1
|
Ye QW, Liu YJ, Li JQ, Han M, Bian ZR, Chen TY, Li JP, Liu SL, Zou X. GJA4 expressed on cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs)-A 'promoter' of the mesenchymal phenotype. Transl Oncol 2024; 46:102009. [PMID: 38833783 PMCID: PMC11190749 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.102009] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Connexin is a transmembrane protein involved in gap junctions (GJs) formation. Our previous study found that connexin 37 (Cx37), encoded by gap junction protein alpha 4 (GJA4), expressed on fibroblasts acts as a promoter of CRC and is closely related to epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor immune microenvironment. However, to date, the mechanism concerning the malignancy of GJA4 in tumor stroma has not been studied. METHODS Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining were used to validate the expression and localization of GJA4. Using single-cell analysis, enrichment analysis, spatial transcriptomics, immunofluorescence staining (IF), Sirius red staining, wound healing and transwell assays, western blotting (WB), Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay and in vivo experiments, we investigated the possible mechanisms of GJA4 in promoting CRC. RESULTS We discovered that in CRC, GJA4 on fibroblasts is involved in promoting fibroblast activation and promoting EMT through a fibroblast-dependent pathway. Furthermore, GJA4 may act synergistically with M2 macrophages to limit T cell infiltration by stimulating the formation of an immune-excluded desmoplasic barrier. Finally, we found a significantly correlation between GJA4 and pathological staging (P < 0.0001) or D2 dimer (R = 0.03, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION We have identified GJA4 expressed on fibroblasts is actually a promoter of the tumor mesenchymal phenotype. Our findings suggest that the interaction between GJA4+ fibroblasts and M2 macrophages may be an effective target for enhancing tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Wen Ye
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; No.1 Clinical Medicial College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Yuan-Jie Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; No.1 Clinical Medicial College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jia-Qi Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; No.1 Clinical Medicial College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Mei Han
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Ze-Ren Bian
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; No.1 Clinical Medicial College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Tian-Yuan Chen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; No.1 Clinical Medicial College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Jie-Pin Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Shen-Lin Liu
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| | - Xi Zou
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Tumor Systems Biology and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rodríguez-Candela Mateos M, Azmat M, Santiago-Freijanes P, Galán-Moya EM, Fernández-Delgado M, Aponte RB, Mosquera J, Acea B, Cernadas E, Mayán MD. Software BreastAnalyser for the semi-automatic analysis of breast cancer immunohistochemical images. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2995. [PMID: 38316810 PMCID: PMC10844656 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53002-6] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer worldwide and represents the fifth cause of cancer mortality globally. It is a highly heterogeneous disease, that comprises various molecular subtypes, often diagnosed by immunohistochemistry. This technique is widely employed in basic, translational and pathological anatomy research, where it can support the oncological diagnosis, therapeutic decisions and biomarker discovery. Nevertheless, its evaluation is often qualitative, raising the need for accurate quantitation methodologies. We present the software BreastAnalyser, a valuable and reliable tool to automatically measure the area of 3,3'-diaminobenzidine tetrahydrocholoride (DAB)-brown-stained proteins detected by immunohistochemistry. BreastAnalyser also automatically counts cell nuclei and classifies them according to their DAB-brown-staining level. This is performed using sophisticated segmentation algorithms that consider intrinsic image variability and save image normalization time. BreastAnalyser has a clean, friendly and intuitive interface that allows to supervise the quantitations performed by the user, to annotate images and to unify the experts' criteria. BreastAnalyser was validated in representative human breast cancer immunohistochemistry images detecting various antigens. According to the automatic processing, the DAB-brown area was almost perfectly recognized, being the average difference between true and computer DAB-brown percentage lower than 0.7 points for all sets. The detection of nuclei allowed proper cell density relativization of the brown signal for comparison purposes between the different patients. BreastAnalyser obtained a score of 85.5 using the system usability scale questionnaire, which means that the tool is perceived as excellent by the experts. In the biomedical context, the connexin43 (Cx43) protein was found to be significantly downregulated in human core needle invasive breast cancer samples when compared to normal breast, with a trend to decrease as the subtype malignancy increased. Higher Cx43 protein levels were significantly associated to lower cancer recurrence risk in Oncotype DX-tested luminal B HER2- breast cancer tissues. BreastAnalyser and the annotated images are publically available https://citius.usc.es/transferencia/software/breastanalyser for research purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Rodríguez-Candela Mateos
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Maria Azmat
- CiTIUS - Centro Singular de Investigación en Tecnoloxías Intelixentes da USC, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Paz Santiago-Freijanes
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
- Department of Pathology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eva María Galán-Moya
- Physiology and Cell Dynamics, Centro Regional de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CRIB) and Faculty of Nursing, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
- Grupo Mixto de Oncología Traslacional UCLM-GAI Albacete, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Manuel Fernández-Delgado
- CiTIUS - Centro Singular de Investigación en Tecnoloxías Intelixentes da USC, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Rosa Barbella Aponte
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Hospital General Universitario de Albacete, Albacete, Spain
| | - Joaquín Mosquera
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
- Breast Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Benigno Acea
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
- Breast Unit, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eva Cernadas
- CiTIUS - Centro Singular de Investigación en Tecnoloxías Intelixentes da USC, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - María D Mayán
- Institute of Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), SERGAS, A Coruña, Spain.
