1
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Vriend J, Liu XQ. Survival-Related Genes on Chromosomes 6 and 17 in Medulloblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7506. [PMID: 39062749 PMCID: PMC11277021 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147506] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Survival of Medulloblastoma (MB) depends on various factors, including the gene expression profiles of MB tumor tissues. In this study, we identified 967 MB survival-related genes (SRGs) using a gene expression dataset and the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Notably, the SRGs were over-represented on chromosomes 6 and 17, known for the abnormalities monosomy 6 and isochromosome 17 in MB. The most significant SRG was HMGA1 (high mobility group AT-hook 1) on chromosome 6, which is a known oncogene and a histone H1 competitor. High expression of HMGA1 was associated with worse survival, primarily in the Group 3γ subtype. The high expression of HMGA1 was unrelated to any known somatic copy number alteration. Most SRGs on chromosome 17p were associated with low expression in Group 4β, the MB subtype, with 93% deletion of 17p and 98% copy gain of 17q. GO enrichment analysis showed that both chromosomes 6 and 17 included SRGs related to telomere maintenance and provided a rationale for testing telomerase inhibitors in Group 3 MBs. We conclude that HMGA1, along with other SRGs on chromosomes 6 and 17, warrant further investigation as potential therapeutic targets in selected subgroups or subtypes of MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Vriend
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Xiao-Qing Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada;
- Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
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2
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Pho M, Berrada Y, Gunda A, Lavallee A, Chiu K, Padam A, Currey ML, Stephens AD. Actin contraction controls nuclear blebbing and rupture independent of actin confinement. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar19. [PMID: 38088876 PMCID: PMC10881147 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-07-0292] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleus is a mechanically stable compartment of the cell that contains the genome and performs many essential functions. Nuclear mechanical components chromatin and lamins maintain nuclear shape, compartmentalization, and function by resisting antagonistic actin contraction and confinement. Studies have yet to compare chromatin and lamins perturbations side-by-side as well as modulated actin contraction while holding confinement constant. To accomplish this, we used nuclear localization signal green fluorescent protein to measure nuclear shape and rupture in live cells with chromatin and lamin perturbations. We then modulated actin contraction while maintaining actin confinement measured by nuclear height. Wild type, chromatin decompaction, and lamin B1 null present bleb-based nuclear deformations and ruptures dependent on actin contraction and independent of actin confinement. Actin contraction inhibition by Y27632 decreased nuclear blebbing and ruptures while activation by CN03 increased rupture frequency. Lamin A/C null results in overall abnormal shape also reliant on actin contraction, but similar blebs and ruptures as wild type. Increased DNA damage is caused by nuclear blebbing or abnormal shape which can be relieved by inhibition of actin contraction which rescues nuclear shape and decreases DNA damage levels in all perturbations. Thus, actin contraction drives nuclear blebbing, bleb-based ruptures, and abnormal shape independent of changes in actin confinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Pho
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Yasmin Berrada
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Aachal Gunda
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Anya Lavallee
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Katherine Chiu
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Arimita Padam
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Marilena L. Currey
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Andrew D. Stephens
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
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3
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Berg IK, Currey ML, Gupta S, Berrada Y, Nguyen BV, Pho M, Patteson AE, Schwarz JM, Banigan EJ, Stephens AD. Transcription inhibition suppresses nuclear blebbing and rupture independently of nuclear rigidity. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs261547. [PMID: 37756607 PMCID: PMC10660790 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.261547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin plays an essential role in the nuclear mechanical response and determining nuclear shape, which maintain nuclear compartmentalization and function. However, major genomic functions, such as transcription activity, might also impact cell nuclear shape via blebbing and rupture through their effects on chromatin structure and dynamics. To test this idea, we inhibited transcription with several RNA polymerase II inhibitors in wild-type cells and perturbed cells that presented increased nuclear blebbing. Transcription inhibition suppressed nuclear blebbing for several cell types, nuclear perturbations and transcription inhibitors. Furthermore, transcription inhibition suppressed nuclear bleb formation, bleb stabilization and bleb-based nuclear ruptures. Interestingly, transcription inhibition did not alter the histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) modification state, nuclear rigidity, and actin compression and contraction, which typically control nuclear blebbing. Polymer simulations suggested that RNA polymerase II motor activity within chromatin could drive chromatin motions that deform the nuclear periphery. Our data provide evidence that transcription inhibition suppresses nuclear blebbing and rupture, in a manner separate and distinct from chromatin rigidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel K. Berg
