicting evidence and the many unsolved issues, starting with the controversy around its original description as a cell-cell adhesion molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Fagotto
- CRBM, University of Montpellier and CNRS, Montpellier 34293, France.
| | - Azam Aslemarz
- CRBM, University of Montpellier and CNRS, Montpellier 34293, France; Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A1B1, Canada
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17
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Fagotto F. EpCAM as Modulator of Tissue Plasticity. Cells 2020; 9:E2128. [PMID: 32961790 PMCID: PMC7563481 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule or EpCAM is a well-known marker highly expressed in carcinomas and showing a strong correlation with poor cancer prognosis. While its name relates to its proposed function as a cell adhesion molecule, EpCAM has been shown to have various signalling functions. In particular, it has been identified as an important positive regulator of cell adhesion and migration, playing an essential role in embryonic morphogenesis as well as intestinal homeostasis. This activity is not due to its putative adhesive function, but rather to its ability to repress myosin contractility by impinging on a PKC signalling cascade. This mechanism confers EpCAM the unique property of favouring tissue plasticity. I review here the currently available data, comment on possible connections with other properties of EpCAM, and discuss the potential significance in the context of cancer invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Fagotto
- CRBM, University of Montpellier and CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France
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18
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Kamble PR, Rane S, Breed AA, Joseph S, Mahale SD, Pathak BR. Proteolytic cleavage of Trop2 at Arg87 is mediated by matriptase and regulated by Val194. FEBS Lett 2020; 594:3156-3169. [PMID: 32761920 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Proteolytic processing is an important post-translational modification affecting protein activity and stability. In the current study, we investigate the N-terminal cleavage of Trop2, a protein which is overexpressed in many cancers. We demonstrate that Trop2 is cleaved at Arg87 by a transmembrane serine protease, matriptase. Homology modeling and site-directed mutagenesis of amino acids in close proximity to the matriptase cleavage site reveal the importance of Val194 in regulating Trop2 cleavage. Co-immunoprecipitation studies confirm that amino acid substitutions at Arg87, Thr88, Lys189, Val194, and His195 do not affect Trop2 dimerization. However, cleavage of wild-type Trop2 by matriptase is inhibited when it is allowed to dimerize with a V194 A mutant monomer, further confirming the role of Val194 in matriptase-mediated N-terminal cleavage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradnya R Kamble
- Division of Structural Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Sanjana Rane
- Division of Structural Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Ananya A Breed
- Division of Structural Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Shaini Joseph
- Genetic Research Center, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Smita D Mahale
- Division of Structural Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
| | - Bhakti R Pathak
- Division of Structural Biology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Mumbai, India
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19
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Nakato G, Morimura S, Lu M, Feng X, Wu C, Udey MC. Amelioration of Congenital Tufting Enteropathy in EpCAM (TROP1)-Deficient Mice via Heterotopic Expression of TROP2 in Intestinal Epithelial Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081847. [PMID: 32781650 PMCID: PMC7465201 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
TROP1 (EpCAM) and TROP2 are homologous cell surface proteins that are widely expressed, and often co-expressed, in developing and adult epithelia. Various functions have been ascribed to EpCAM and TROP2, but responsible mechanisms are incompletely characterized and functional equivalence has not been examined. Adult intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) express high levels of EpCAM, while TROP2 is not expressed. EpCAM deficiency causes congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE) in humans and a corresponding lethal condition in mice. We expressed TROP2 and EpCAM in the IEC of EpCAM-deficient mice utilizing a villin promoter to assess EpCAM and TROP2 function. Expression of EpCAM or TROP2 in the IEC of EpCAM knockout mice prevented CTE. TROP2 rescue (T2R) mice were smaller than controls, while EpCAM rescue (EpR) mice were not. Abnormalities were observed in the diameters and histology of T2R small intestine, and Paneth and stem cell markers were decreased. T2R mice also exhibited enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, enhanced permeability to 4 kDa FITC-dextran and increased sensitivity to detergent-induced colitis, consistent with compromised barrier function. Studies of IEC organoids and spheroids revealed that stem cell function was also compromised in T2R mice. We conclude that EpCAM and TROP2 exhibit functional redundancy, but they are not equivalent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaku Nakato
- Intestinal Microbiota Project, Intestinal Ecosystem Regulation Group, Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa 210-0821, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-44-280-2214
| | - Sohshi Morimura
- Department of Dermatology, International University of Health and Welfare, Narita-shi, Chiba 286-8520, Japan;
| | - Michael Lu
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Xu Feng
- Retired from National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Chuanjin Wu
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Mark C. Udey
- Dermatology Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA;
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