- CELLCOM Research Group. Biomedical Research Center (CINBIO) and Institute of Biomedical Research of Ourense-Pontevedra-Vigo (IBI), University of Vigo. Edificio Olimpia Valencia, Campus Universitario Lagoas Marcosende, 36310, Pontevedra, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Baker KM, Abt M, Doud EH, Oblak AL, Yeh ES. Mapping the Anti-Cancer Activity of α-Connexin Carboxyl-Terminal (aCT1) Peptide in Resistant HER2+ Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:423. [PMID: 38275864 PMCID: PMC10814893 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a protein encoded by the GJA1 gene and is a component of cell membrane structures called gap junctions, which facilitate intercellular communication. Prior evidence indicates that elevated GJA1 expression in the HER2-positive (HER2+) subtype of breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis. Prior evidence also suggests that HER2+ breast cancers that have become refractory to HER2-targeted agents have a loss of Cx43 gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). In this study, a Cx43-targeted agent called alpha-connexin carboxyl-terminal peptide (aCT1) is examined to determine whether GJIC can be rescued in refractory HER2+ breast cancer cells. A proposed mechanism of action for aCT1 is binding to the tight junction protein Zonal Occludens-1 (ZO-1). However, the true scope of activity for aCT1 has not been explored. In this study, mass spectrometry proteomic analysis is used to determine the breadth of aCT1-interacting proteins. The NanoString nCounter Breast Cancer 360 panel is also used to examine the effect of aCT1 on cancer signaling in HER2+ breast cancer cells. Findings from this study show a dynamic range of binding partners for aCT1, many of which regulate gene expression and RNA biology. nCounter analysis shows that a number of pathways are significantly impacted by aCT1, including upregulation of apoptotic factors, leading to the prediction and demonstration that aCT1 can boost the cell death effects of cisplatin and lapatinib in HER2+ breast cancer cells that have become resistant to HER2-targeted agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M. Baker
- Department of Biology, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Melissa Abt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Emma H. Doud
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Adrian L. Oblak
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Elizabeth S. Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Basu R, Ganesan S, Winkler CW, Anzick SL, Martens C, Peterson KE, Fraser IDC. Identification of age-specific gene regulators of La Crosse virus neuroinvasion and pathogenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2836. [PMID: 37202395 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37833-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the key events in viral encephalitis is the ability of virus to enter the central nervous system (CNS). Several encephalitic viruses, including La Crosse Virus (LACV), primarily induce encephalitis in children, but not adults. This phenomenon is also observed in LACV mouse models, where the virus gains access to the CNS of weanling animals through vascular leakage of brain microvessels, likely through brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs). To examine age and region-specific regulatory factors of vascular leakage, we used genome-wide transcriptomics and targeted siRNA screening to identify genes whose suppression affected viral pathogenesis in BCECs. Further analysis of two of these gene products, Connexin43 (Cx43/Gja1) and EphrinA2 (Efna2), showed a substantial effect on LACV pathogenesis. Induction of Cx43 by 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) inhibited neurological disease in weanling mice, while Efna2 deficiency increased disease in adult mice. Thus, we show that Efna2 and Cx43 expressed by BCECs are key mediators of LACV-induced neuroinvasion and neurological disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Basu
- Neuroimmunology Section, Laboratory of Persistent Viral Disease, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, 903 S. 4th Street, MT, 59840, Hamilton, USA
- Signaling Systems Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 4 Memorial Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Sundar Ganesan
- Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 4 Memorial Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Clayton W Winkler
- Neuroimmunology Section, Laboratory of Persistent Viral Disease, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, 903 S. 4th Street, MT, 59840, Hamilton, USA
| | - Sarah L Anzick
- Genomics Research Section, Research Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 S. 4th Street, MT 59840, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Craig Martens
- Genomics Research Section, Research Technologies Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 903 S. 4th Street, MT 59840, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Karin E Peterson
- Neuroimmunology Section, Laboratory of Persistent Viral Disease, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, NIAID, NIH, 903 S. 4th Street, MT, 59840, Hamilton, USA.
| | - Iain D C Fraser
- Signaling Systems Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 4 Memorial Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
El-Hajjar L, Saliba J, Karam M, Shaito A, El Hajj H, El-Sabban M. Ubiquitin-Related Modifier 1 (URM-1) Modulates Cx43 in Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032958. [PMID: 36769280 PMCID: PMC9917400 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032958] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap-junction-forming connexins are exquisitely regulated by post-translational modifications (PTMs). In particular, the PTM of connexin 43 (Cx43), a tumor suppressor protein, regulates its turnover and activity. Here, we investigated the interaction of Cx43 with the ubiquitin-related modifier 1 (URM-1) protein and its impact on tumor progression in two breast cancer cell lines, highly metastatic triple-negative MDA-MB-231 and luminal breast cancer MCF-7 cell lines. To evaluate the subsequent modulation of Cx43 levels, URM-1 was downregulated in these cells. The transcriptional levels of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and the metastatic phenotype were assessed. We demonstrated that Cx43 co-localizes and interacts with URM-1, and URMylated Cx43 was accentuated upon cellular stress. The significant upregulation of small ubiquitin-like modifier-1 (SUMO-1) was also observed. In cells with downregulated URM-1, Cx43 expression significantly decreased, and SUMOylation by SUMO-1 was affected. The concomitant expression of EMT markers increased, leading to increased proliferation, migration, and invasion potential. Inversely, the upregulation of URM-1 increased Cx43 expression and reversed EMT-induced processes, underpinning a role for this PTM in the observed phenotypes. This study proposes that the URMylation of Cx43 in breast cancer cells regulates its tumor suppression properties and contributes to breast cancer cell malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Layal El-Hajjar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Jessica Saliba
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Beirut P.O. Box 90656, Lebanon
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Balamand, Beirut P.O. Box 100, Lebanon
| | - Mario Karam
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Abdullah Shaito
- Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University Doha, Doha P.O. Box 2713, Qatar
| | - Hiba El Hajj
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut P.O. Box 11-0236, Lebanon
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +961-(1)-350000 (ext. 4765)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
The Multifaceted Role of Connexins in Tumor Microenvironment Initiation and Maintenance. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020204. [PMID: 36829482 PMCID: PMC9953436 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Today's research on the processes of carcinogenesis and the vital activity of tumor tissues implies more attention be paid to constituents of the tumor microenvironment and their interactions. These interactions between cells in the tumor microenvironment can be mediated via different types of protein junctions. Connexins are one of the major contributors to intercellular communication. They form the gap junctions responsible for the transfer of ions, metabolites, peptides, miRNA, etc., between neighboring tumor cells as well as between tumor and stromal cells. Connexin hemichannels mediate purinergic signaling and bidirectional molecular transport with the extracellular environment. Additionally, connexins have been reported to localize in tumor-derived exosomes and facilitate the release of their cargo. A large body of evidence implies that the role of connexins in cancer is multifaceted. The pro- or anti-tumorigenic properties of connexins are determined by their abundance, localization, and functionality as well as their channel assembly and non-channel functions. In this review, we have summarized the data on the contribution of connexins to the formation of the tumor microenvironment and to cancer initiation and progression.