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Marilena L. Currey
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Sarthak Gupta
- Department of Physics and BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Yasmin Berrada
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Bao V. Nguyen
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Mai Pho
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Alison E. Patteson
- Department of Physics and BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - J. M. Schwarz
- Department of Physics and BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
- Indian Creek Farm, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Edward J. Banigan
- Institute of Medical Engineering & Science and Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Andrew D. Stephens
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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4
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严 然, 陈 祥, 张 译, 王 梦, 李 顺, 刘 贻. [Advances in cell nuclear mechanobiology and its regulation mechanisms]. SHENG WU YI XUE GONG CHENG XUE ZA ZHI = JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING = SHENGWU YIXUE GONGCHENGXUE ZAZHI 2023; 40:617-624. [PMID: 37666750 PMCID: PMC10477395 DOI: 10.7507/1001-5515.202304036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
As an important intracellular genetic and regulatory center, the nucleus is not only a terminal effector of intracellular biochemical signals, but also has a significant impact on cell function and phenotype through direct or indirect regulation of nuclear mechanistic cues after the cell senses and responds to mechanical stimuli. The nucleus relies on chromatin-nuclear membrane-cytoskeleton infrastructure to couple signal transduction, and responds to these mechanical stimuli in the intracellular and extracellular physical microenvironments. Changes in the morphological structure of the nucleus are the most intuitive manifestation of this mechanical response cascades and are the basis for the direct response of the nucleus to mechanical stimuli. Based on such relationships of the nucleus with cell behavior and phenotype, abnormal nuclear morphological changes are widely used in clinical practice as disease diagnostic tools. This review article highlights the latest advances in how nuclear morphology responds and adapts to mechanical stimuli. Additionally, this article will shed light on the factors that mechanically regulate nuclear morphology as well as the tumor physio-pathological processes involved in nuclear morphology and the underlying mechanobiological mechanisms. It provides new insights into the mechanisms that nuclear mechanics regulates disease development and its use as a potential target for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- 然 严
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
- 成都中医药大学附属医院(成都 610072)Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
| | - 祥燕 陈
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - 译兮 张
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - 梦 王
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - 顺 李
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
| | - 贻尧 刘
- 电子科技大学 生命科学与技术学院(成都 610054)School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, P. R. China
- 成都中医药大学附属医院(成都 610072)Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
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5
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Liu S, Li Y, Hong Y, Wang M, Zhang H, Ma J, Qu K, Huang G, Lu TJ. Mechanotherapy in oncology: Targeting nuclear mechanics and mechanotransduction. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 194:114722. [PMID: 36738968 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotherapy is proposed as a new option for cancer treatment. Increasing evidence suggests that characteristic differences are present in the nuclear mechanics and mechanotransduction of cancer cells compared with those of normal cells. Recent advances in understanding nuclear mechanics and mechanotransduction provide not only further insights into the process of malignant transformation but also useful references for developing new therapeutic approaches. Herein, we present an overview of the alterations of nuclear mechanics and mechanotransduction in cancer cells and highlight their implications in cancer mechanotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaobao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, PR China; MIIT Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Lightweight Materials and Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics, Nanjing 210016, PR China
| | - Yuan Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Yuan Hong
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center for Engineering Mechanobiology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Ming Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, PR China; MIIT Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Lightweight Materials and Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics, Nanjing 210016, PR China
| | - Jinlu Ma
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR China
| | - Kai Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Xian Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR China
| | - Guoyou Huang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, PR China.
| | - Tian Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, PR China; MIIT Key Laboratory of Multifunctional Lightweight Materials and Structures, Nanjing University of Aeronautics, Nanjing 210016, PR China.
