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Hou R, Wang Y, Cao S, Sun X, Jiang L. N 6-Methyladenosine-Modified KREMEN2 Promotes Tumorigenesis and Malignant Progression of High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 104:102059. [PMID: 38615731 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2024.102059] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) remains the most lethal female cancer by far. Herein, clinical HGSOC samples had higher N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification than normal ovarian tissue, and its dysregulation had been reported to drive aberrant transcription and translation programs. However, Kringle-containing transmembrane protein 2 (KREMEN2) and its m6A modification have not been fully elucidated in HGSOC. In this study, the data from the high-throughput messenger RNA (mRNA) sequencing of clinical samples were processed using the weighted correlation network analysis and functional enrichment analysis. Results revealed that KREMEN2 was a driver gene in the tumorigenesis of HGSOC and a potential target of m6A demethylase fat-mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO). KREMEN2 and FTO levels were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, and correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation in HGSOC samples. Importantly, upregulated KREMEN2 was remarkably associated with lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, peritoneal metastasis, and high International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage (Ⅲ/Ⅳ), independent of the age of patients. KREMEN2 promoted the growth of HGSOC in vitro and in vivo, which was dependent on FTO. The methylated RNA immunoprecipitation qPCR and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to verify the m6A level and sites of KREMEN2. FTO overexpression significantly decreased m6A modification in the 3' and 5' untranslated regions of KREMEN2 mRNA and downregulated its expression. In addition, we found that FTO-mediated m6A modification of KREMEN2 mRNA was recognized and stabilized by the m6A reader IGF2BP1 rather than by IGF2BP2 or IGF2BP3. This study highlights the m6A modification of KREMEN2 and extends the importance of RNA epigenetics in HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shiyao Cao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinrui Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Luo Jiang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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Pereira F, Fernández-Barral A, Larriba MJ, Barbáchano A, González-Sancho JM. From molecular basis to clinical insights: a challenging future for the vitamin D endocrine system in colorectal cancer. FEBS J 2024; 291:2485-2518. [PMID: 37699548 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most life-threatening neoplasias in terms of incidence and mortality worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of CRC. 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], the most active vitamin D metabolite, is a pleiotropic hormone that, through its binding to a transcription factor of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a major regulator of the human genome. 1,25(OH)2D3 acts on colon carcinoma and stromal cells and displays tumor protective actions. Here, we review the variety of molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 in CRC, which affect multiple processes that are dysregulated during tumor initiation and progression. Additionally, we discuss the epidemiological data that associate vitamin D deficiency and CRC, and the most relevant randomized controlled trials of vitamin D3 supplementation conducted in both healthy individuals and CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Pereira
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Oncología Radioterápica, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Spain
| | - Asunción Fernández-Barral
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ (Hospital Universitario La Paz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Spain
| | - María Jesús Larriba
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ (Hospital Universitario La Paz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Spain
| | - Antonio Barbáchano
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ (Hospital Universitario La Paz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Spain
| | - José Manuel González-Sancho
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ (Hospital Universitario La Paz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
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Sun Y, Gao Y, Dong M, Li J, Li X, He N, Song H, Zhang M, Ji K, Wang J, Gu Y, Wang Y, Du L, Liu Y, Wang Q, Zhai H, Sun D, Liu Q, Xu C. Kremen2 drives the progression of non-small cell lung cancer by preventing SOCS3-mediated degradation of EGFR. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:140. [PMID: 37270563 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02692-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transmembrane receptor Kremen2 has been reported to participate in the tumorigenesis and metastasis of gastric cancer. However, the role of Kremen2 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the biological function and regulatory mechanism of Kremen2 in NSCLC. METHODS The correlation between Kremen2 expression and NSCLC was assessed by analyzing the public database and clinical tissue samples. Colony formation and EdU assays were performed to examine cell proliferation. Transwell and wound healing assays were used to observe cell migration ability. Tumor-bearing nude mice and metastatic tumor models were used to detect the in vivo tumorigenic and metastatic abilities of the NSCLC cells. An immunohistochemical assay was used to detect the expression of proliferation-related proteins in tissues. Western blot, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were conducted to elucidate the Kremen2 regulatory mechanisms in NSCLC. RESULTS Kremen2 was highly expressed in tumor tissues from NSCLC patients and was positively correlated with a poor patient prognosis. Knockout or knockdown of Kremen2 inhibited cell proliferation and migration ability of NSCLC cells. In vivo knockdown of Kremen2 inhibited the tumorigenicity and number of metastatic nodules of NSCLC cells in nude mice. Mechanistically, Kremen2 interacted with suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) to maintain the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) protein levels by preventing SOCS3-mediated ubiquitination and degradation of EGFR, which, in turn, promoted activation of the PI3K-AKT and JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified Kremen2 as a candidate oncogene in NSCLC and may provide a potential target for NSCLC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Mingxin Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Jiuzhen Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Xin Li
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300222, China
| | - Ningning He
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Huijuan Song
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Manman Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Kaihua Ji
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Jinhan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Yeqing Gu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Liqing Du
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Hezheng Zhai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
- School of Precision Instruments and OPTO-Electronics Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Daqiang Sun
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tianjin Chest Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300222, China.
| | - Qiang Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China.
| | - Chang Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China.
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Microglial Expression of the Wnt Signaling Modulator DKK2 Differs between Human Alzheimer's Disease Brains and Mouse Neurodegeneration Models. eNeuro 2023; 10:ENEURO.0306-22.2022. [PMID: 36599670 PMCID: PMC9836029 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0306-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is crucial for synapse and cognitive function. Indeed, deficient Wnt signaling is causally related to increased expression of DKK1, an endogenous negative Wnt regulator, and synapse loss, both of which likely contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Increasingly, AD research efforts have probed the neuroinflammatory role of microglia, the resident immune cells of the CNS, which have furthermore been shown to be modulated by Wnt signaling. The DKK1 homolog DKK2 has been previously identified as an activated response and/or disease-associated microglia (DAM/ARM) gene in a mouse model of AD. Here, we performed a detailed analysis of DKK2 in mouse models of neurodegeneration, and in human AD brain. In APP/PS1 and APPNL-G-F AD mouse model brains as well as in SOD1G93A ALS mouse model spinal cords, but not in control littermates, we demonstrated significant microgliosis and microglial Dkk2 mRNA upregulation in a disease-stage-dependent manner. In the AD models, these DAM/ARM Dkk2+ microglia preferentially accumulated close to βAmyloid plaques. Furthermore, recombinant DKK2 treatment of rat hippocampal primary neurons blocked WNT7a-induced dendritic spine and synapse formation, indicative of an anti-synaptic effect similar to that of DKK1. In stark contrast, no such microglial DKK2 upregulation was detected in the postmortem human frontal cortex from individuals diagnosed with AD or pathologic aging. In summary, the difference in microglial expression of the DAM/ARM gene DKK2 between mouse models and human AD brain highlights the increasingly recognized limitations of using mouse models to recapitulate facets of human neurodegenerative disease.
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Wang X, Liang B, Li J, Pi X, Zhang P, Zhou X, Chen X, Zhou S, Yang R. Identification and characterization of four immune-related signatures in keloid. Front Immunol 2022; 13:942446. [PMID: 35967426 PMCID: PMC9365668 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.942446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
A keloid is a fibroproliferative disorder of unknown etiopathogenesis that requires ill-defined treatment. Existing evidence indicates that the immune system plays an important role in the occurrence and development of keloid. However, there is still a lack of research on the immune-related signatures of keloid. Here we identified immune-related signatures in keloid and explored their pathological mechanisms. Transcriptomic datasets (GSE7890, GSE92566, and GSE44270) of keloid and normal skin tissues were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The overlap of differentially expressed genes and immune-related genes was considered as differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIGs). Functional analysis, expression, and distribution were applied to explore the function and characteristics of DEIGs, and the expression of these DEIGs in keloid and normal skin tissues was verified by immunohistochemistry. Finally, we conducted interactive network analysis and immune infiltration analysis to determine the therapeutic potential and immune correlation. We identified four DEIGs (LGR5, PTN, JAG1, and DKK1). In these datasets, only GSE7890 met the screening criteria. In the GSE7890 dataset, DKK1 and PTN were downregulated in keloid, whereas JAG1 and LGR5 were upregulated in keloid. In addition, we obtained the same conclusion through immunohistochemistry. Functional analysis indicated that these four DEIGs were mainly involved in stem cell, cell cycle, UV response, and therapy resistance. Through interactive network analysis, we found that these DEIGs were associated with drugs currently used to treat keloid, such as hydrocortisone, androstanolone, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, BHQ-880, and lecoleucovorin. Finally, many immune cells, including CD8+ T cells, resting memory CD4+ T cells, and M1 macrophages, were obtained by immune infiltration analysis. In conclusion, we identified four immune signaling molecules associated with keloid (LGR5, PTN, JAG1, and DKK1). These immune-related signaling molecules may be important modules in the pathogenesis of keloid. Additionally, we developed novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of this challenging disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiang Wang
- Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Bo Liang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiehua Li
- Department of Dermatology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Xiaobing Pi
- Department of Dermatology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Neijiang Health Vocational College, Neijiang, China
| | - Xinzhu Zhou
- The Second School of Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Chen
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Chen, ; Sitong Zhou, ; Ronghua Yang,
| | - Sitong Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The First People’s Hospital of Foshan, Foshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Chen, ; Sitong Zhou, ; Ronghua Yang,
| | - Ronghua Yang
- Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaodong Chen, ; Sitong Zhou, ; Ronghua Yang,
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Wang X, Zhou Y, Wang C, Zhao Y, Cheng Y, Yu S, Li X, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Quan H. HCV Core protein represses DKK3 expression via epigenetic silencing and activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway during the progression of HCC. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2022; 24:1998-2009. [PMID: 35768685 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02859-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is frequently activated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A number of studies have focused on the aberrant hypermethylation of the DKK family proteins and its role in regulating the activation of specific signaling pathways. However, the exact way by which DKK regulates the signaling pathway caused by Core protein of HCV has not been reported. In the present study, we evaluated the expression level of DKK and its aberrant promoter methylation to investigate the involvement of epigenetic regulation in hepatoma cell lines. The transcription and protein expression of DKK1 was significantly increased, whereas the transcription and protein expression levels of DKK2, DKK3, and DKK4 were significantly decreased following overexpression of Core protein. Pyrosequencing indicated that hypermethylation of DKK3 was increased. This was associated with increased expression of Dnmt1. The investigation of the molecular mechanism indicated that HCV Core protein interacted with Dnmt1, which combined with the promoter of DKK3, leading to methylation of DKK3. Functional studies indicated that Core protein promoted the growth, migration and invasion of cancer cells. However, upregulation of the expression of DKK3 and/or the knockdown of the expression of Dnmt1 inhibited the growth, migration and invasion of cancer cells. Taken together, the data indicated that epigenetic silencing of DKK3 caused by Dnmt1 activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HCV Core-mediated HCC. Therefore, DKK3 may be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Chunfu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Suhuai Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Huiqin Quan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
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7
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Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020852. [PMID: 35055034 PMCID: PMC8776048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is still a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Less than half of cases are diagnosed when the cancer is locally advanced. CRC is a heterogenous disease associated with a number of genetic or somatic mutations. Diagnostic markers are used for risk stratification and early detection, which might prolong overall survival. Nowadays, the widespread use of semi-invasive endoscopic methods and feacal blood tests characterised by suboptimal accuracy of diagnostic results has led to the detection of cases at later stages. New molecular noninvasive tests based on the detection of CRC alterations seem to be more sensitive and specific then the current methods. Therefore, research aiming at identifying molecular markers, such as DNA, RNA and proteins, would improve survival rates and contribute to the development of personalized medicine. The identification of “ideal” diagnostic biomarkers, having high sensitivity and specificity, being safe, cheap and easy to measure, remains a challenge. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent advances in novel diagnostic biomarkers for tumor tissue, blood and stool samples in CRC patients.