Collapse
|
7
|
Shiralipour A, Khorsand B, Jafari L, Salehi M, Kazemi M, Zahiri J, Jajarmi V, Kazemi B. Identifying Key Lysosome-Related Genes Associated with Drug-Resistant Breast Cancer Using Computational and Systems Biology Approach. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2022; 21:e130342. [PMID: 36915401 PMCID: PMC10007991 DOI: 10.5812/ijpr-130342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Drug resistance in breast cancer is an unsolved problem in treating patients. It has been recently discussed that lysosomes contribute to the invasion and angiogenesis of cancer cells. There is evidence that lysosomes can also cause multi-drug resistance. We analyzed this emerging concept in breast cancer through computational and systems biology approaches. Objectives We aimed to identify the key lysosome-related genes associated with drug-resistant breast cancer. Methods All genes contributing to the structure and function of lysosomes were inquired through the Human Lysosome Gene Database. The prioritized top 51 genes from the provided lists of Endeavour, ToppGene, and GPSy as prioritization tools were selected. All lysosomal genes and 12 breast cancer-related genes aligned to identify the most similar genes to breast cancer-related genes. Different centralities were applied to score each human protein to calculate the most central lysosomal genes in the human protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Common genes were extracted from the results of the mentioned methods as a selected gene set. For Gene Ontology enrichment, the selected gene set was analyzed by WebGestalt, DAVID, and KOBAS. The PPI network was constructed via the STRING database. The PPI network was analyzed utilizing Cytoscape for topology network interaction and CytoHubba to extract hub genes. Results Based on biological studies, literature reviews, and comparing all mentioned analyzing methods, six genes were introduced as essential in breast cancer. This computational approach to all lysosome-related genes suggested that candidate genes include PRF1, TLR9, CLTC, GJA1, AP3B1, and RPTOR. The analyses of these six genes suggest that they may have a crucial role in breast cancer development, which has rarely been evaluated. These genes have a potential therapeutic implication for new drug discovery for chemo-resistant breast cancer. Conclusions The present work focused on all the functional and structural lysosome-related genes associated with breast cancer. It revealed the top six lysosome hub genes that might serve as therapeutic targets in drug-resistant breast cancer. Since these genes play a pivotal role in the structure and function of lysosomes, targeting them can effectively overcome drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aref Shiralipour
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Khorsand
- Computer Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Leila Jafari
- Bioinformatics and Computational Omics Lab (BioCOOL), Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Salehi
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Kazemi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Zahiri
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0662, USA
| | - Vahid Jajarmi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Bahram Kazemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Corresponding Author: Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhou P, Xu P, Yu W, Li H. MiR-206 improves intervertebral disk degeneration by targeting GJA1. J Orthop Surg Res 2022; 17:157. [PMID: 35279164 PMCID: PMC8917658 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-022-03044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A large amount of evidence suggested that miRNA was involved in the progression of intervertebral disk degeneration (IDD). The purpose of our study was to explore the function and potential mechanism of miR-206/GJA1 axis in IDD. Methods IDD nucleus pulposus (NP) cell model was established through treatment of LPS. IDD rat model was established by annulus fibrosus puncture. The expression of miR-206 and GJA1 was detected by RT-PCR, apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry or TUNEL, inflammatory factors were tested by ELISA, extracellular matrix related protein expression was detected by western blot, and HE and safranin-O staining were used to assess the pathological changes of IDD. Results GJA1 was found to be highly expressed in IDD tissues and LPS-induced NP cells. Down regulation of GJA1 reduced inflammatory factors, inhibited apoptosis and enhanced extracellular matrix in LPS-induced NP cells. MiR-206 was downregulated in IDD tissues and directly targeted GJA1, and the expression of miR-206 was negatively correlated with the expression of GJA1 in IDD tissues. Further, it was demonstrated that overexpression of miR-206 could attenuate LPS-induced NP cell injury by targeting GJA1. In vivo, the upregulation of miR-206 improved IDD and reduced NP cell apoptosis. Conclusion Our study showed that miR-206 reduced the level of inflammatory factors, restrained NP cell apoptosis and increases extracellular matrix by targeting GJA1. These data suggested that miR-206/GJA1 might be potential therapeutic targets for IDD.