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6
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Simeone I, Ceccarelli M. Pan-cancer onco-signatures reveal a novel mitochondrial subtype of luminal breast cancer with specific regulators. J Transl Med 2023; 21:55. [PMID: 36717859 PMCID: PMC9885701 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03907-z] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatic alterations in cancer cause dysregulation of signaling pathways that control cell-cycle progression, apoptosis, and cell growth. The effect of individual alterations in these pathways differs between individual tumors and tumor types. Recognizing driver events is a complex task requiring integrating multiple molecular data, including genomics, epigenomics, and functional genomics. A common hypothesis is that these driver events share similar effects on the hallmarks of cancer. The availability of large-scale multi-omics studies allows for inferring these common effects from data. Once these effects are known, one can then deconvolve in every individual patient whether a given genomics alteration is a driver event. METHODS Here, we develop a novel data-driven approach to identify shared oncogenic expression signatures among tumors. We aim to identify gene onco-signature for classifying tumor patients in homogeneous subclasses with distinct prognoses and specific genomic alterations. We derive expression pan-cancer onco-signatures from TCGA gene expression data using a discovery set of 9107 primary pan-tumor samples together with respective matched mutational data and a list of known cancer-related genes from COSMIC database. RESULTS We use the derived ono-signatures to state their prognostic significance and apply them to the TCGA breast cancer dataset as proof of principle of our approach. We uncover a "mitochondrial" sub-group of Luminal patients characterized by its biological features and regulated by specific genetic modulators. Collectively, our results demonstrate the effectiveness of onco-signatures-based methodologies, and they also contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic heterogeneity of Luminal tumors. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide novel genomics evidence for developing personalized breast cancer patient treatments. The onco-signature approach, demonstrated here on breast cancer, is general and can be applied to other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Simeone
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Claudio 21, 80128, Naples, Italy. .,Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michele Ceccarelli
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, University of Naples "Federico II", Via Claudio 21, 80128, Naples, Italy. .,BIOGEM Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Via Camporeale, 83031, Ariano Irpino, Italy.
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7
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HMGA1 Regulates the Expression of Replication-Dependent Histone Genes and Cell-Cycle in Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010594. [PMID: 36614035 PMCID: PMC9820469 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010594] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the primary cause of cancer mortality in women and the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype characterized by poor differentiation and high proliferative properties. High mobility group A1 (HMGA1) is an oncogenic factor involved in the onset and progression of the neoplastic transformation in BC. Here, we unraveled that the replication-dependent-histone (RD-HIST) gene expression is enriched in BC tissues and correlates with HMGA1 expression. We explored the role of HMGA1 in modulating the RD-HIST genes expression in TNBC cells and show that MDA-MB-231 cells, depleted of HMGA1, express low levels of core histones. We show that HMGA1 participates in the activation of the HIST1H4H promoter and that it interacts with the nuclear protein of the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated locus (NPAT), the coordinator of the transcription of the RD-HIST genes. Moreover, we demonstrate that HMGA1 silencing increases the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase both in TNBC and epirubicin resistant TNBC cells. Moreover, HMGA1 silencing causes an increase in epirubicin IC50 both in parental and epirubicin resistant cells thus suggesting that targeting HMGA1 could affect the efficacy of epirubicin treatment.
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8
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Senigagliesi B, Samperi G, Cefarin N, Gneo L, Petrosino S, Apollonio M, Caponnetto F, Sgarra R, Collavin L, Cesselli D, Casalis L, Parisse P. Triple negative breast cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles as modulator of biomechanics in target cells. NANOMEDICINE : NANOTECHNOLOGY, BIOLOGY, AND MEDICINE 2022; 44:102582. [PMID: 35817390 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2022.102582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicle (EV) mediated communication has recently been proposed as one of the pivotal routes in the development of cancer metastasis. EVs are nano-sized vesicles swapped between cells, carrying a biologically active content that can promote tumor-induced immune suppression, metastasis and angiogenesis. Thus, EVs constitute a potential target in cancer therapy. However, their role in triggering the premetastatic niche and in tumor spreading is still unclear. Here, we focused on the EV ability to modulate the biomechanical properties of target cells, known to play a crucial role in metastatic spreading. To this purpose, we isolated and thoroughly characterized triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)-derived small EVs. We then evaluated variations in the mechanical properties (cell stiffness, cytoskeleton/nuclear/morphology and Yap activity rearrangements) of non-metastatic breast cancer MCF7 cells upon EV treatment. Our results suggest that TNBC-derived small EVs are able to directly modify MCF7 cells by inducing a decrease in cell stiffness, rearrangements in cytoskeleton, focal adhesions and nuclear/cellular morphology, and an increase in Yap downstream gene expression. Testing the biomechanical response of cells after EV addition might represent a new functional assay in metastatic cancer framework that can be exploited for future application both in diagnosis and in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Senigagliesi
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, Trieste, Italy; Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, Trieste, Italy.