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Kikuchi A, Matsumoto S, Sada R. Dickkopf signaling, beyond Wnt-mediated biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 125:55-65. [PMID: 34801396 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dickkopf1 (DKK1) was originally identified as a secreted protein that antagonizes Wnt signaling. Although DKK1 is essential for the developmental process, its functions in postnatal and adult life are unclear. However, evidence is accumulating that DKK1 is involved in tumorigenesis in a manner unrelated to Wnt signaling. In addition, recent studies have revealed that DKK1 may control immune reactions, although the relationship of this to Wnt signaling is unknown. Other DKK family members, DKK2-4, are likely to have their own functions. Here, we review the possible novel functions of DKKs. We summarize the characteristics of receptors of DKKs and the signaling mechanisms through DKKs and their receptors, provide evidence showing that DKKs are involved in tumor aggressiveness independently of Wnt signaling, and emphasize promising cancer therapies targeting DKKs and receptors. Lastly, we discuss various physiological and pathological processes controlled by DKKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Shinji Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryota Sada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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9
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Bahrami A, Moradi Binabaj M, A Ferns G. Exosomes: Emerging modulators of signal transduction in colorectal cancer from molecular understanding to clinical application. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 141:111882. [PMID: 34218003 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are small cell derived membrane nano-vesicles that carry various components including lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. There is accumulating evidence that exosomes have a role in tumorigenesis, tumor invasiveness and metastasis. Furthermore, oncogene mutation may influence exosome release from tumor cells. Exosomes may induce colorectal cancer by altering signaling cascades such as the Wnt/β-catenin and KRAS pathways that are involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, dissemination, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. The aim of this review was to overview recent findings evaluating the association between tumor cells-derived exosomes and their content in modulating signaling pathways in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afsane Bahrami
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
| | - Maryam Moradi Binabaj
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran.
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Division of Medical Education, Falmer, Brighton, Sussex BN1 9PH, UK
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Kafka A, Bukovac A, Brglez E, Jarmek AM, Poljak K, Brlek P, Žarković K, Njirić N, Pećina-Šlaus N. Methylation Patterns of DKK1, DKK3 and GSK3β Are Accompanied with Different Expression Levels in Human Astrocytoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112530. [PMID: 34064046 PMCID: PMC8196684 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112530] [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: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated genetic and epigenetic changes and protein expression levels of negative regulators of Wnt signaling, DKK1, DKK3, and APC as well as glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3β) and β-catenin in 64 human astrocytomas of grades II-IV. Methylation-specific PCR revealed promoter methylation of DKK1, DKK3, and GSK3β in 38%, 43%, and 18% of samples, respectively. Grade IV comprised the lowest number of methylated GSK3β cases and highest of DKK3. Evaluation of the immunostaining using H-score was performed for β-catenin, both total and unphosphorylated (active) forms. Additionally, active (pY216) and inactive (pS9) forms of GSK3β protein were also analyzed. Spearman's correlation confirmed the prevalence of β-catenin's active form (rs = 0.634, p < 0.001) in astrocytoma tumor cells. The Wilcoxon test revealed that astrocytoma with higher levels of the active pGSK3β-Y216 form had lower expression levels of its inactive form (p < 0.0001, Z = -5.332). Changes in APC's exon 11 were observed in 44.44% of samples by PCR/RFLP. Astrocytomas with changes of APC had higher H-score values of total β-catenin compared to the group without genetic changes (t = -2.264, p = 0.038). Furthermore, a positive correlation between samples with methylated DKK3 promoter and the expression of active pGSK3β-Y216 (rs = 0.356, p = 0.011) was established. Our results emphasize the importance of methylation for the regulation of Wnt signaling. Large deletions of the APC gene associated with increased β-catenin levels, together with oncogenic effects of both β-catenin and GSK3β, are clearly involved in astrocytoma evolution. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the etiology of gliomas. Further studies should elucidate the clinical and therapeutic relevance of the observed molecular alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Kafka
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Correspondence:
| | - Anja Bukovac
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Emilija Brglez
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
| | - Ana-Marija Jarmek
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
| | - Karolina Poljak
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
| | - Petar Brlek
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
| | - Kamelija Žarković
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 10, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Division of Pathology, University Hospital Center “Zagreb”, Kišpatićeva 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Niko Njirić
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Center “Zagreb”, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Kišpatićeva 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nives Pećina-Šlaus
- Laboratory of Neuro-Oncology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 12, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.); (E.B.); (A.-M.J.); (K.P.); (P.B.); (N.N.); (N.P.-Š.)
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia
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11
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Mamelli RE, Felipe AV, Silva TD, Hinz V, Forones NM. RNAM EXPRESSION AND DNA METHYLATION OF DKK2 GENE IN COLORECTAL CÂNCER. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2021; 58:55-60. [PMID: 33909798 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.202100000-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer is the third most common neoplasm in the world. Methylation of tumor related genes in CpG islands can cause gene silencing and been involved in the development of cancer. The potential role of DKK2 as a biomarker for early diagnosis of colorectal cancer remains unclear. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the profile of methylation and RNAm expression of DKK2 as potential predictors of colorectal cancer diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS Expression of mRNAs encoding DKK2 in 35 colorectal cancer tissues was quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. The DNA methylation was studied by high resolution melting analysis. The general characteristics of the patients were collected. DKK2 methylation and expression were compared to clinical, pathological aspects and overall survival. RESULTS Among the 35 patients studied, 18 were male, 10 were on right colon and 25 on left colon. Among the 20 patients with high hypermethylation, 15 of them had mRNA low expression of DKK2. There was no significant association between DKK2 promoter methylation and mRNA DKK2 expression and clinical or pathological features. DKK2 promoter methylation (P=0.154) and DKK2 RNA expression (P=0.345) did not show significant correlation with overall survival. CONCLUSION DKK2 promoter methylation and DKK2 RNA status appear to be biomarkers of cancer diagnosis but not predictors of prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronaldo Eliezer Mamelli
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP-EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Aledson Vitor Felipe
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP-EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Tiago Donizetti Silva
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP-EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Vanessa Hinz
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP-EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Nora Manoukian Forones
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Medicina (UNIFESP-EPM), São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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12
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Kheirandish S, Eshghyar N, Yazdani F, Amini Shakib P, Hosseini-Bereshneh A, Nouri Z, Kheiran-Dish A, Karami F. Methylation Assessment of Two DKK2 and DKK4 Genes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 49:1947-1953. [PMID: 33346226 PMCID: PMC7719650 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v49i10.4698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most important types of oral malignancies. DKK gene family members as well as DKK2/4 have critical roles in regulation of Wnt signaling as one of the main determining pathway in oral carcinogenesis. This study aimed to identify promoter methylation status of DKK2/4 genes to provide possible biomarkers for early detection and treatment of OSCC patients. Methods: A case control study was performed on 31 fresh tissues obtained from oral cavity of patients affected by OSCC and 31 fresh corresponding tissues from normal healthy controls in Tehran and, between the years of 2016–2018. Purified DNA from tissue samples was subjected to bisulfite treatment and then methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP-PCR) was carried out on treated DNA samples. Results: DKK4 promoter was methylated in none of OSCC samples while it was methylated in 16.1% of healthy controls. 16.1% of OSCC samples were detected to be semimethylated and 22.6% of healthy normal samples were methylated for DKK2 promoter gene. Meaningful difference was found in DKK4 promoter methylation among OSCC patients and healthy controls. Significant correlation was found between DKK4 promoter methylation and tumor grade. The age of all enrolled samples was demonstrated to have strong effect on promoter methylation of studied genes. Conclusion: Hypomethylation of DKK2 and DKK4 genes in higher grades of OSCC samples may indicate the pivotal role of their expression in tumor cells invasion and progression through modulation of Wnt signaling pathway. Further study required to determine simultaneous expression of those genes and Wnt signaling elements at mRNA and protein levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Kheirandish
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Nosratollah Eshghyar
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Yazdani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Amir A'lam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pouyan Amini Shakib
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, School of Dentistry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hosseini-Bereshneh
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Nouri
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Kheiran-Dish
- Department of Medical Genetics, Applied Biophotonics Research Center, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Karami
- Department of Medical Genetics, Applied Biophotonics Research Center, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Katase N, Nagano K, Fujita S. DKK3 expression and function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and other cancers. J Oral Biosci 2020; 62:9-15. [PMID: 32032750 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer arises from cumulative genetic or epigenetic aberrations, or the destabilization of central signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, cell cycle, gene transcription, migration, angiogenesis and apoptosis. Investigating the cancer-specific genetic background is important to get deeper apprehension of cancer biology. In this review, we aimed to identify head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)-specific genes and identified DKK3 gene as a candidate. HIGHLIGHT DKK3 belongs to the DKK family (DKK1, DKK2, DKK3 and DKK4), which codes for an evolutionally conserved secreted glycoprotein that is characterized by two distinct cysteine rich domains and functions as an antagonist of the oncogenic Wnt signaling pathway. It has been reported that DKK3 expression is decreased in many kinds of cancers, and it is thus thought to be a tumor suppressor gene. However, our investigations have demonstrated unique expression and function of DKK3 in HNSCC. DKK3 protein expression is predominantly positive in HNSCC, and DKK3-positive patients show significantly shorter disease-free survival rates, whereas DKK3-negative cases do not show metastasis. Molecular biological analyses demonstrated that DKK3 over expression significantly increased HNSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via increased phosphorylation of AKT. Moreover, DKK3 knockdown in HNSCC cells significantly decreased these malignant potentials through decreased AKT phosphorylation. CONCLUSION Our previously published data, alongside those from other reports, indicate that DKK3 may have an additional oncogenic function other than tumor suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Katase
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan.