Collapse
|
9
|
Braný D, Dvorská D, Strnádel J, Matáková T, Halašová E, Škovierová H. Effect of Cold Atmospheric Plasma on Epigenetic Changes, DNA Damage, and Possibilities for Its Use in Synergistic Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212252. [PMID: 34830132 PMCID: PMC8617606 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold atmospheric plasma has great potential for use in modern medicine. It has been used in the clinical treatment of skin diseases and chronic wounds, and in laboratory settings it has shown effects on selective decrease in tumour-cell viability, reduced tumour mass in animal models and stem-cell proliferation. Many researchers are currently focusing on its application to internal structures and the use of plasma-activated liquids in tolerated and effective human treatment. There has also been analysis of plasma's beneficial synergy with standard pharmaceuticals to enhance their effect. Cold atmospheric plasma triggers various responses in tumour cells, and this can result in epigenetic changes in both DNA methylation levels and histone modification. The expression and activity of non-coding RNAs with their many important cell regulatory functions can also be altered by cold atmospheric plasma action. Finally, there is ongoing debate whether plasma-produced radicals can directly affect DNA damage in the nucleus or only initiate apoptosis or other forms of cell death. This article therefore summarises accepted knowledge of cold atmospheric plasma's influence on epigenetic changes, the expression and activity of non-coding RNAs, and DNA damage and its effect in synergistic treatment with routinely used pharmaceuticals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dušan Braný
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (D.B.); (J.S.); (E.H.); (H.Š.)
| | - Dana Dvorská
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (D.B.); (J.S.); (E.H.); (H.Š.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ján Strnádel
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (D.B.); (J.S.); (E.H.); (H.Š.)
| | - Tatiana Matáková
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University, Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Erika Halašová
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (D.B.); (J.S.); (E.H.); (H.Š.)
| | - Henrieta Škovierová
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia; (D.B.); (J.S.); (E.H.); (H.Š.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang M, Wu K, Zhang P, Qiu Y, Bai F, Chen H. HOTAIR Facilitates Endocrine Resistance in Breast Cancer Through ESR1/ miR-130b-3p Axis: Comprehensive Analysis of mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA Network. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:4653-4663. [PMID: 34434057 PMCID: PMC8380629 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s320998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To summarize the regulatory role of mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network associated with endocrine therapy resistance (ETR) in breast cancer. Methods We analyzed the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs), and differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) in long-term estrogen-deprived (LTED) estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells (LTED MCF7) (modeling relapse on endocrine therapy) and MCF7 cells in the presence of estrogen (E2) (modeling a patient at primary diagnosis) by mining GSE120929 and GSE120930 datasets. The mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network was constructed by multiple bioinformatic tools. The prognosis of genes from the network was validated in breast cancer patients with following systemic treatment (endocrine therapy) by GEPIA, Kaplan–Meier plotter and UALCAN database. Results Totally, 769 DEGs, 33 DEMs, and 10 DELs were selected. The mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network was established including 60 mRNA nodes, 6 miRNA nodes and 3 lncRNA nodes. A significant module containing 3 nodes and 3 edges was calculated based on the mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network. The hub genes in the network are ABCG2, ESR1 and GJA1. ESR1/miR-130b-3p/HOTAIR are significantly correlated with the prognosis of breast cancer patients with endocrine therapy. Conclusion This study provides a novel ETR-related mRNA-miRNA-lncRNA network. Further, we suggest that ESR1/miR-130b-3p/HOTAIR may be promising targets for clinical treatment of endocrine therapy-resistant breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingdi Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Kejin Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiran Qiu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Bai
- Department of Breast Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongliang Chen
- Department of Breast Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Parsing β-catenin's cell adhesion and Wnt signaling functions in malignant mammary tumor progression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2020227118. [PMID: 34408016 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2020227118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During malignant progression, epithelial cancer cells dissolve their cell-cell adhesion and gain invasive features. By virtue of its dual function, β-catenin contributes to cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion, and it determines the transcriptional output of Wnt signaling: via its N terminus, it recruits the signaling coactivators Bcl9 and Pygopus, and via the C terminus, it interacts with the general transcriptional machinery. This duality confounds the simple loss-of-function analysis of Wnt signaling in cancer progression. In many cancer types including breast cancer, the functional contribution of β-catenin's transcriptional activities, as compared to its adhesion functions, to tumor progression has remained elusive. Employing the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-PyMT mouse model of metastatic breast cancer, we compared the complete elimination of β-catenin with the specific ablation of its signaling outputs in mammary tumor cells. Notably, the complete lack of β-catenin resulted in massive apoptosis of mammary tumor cells. In contrast, the loss of β-catenin's transcriptional activity resulted in a reduction of primary tumor growth, tumor invasion, and metastasis formation in vivo. These phenotypic changes were reflected by stalled cell cycle progression and diminished epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cell migration of breast cancer cells in vitro. Transcriptome analysis revealed subsets of genes which were specifically regulated by β-catenin's transcriptional activities upon stimulation with Wnt3a or during TGF-β-induced EMT. Our results uncouple the signaling from the adhesion function of β-catenin and underline the importance of Wnt/β-catenin-dependent transcription in malignant tumor progression of breast cancer.