| | | | - Nicola Cefarin
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Sara Petrosino
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy.
| | - Mattia Apollonio
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Sgarra
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Licio Collavin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Daniela Cesselli
- Pathology Department, University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy; Department of Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
| | | | - Pietro Parisse
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, Trieste, Italy; Istituto Officina dei Materiali Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Trieste, Italy.
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9
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Wang L, Zhang J, Xia M, Liu C, Zu X, Zhong J. High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1): Structure, Biological Function, and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4414-4431. [PMID: 35864955 PMCID: PMC9295051 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.72952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
High mobility group A1 (HMGA1) is a nonhistone chromatin structural protein characterized by no transcriptional activity. It mainly plays a regulatory role by modifying the structure of DNA. A large number of studies have confirmed that HMGA1 regulates genes related to tumours in the reproductive system, digestive system, urinary system and haematopoietic system. HMGA1 is rare in adult cells and increases in highly proliferative cells such as embryos. After being stimulated by external factors, it will produce effects through the Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, Hippo and MEK/ERK pathways. In addition, HMGA1 also affects the ageing, apoptosis, autophagy and chemotherapy resistance of cancer cells, which are linked to tumorigenesis. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms of HMGA1 in cancer progression and discuss the potential clinical application of targeted HMGA1 therapy, indicating that targeted HMGA1 is of great significance in the diagnosis and treatment of malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen 518033, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Xia
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.,Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First People's Hospital of Chenzhou, First School of Clinical Medicine, University of Southern Medical, Guangzhou 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuyu Zu
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.,Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
| | - Jing Zhong
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China.,Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, PR China
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10
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Sgubin M, Pegoraro S, Pellarin I, Ros G, Sgarra R, Piazza S, Baldassarre G, Belletti B, Manfioletti G. HMGA1 positively regulates the microtubule-destabilizing protein stathmin promoting motility in TNBC cells and decreasing tumour sensitivity to paclitaxel. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:429. [PMID: 35504904 PMCID: PMC9065117 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04843-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
High Mobility Group A1 (HMGA1) is an architectural chromatin factor involved in the regulation of gene expression and a master regulator in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). In TNBC, HMGA1 is overexpressed and coordinates a gene network that controls cellular processes involved in tumour development, progression, and metastasis formation. Here, we find that the expression of HMGA1 and of the microtubule-destabilizing protein stathmin correlates in breast cancer (BC) patients. We demonstrate that HMGA1 depletion leads to a downregulation of stathmin expression and activity on microtubules resulting in decreased TNBC cell motility. We show that this pathway is mediated by the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27kip1 (p27). Indeed, the silencing of HMGA1 expression in TNBC cells results both in an increased p27 protein stability and p27-stathmin binding. When the expression of both HMGA1 and p27 is silenced, we observe a significant rescue in cell motility. These data, obtained in cellular models, were validated in BC patients. In fact, we find that patients with high levels of both HMGA1 and stathmin and low levels of p27 have a statistically significant lower survival probability in terms of relapse-free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) with respect to the patient group with low HMGA1, low stathmin, and high p27 expression levels. Finally, we show in an in vivo xenograft model that depletion of HMGA1 chemo-sensitizes tumour cells to paclitaxel, a drug that is commonly used in TNBC treatments. This study unveils a new interaction among HMGA1, p27, and stathmin that is critical in BC cell migration. Moreover, our data suggest that taxol-based treatments may be more effective in reducing the tumour burden when tumour cells express low levels of HMGA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Sgubin
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy ,grid.418321.d0000 0004 1757 9741Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Silvia Pegoraro
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ilenia Pellarin
- grid.418321.d0000 0004 1757 9741Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Gloria Ros
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy ,grid.5970.b0000 0004 1762 9868Present Address: International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Area of Neuroscience Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Riccardo Sgarra
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Silvano Piazza
- grid.425196.d0000 0004 1759 4810International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Padriciano 99, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gustavo Baldassarre
- grid.418321.d0000 0004 1757 9741Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Barbara Belletti
- grid.418321.d0000 0004 1757 9741Division of Molecular Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Guidalberto Manfioletti
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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11