| | - Kenichi Nagano
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Shuichi Fujita
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
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14
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Gondkar K, Patel K, Patil Okaly GV, Nair B, Pandey A, Gowda H, Kumar P. Dickkopf Homolog 3 (DKK3) Acts as a Potential Tumor Suppressor in Gallbladder Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1121. [PMID: 31737564 PMCID: PMC6828847 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a common malignancy of biliary tract cancers and its incidence has been rising rapidly worldwide. The prognosis for this disease is dismal as most of the symptoms are non-specific leading to a definitive diagnosis only at a late stage. Loss of DKK3 gene is associated with a possible tumor suppressor role in human cancers. The role and regulation of DKK3 in GBC have not been studied. We found that DKK3 expression levels were low in GBC patients and cell lines. Treatment of GBC cell lines with demethylating agent 5-Aza- 2'-deoxycytidine enhances its expression, establishing impact of methylation on DKK3 expression. We observed low expression of DKK3 in gallbladder adenocarcinoma tumors and highly invasive GBC cell lines. We showed that overexpression of DKK3 can decrease cell invasion, proliferation, and colony forming ability of GBC cells. Our data thus demonstrated the DKK3 gene is a potential tumor suppressor gene in GBC and aberrant promoter methylation could be involved in its downregulation, which may play a role in the tumorigenesis and aggressiveness of GBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti Gondkar
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, India
| | - Krishna Patel
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, India
| | - Geeta V Patil Okaly
- Department of Pathology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore, India
| | - Bipin Nair
- Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, India
| | - Akhilesh Pandey
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.,Center for Molecular Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Harsha Gowda
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Institute of Bioinformatics, International Tech Park, Bangalore, India.,Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kollam, India.,Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India
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15
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Tsukui Y, Yamaguchi T, Maekawa S, Takano S, Sato T, Enomoto N. Dickkopf-4 gene expression is associated with differentiation and lymph node metastasis in colorectal cancer. JGH OPEN 2019; 3:409-416. [PMID: 31633047 PMCID: PMC6788377 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aim Although high expression of Dickkopf-4 (DKK-4) in colorectal cancer has been reported in previous studies, its impact on clinicopathological features, including the prognosis and mechanism of expression, has not been well clarified to date. Methods (i) DKK-4 protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-DKK-4 antibody using archived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens obtained at surgery from 122 patients with colorectal cancer, and its association with clinicopathological findings was also investigated. (ii) The association between intratumoral DKK-4 protein expression and somatic hotspot mutations in cancer-associated genes in 40 patients was investigated using a next-generation sequencer. Results In cross-section, DKK-4 protein expression in colorectal tissue was related to an adenocarcinoma of a histologically differentiated type (tub1/tub2, P = 0.032) and distant metastasis (P = 0.012). Longitudinally, however, DKK-4 was not an independent prognostic factor determining overall survival (OS). On the other hand, in patients with metastasis, high DKK-4 protein was independently associated with short OS (P = 0.013). In addition, colorectal cancer tissue with high DKK-4 protein expression was associated with hotspot mutations in Wnt/β catenin-signaling molecules (APC, CTNNB1, and FBXW7, P = 0.03). Conclusion Intratumoral DKK-4 expression, by partly reflecting the Wnt/β catenin pathway, is strongly associated with the advancement of colorectal cancer and OS in colorectal cancer patients with metastasis, although further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Tsukui
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Yamanashi Yamanashi Japan
| | - Tatsuya Yamaguchi
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Yamanashi Yamanashi Japan
| | - Shinya Maekawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Yamanashi Yamanashi Japan
| | - Shinichi Takano
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Yamanashi Yamanashi Japan
| | - Tadashi Sato
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Yamanashi Yamanashi Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Enomoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Yamanashi Yamanashi Japan
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16
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Comprehensive Analysis of the Canonical and Non-canonical Wnt Signaling Pathways in Gastric Cancer. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:2830-2842. [PMID: 30997579 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-05606-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies showed that dysregulation of Wnt signaling by gene mutation and abnormal gene expression is one of the causative factors for gastric cancer (GC). So far, a systematic and comprehensive analysis of gene mutation, gene expression, and DNA methylation profiles of the Wnt pathway associated with gastric carcinogenesis, however, has not yet been reported. AIMS To this end, we investigated all the above-mentioned genetic alterations associated with the canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways in GC tumors, in order to understand the molecular mechanism underlying gastric carcinogenesis. METHODS The information on gene mutations and expression was obtained from data resources, such as TCGA, GSEA, and TCGA-STAD, and was analyzed with the cBioPortal platform. We also performed in vitro analysis on DDK2 gene, a Wnt inhibitor, to characterize its role in GC tumor cells. RESULTS We found that gene mutations of 43 Wnt genes and abnormal expression of 13 Wnt genes occurred at a high frequency in GC tumors, and gene amplification and deletion are the major mutation types. Clusters of DNA methylation associated with Wnt signaling genes and GC tumors were also revealed, and a significant increase in β-catenin activity was found in the hypermethylated group of GC tumors. In addition, overexpression of DKK2 gene significantly inhibited multiple biological processes of the GC cells, including their growth, clonal forming, migration, and invasion ability, and induced apoptosis of the GC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our current study suggested that gene mutation, abnormal gene expression, and altered DNA methylation profiles associated with the Wnt signaling may play an important role in gastric carcinogenesis, and DKK2 gene may act as a tumor suppressor in gastric cells.
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17
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Yang J, Jiang Y, He R, Liu W, Yang M, Tao L, Fu X, Shen Y, Li J, Liu D, Huo Y, Zhang J, Hua R, Zhang Z, Sun Y. DKK2 Impairs Tumor Immunity Infiltration and Correlates with Poor Prognosis in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:8656282. [PMID: 31583260 PMCID: PMC6754880 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8656282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most devastating cancer types despite the improvement of modern medicine. In our present study, we found that dickkopf-related protein 2 (DKK2) shares a higher expression in PDAC compared with adjacent pancreas tissue in tissue microarray. In addition, an elevated expression of DKK2 predicts poorer prognosis of patients and positively correlated with poor tumor differentiation. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was also performed and confirmed that the expression of DKK2 is an independent prognostic factor in PDAC. A high expression of DKK2 correlates with cell migration and epithelial mesenchymal transition based on gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) while knockdown of DKK2 in PDAC cells resulted in impaired cellular migration. Furthermore, GSEA predicts negative correlation between tumor immunity invasion and DKK2 expression. We then confirmed these results and demonstrated that a higher expression of DKK2 imparts the recruitment of CD8+ T cells. Our work suggested that DKK2 imparts tumor immune evasion and is associated with poor prognosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Biomarkers, Tumor
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/genetics
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/immunology
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/mortality
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Movement
- Cell Proliferation
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/genetics
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Grading
- Neoplasm Staging
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/genetics
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/immunology
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/mortality
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Prognosis
- Survival Analysis
- Wnt Signaling Pathway
- Pancreatic Neoplasms
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianyu Yang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongsheng Jiang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruizhe He
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minwei Yang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingye Tao
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueliang Fu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreas Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tong Ji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dejun Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanmiao Huo
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junfeng Zhang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Hua
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongwei Sun
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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18
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Chi D, Zhang W, Jia Y, Cong D, Hu S. Spalt-Like Transcription Factor 1 (SALL1) Gene Expression Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Cell Migration of Human Glioma Cells Through the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2019; 25:128-138. [PMID: 31040265 PMCID: PMC6511114 DOI: 10.12659/msmbr.915067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The spalt-like transcription factor 1 (SALL1) gene is a member of the Krüppel-associated box-containing zinc finger proteins (KRAB-ZFPs) and has been shown to modulate the onset and progression of human tumors. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effects and mechanisms of SALL1 gene expression in human glioblastoma and glioma cells and tissue samples from patients with cerebral glioma. Material/Methods The human glioblastoma cell lines, LN229, U87-MG, U-251, U343, and the Hs683 glioma cell line were studied. The cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, cell cycle assay, wound-healing assay, transwell assay, Western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to evaluate cell proliferation, cell migration, and the cell cycle and expression of SALL1. Expression of SALL1 mRNA in 120 samples of cerebral glioma and 20 samples of normal brain were studied. Overall survival data from patients with cerebral glioma were analyzed. Results SALL1 expression was down-regulated in human glioblastoma and glioma cells and in cerebral glioma tissues. Down-regulation of SALL1 expression was associated with reduced overall survival. Overexpression of SALL1 was associated with inhibition of cell proliferation associated with cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. SALL1 inhibited cell migration by preventing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and down-regulating the expression of stem cell markers. Reduced levels of β-catenin and downregulation of c-Myc and cyclin D1 and upregulation of p21and p27 expression were associated with SALL1 expression. Conclusions In human glioblastoma cells and cerebral glioma tissues, SALL1 acted as a tumor suppressor gene by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Chi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (mainland)
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Tenth Peoples' Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China (mainland)
| | - Yulong Jia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (mainland)
| | - Damin Cong
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (mainland)
| | - Shaoshan Hu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China (mainland)
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Sadeghi S, Poorebrahim M, Rahimi H, Karimipoor M, Azadmanesh K, Khorramizadeh MR, Teimoori-Toolabi L. In silico studying of the whole protein structure and dynamics of Dickkopf family members showed that N-terminal domain of Dickkopf 2 in contrary to other Dickkopfs facilitates its interaction with low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 5/6. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2018; 37:2564-2580. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2018.1491891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Solmaz Sadeghi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Molecular Medicine Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansour Poorebrahim
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Molecular Medicine Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Rahimi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Mohammad Reza Khorramizadeh
- Biosensor Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ladan Teimoori-Toolabi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Molecular Medicine Department, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Dkk-3 as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2018; 32:86. [PMID: 30788323 PMCID: PMC6377052 DOI: 10.14196/mjiri.32.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The Dickkopf 3 (Dkk-3) protein is a member of the Dkk family known as Wnt signaling inhibitor. The level of DKk-3 changes in a wide range of cancers, such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and bladder cancer, is proposed as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of many cancers. The present study was conducted to evaluate the serum level of Dkk-3 as a cancer biomarker and to determine their prognostic value in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and healthy matched controls.