Collapse
|
12
|
Alfeghaly C, Sanchez A, Rouget R, Thuillier Q, Igel-Bourguignon V, Marchand V, Branlant C, Motorin Y, Behm-Ansmant I, Maenner S. Implication of repeat insertion domains in the trans-activity of the long non-coding RNA ANRIL. Nucleic Acids Res 2021; 49:4954-4970. [PMID: 33872355 PMCID: PMC8136789 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs have emerged as critical regulators of cell homeostasis by modulating gene expression at chromatin level for instance. Here, we report that the lncRNA ANRIL, associated with several pathologies, binds to thousands of loci dispersed throughout the mammalian genome sharing a 21-bp motif enriched in G/A residues. By combining ANRIL genomic occupancy with transcriptomic analysis, we established a list of 65 and 123 genes potentially directly activated and silenced by ANRIL in trans, respectively. We also found that Exon8 of ANRIL, mainly made of transposable elements, contributes to ANRIL genomic association and consequently to its trans-activity. Furthermore, we showed that Exon8 favors ANRIL's association with the FIRRE, TPD52L1 and IGFBP3 loci to modulate their expression through H3K27me3 deposition. We also investigated the mechanisms engaged by Exon8 to favor ANRIL's association with the genome. Our data refine ANRIL's trans-activity and highlight the functional importance of TEs on ANRIL's activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Raphael Rouget
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, IMoPA, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | | | - Valérie Igel-Bourguignon
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, IMoPA, F-54000 Nancy, France
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, INSERM, UMS2008 IBSLor, Epitranscriptomics and RNA Sequencing (EpiRNA-Seq) Core Facility, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Virginie Marchand
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, INSERM, UMS2008 IBSLor, Epitranscriptomics and RNA Sequencing (EpiRNA-Seq) Core Facility, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | | | - Yuri Motorin
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, IMoPA, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ferrer AI, Trinidad JR, Sandiford O, Etchegaray JP, Rameshwar P. Epigenetic dynamics in cancer stem cell dormancy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2021; 39:721-738. [PMID: 32394305 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09882-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases despite significant advances of early diagnosis and therapeutic treatments. Cancerous tumors are composed of various cell types including cancer stem cells capable of self-renewal, proliferation, differentiation, and invasion of distal tumor sites. Most notably, these cells can enter a dormant cellular state that is resistant to conventional therapies. Thereby, cancer stem cells have the intrinsic potential for tumor initiation, tumor growth, metastasis, and tumor relapse after therapy. Both genetic and epigenetic alterations are attributed to the formation of multiple tumor types. This review is focused on how epigenetic dynamics involving DNA methylation and DNA oxidations are implicated in breast cancer and glioblastoma multiforme. The emergence and progression of these cancer types rely on cancer stem cells with the capacity to enter quiescence also known as a dormant cellular state, which dictates the distinct tumorigenic aggressiveness between breast cancer and glioblastomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra I Ferrer
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | - Jonathan R Trinidad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, 07102, USA
| | - Oleta Sandiford
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| | | | - Pranela Rameshwar
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Connexins and cAMP Cross-Talk in Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010058. [PMID: 33379194 PMCID: PMC7795795 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Different connexins play diverse roles in cancers, either tumor-suppressing or tumor-promoting. In lung cancer, Cx43 serves as a tumor suppressor at the early stage, but it can also be a tumor-promotor at an advanced stage and during metastasis. Moreover, other connexins, including Cx26, Cx31.1, and Cx32, can be tumor suppressors. In contrast, Cx30.3 can be a tumor-promotor. The roles of different connexins in different cancers have also been established. Cx43 acts as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and glioma, whereas Cx32 can be a suppressor in liver tumors and hepatocarcinogenesis. Cx26 can be a tumor suppressor in mammary tumors; in contrast, it can be a tumor-promotor in melanoma. Existing drugs/molecules targeting the cAMP/PKA/connexin axis act to regulate channel opening/closing. Mimic peptides, such as Gap19, Gap26, and Gap 27 block hemichannels, mimetic peptides, and CT9/CT10 and promote hemichannel opening and also hemichannel closing. Abstract Connexin-containing gap junctions mediate the direct exchange of small molecules between cells, thus promoting cell–cell communication. Connexins (Cxs) have been widely studied as key tumor-suppressors. However, certain Cx subtypes, such as Cx43 and Cx26, are overexpressed in metastatic tumor lesions. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling regulates Cx expression and function via transcriptional control and phosphorylation. cAMP also passes through gap junction channels between adjacent cells, regulating cell cycle progression, particularly in cancer cell populations. Low levels of cAMP are sufficient to activate key effectors. The present review evaluates the mechanisms underlying Cx regulation by cAMP signaling and the role of gap junctions in cancer progression and metastasis. A deeper understanding of these processes might facilitate the development of novel anticancer drugs.
Collapse
|
15
|
Ma ZH, Shuai Y, Gao XY, Yan Y, Wang KM, Wen XZ, Ji JF. BTEB2-Activated lncRNA TSPEAR-AS2 Drives GC Progression through Suppressing GJA1 Expression and Upregulating CLDN4 Expression. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 22:1129-1141. [PMID: 33294297 PMCID: PMC7689408 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are characterized as key layers of the genome in various cancers. TSPEAR-AS2 was highlighted to be a candidate lncRNA potentially involved in gastric cancer (GC) progression. However, the clinical significance and mechanism of TSPEAR-AS2 in GC required clarification. The clinical significance of TSPEAR-AS2 was elucidated through Kaplan-Meier Plotter. The mechanism of TSPEAR-AS2 in GC was clarified in vitro and in vivo using luciferase reporter, chromatin immunoprecipitation, RNA immunoprecipitation assays, and animal models. TSPEAR-AS2 elevation was closely correlated with overall survival of GC patients. A basic transcription element-binding protein 2 (BTEB2)-activated TSPEAR-AS2 model was first explored in this study. TSPEAR-AS2 silencing substantially reduced tumorigenic capacities of GC cells, while TSPEAR-AS2 elevation had the opposite effect. Mechanistically, TSPEAR-AS2 bound with both polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and argonaute 2 (Ago2). TSPEAR-AS2 knockdown significantly decreased H3K27me3 levels at promoter regions of gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1). Ago2 was recruited by TSPEAR-AS2, which was defined to sponge miR-1207-5p, contributing to the repression of claudin 4 (CLDN4) translation. The axis of EZH2/GJA1 and miR-1207-5p/CLDN4 mediated by BTEB2-activated-TSPEAR-AS2 plays an important role in GC progression, suggesting a new therapeutic direction in GC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Hua Ma
