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Li S, Xue P, Diao X, Fan QY, Ye K, Tang XM, Liu J, Huang ZY, Tang QH, Jia CY, Xin R, Lv ZW, Liu JB, Ma YS, Fu D. Identification and validation of functional roles for three MYC-associated genes in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Adv Res 2023; 54:133-146. [PMID: 36716957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrations in MYC underlie a large proportion of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) cases; however, MYC is difficult to target because of its undruggable structure. We aimed to uncover MYC-associated molecular targets to provide new strategies for LIHC treatment. METHODS LIHC transcriptome datasets and clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A series of bioinformatics analyses were performed for 370 patients who were stratified based on the median MYC expression level (high-MYC group and low-MYC group). Correlation analysis was performed to determine relationships between the expression of key MYC-associated genes and prognosis, DNA promotor methylation, and immune cell infiltration. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway enrichment analyses were performed to elucidate the functions of these genes in LIHC. Their expression and functions in LIHC were further verified using transgenic mice overexpressing c-Myc under control of the hepatocyte-specific promoter (Alb-Cre). RESULTS AURKB, CCNB2, and CDKN3 were overexpressed in LIHC patients with high MYC expression and were associated with poor prognosis. Upregulation of these 3 genes was significantly correlated with hypomethylated promoter status, advanced T stage, metastasis, and immune cell infiltration in LIHC patients. Functional enrichment analyses indicated that these genes participate in the "p53 signaling pathway" and "cell cycle". Furthermore, RT-PCR and IHC analysis revealed that their mRNA and protein expression levels were upregulated in an Alb-Cre;cMYClsl/- mouse model. Drugs that target these 3 MYC-related genes were identified. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results identify biomarkers of potential utility for managing liver cancer therapy owing to their significance in tumorigenesis, proliferation, and tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Li
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Central Laboratory, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Pei Xue
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Colorectal Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xun Diao
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qi-Yu Fan
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Kun Ye
- Department of Urology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China; Uro-Oncology Institute of Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Tang
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jia Liu
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhong-Yan Huang
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qing-Hai Tang
- Hunan Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Biological Resources in the Nanyue Mountainous Region and College of Life Sciences and Environment, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang 421008, Hunan Province, China
| | - Cheng-You Jia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Rui Xin
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Zhong-Wei Lv
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Ji-Bin Liu
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yu-Shui Ma
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Da Fu
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China.
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Cobo-Simón I, Maloof JN, Li R, Amini H, Méndez-Cea B, García-García I, Gómez-Garrido J, Esteve-Codina A, Dabad M, Alioto T, Wegrzyn JL, Seco JI, Linares JC, Gallego FJ. Contrasting transcriptomic patterns reveal a genomic basis for drought resilience in the relict fir Abies pinsapo Boiss. TREE PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 43:315-334. [PMID: 36210755 DOI: 10.1093/treephys/tpac115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Climate change challenges the adaptive capacity of several forest tree species in the face of increasing drought and rising temperatures. Therefore, understanding the mechanistic connections between genetic diversity and drought resilience is highly valuable for conserving drought-sensitive forests. Nonetheless, the post-drought recovery in trees from a transcriptomic perspective has not yet been studied by comparing contrasting phenotypes. Here, experimental drought treatments, gas-exchange dynamics and transcriptomic analysis (RNA-seq) were performed in the relict and drought-sensitive fir Abies pinsapo Boiss. to identify gene expression differences over immediate (24 h) and extended drought (20 days). Post-drought responses were investigated to define resilient and sensitive phenotypes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were also studied to characterize the genomic basis of A. pinsapo drought resilience. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed an activation of stomatal closing and an inhibition of plant growth-related genes during the immediate drought, consistent with an isohydric dynamic. During the extended drought, transcription factors, as well as cellular damage and homeostasis protection-related genes prevailed. Resilient individuals activate photosynthesis-related genes and inhibit aerial growth-related genes, suggesting a shifting shoot/root biomass allocation to improve water uptake and whole-plant carbon balance. About, 152 fixed SNPs were found between resilient and sensitive seedlings, which were mostly located in RNA-activity-related genes, including epigenetic regulation. Contrasting gene expression and SNPs were found between different post-drought resilience phenotypes for the first time in a forest tree, suggesting a transcriptomic and genomic basis for drought resilience. The obtained drought-related transcriptomic profile and drought-resilience candidate genes may guide conservation programs for this threatened tree species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cobo-Simón
- Dpto Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales, Univ. Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
- Dpto Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Unidad de Genética, Facultad de CC Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Julin N Maloof
- University of California at Davis, Department of Plant Biology, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Ruijuan Li
- University of California at Davis, Department of Plant Biology, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Hajar Amini
- University of California at Davis, Department of Plant Biology, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Belén Méndez-Cea
- Dpto Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Unidad de Genética, Facultad de CC Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Isabel García-García
- Dpto Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Unidad de Genética, Facultad de CC Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Jèssica Gómez-Garrido
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Anna Esteve-Codina
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Marc Dabad
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Tyler Alioto