Methods: A total of 30 colorectal cancer patients at different stages of the disease and healthy matched controls with no history of inflammatory and autoimmune disease or cancer were enrolled in the study. The level of Dkk-3 was assessed serologically using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, moreover, relevance of these markers with patients’ clinicopathological features was subsequently assessed. Means comparison and ROC curves analysis were done using SPSS software. P-value ˂0.05 was considered significant in all the tests.
Results: In this study, it was revealed that serum level of Dkk-3 was significantly (p<0.001) lower in patients compared to the healthy controls. Statistical analysis showed that serum level of Dkk-3 has 78% specificity and 77% sensitivity (AUC= 0.782, 95% CI) for diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
Conclusion: Dkk-3 protein can be considered as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and possibly the prognosis of colorectal cancer.
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Yang X, Liu Y, Li W, Li A, Sun Q. DKK4-knockdown enhances chemosensitivity of A549/DTX cells to docetaxel. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 49:899-906. [PMID: 28981599 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmx086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug resistance greatly limits docetaxel efficiency in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Dickkopf 4 (DKK4), a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, is believed to be involved in various human cancers; whereas the association of DKK4 with acquired docetaxel resistance in NSCLC remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of DKK4 in the docetaxel-resistant human lung adenocarcinoma A549 (A549/DTX) cells. Our results showed that DKK4 expression was significantly increased in the A549/DTX cells compared with in the A549 cells, as well as in the culture supernatant of A549/DTX cells. DKK4 overexpression increased the resistance of A549 cells to docetaxel. DKK4-knockdown promoted inhibition of A549/DTX cell growth, and reduced the colony formation and invasion capacity of A549/DTX cells. Moreover, DKK4-knockdown promoted the pro-apoptotic effect of docetaxel characterized with caspase 3 activation and inhibition of BCL-2 expression in A549/DTX cells, which was possibly mediated by inducing the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-related signaling pathway. Thus, our results indicated that DKK4-knockdown promoted the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activity of A549/DTX cells, which suggests a critical role of DKK4 in docetaxel resistance of the A549 cells and provides the potential to combine docetaxel therapy with DKK4 depletion in treating NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueliang Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Taiyuan 030013, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, General Hospital of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Weina Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Aimin Li
- Department of Respiration, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China
| | - Quan Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Taiyuan 030013, China
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22
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Sato A, Ueno H, Fusegi M, Kaneko S, Kohno K, Virgona N, Ando A, Sekine Y, Yano T. A Succinate Ether Derivative of Tocotrienol Enhances Dickkopf-1 Gene Expression through Epigenetic Alterations in Malignant Mesothelioma Cells. Pharmacology 2018; 102:26-36. [PMID: 29763912 DOI: 10.1159/000489128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wnt signaling plays an essential role in tumor cell growth, including the development of malignant mesothelioma (MM). Epigenetic silencing of negative Wnt regulators leading to constitutive Wnt signaling has been observed in various cancers and warrants further attention. We have reported that a succinate ether derivative of α-tocotrienol (T3E) has potent cytotoxic effects in MM cells. Thus, in this study, we investigated whether the anti-MM effect of T3E could be mediated via the epigenetic alteration of the Wnt antagonist gene, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1). METHODS WST-1 and cell analyzers were employed to analyze the effects of T3E on cell viability and apoptosis of human MM cell lines (H2452, H28). Real-time PCR and Western blot were performed to evaluate the expression at mRNA and protein levels. Methylation status and epigenetic modifications of DKK1's promoter regions after T3E treatment in MM cells were studied using methylation-specific PCR and Chromatin immunoprecipitation. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown -(siRNA), and specific inhibitors, were used to validate DKK1 as a target of T3E. RESULTS T3E markedly impaired MM cell viability, increased the expression of phosphorylated-JNK and DKK1 and suppressed cyclin D, a downstream target gene of Wnt signaling. Knockdown of DKK1 expression by siRNA or a specific JNK inhibitor confirmed the contribution of DKK1 and JNK to T3E-induced cytotoxicity in MM cells. On the other hand, cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4) expression, which promotes cell proliferation as a Wnt-independent DKK1 receptor was inhibited by T3E. Silencing CKAP4 by -siRNA did not appear to directly affect MM cell viability, thereby indicating that expression of both DKK1 and CKAP4 is required. Furthermore, T3E-mediated inhibition of both DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1, 3A, and 3B) and histone deacetylases (HDAC1, 2, 3, and 8) in MM cells leads to increased DKK1 expression, thereby promoting tumor growth inhibition. MM cells treated with Zebularine (a DNMT inhibitor) and sodium butyrate (an HDAC inhibitor) exhibited cytotoxic effects, which may explain the inhibitory action of T3E on MM cells. In addition, an enhanced expression of DKK1 in MM cells following T3E treatment is positively correlated with the methylation status of its promoter; T3E decreased DNA methylation and increased histone acetylation. Moreover, T3E specifically increased histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation activity, whereas no effects were observed on histone H3K9 and H3K27. CONCLUSIONS Targeting the epigenetic induction of DKK1 may lead to effective treatment of MM, and T3E has great potential to induce anti-MM activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayami Sato
- Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,Research Institute of Life Innovation, Toyo University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Haruka Ueno
- Graduate School of Food Life Sciences, Toyo University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Momoka Fusegi
- Graduate School of Food Life Sciences, Toyo University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Saki Kaneko
- Graduate School of Food Life Sciences, Toyo University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Kakeru Kohno
- Graduate School of Food Life Sciences, Toyo University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Nantiga Virgona
- Research Institute of Life Innovation, Toyo University, Gunma, Japan
| | - Akira Ando
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuko Sekine
- Graduate School of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Yano
- Graduate School of Food Life Sciences, Toyo University, Gunma, Japan.,Research Institute of Life Innovation, Toyo University, Gunma, Japan
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Cai X, Yao Z, Li L, Huang J. Role of DKK4 in Tumorigenesis and Tumor Progression. Int J Biol Sci 2018; 14:616-621. [PMID: 29904276 PMCID: PMC6001654 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.24329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor is the most public health problem. The Wnt signal pathway extensively participates in diverse progresses containing embryonic development, maintenance of homeostasis and tumor pathogenesis. The Wnt signal pathway consists of canonical signal pathway, noncanonical Wnt/PCP pathway and noncanonical Wnt/Ca2+ pathway. The deletion of the ligand of Wnts results in cytoplasmic β-catenin phosphorylation, stopping entry of β-catenin to nuclear in canonical Wnt signaling. Instead, binding of Wnts to frizzled (FZ/FZD) as well as LRP5/6 causes activation of Wnt signal pathways. This facilitates entry of β-catenin to nuclear. The Dickkopf proteins (DKKs) have been known as the antagonist of Wnt signal pathway. A number of research of DKK1, 2, 3 have been reported, however, the effect of DKK4 on tumor process is still mysterious. A more distinct comprehension about the effect of DKK4 on tumorigenesis and tumor process will shed light on biomedical research of DKK4 and tumor research. This review summarizes the current knowledge of DKK4 in various kinds of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinjia Cai
- Department of Oral Pathology, Xiangya Stomalogical Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Chansha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhigang Yao
- Department of Oral Pathology, Xiangya Stomalogical Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Chansha, Hunan, China
| | - Long Li
- Department of Oral Pathology, Xiangya Stomalogical Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Chansha, Hunan, China
| | - Junhui Huang
- Department of Oral Pathology, Xiangya Stomalogical Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Chansha, Hunan, China
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Activation of the Dickkopf1-CKAP4 pathway is associated with poor prognosis of esophageal cancer and anti-CKAP4 antibody may be a new therapeutic drug. Oncogene 2018; 37:3471-3484. [PMID: 29563607 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0179-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant expression of the secretory protein Dickkopf1 (DKK1) is associated with poor prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but the underlying mechanism of how DKK1 is involved in aggressiveness of ESCC is not clear. In this study, we show that cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4) functions as a DKK1 receptor in ESCC cells. Immunohistochemical analyses of ESCC revealed that both DKK1 and CKAP4 are minimally expressed in associated normal esophageal squamous mucosa of non-tumor regions, but strongly expressed in tumor lesions. Forty-six of 119 cases (38.7%) were positive for both DKK1 and CKAP4. Those expressing both proteins showed poor prognosis and relapse-free survival. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that expression of both proteins was the poor prognostic factor. The Cancer Genome Atlas data set indicated that the mRNA levels of DKK1 and CKAP4 are significantly elevated in the tumor lesions compared to non-tumor regions. DKK1 bound to CKAP4 at endogenous levels. DKK1 induced the internalization of CKAP4 from and its recycling to the plasma membrane. AKT was activated in ESCC cells in which DKK1 was highly expressed and CKAP4 was localized to the plasma membrane. Knockdown of either DKK1 or CKAP4 inhibited AKT activity and cell proliferation in vitro and xenograft tumor formation. Wild-type CKAP4 or DKK1, but not a DKK1 mutant that was unable to bind to CKAP4, rescued phenotypes induced by CKAP4 or DKK1 knockdown, respectively. The anti-CKAP4 antibody also inhibited AKT activity and suppressed xenograft tumor formation. In contrast, in ESCC cells in which DKK1 was marginally expressed, knockdown of CKAP4 or anti-CKAP4 antibody affected neither AKT activity nor cell proliferation. These findings suggest that the DKK1-CKAP4 pathway promotes ESCC cell proliferation and that CKAP4 might represent a novel therapeutic target for ESCCs expressing both DKK1 and CKAP4.