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He Z, Li Y, Feng G, Yuan X, Lu Z, Dai M, Hu Y, Zhang Y, Zhou Q, Li W. Pharmacological Perturbation of Mechanical Contractility Enables Robust Transdifferentiation of Human Fibroblasts into Neurons. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104682. [PMID: 35240008 PMCID: PMC9069193 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Direct cell reprogramming, also called transdifferentiation, is valuable for cell fate studies and regenerative medicine. Current approaches to transdifferentiation are usually achieved by directly targeting the nuclear functions, such as manipulating the lineage-specific transcriptional factors, microRNAs, and epigenetic modifications. Here, a robust method to convert fibroblasts to neurons through targeting the cytoskeleton followed by exposure to lineage-specification surroundings is reported. Treatment of human foreskin fibroblasts with a single molecule inhibitor of the actomyosin contraction, can disrupt the cytoskeleton, promote cell softening and nuclear export of YAP/TAZ, and induce a neuron-like state. These neuron-like cells can be further converted into mature neurons, while single-cell RNA-seq shows the homogeneity of these cells during the induction process. Finally, transcriptomic analysis shows that cytoskeletal disruption collapses the original lineage expression profile and evokes an intermediate state. These findings shed a light on the underestimated role of the cytoskeleton in maintaining cell identity and provide a paradigm for lineage conversion through the regulation of mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng‐Quan He
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100100China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100100China
| | - Yu‐Huan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100100China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100100China
- The First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunJilin130021China
| | - Gui‐Hai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100100China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100100China
| | - Xue‐Wei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100100China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100100China
| | - Zong‐Bao Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100100China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100100China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100149China
| | - Min Dai
- Key Laboratory of Genetic Network Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
| | - Yan‐Ping Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100100China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100100China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100149China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100100China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100100China
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100100China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100100China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100149China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of ZoologyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100101China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineChinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100100China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative MedicineBeijing100100China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100149China
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12
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Atanasova KR, Chakraborty S, Ratnayake R, Khare KD, Luesch H, Lele TP. An epigenetic small molecule screen to target abnormal nuclear morphology in human cells. Mol Biol Cell 2022; 33:ar45. [PMID: 35323046 PMCID: PMC9265153 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e21-10-0528] [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] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Irregular nuclear shapes are a hallmark of human cancers. Recent studies suggest that alterations to chromatin regulators may cause irregular nuclear morphologies. Here we screened an epigenetic small molecule library consisting of 145 compounds against chromatin regulators, for their ability to revert abnormal nuclear shapes that were induced by gene knockdown in non-cancerous MCF10A human mammary breast epithelial cells. We leveraged a previously validated quantitative Fourier approach to quantify the elliptical Fourier coefficient (EFC ratio) as a measure of nuclear irregularities, which allowed us to perform rigorous statistical analyses of screening data. Top hit compounds fell into three major mode of action categories, targeting three separate epigenetic modulation routes: 1) Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors; 2) Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) protein inhibitors; and 3) Methyl-transferase inhibitors. Some of the top hit compounds were also efficacious in reverting nuclear irregularities in MDA-MB-231 triple negative breast cancer cells and in PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells in a cell type dependent manner. Regularization of nuclear shapes was compound-specific, cell-type specific, and dependent on the specific molecular perturbation that induced nuclear irregularities. Our approach of targeting nuclear abnormalities may be potentially useful in screening new types of cancer therapies targeted toward chromatin structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalina R Atanasova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32610, USA
| | - Saptarshi Chakraborty
- Department of Biostatistics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo NY 14214, USA
| | - Ranjala Ratnayake
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32610, USA
| | - Kshitij D Khare
- Department of Statistics, University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611, USA
| | - Hendrik Luesch
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville FL 32610, USA
| | - Tanmay P Lele
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, and Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station TX 77843, USA
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13
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Abstract