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - You Shuai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Gao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Endoscopy Center, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Ke-Ming Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xian-Zi Wen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Fu Ji
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Division of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research Laboratory, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tishchenko A, Azorín DD, Vidal-Brime L, Muñoz MJ, Arenas PJ, Pearce C, Girao H, Ramón y Cajal S, Aasen T. Cx43 and Associated Cell Signaling Pathways Regulate Tunneling Nanotubes in Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2798. [PMID: 33003486 PMCID: PMC7601615 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) forms gap junctions that mediate the direct intercellular diffusion of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells. Cx43 displays both pro- and anti-tumorigenic properties, but the mechanisms underlying these characteristics are not fully understood. Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are long and thin membrane projections that connect cells, facilitating the exchange of not only small molecules, but also larger proteins, organelles, bacteria, and viruses. Typically, TNTs exhibit increased formation under conditions of cellular stress and are more prominent in cancer cells, where they are generally thought to be pro-metastatic and to provide growth and survival advantages. Cx43 has been described in TNTs, where it is thought to regulate small molecule diffusion through gap junctions. Here, we developed a high-fidelity CRISPR/Cas9 system to knockout (KO) Cx43. We found that the loss of Cx43 expression was associated with significantly reduced TNT length and number in breast cancer cell lines. Notably, secreted factors present in conditioned medium stimulated TNTs more potently when derived from Cx43-expressing cells than from KO cells. Moreover, TNT formation was significantly induced by the inhibition of several key cancer signaling pathways that both regulate Cx43 and are regulated by Cx43, including RhoA kinase (ROCK), protein kinase A (PKA), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and p38. Intriguingly, the drug-induced stimulation of TNTs was more potent in Cx43 KO cells than in wild-type (WT) cells. In conclusion, this work describes a novel non-canonical role for Cx43 in regulating TNTs, identifies key cancer signaling pathways that regulate TNTs in this setting, and provides mechanistic insight into a pro-tumorigenic role of Cx43 in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Tishchenko
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - Daniel D. Azorín
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - Laia Vidal-Brime
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - María José Muñoz
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - Pol Jiménez Arenas
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - Christopher Pearce
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - Henrique Girao
- Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra, CACC, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Santiago Ramón y Cajal
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
- Anatomía Patológica, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Trond Aasen
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
- CIBER de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sha RN, Dai B, Ren LQ, Han XY, Yuan JL, Liu DJ. Cx43 promotes SHF-DPCs proliferation in the hair follicle of Albas cashmere goats from anagen to telogen. Res Vet Sci 2020; 133:92-97. [PMID: 32957063 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2020.09.002] [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: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43), known to form gap junction transmembrane channels between the cytoplasm of two adjacent cells, plays a key role in physiological functions, such as regulating cell growth, differentiation, and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Cashmere goat is an important farm animal that provides cashmere, which was produced by secondary hair follicles (SHF), for human consumption; however, there is no report about the role of Cx43 on the growth and development of SHF in cashmere goat. In this study, we investigated the effect of Cx43 on proliferation secondary hair follicle dermal papilla cells (SHF-DPCs) in Albas cashmere goat. In SHF-DPCs, Cx43 overexpression promoted cell proliferation and upregulated the expression of IGF-1, whereas Cx43 knockdown was associated with the opposite effects. These results suggested that Cx43 may promote cell proliferation by inducing IGF-1. Overall, our research not only contributes to a better understanding of the mechanism of the growth and development of SHF in cashmere goat, but also shed light on cashmere quality control in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ri-Na Sha
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China; Department of Pathology, the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Bai Dai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Li-Qing Ren
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Han
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jian-Long Yuan
- Clinical laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Dong-Jun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Reproductive Regulation and Breeding of Grassland Livestock, School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Qu X, Cheng L, Zhao L, Qiu L, Guo W. Functional variation of SLC52A3 rs13042395 predicts survival of Chinese gastric cancer patients. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:12550-12559. [PMID: 32888389 PMCID: PMC7686988 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The solute carrier family 52 member 3 (SLC52A3) gene encodes riboflavin transporter protein which is essential to maintain mitochondrial function in cells. In our research, we found that SLC52A3 rs13042395 C > T variation was significantly associated with poor survival in a 926 Chinese gastric cancer (GCa) patients cohort (CC/CT genotype versus TT genotype, HR = 0.57, 95%CI (0.40‐0.82), log‐rank P = 0.015). The SLC52A3 rs13042395 C > T change led to its increased mRNA expression according to expression quantitative trait loci analysis (P = 0.0029). In vitro, it was revealed that rs13042395 C allele had higher binding affinity to inhibitory transcription factor Meis homeobox 1 (MEIS1) compared with T allele, knock‐down of MEIS1 could up‐regulate SLC52A3, and overexpression of SLC52A3 contributed to the increased ability of proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion in GCa cells. Subsequently, the bioinformatics analysis combined with experiments in vitro suggested that Gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1) was the downstream effector of SLC52A3, SLC52A3 may promote the GCa cells aggressiveness by down‐regulating the GJA1 expression. Overall, SLC52A3 genetic variant rs13042395 C > T change was associated with poorer survival in Chinese GCa patients and increased SLC52A3 expression by interaction with MEIS1. SLC52A3 promoted the GCa cells aggressiveness by down‐regulating the GJA1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Qu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqin Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Qiu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Weijian Guo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Expression of Connexin 43 (Cx43) in Benign Cutaneous Tumors With Follicular Differentiation. Am J Dermatopathol 2019; 41:810-818. [DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000001395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
20
|