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25
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Increased liver carcinogenesis and enrichment of stem cell properties in livers of Dickkopf 2 (Dkk2) deleted mice. Oncotarget 2018; 7:28903-13. [PMID: 25826080 PMCID: PMC5045365 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dkk2 a antagonist of the Wnt/β-catenin-signaling pathway was shown to be silenced in diverse cancers. More recent data indicate that Dkk family members may also possess functions independent of Wnt-signaling during carcinogenesis. The detailed biological function of Dkks and its relevance for liver cancer is unknown. We analyzed the effects of a genetic deletion of Dkk2 (Dkk2−/−) in a hepatocarcinogenesis model using DEN/Phenobarbital. Untreated Dkk2−/− animals, showed considerable atypia with variation of hepatocyte size and chromatin density. In livers of Dkk2−/− mice nodule formation was seen at 9 months of age with focal loss of trabecular architecture and atypical hepatocytes and after DEN induction Dkk2−/− mice developed significantly more liver tumors compared to controls. Whole transcriptome analysis of untreated Dkk2−/− liver tissue revealed a Dkk2-dependent genetic network involving Wnt/β-Catenin but also multiple additional oncogenic factors, such as e.g. Pdgf-b, Gdf-15 and Hnf4a. Dkk2−/− tumor cells showed a significant deregulation of stemness genes associated with enhanced colony forming properties. Integration of the Dkk2−/− signature into human data was strongly associated with patients survival. Dkk2 deletion results in alterations of liver morphology leading to an increased frequency of liver cancer. The associated genetic changes included factors not primarily related to Wnt/β-Catenin-signaling and correlated with the clinical outcome of HCC-patients.
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26
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Kagey MH, He X. Rationale for targeting the Wnt signalling modulator Dickkopf-1 for oncology. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4637-4650. [PMID: 28574171 PMCID: PMC5727329 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signalling is a fundamental pathway involved in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Mutations in the pathway frequently lead to developmental defects and cancer. As such, therapeutic intervention of this pathway has generated tremendous interest. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is a secreted inhibitor of β-catenin-dependent Wnt signalling and was originally characterized as a tumour suppressor based on the prevailing view that Wnt signalling promotes cancer pathogenesis. However, DKK1 appears to increase tumour growth and metastasis in preclinical models and its elevated expression correlates with a poor prognosis in a range of cancers, indicating that DKK1 has more complex cellular and biological functions than originally appreciated. Here, we review current evidence for the cancer-promoting activity of DKK1 and recent insights into the effects of DKK1 on signalling pathways in both cancer and immune cells. We discuss the rationale and promise of targeting DKK1 for oncology. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on WNT Signalling: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.24/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xi He
- The F. M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of NeurologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
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Hassan S, Sidransky E, Tayebi N. The role of epigenetics in lysosomal storage disorders: Uncharted territory. Mol Genet Metab 2017; 122:10-18. [PMID: 28918065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2017.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The study of the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, to human disease has enhanced our understanding of different cellular processes and diseased states, as well as the effect of environmental factors on phenotypic outcomes. Epigenetic studies may be particularly relevant in evaluating the clinical heterogeneity observed in monogenic disorders. The lysosomal storage disorders are Mendelian disorders characterized by a wide spectrum of associated phenotypes, ranging from neonatal presentations to symptoms that develop in late adulthood. Some lack a tight genotype/phenotype correlation. While epigenetics may explain some of the discordant phenotypes encountered in patients with the same lysosomal storage disorder, especially among patients sharing the same genotype, to date, few studies have focused on these mechanisms. We review three common epigenetic mechanisms, DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNAs, and highlight their applications to phenotypic variation and therapeutics. Three specific lysosomal storage diseases, Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, and Niemann-Pick type C disease are presented as prototypical disorders with vast clinical heterogeneity that may be impacted by epigenetics. Our goal is to motivate researchers to consider epigenetics as a mechanism to explain the complexities of biological functions and pathologies of these rare disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzeb Hassan
- Medical Genetics Branch, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ellen Sidransky
- Medical Genetics Branch, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States.
| | - Nahid Tayebi
- Medical Genetics Branch, NHGRI, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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28
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Ma C, Lu YF. Role of Dickkopf-1 in gastrointestinal tumors. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2017; 25:2615-2620. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v25.i29.2615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As an endogenous inhibitor of the Wnt signaling pathway, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumors. However, the role of DKK1 in different tumor types is different, as it is lowly expressed in some tumor types, but over-expressed in others. In recent years, there have been many studies on the role of DKK1 in gastrointestinal tumors. In this paper, we review the latest progress in the understanding of the role of DKK1 in gastrointestinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810000, Qinghai Province, China
| | - Yong-Fu Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University, Xining 810000, Qinghai Province, China
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29
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Shao YC, Wei Y, Liu JF, Xu XY. The role of Dickkopf family in cancers: from Bench to Bedside. Am J Cancer Res 2017; 7:1754-1768. [PMID: 28979801 PMCID: PMC5622213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous epidemiological studies indicate that cancer will be responsible for millions of deaths in one year. Although multiple therapeutic strategies exist, and vast research efforts are being focused on developing newer and better regimens, cancer-related morbidity and mortality remain high. Metastasis and recurrence are prominent causes of treatment failure in cancers. Moreover, early diagnosis and treatment initiation are difficult to achieve in clinical practice. Fortunately, targeted therapy, which exerts its function at the molecular level, has proved to be greatly beneficial in several human diseases including cancers. The Wnt signaling pathway is a crucial regulator of embryogenesis and development in humans, and its dysfunction has been implicated in the incidence and development of cancers and other diseases. The Dickkopf family (Dkks) is a widely studied Wnt signaling pathway antagonist and plays multiple roles in human physiological and pathological process through both Wnt pathway-dependent and -independent manners. However, the precise roles of Dkks in tumorigenesis and the causal mechanisms have not been clearly elucidated. We discuss the pleiotropic roles of Dkks, with a specific focus on the underlying mechanisms, in cancer biology. We review recent literature to explore the potential use of Dkks as a tumor diagnosis biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Cheng Shao
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110122, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Yan Wei
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110122, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Fang Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110122, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Yan Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical UniversityShenyang 110122, Liaoning, P. R. China
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30
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FIRTINA S, HATIRNAZ NG Ö, ERBİLGİN Y, ÖZBEK U, SAYİTOĞLU M. Dysregulation of the DKK1 gene in pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Turk J Med Sci 2017; 47:357-363. [DOI: 10.3906/sag-1507-106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Jia X, Li N, Peng C, Deng Y, Wang J, Deng M, Lu M, Yin J, Zheng G, Liu H, He Z. miR-493 mediated DKK1 down-regulation confers proliferation, invasion and chemo-resistance in gastric cancer cells. Oncotarget 2016; 7:7044-54. [PMID: 26799283 PMCID: PMC4872767 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we demonstrated that the levels of DKK1 were decreased in serums and tissues of GC. DKK1 levels inversely correlated with tumor class, TNM stage, distant metastasis and lymph node metastasis of GC. GC patients with low DKK1 levels had a poor overall survival. DKK1 inhibited the proliferation of GC cells in vitro and in vivo. DKK1 also inhibited invasion, but enhanced chemo-sensitivity of GC cells. Mechanically, miR-493 levels increased in GC and directly targeted and down-regulated DKK1 expression. In agreement, miR-493 promoted proliferation of GC cells in vitro and in vivo. MiR-493 also promoted invasion and chemo-resistance of GC cells. However, DKK1 overexpression reversed the effects of miR-493 on proliferation, invasion and chemo-sensitivity. Thus, our results provide new insight for the role of miR-493/DKK1 axis in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Jia
- Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Neoplasms Surgery, Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Cong Peng
- Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Yingen Deng
- Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Neoplasms Surgery, Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Deng
- Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Minying Lu
- Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiang Yin
- Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Guopei Zheng
- Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Haiying Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Neoplasms Surgery, Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhimin He
- Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Center of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of "Translational Medicine on Malignant Tumor Treatment", Guangzhou 510095, Guangdong, China
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He S, Shen J, Hu N, Xu X, Li J. DKK4 enhances resistance to chemotherapeutics 5-Fu and YN968D1 in colorectal cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2016; 13:587-592. [PMID: 28356933 PMCID: PMC5351290 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-related protein 4 (DKK4) is a target of the β-catenin/transcription factor 4 complex in colorectal cancer. Previous research has demonstrated that its expression level may vary and has indicated that it may have a role in the development of resistance to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer cells. In the present study, DKK4 was over expressed in several colorectal cancer cell lines. The DKK4 over-expressing cell lines were screened using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and western blotting. Analysis of cell viability in the control and DKK4 over-expressing cell lines, following treatment with 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu), YN968D1 or both, indicated that DKK4 over-expressing cells exhibit increased drug resistance. The results of Transwell chamber assays suggested that DKK4 had an effect on cell migration. Furthermore, the results from flow cytometric analysis showed that the percentage of apoptotic cells was reduced in the DKK4 over-expressing cell lines, following drug treatment, compared with the control. The present data suggested that DKK4 may enhance the resistance of colorectal cancer cells to 5-Fu and YN968D1 treatment, when used alone or in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengli He
- Oncology Department, Minhang Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Jie Shen
- Oncology Department, Minhang Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Nanhua Hu
- Oncology Department, Minhang Branch of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Xuanfu Xu
- Gastroenterology Department, Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai 200072, P.R. China
| | - Jin Li
- Medical Oncology Department, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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Al-Dhohorah T, Mashrah M, Yao Z, Huang J. Aberrant DKK3 expression in the oral leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis: a comparative immunohistochemical study. Eur J Histochem 2016; 60:2629. [PMID: 27349317 PMCID: PMC4933828 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2016.2629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess and compare the expression of Dickkopf homolog 3 (DKK3), a possible tumor suppressor gene (TSG), in oral leukoplakia (OLK) and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) using immunohistochemistry. Seventy-five cases of normal oral mucosa (NOM), OLK, OSF, and squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were studied. DKK3 was expressed in all cases of NOM, OLK and OSCC. There was steady increases in the percentage of the positive cells progressing toward OSCC. The expression was localized in the cytoplasm and cell membrane of cell affected by OLK with mild dysplasia and OLK with severe dysplasia. No significant association was observed between DKK3 expression and dysplastic status of OLK. Loss of DKK3 expression was observed in 15 of 30 cases in the OSF group, which was significantly associated with histological grade of OSF (P<0.0001). The percentage of positive cells gradually declined with the increasing severity of epithelial atrophy. A significant difference (P<0.01) was observed when comparing DKK3 expression among different groups of OLK and OSF cases. DKK3 may have diverse expressions in oral premalignant lesions. Loss of DKK3 expression in dysplastic/advanced stage of OSF may imply a high risk of progression to oral cancer.