Actin is a highly conserved protein in mammals. The actin dynamics is regulated by actin-binding proteins and actin-related proteins. Nuclear actin and these regulatory proteins participate in multiple nuclear processes, including chromosome architecture organization, chromatin remodeling, transcription machinery regulation, and DNA repair. It is well known that the dysfunctions of these processes contribute to the development of cancer. Moreover, emerging evidence has shown that the deregulated actin dynamics is also related to cancer. This chapter discusses how the deregulation of nuclear actin dynamics contributes to tumorigenesis via such various nuclear events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjian Huang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengzhe Zhang
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jae-Il Park
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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14
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Senigagliesi B, Bedolla DE, Birarda G, Zanetti M, Lazzarino M, Vaccari L, Parisse P, Casalis L. Subcellular elements responsive to the biomechanical activity of triple-negative breast cancer-derived small extracellular vesicles. Biomol Concepts 2022; 13:322-333. [PMID: 36482512 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2022-0024] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) stands out for its aggressive, fast spread, and highly metastatic behavior and for being unresponsive to the classical hormonal therapy. It is considered a disease with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Among the mechanisms that contribute to TNBC spreading, attention has been recently paid to small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), nano-sized vesicles that by transferring bioactive molecules to recipient cells play a crucial role in the intercellular communication among cancer, healthy cells, and tumor microenvironment. In particular, TNBC-derived sEVs have been shown to alter proliferation, metastasis, drug resistance, and biomechanical properties of target cells. To shed light on the molecular mechanisms involved in sEVs mediation of cell biomechanics, we investigated the effects of sEVs on the main subcellular players, i.e., cell membrane, cytoskeleton, and nuclear chromatin organization. Our results unveiled that TNBC-derived sEVs are able to promote the formation and elongation of cellular protrusions, soften the cell body, and induce chromatin decondensation in recipient cells. In particular, our data suggest that chromatin decondensation is the main cause of the global cell softening. The present study added new details and unveiled a novel mechanism of activity of the TNBC-derived sEVs, providing information for the efficient translation of sEVs to cancer theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Senigagliesi
- Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati, Trieste, Italy.,Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, Italy
| | - Diana E Bedolla
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, Italy.,Area Science Park, Padriciano 99, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Michele Zanetti
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR-IOM, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Marco Lazzarino
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR-IOM, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lisa Vaccari
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, Italy
| | - Pietro Parisse
- Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, Italy.,Istituto Officina dei Materiali Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, CNR-IOM, Trieste, Italy
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15
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iTRAQ-based proteomics analysis of HCMV latency and reactivation in T98G cells. J Virol 2021; 96:e0147621. [PMID: 34730396 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01476-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) establishes a persistent/latent infection after primary infection, and host factor(s) plays a key role in regulating HCMV infection status. The spread of reactivated HCMV via the hematogenous or neural route usually results in severe diseases in newborns and immunocompromised individuals. As the primary reservoirs in vivo, cells of myeloid lineage have been utilized extensively to study HCMV infection. However, the molecular mechanism of HCMV latency/reactivation in neural cells is still poorly understood. We previously showed that HCMV infected T98G cells maintain a large number of viral genomes and support HCMV reactivation from latency upon cAMP/IBMX treatment. Here we employed iTRAQ-based proteomics to characterize cellular protein changes during HCMV latency and reactivation in T98G cells. A total of 168 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified, including 89 proteins in latency and 85 proteins in reactivation. Bioinformatics analysis showed that a few biological pathways were associated with HCMV latency or reactivation. Moreover, we validated 16 DEPs by both mRNA and protein expression profiles and further evaluated the effects of ApoE and PI3K pathway on HCMV infection. ApoE knockdown reduced HCMV loads and virus release, whereas overexpressing ApoE hampered HCMV latent infection, indicating a role in HCMV latency establishment/maintenance. Blocking the PI3K pathway by LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, induced HCMV reactivation from latency in T98G cells. Overall, this comparative proteomic analysis delineates the cellular protein changes during HCMV latency and reactivation and provides a road map to advance our understanding of the mechanism(s) in the context of neural cells. IMPORTANCE Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a highly transmissible beta-herpesvirus that has a prevalence of 60%-90% worldwide. This opportunist pathogen poses a significant threat to newborns and immunosuppressed individuals. One major obstacle for developing effective therapeutics is a poor understanding of HCMV latency/reactivation mechanisms. This study presents, for the first time, a systemic analysis of host cell protein expression changes during HCMV latency establishment and reactivation processes in neural cells. We showed that ApoE was downregulated by HCMV to facilitate latent infection. Also, the proteomic analysis has associated a few PI3K pathway-related proteins with HCMV reactivation. Altogether, this study highlights multiple host proteins and signaling pathways that can be further investigated as potential druggable targets for HCMV-related diseases, especially brain disorders.