Gouesse RJ, Lavoie M, Dianati E, Wade M, Hales B, Robaire B, Plante I. Gestational and Lactational Exposure to an Environmentally-relevant Mixture of Brominated Flame Retardants Down-regulates Junctional Proteins, Thyroid Hormone Receptor α1 Expression and the Proliferation-Apoptosis Balance in Mammary Glands Post Puberty. Toxicol Sci 2019; 171:13-31. [PMID: 31241157 PMCID: PMC6735962 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary gland development requires hormonal regulation during puberty, pregnancy and lactation. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are endocrine disruptors; they are added to consumer products to satisfy flammability standards. Previously, we showed that gestational and lactational exposure to an environmentally-relevant mixture of BFRs disrupts proteins of the adherens junctions in rat dam mammary glands at weaning. Here, we hypothesize that perinatal exposure to the same BFR mixture also disrupts junctional proteins and signaling pathways controlling mammary gland development in pups. Dams were exposed through diet to a BFR mixture based on the substances in house dust; doses of the mixture used were 0, 0.06, 20 or 60 mg/kg/day. Dams were exposed continuously beginning prior to mating until pups' weaning; female offspring were euthanized on postnatal day (PND) 21, 46 and 208. The lowest dose of BFRs significantly down-regulated adherens junction proteins, E-cadherin and β-catenin, and the gap junction protein p-Cx43, as well as thyroid hormone receptor alpha1 protein at PND 46. No effects were observed on estrogen or progesterone receptors. The low dose also resulted in a decrease in cleaved-caspase 3, a downward trend in PARP levels, proteins involved in apoptosis, and an upward trend in PCNA, a marker of proliferation. No effects were observed on ductal elongation or on the numbers of terminal end buds. Together, our results indicate that gestational and lactational exposure to an environmentally-relevant mixture of BFRs disrupts cell-cell interactions, thyroid hormone homeostasis and the proliferation-apoptosis balance at PND 46, a critical stage for mammary gland development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mélanie Lavoie
- INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Bioscience, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Elham Dianati
- INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Bioscience, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - Mike Wade
- Health Canada, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Barbara Hales
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bernard Robaire
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Montreal, QC, Canada.,McGill University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Isabelle Plante
- INRS, Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Bioscience, Laval, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Aasen T, Leithe E, Graham SV, Kameritsch P, Mayán MD, Mesnil M, Pogoda K, Tabernero A. Connexins in cancer: bridging the gap to the clinic. Oncogene 2019; 38:4429-4451. [PMID: 30814684 PMCID: PMC6555763 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0741-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions comprise arrays of intercellular channels formed by connexin proteins and provide for the direct communication between adjacent cells. This type of intercellular communication permits the coordination of cellular activities and plays key roles in the control of cell growth and differentiation and in the maintenance of tissue homoeostasis. After more than 50 years, deciphering the links among connexins, gap junctions and cancer, researchers are now beginning to translate this knowledge to the clinic. The emergence of new strategies for connexin targeting, combined with an improved understanding of the molecular bases underlying the dysregulation of connexins during cancer development, offers novel opportunities for clinical applications. However, different connexin isoforms have diverse channel-dependent and -independent functions that are tissue and stage specific. This can elicit both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects that engender significant challenges in the path towards personalised medicine. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of connexins and gap junctions in cancer, with particular focus on the recent progress made in determining their prognostic and therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Edward Leithe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and K.G. Jebsen Colorectal Cancer Research Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sheila V Graham
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Petra Kameritsch
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - María D Mayán
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Marc Mesnil
- STIM Laboratory, Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Kristin Pogoda
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - Arantxa Tabernero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Miret NV, Pontillo CA, Zárate LV, Kleiman de Pisarev D, Cocca C, Randi AS. Impact of endocrine disruptor hexachlorobenzene on the mammary gland and breast cancer: The story thus far. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 173:330-341. [PMID: 30951959 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer incidence is increasing globally and exposure to endocrine disruptors has gained importance as a potential risk factor. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was once used as a fungicide and, despite being banned, considerable amounts are still released into the environment. HCB acts as an endocrine disruptor in thyroid, uterus and mammary gland and was classified as possibly carcinogenic to human. This review provides a thorough analysis of results obtained in the last 15 years of research and evaluates data from assays in mammary gland and breast cancer in diverse animal models. We discuss the effects of environmentally relevant HCB concentrations on the normal mammary gland and different stages of carcinogenesis, and attempt to elucidate its mechanisms of action at molecular level. HCB weakly binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), activating both membrane (c-Src) and nuclear pathways. Through c-Src stimulation, AhR signaling interacts with other membrane receptors including estrogen receptor-α, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor and transforming growth factor beta 1 receptors. In this way, several pathways involved in mammary morphogenesis and breast cancer development are modified, inducing tumor progression. HCB thus stimulates epithelial cell proliferation, preneoplastic lesions and alterations in mammary gland development as well as neoplastic cell migration and invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis in breast cancer. In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that the presence and bioaccumulation of HCB in high-fat tissues and during highly sensitive time windows such as pregnancy, childhood and adolescence make exposure a risk factor for breast tumor development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noelia V Miret
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5to piso, CP1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Carolina A Pontillo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5to piso, CP1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Lorena V Zárate
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5to piso, CP1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Diana Kleiman de Pisarev
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5to piso, CP1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Claudia Cocca