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Léveillé N, Vermeulen L. Polycomb complex PRC1 as gatekeeper of intestinal stem cell identity. Stem Cell Investig 2016; 3:22. [PMID: 27488310 DOI: 10.21037/sci.2016.06.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) are adult multipotent cells essential for the maintenance of intestinal epithelial homeostasis. Wnt signaling activity ensures that the pool of ISCs at the basis of the intestinal crypts is preserved. Dysregulation of the Wnt pathway is often observed in cancer and supports malignant progression. Chiacchiera and colleagues recently demonstrated the implication of the polycomb complex PRC1 in the regulation of the Wnt pathway in adult ISCs. The authors show that PRC1 maintains intestinal homeostasis by repressing the expression of ZICs, a family of transcription factors inactivating the β-catenin/TCF complex. Importantly, interfering with PRC1 activity completely inhibits the formation of Wnt-dependent tumors. These findings reveal a new layer of epigenetic regulation of the Wnt pathway and open novel opportunities for cancer stem cell targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Léveillé
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine (CEMM), Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Louis Vermeulen
- Laboratory for Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology (LEXOR), Center for Experimental Molecular Medicine (CEMM), Academic Medical Center (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Fung KYC, Tabor B, Buckley MJ, Priebe IK, Purins L, Pompeia C, Brierley GV, Lockett T, Gibbs P, Tie J, McMurrick P, Moore J, Ruszkiewicz A, Nice E, Adams TE, Burgess A, Cosgrove LJ. Blood-based protein biomarker panel for the detection of colorectal cancer. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120425. [PMID: 25793510 PMCID: PMC4368610 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The majority of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases are preventable by early detection and removal of precancerous polyps. Even though CRC is the second most common internal cancer in Australia, only 30 per cent of the population considered to have risk factors participate in stool-based test screening programs. Evidence indicates a robust, blood-based, diagnostic assay would increase screening compliance. A number of potential diagnostic blood-based protein biomarkers for CRC have been reported, but all lack sensitivity or specificity for use as a stand-alone diagnostic. The aim of this study was to identify and validate a panel of protein-based biomarkers in independent cohorts that could be translated to a reliable, non-invasive blood-based screening test. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In two independent cohorts (n = 145 and n = 197), we evaluated seven single biomarkers in serum of CRC patients and age/gender matched controls that showed a significant difference between controls and CRC, but individually lack the sensitivity for diagnostic application. Using logistic regression strategies, we identified a panel of three biomarkers that discriminated between controls and CRC with 73% sensitivity at 95% specificity, when applied to either of the two cohorts. This panel comprised of Insulin like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2), Dickkopf-3 (DKK3), and Pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2). CONCLUSIONS Due to the heterogeneous nature of CRC, a single biomarker is unlikely to have sufficient sensitivity or specificity for use as a stand-alone diagnostic screening test and a panel of markers may be more effective. We have identified a 3 biomarker panel that has higher sensitivity and specificity for early stage (Stage I and -II) disease than the faecal occult blood test, raising the possibility for its use as a non-invasive blood diagnostic or screening test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Y. C. Fung
- CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Bruce Tabor
- CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Michael J. Buckley
- CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ilka K. Priebe
- CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Leanne Purins
- CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Celine Pompeia
- CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gemma V. Brierley
- CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Trevor Lockett
- CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter Gibbs
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeanne Tie
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - James Moore
- Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Edouard Nice
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy E. Adams
- CSIRO Materials Science & Engineering, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Antony Burgess
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leah J. Cosgrove
- CSIRO Preventative Health National Research Flagship, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Zhang W, Zeng T, Chen L. EdgeMarker: Identifying differentially correlated molecule pairs as edge-biomarkers. J Theor Biol 2014; 362:35-43. [PMID: 24931676 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2014.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2014] [Revised: 05/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Biomarker discovery is one of the major topics in translational biomedicine study based on high-throughput biological data analysis. Traditional methods focus on differentially expressed genes (or node-biomarkers) but ignore non-differentials. However, non-differentially expressed genes also play important roles in the biological processes and the rewired interactions / edges among non-differential genes may reveal fundamental difference between variable conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to identify relevant interactions or gene pairs to elucidate the molecular mechanism of complex biological phenomena, e.g. distinguish different phenotypes. To address this issue, we proposed a new method based on a new vector representation of an edge, EdgeMarker, to (1) identify edge-biomarkers, i.e. the differentially correlated molecular pairs (e.g., gene pairs) with optimal classification ability, and (2) transform the 'node expression' data in node space into the 'edge expression' data in edge space and classify the phenotype of each single sample in edge space, which generally cannot be achieved in traditional methods. Unlike the traditional methods which analyze the node space (i.e. molecular expression space) or higher dimensional space using arbitrary kernel methods, this study provides a mathematical model to explore the edge space (i.e. correlation space) for classification of a single sample. In this work, we show that the identified edge-biomarkers indeed have strong ability in distinguishing normal and disease samples even when all involved genes are not significantly differentially expressed. The analysis of human cholangiocarcinoma dataset and diabetes dataset also suggested that the identified edge-biomarkers may cast new biological insights into the pathogenesis of human complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanwei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China.
| | - Luonan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China; Collaborative Research Center for Innovative Mathematical Modelling, Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan.
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Downregulation of WIF-1 and Wnt5a in patients with colorectal carcinoma: clinical significance. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:7975-82. [PMID: 24833087 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2015-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the wingless-type (Wnt) signaling pathway is common in various human cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC). Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF-1) is a secreted antagonist that can bind Wnt ligands and therefore inhibits the Wnt signaling pathway. In this study, we aimed to analyze the expression of two members of Wnt signaling (WIF-1 and Wnt5a) in Tunisian patients with sporadic CRC. WIF-1 was frequently methylated in tumor tissues (87.95 %) compared to normal mucosa (39.54 %) and correlated with distant metastasis and vascular invasion (P = 0.001 and 0.037, respectively). The unmethylated profile of the WIF-1 promoter conferred a benefit to patients in terms of overall survival (P log rank = 0.024). In addition, in the group of patients with methylated WIF-1 promoter, the overall survival rate was significantly prolonged for those with small tumor size (<5 cm) and absence of distant metastasis (P log rank = 0.007 and 0.036, respectively). Aberrant CpG methylation of the WIF-1 promoter leads to transcriptional silencing of this tumor suppressor gene in tumor tissues (P = 0.001). Furthermore, we showed that the level of Wnt5a mRNA was significantly lower in tumor compared to normal tissues (P = 0.031) and lower still in those showing more aggressive behavior (presence of lymph nodes and advanced TNM stage). Our finding supports that WIF-1 is frequently methylated and that Wnt5a acts as a tumor suppressor gene in CRC. Loss of WIF-1 and Wnt5a functions results in more aggressive behavior of the disease.