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16
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Lyubitelev AV, Kirpichnikov MP, Studitsky VM. The Role of Linker Histones in Carcinogenesis. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162021010143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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17
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Pegoraro S, Ros G, Sgubin M, Petrosino S, Zambelli A, Sgarra R, Manfioletti G. Targeting the intrinsically disordered architectural High Mobility Group A (HMGA) oncoproteins in breast cancer: learning from the past to design future strategies. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:953-969. [PMID: 32970506 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1814738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most difficult breast cancer subtype to treat because of its heterogeneity and lack of specific therapeutic targets. High Mobility Group A (HMGA) proteins are chromatin architectural factors that have multiple oncogenic functions in breast cancer, and they represent promising molecular therapeutic targets for this disease. AREAS COVERED We offer an overview of the strategies that have been exploited to counteract HMGA oncoprotein activities at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. We also present the possibility of targeting cancer-associated factors that lie downstream of HMGA proteins and discuss the contribution of HMGA proteins to chemoresistance. EXPERT OPINION Different strategies have been exploited to counteract HMGA protein activities; these involve interfering with their nucleic acid binding properties and the blocking of HMGA expression. Some approaches have provided promising results. However, some unique characteristics of the HMGA proteins have not been exploited; these include their extensive protein-protein interaction network and their intrinsically disordered status that present the possibility that HMGA proteins could be involved in the formation of proteinaceous membrane-less organelles (PMLO) by liquid-liquid phase separation. These unexplored characteristics could open new pharmacological avenues to counteract the oncogenic contributions of HMGA proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pegoraro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Gloria Ros
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Michela Sgubin
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | - Sara Petrosino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Sgarra
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste , Trieste, Italy
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18
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Tamashunas AC, Tocco VJ, Matthews J, Zhang Q, Atanasova KR, Paschall L, Pathak S, Ratnayake R, Stephens AD, Luesch H, Licht JD, Lele TP. High-throughput gene screen reveals modulators of nuclear shape. Mol Biol Cell 2020; 31:1392-1402. [PMID: 32320319 PMCID: PMC7353136 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-09-0520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Irregular nuclear shapes characterized by blebs, lobules, micronuclei, or invaginations are hallmarks of many cancers and human pathologies. Despite the correlation between abnormal nuclear shape and human pathologies, the mechanism by which the cancer nucleus becomes misshapen is not fully understood. Motivated by recent evidence that modifying chromatin condensation can change nuclear morphology, we conducted a high-throughput RNAi screen to identify epigenetic regulators that are required to maintain normal nuclear shape in human breast epithelial MCF-10A cells. We silenced 608 genes in parallel using an epigenetics siRNA library and used an unbiased Fourier analysis approach to quantify nuclear contour irregularity from fluorescent images captured on a high-content microscope. Using this quantitative approach, which we validated with confocal microscopy, we significantly expand the list of epigenetic regulators that impact nuclear morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - James Matthews
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | | | - Kalina R. Atanasova
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | | | | | - Ranjala Ratnayake
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Andrew D. Stephens
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003
| | - Hendrik Luesch
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Center for Natural Products, Drug Discovery and Development (CNPD3), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Jonathan D. Licht
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida Health Cancer Center, Gainesville, FL 32610
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19