- CNAG-CRG, Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Jill L Wegrzyn
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - José Ignacio Seco
- Dpto Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales, Univ. Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Linares
- Dpto Sistemas Físicos, Químicos y Naturales, Univ. Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Gallego
- Dpto Genética, Fisiología y Microbiología, Unidad de Genética, Facultad de CC Biológicas, Universidad Complutense de Madrid 28040, Spain
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Cobo-Simón I, Gómez-Garrido J, Esteve-Codina A, Dabad M, Alioto T, Maloof JN, Méndez-Cea B, Seco JI, Linares JC, Gallego FJ. De novo transcriptome sequencing and gene co-expression reveal a genomic basis for drought sensitivity and evidence of a rapid local adaptation on Atlas cedar ( Cedrus atlantica). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1116863. [PMID: 37152146 PMCID: PMC10155838 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1116863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Understanding the adaptive capacity to current climate change of drought-sensitive tree species is mandatory, given their limited prospect of migration and adaptation as long-lived, sessile organisms. Knowledge about the molecular and eco-physiological mechanisms that control drought resilience is thus key, since water shortage appears as one of the main abiotic factors threatening forests ecosystems. However, our current background is scarce, especially in conifers, due to their huge and complex genomes. Methods Here we investigated the eco-physiological and transcriptomic basis of drought response of the climate change-threatened conifer Cedrus atlantica. We studied C. atlantica seedlings from two locations with contrasting drought conditions to investigate a local adaptation. Seedlings were subjected to experimental drought conditions, and were monitored at immediate (24 hours) and extended (20 days) times. In addition, post-drought recovery was investigated, depicting two contrasting responses in both locations (drought resilient and non-resilient). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were also studied to characterize the genomic basis of drought resilience and investigate a rapid local adaptation of C. atlantica. Results De novo transcriptome assembly was performed for the first time in this species, providing differences in gene expression between the immediate and extended treatments, as well as among the post-drought recovery phenotypes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed a regulation of stomatal closing and photosynthetic activity during the immediate drought, consistent with an isohydric dynamic. During the extended drought, growth and flavonoid biosynthesis inhibition mechanisms prevailed, probably to increase root-to-shoot ratio and to limit the energy-intensive biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Drought sensitive individuals failed in metabolism and photosynthesis regulation under drought stress, and in limiting secondary metabolite production. Moreover, genomic differences (SNPs) were found between drought resilient and sensitive seedlings, and between the two studied locations, which were mostly related to transposable elements. Discussion This work provides novel insights into the transcriptomic basis of drought response of C. atlantica, a set of candidate genes mechanistically involved in its drought sensitivity and evidence of a rapid local adaptation. Our results may help guide conservation programs for this threatened conifer, contribute to advance drought-resilience research and shed light on trees' adaptive potential to current climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Cobo-Simón
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems. University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Genetics Unit. Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Irene Cobo-Simón,
| | - Jèssica Gómez-Garrido
- Nacional Center for Genomic Analysis-Center for Genomic Regulation (CNAG-CRG), Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Esteve-Codina
- Nacional Center for Genomic Analysis-Center for Genomic Regulation (CNAG-CRG), Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Dabad
- Nacional Center for Genomic Analysis-Center for Genomic Regulation (CNAG-CRG), Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tyler Alioto
- Nacional Center for Genomic Analysis-Center for Genomic Regulation (CNAG-CRG), Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julin N. Maloof
- Department of Plant Biology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Belén Méndez-Cea
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Genetics Unit. Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Ignacio Seco
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems. University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Linares
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems. University Pablo de Olavide, Seville, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Gallego
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Genetics Unit. Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Redman RS, Anderson JA, Biaggi TM, Malmberg KEL, Rienstra MN, Weaver JL, Rodriguez RJ. Symbiotic Modulation as a Driver of Niche Expansion of Coastal Plants in the San Juan Archipelago of Washington State. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:868081. [PMID: 35814642 PMCID: PMC9260653 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.868081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Modern evolutionary theory and population genetics posit that adaptation and habitat expansion of plants result from processes exclusive to their genomes. Here, we present studies showing that plants can grow across complex habitat gradients by modulating symbiotic associations with Class 2 fungal endophytes. Endophyte analysis of three native (Leymus mollis, Distichlis spicata, and Salicornia pacifica) and one invasive (Spartina anglica) plant growing across adjacent microhabitats in the San Juan Archipelago altered associations with Class 2 fungal endophytes in response to soil salinity levels. At the microhabitat interfaces where the gradation of salinity varied, the plants were colonized by endophytes from both microhabitats. A reciprocal transplant study along a salt gradient demonstrated that Leymus mollis (dunegrass) required endophytes indigenous to each microhabitat for optimal fitness and/or survival. In contrast, when dunegrass and Grindelia integrifolia (gumweed) were found growing in low salinity, but high drought habitats, these plant species had their own unique dominant endophyte association regardless of geographic proximity and conferred drought but not high salt stress tolerance. Modulation of endophyte abundance occurred in planta based on the ability of the symbiont to confer tolerance to the stress imposed on plants. The ability of an endophyte to confer appropriate stress tolerance resulted in a significant increase of in planta fungal abundance. Conversely, the inability of an endophyte to confer stress tolerance resulted in a decrease of in planta fungal abundance. Our studies indicate that Class 2 fungal endophytes can provide a symbiotic mechanism for niche expansion and phenotypic plasticity across environmental gradients.
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