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Cancer-predicting gene expression changes in colonic mucosa of Western diet fed Mlh1+/- mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e76865. [PMID: 24204690 PMCID: PMC3815089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0076865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the Western world and interactions between genetic and environmental factors, including diet, are suggested to play a critical role in its etiology. We conducted a long-term feeding experiment in the mouse to address gene expression and methylation changes arising in histologically normal colonic mucosa as putative cancer-predisposing events available for early detection. The expression of 94 growth-regulatory genes previously linked to human CRC was studied at two time points (5 weeks and 12 months of age) in the heterozygote Mlh1+/- mice, an animal model for human Lynch syndrome (LS), and wild type Mlh1+/+ littermates, fed by either Western-style (WD) or AIN-93G control diet. In mice fed with WD, proximal colon mucosa, the predominant site of cancer formation in LS, exhibited a significant expression decrease in tumor suppressor genes, Dkk1, Hoxd1, Slc5a8, and Socs1, the latter two only in the Mlh1+/- mice. Reduced mRNA expression was accompanied by increased promoter methylation of the respective genes. The strongest expression decrease (7.3 fold) together with a significant increase in its promoter methylation was seen in Dkk1, an antagonist of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Furthermore, the inactivation of Dkk1 seems to predispose to neoplasias in the proximal colon. This and the fact that Mlh1 which showed only modest methylation was still expressed in both Mlh1+/- and Mlh1+/+ mice indicate that the expression decreases and the inactivation of Dkk1 in particular is a prominent early marker for colon oncogenesis.
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Chi HC, Liao CH, Huang YH, Wu SM, Tsai CY, Liao CJ, Tseng YH, Lin YH, Chen CY, Chung IH, Wu TI, Chen WJ, Lin KH. Thyroid hormone receptor inhibits hepatoma cell migration through transcriptional activation of Dickkopf 4. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 439:60-5. [PMID: 23958302 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Triiodothyronine (T3) is a potent form of thyroid hormone mediates several physiological processes including cellular growth, development, and differentiation via binding to the nuclear thyroid hormone receptor (TR). Recent studies have demonstrated critical roles of T3/TR in tumor progression. Moreover, long-term hypothyroidism appears to be associated with the incidence of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), independent of other major HCC risk factors. Dickkopf (DKK) 4, a secreted protein that antagonizes the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, is induced by T3 at both mRNA and protein levels in HCC cell lines. However, the mechanism underlying T3-mediated regulation of DKK4 remains unknown. In the present study, the 5' promoter region of DKK4 was serially deleted, and the reporter assay performed to localize the T3 response element (TRE). Consequently, we identified an atypical direct repeat TRE between nucleotides -1645 and -1629 conferring T3 responsiveness to the DKK4 gene. This region was further validated using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Stable DKK4 overexpression in SK-Hep-1 cells suppressed cell invasion and metastatic potential, both in vivo andin vitro, via reduction of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) expression. Our findings collectively suggest that DKK4 upregulated by T3/TR antagonizes the Wnt signal pathway to suppress tumor cell progression, thus providing new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying thyroid hormone activity in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiang-Cheng Chi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan, ROC
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Zhong YC, Zhang T, Di W, Li WP. Thrombin promotes epithelial ovarian cancer cell invasion by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Gynecol Oncol 2013; 24:265-72. [PMID: 23875077 PMCID: PMC3714465 DOI: 10.3802/jgo.2013.24.3.265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2013] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Over-expression of thrombin in ovarian cancer cells is associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we investigated the role of thrombin in inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in SKOV3 epithelial ovarian cancer cells. METHODS After thrombin treatment SKOV3 cells were subjected to western blots, reverse-transcription PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to quantify EMT-related proteins, mRNA expression of SMAD2, DKK1, and sFRP1, and the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and cytokines. Meanwhile, invasion ability was evaluated using transwell assays. RESULTS The results indicated a dose- and time-dependent down-regulation of E-cadherin and upregulation of N-cadherin and vimentin in thrombin-treated SKOV3 cells, compared with the thrombin-free control group (p<0.05). There was a dose- and time-dependent increase in the levels of SMAD2 and DKK1 mRNAs and a decrease in the levels of sFRP1 mRNA in thrombin-treated SKOV3 cells compared to control cells (p<0.05). Thrombin-treated SKOV3 cells exhibited increased secretion of MMP-9, MMP-2, interleukin (IL)-8, and IL-6 and increased invasion compared to untreated cells (p<0.05). Thrombin altered the morphology of SKOV3 cells to a spindle-like phenotype. Addition of hirudin to thrombin-treated cells reversed the effects of thrombin. CONCLUSION Thrombin induced EMT and promoted the invasion of SKOV3 cells, possibly via distinct signaling pathways. Hirudin inhibited the effects of thrombin, suggesting that anticoagulant therapy could be a novel therapeutic strategy for ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Cun Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China. ; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Shanghai, China
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Yi N, Liao QP, Li ZH, Xie BJ, Hu YH, Yi W, Liu M. RNA interference-mediated targeting of DKK1 gene expression in Ishikawa endometrial carcinoma cells causes increased tumor cell invasion and migration. Oncol Lett 2013; 6:756-762. [PMID: 24137406 PMCID: PMC3789071 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway plays an essential role in tumor invasion and migration. DKK1 functions as an important inhibitor of the pathway and represents a promising target for cancer therapy. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of DKK1 in endometrial carcinoma (EC) cell invasion and migration using RNA interference (RNAi) technology. Ishikawa EC cells were transfected at high efficiency with specific DKK1 siRNA. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were used to determine the mRNA and protein levels of DKK1, β-catenin and metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14) in siRNA-treated and -untreated cells. In addition, the invasion and migration of the EC cells were detected by invasion and migration assays. Transient transfection of DKK1 siRNA significantly inhibited the mRNA and protein levels of DKK1. Markedly increased cell invasion and migration was observed following treatment with DKK1 siRNA when compared with the negative control siRNA-treated and siRNA-untreated cells. The knockdown of DKK1 also elevated the mRNA and protein levels of β-catenin and MMP14 involved in the Wnt signaling pathway, indicating that targeting this gene may promote intracellular Wnt signal transduction and thus, accelerate EC cell invasion and migration in vitro. The RNAi-mediated targeting of DKK1 gene expression in Ishikawa EC cells resulted in increased tumor cell invasion and migration. DKK1 was identified as an inhibitor of EC cell invasion and migration via its novel role in the Wnt signaling pathway. Targeting DKK1 may therefore represent an effective anti-invasion and -migration strategy for the treatment of EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuo Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, P.R. China
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Zhang H, Yu C, Dai J, Keller JM, Hua A, Sottnik JL, Shelley G, Hall CL, Park SI, Yao Z, Zhang J, McCauley LK, Keller ET. Parathyroid hormone-related protein inhibits DKK1 expression through c-Jun-mediated inhibition of β-catenin activation of the DKK1 promoter in prostate cancer. Oncogene 2013; 33:2464-77. [PMID: 23752183 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2013.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa)bone metastases are unique in that majority of them induce excessive mineralized bone matrix, through undefined mechanisms, as opposed to most other cancers that induce bone resorption. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is produced by PCa cells and intermittent PTHrP exposure has bone anabolic effects, suggesting that PTHrP could contribute to the excess bone mineralization. Wnts are bone-productive factors produced by PCa cells, and the Wnt inhibitor Dickkopfs-1 (DKK1) has been shown to promote PCa progression. These findings, in conjunction with the observation that PTHrP expression increases and DKK1 expression decreases as PCa progresses, led to the hypothesis that PTHrP could be a negative regulator of DKK1 expression in PCa cells and, hence, allow the osteoblastic activity of Wnts to be realized. To test this, we first demonstrated that PTHrP downregulated DKK1 mRNA and protein expression. We then found through multiple mutated DKK1 promoter assays that PTHrP, through c-Jun activation, downregulated the DKK1 promoter through a transcription factor (TCF) response element site. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and re-ChIP assays revealed that PTHrP mediated this effect through inducing c-Jun to bind to a transcriptional activator complex consisting of β-catenin, which binds the most proximal DKK1 promoter, the TCF response element. Together, these results demonstrate a novel signaling linkage between PTHrP and Wnt signaling pathways that results in downregulation of a Wnt inhibitor allowing for Wnt activity that could contribute the osteoblastic nature of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Zhang
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - C Yu
- 1] Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA [2] Department of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Educational Ministry, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - J Dai
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J M Keller
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - A Hua
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - J L Sottnik
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - G Shelley
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - C L Hall
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - S I Park
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Z Yao
- Department of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Key Laboratory of Educational Ministry, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - J Zhang
- Center for Translational Medical Research, Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi, China
| | - L K McCauley
- 1] Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA [2] Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - E T Keller