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Gerlitz G. The Emerging Roles of Heterochromatin in Cell Migration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:394. [PMID: 32528959 PMCID: PMC7266953 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is a key process in health and disease. In the last decade an increasing attention is given to chromatin organization in migrating cells. In various types of cells induction of migration leads to a global increase in heterochromatin levels. Heterochromatin is required for optimal cell migration capabilities, since various interventions with heterochromatin formation impeded the migration rate of numerous cell types. Heterochromatin supports the migration process by affecting both the mechanical properties of the nucleus as well as the genetic processes taking place within it. Increased heterochromatin levels elevate nuclear rigidity in a manner that allows faster cell migration in 3D environments. Condensed chromatin and a more rigid nucleus may increase nuclear durability to shear stress and prevent DNA damage during the migration process. In addition, heterochromatin reorganization in migrating cells is important for induction of migration-specific transcriptional plan together with inhibition of many other unnecessary transcriptional changes. Thus, chromatin organization appears to have a key role in the cellular migration process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabi Gerlitz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Ariel Center for Applied Cancer Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
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20
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Stephens AD. Chromatin rigidity provides mechanical and genome protection. Mutat Res 2020; 821:111712. [PMID: 32590202 PMCID: PMC8186544 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrfmmm.2020.111712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The nucleus is the organelle in the cell that contains the genome and its associate proteins which is collectively called chromatin. New work has shown that chromatin and its compaction level, dictated largely through histone modification state, provides rigidity to protect and stabilize the nucleus. Alterations in chromatin, its mechanics, and downstream loss of nuclear shape and stability are hallmarks of human disease. Weakened nuclear mechanics and abnormal morphology have been shown to cause rupturing of the nucleus which results in nuclear dysfunction including DNA damage. Thus, the rigidity provided by chromatin to maintain nuclear mechanical stability also provides its own protection from DNA damage via compartmentalization maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Stephens
- Biology Department, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, United States.
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21
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High Mobility Group A (HMGA): Chromatin Nodes Controlled by a Knotty miRNA Network. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030717. [PMID: 31979076 PMCID: PMC7038092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
High mobility group A (HMGA) proteins are oncofoetal chromatin architectural factors that are widely involved in regulating gene expression. These proteins are unique, because they are highly expressed in embryonic and cancer cells, where they play a relevant role in cell proliferation, stemness, and the acquisition of aggressive tumour traits, i.e., motility, invasiveness, and metastatic properties. The HMGA protein expression levels and activities are controlled by a connected set of events at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels. In fact, microRNA (miRNA)-mediated RNA stability is the most-studied mechanism of HMGA protein expression modulation. In this review, we contribute to a comprehensive overview of HMGA-targeting miRNAs; we provide detailed information regarding HMGA gene structural organization and a comprehensive evaluation and description of HMGA-targeting miRNAs, while focusing on those that are widely involved in HMGA regulation; and, we aim to offer insights into HMGA-miRNA mutual cross-talk from a functional and cancer-related perspective, highlighting possible clinical implications.
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22
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HMGA1 Modulates Gene Transcription Sustaining a Tumor Signalling Pathway Acting on the Epigenetic Status of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081105. [PMID: 31382504 PMCID: PMC6721465 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromatin accessibility plays a critical factor in regulating gene expression in cancer cells. Several factors, including the High Mobility Group A (HMGA) family members, are known to participate directly in chromatin relaxation and transcriptional activation. The HMGA1 oncogene encodes an architectural chromatin transcription factor that alters DNA structure and interacts with transcription factors favouring their landing onto transcription regulatory sequences. Here, we provide evidence of an additional mechanism exploited by HMGA1 to modulate transcription. We demonstrate that, in a triple-negative breast cancer cellular model, HMGA1 sustains the action of epigenetic modifiers and in particular it positively influences both histone H3S10 phosphorylation by ribosomal protein S6 kinase alpha-3 (RSK2) and histone H2BK5 acetylation by CREB-binding protein (CBP). HMGA1, RSK2, and CBP control the expression of a set of genes involved in tumor progression and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. These results suggest that HMGA1 has an effect on the epigenetic status of cancer cells and that it could be exploited as a responsiveness predictor for epigenetic therapies in triple-negative breast cancers.
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