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Junín 954, subsuelo, CP1113, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Andrea S Randi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5to piso, CP1121, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Haworth AS, Brackenbury WJ. Emerging roles for multifunctional ion channel auxiliary subunits in cancer. Cell Calcium 2019; 80:125-140. [PMID: 31071485 PMCID: PMC6553682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Several superfamilies of plasma membrane channels which regulate transmembrane ion flux have also been shown to regulate a multitude of cellular processes, including proliferation and migration. Ion channels are typically multimeric complexes consisting of conducting subunits and auxiliary, non-conducting subunits. Auxiliary subunits modulate the function of conducting subunits and have putative non-conducting roles, further expanding the repertoire of cellular processes governed by ion channel complexes to processes such as transcellular adhesion and gene transcription. Given this expansive influence of ion channels on cellular behaviour it is perhaps no surprise that aberrant ion channel expression is a common occurrence in cancer. This review will focus on the conducting and non-conducting roles of the auxiliary subunits of various Ca2+, K+, Na+ and Cl- channels and the burgeoning evidence linking such auxiliary subunits to cancer. Several subunits are upregulated (e.g. Cavβ, Cavγ) and downregulated (e.g. Kvβ) in cancer, while other subunits have been functionally implicated as oncogenes (e.g. Navβ1, Cavα2δ1) and tumour suppressor genes (e.g. CLCA2, KCNE2, BKγ1) based on in vivo studies. The strengthening link between ion channel auxiliary subunits and cancer has exposed these subunits as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. However further mechanistic understanding is required into how these subunits contribute to tumour progression before their therapeutic potential can be fully realised.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Haworth
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - William J Brackenbury
- Department of Biology, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK; York Biomedical Research Institute, University of York, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Cx43 Expression Correlates with Breast Cancer Metastasis in MDA-MB-231 Cells In Vitro, In a Mouse Xenograft Model and in Human Breast Cancer Tissues. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040460. [PMID: 30939738 PMCID: PMC6521103 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins regulate multiple cellular functions and are considered tumor suppressors. Connexin43 (Cx43) is frequently down-regulated in breast tumors. However, Cx43 regulation during cancer onset and metastasis is complex and context-dependent. We investigated the effect of Cx43 over-expression or knock-down on the metastatic potential of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo and in human breast cancer tissues. MDA-MB-231 cells over-expressing (Cx43D) or down-regulating Cx43 (shCx43) were generated and used in proliferation, migration, and invasion assays. The regulation of genes/proteins implicated in progression, invasion and metastasis was assessed in vitro and in immune-compromized mice injected with MDA-MB-231, Cx43D or shCx43 cells. Primary tumor onset/growth, metastasis and overall survival of these animals was monitored and evaluated. In addition, Cx43 expression in human breast carcinoma samples was assessed by qPCR. Cx43 over-expression increased protein levels of epithelial markers E-cadherin and zonula occludens 1 expression and resulted in the sequestration of β-catenin at the cell membrane, while Cx43 knock-down induced protein expression of the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin and an increased invasive potential of shCx43 cells. In vivo, in mice xenografted with breast cancer cells, Cx43 over-expression decreased tumor volume, attenuated cell metastasis to lungs and liver and increased overall mice survival. Importantly, the expression of Cx43 in triple negative human breast cancer tissues is also down-regulated. Collectively, Cx43 over-expression induced an epithelial-like phenotype in MDA-MB-231 cells and suppressed tumor growth and metastasis to secondary organs in vivo. In contrast, Cx43 knock-down in MDA-MB-231 cells induced a mesenchymal phenotype with increased cell invasion leading to an enhanced metastatic phenotype. These data provide evidence for a pivotal role of Cx43 in breast cancer metastasis and support the potential targeting of connexins in breast cancer therapy.
Collapse
|
25
|
An Overview of the Focus of the International Gap Junction Conference 2017 and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092823. [PMID: 30231591 PMCID: PMC6164644 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue relates to the 18th biannual International Gap Junction Conference (IGJC2017), held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow, U.K., from the 29 July⁻2 August 2017 [...].
Collapse
|
26
|
蒋 国, 刘 亚, 赵 婉, 王 道, 董 淑, 童 旭. [Effect of gap junction modulation on antitumor effects of adriamycin in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2018; 38:780-786. [PMID: 33168517 PMCID: PMC6765543 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-4254.2018.07.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of functional modulation of gap junctions (GJ) on the antitumor effect of adriamycin in breast cancer cells positive for estrogen receptor (ER). METHODS The inhibitory effect of 0 to 24.0 μmol/L adriamycin on the surviving fraction of ER-positive human breast cancer MCF-7 cells and ER-negative MDA-MB-231 cells was assessed with MTT assay; Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect the expressions of Cx43 total protein and membrane protein in the cells. A parachute assay was used to evaluate the function of the GJ in MCF-7 cells. The cytotoxic effect of adriamycin was observed in the cells treated with retinoic acid (RA) for enhancing GJ function, in cells treated with oleamide and 18-α- glycyrrhizic acid (18-α-ga) for inhibiting GJ function, and also in cells transfected with Cx43siRNA for Cx43 knockdown. RESULTS ER-positive MCF-7 cells expressed a significantly higher level of Cx43 with stronger GJ function than ER-negative MDA- MB-231 cells. Adriamycin significantly inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 cells (P < 0.01), and RA treatment further increased the cytotoxicity of adriamycin (P < 0.01) while oleamide and 18-α-GA obviously attenuated the cytotoxicity of adriamycin (P < 0.01). In the cells with Cx43 knockdown, the expressions of total Cx43 protein and Cx43 on the membrane were significantly reduced, the function of GJ was attenuated, and the cytotoxicity of adriamycin was significantly decreased (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS ER-positive breast cancer cells have stronger Cx43 expressions and GJ function than the ERnegative cells. The cytotoxicity of adriamycin against the breast cancer cells can be strengthened by enhancing GJ function and attenuated by inhibiting GJ function. Cx43 silencing inhibits the function of GJ to lower the cytotoxicity of adriamycin in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 国君 蒋
- />蚌埠医学院药学院药理教研室,安徽 蚌埠 233030Pharmacology department of Bengbu Medical college, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - 亚明 刘
- />蚌埠医学院药学院药理教研室,安徽 蚌埠 233030Pharmacology department of Bengbu Medical college, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - 婉晨 赵
- />蚌埠医学院药学院药理教研室,安徽 蚌埠 233030Pharmacology department of Bengbu Medical college, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - 道鑫 王
- />蚌埠医学院药学院药理教研室,安徽 蚌埠 233030Pharmacology department of Bengbu Medical college, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - 淑英 董
- />蚌埠医学院药学院药理教研室,安徽 蚌埠 233030Pharmacology department of Bengbu Medical college, Bengbu 233030, China
| | - 旭辉 童
- />蚌埠医学院药学院药理教研室,安徽 蚌埠 233030Pharmacology department of Bengbu Medical college, Bengbu 233030, China
| |
Collapse
|