- 1] Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA [2] Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Katase N, Lefeuvre M, Tsujigiwa H, Fujii M, Ito S, Tamamura R, Buery RR, Gunduz M, Nagatsuka H. Knockdown of Dkk-3 decreases cancer cell migration and invasion independently of the Wnt pathways in oral squamous cell carcinoma‑derived cells. Oncol Rep 2013; 29:1349-55. [PMID: 23354949 DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is thought to arise as the result of cumulative genetic or epigenetic alterations in cancer-associated genes. We focused on the Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) gene as a candidate tumor suppressor in OSCC. Dkk-3 is a potential tumor suppressor, and its downregulation has been reported in various types of malignancies. However, our previous data demonstrated that the Dkk-3 protein was dominantly expressed in OSCC tissue, and its expression was correlated with a high incidence of metastasis and with poor prognosis. In order to explain this paradox, we performed functional analyses of the Dkk-3 gene in cancer cell lines. RT-PCR revealed that Dkk-3 mRNA expression was observed in OSCC-derived cell lines but not in gastrointestinal or colorectal adenocarcinoma‑derived cell lines. The siRNA for Dkk-3 was transfected into Dkk-3-expressing cells, and the changes in cell proliferation, invasion and migration were assessed. The knockdown of Dkk-3 mRNA by siRNA transfection did not affect cell proliferation, but it significantly decreased cell migration and invasion. To further investigate the precise mechanism that contributes to the potential oncogenic function of Dkk-3, the Wnt canonical pathway and non-canonical pathways were assessed. Western blotting demonstrated that the effect of Dkk-3 knockdown on cell migration or invasion was not caused by activation of the Wnt pathways. These data demonstrated that Dkk-3 expression in OSCC was different than that in adenocarcinomas. Dkk-3 may possess an oncogenic function that is independent of Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Katase
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
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Lim JWE, Mathias RA, Kapp EA, Layton MJ, Faux MC, Burgess AW, Ji H, Simpson RJ. Restoration of full-length APC protein in SW480 colon cancer cells induces exosome-mediated secretion of DKK-4. Electrophoresis 2012; 33:1873-80. [PMID: 22740476 DOI: 10.1002/elps.201100687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Eugene A. Kapp
- Bioinformatics Group, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Parkville; Victoria; Australia
| | - Meredith J. Layton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Monash University; Clayton; Victoria; Australia
| | - Maree C. Faux
- Epithelial Biochemistry Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; Parkville; Victoria; Australia
| | - Antony W. Burgess
- Epithelial Biochemistry Laboratory, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research; Parkville; Victoria; Australia
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Liao CH, Yeh CT, Huang YH, Wu SM, Chi HC, Tsai MM, Tsai CY, Liao CJ, Tseng YH, Lin YH, Chen CY, Chung IH, Cheng WL, Chen WJ, Lin KH. Dickkopf 4 positively regulated by the thyroid hormone receptor suppresses cell invasion in human hepatoma cells. Hepatology 2012; 55:910-20. [PMID: 21994129 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Thyroid hormone (T(3)) mediates cellular growth, development, and differentiation by binding to the nuclear thyroid hormone receptor (TR). Recent studies suggest that long-term hypothyroidism is associated with human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) independent from other major HCC risk factors. Dickkopf (DKK) 4, a secreted protein, antagonizes the Wnt signal pathway. In this study, we demonstrate that T(3) may play a suppressor role by inducing DKK4 expression in HCC cells at both the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels. DKK4 was down-regulated in 67.5% of HCC cancerous tissues. The decrease in DKK4 levels was accompanied by a concomitant decrease in TR protein levels in the matched cancerous tissues in 31% of tissues compared by immunoblotting with the adjacent noncancerous tissues. Further, TR and DKK4 expression levels were positively correlated in both normal and cancerous specimens by tissue array analysis. In function assays, stable DKK4 transfected into J7 or HepG2 cells decreased cell invasion in vitro. Conversely, knocking down DKK4 restores cell invasiveness. DKK4-expressing J7 clones showed increased degradation of β-catenin, but down-regulation of CD44, cyclin D1, and c-Jun. To investigate the effect of DKK4 and TR on tumor growth in vivo, we established a xenograft of J7 cells in nude mice. J7-DKK4 and J7-TRα1 overexpressing mice, which displayed growth arrest, lower lung colony formation index, and smaller tumor size than in control mice, supporting an inhibitory role of DKK4 in tumor progression. CONCLUSION Taken together, these data suggest that the TR/DKK4/Wnt/β-catenin cascade influences the proliferation and migration of hepatoma cells during the metastasis process and support a tumor suppressor role of the TR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Hsin Liao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Chang-Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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DNA methylation status of REIC/Dkk-3 gene in human malignancies. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2012; 138:799-809. [PMID: 22274868 PMCID: PMC3325424 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-012-1158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The REIC (reduced expression in immortalized cells)/Dkk-3 is down-regulated in various cancers and considered to be a tumor suppressor gene. REIC/Dkk-3 mRNA has two isoforms (type-a,b). REIC type-a mRNA has shown to be a major transcript in various cancer cells, and its promoter activity was much stronger than that of type-b. In this study, we examined the methylation status of REIC/Dkk-3 type-a in a broad range of human malignancies. Methods We examined REIC/Dkk-3 type-a methylation in breast cancers, non-small-cell lung cancers, gastric cancers, colorectal cancers, and malignant pleural mesotheliomas using a quantitative combined bisulfite restriction analysis assay and bisulfate sequencing. REIC/Dkk-3 type-a and type-b expression was examined using reverse transcriptional PCR. The relationships between the methylation and clinicopathological factors were analyzed. Results The rate of REIC/Dkk-3 type-a methylation ranged from 26.2 to 50.0% in the various primary tumors that were examined. REIC/Dkk-3 type-a methylation in breast cancer cells was significantly heavier than that in the other cell lines that we tested. REIC/Dkk-3 type-a methylation was inversely correlated with REIC/Dkk-3 type-a expression. There was a correlation between REIC/Dkk-3 type-a and type-b mRNA expression. REIC/Dkk-3 type-a expression was restored in MDA-MB-231 cells using 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment. We found that estrogen receptor–positive breast cancers were significantly more common among the methylated group than among the non-methylated group. Conclusions REIC/Dkk-3 type-a methylation was frequently detected in a broad range of cancers and appeared to play a key role in silencing REIC/Dkk-3 type-a expression in these malignancies.
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Fatima S, Lee NP, Tsang FH, Kolligs FT, Ng IOL, Poon RTP, Fan ST, Luk JM. Dickkopf 4 (DKK4) acts on Wnt/β-catenin pathway by influencing β-catenin in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncogene 2012; 31:4233-44. [PMID: 22249261 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2011.580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a hallmark of major gastrointestinal cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The oncogenic role of β-catenin is well defined but reasons for its accumulation in HCC remain unclear. Dickkopf 4 (DKK4) acts as a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin pathway but its functional role in liver carcinogenesis has not been studied. We investigated the role of DKK4 in β-catenin regulation in HCC. Reduced expression of DKK4 was found in 47% (38/81) of HCC, as measured by quantitative real time PCR. Ectopic expression of DKK4 in two HCC cell lines, PLC/PRF/5 (PLC) and MHCC97L (97L), attenuated β-catenin responsive luciferase activity, and decreased both β-catenin and cyclin D1 protein levels. To study the effect of DKK4 on cell growth and tumourigenicity, two stable HCC cell lines were established from PLC and 97L cells. Functional assays demonstrated that overexpression of DKK4 hampered cell proliferation, reduced colony formation and retarded cell migration. When DKK4-expressing 97L stable cells were used to induce tumour xenografts in nude mice (n=8), reduction in tumour sizes was observed (P=0.027). Furthermore, immunohistochemical studies showed that decreased expression of DKK4 was associated with β-catenin accumulation in HCC tissues. Additionally, inhibition of the proteasome using specific inhibitor in DKK4-expressing 97L stable cells masked the effect of β-catenin. Our findings suggest a potential tumour suppressive role of DKK4 as well as that of an important regulator of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Fatima
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
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Ebert MPA, Tänzer M, Balluff B, Burgermeister E, Kretzschmar AK, Hughes DJ, Tetzner R, Lofton-Day C, Rosenberg R, Reinacher-Schick AC, Schulmann K, Tannapfel A, Hofheinz R, Röcken C, Keller G, Langer R, Specht K, Porschen R, Stöhlmacher-Williams J, Schuster T, Ströbel P, Schmid RM. TFAP2E-DKK4 and chemoresistance in colorectal cancer. N Engl J Med 2012; 366:44-53. [PMID: 22216841 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa1009473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer leads to improved survival; however, predictors of response to systemic treatment are not available. Genomic and epigenetic alterations of the gene encoding transcription factor AP-2 epsilon (TFAP2E) are common in human cancers. The gene encoding dickkopf homolog 4 protein (DKK4) is a potential downstream target of TFAP2E and has been implicated in chemotherapy resistance. We aimed to further evaluate the role of TFAP2E and DKK4 as predictors of the response of colorectal cancer to chemotherapy. METHODS We analyzed the expression, methylation, and function of TFAP2E in colorectal-cancer cell lines in vitro and in patients with colorectal cancer. We examined an initial cohort of 74 patients, followed by four cohorts of patients (total, 220) undergoing chemotherapy or chemoradiation. RESULTS TFAP2E was hypermethylated in 38 of 74 patients (51%) in the initial cohort. Hypermethylation was associated with decreased expression of TFAP2E in primary and metastatic colorectal-cancer specimens and cell lines. Colorectal-cancer cell lines overexpressing DKK4 showed increased chemoresistance to fluorouracil but not irinotecan or oxaliplatin. In the four other patient cohorts, TFAP2E hypermethylation was significantly associated with nonresponse to chemotherapy (P<0.001). Conversely, the probability of response among patients with hypomethylation was approximately six times that in the entire population (overall estimated risk ratio, 5.74; 95% confidence interval, 3.36 to 9.79). Epigenetic alterations of TFAP2E were independent of mutations in key regulatory cancer genes, microsatellite instability, and other genes that affect fluorouracil metabolism. CONCLUSIONS TFAP2E hypermethylation is associated with clinical nonresponsiveness to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. Functional assays confirm that TFAP2E-dependent resistance is mediated through DKK4. In patients who have colorectal cancer with TFAP2E hypermethylation, targeting of DKK4 may be an option to overcome TFAP2E-mediated drug resistance. (Funded by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and others.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias P A Ebert
- Department of Medicine II, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.
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Foltz G, Yoon JG, Lee H, Ma L, Tian Q, Hood L, Madan A. Epigenetic regulation of wnt pathway antagonists in human glioblastoma multiforme. Genes Cancer 2011; 1:81-90. [PMID: 21779426 DOI: 10.1177/1947601909356103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic inactivation of tumor suppressor genes is common in human cancer. Using a large-scale whole-genome approach in an earlier study, the authors identified epigenetically silenced genes with potential tumor suppressor function in glioblastoma (GBM). Three genes identified in this analysis-DKK1, SFRP1, and WIF1-are potent inhibitors of the Wnt signal transduction pathway. Here, the authors confirm decreased expression of these genes in GBM tumor tissue samples relative to nontumor brain tissue samples using real-time PCR. They then show that expression of all 3 genes is restored in T98 GBM cells by treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA), but only DKK1 expression is restored by treatment with the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine. Bisulfite sequencing did not reveal significant methylation in the promoter region of DKK1, whereas histone acetylation and chromatin accessibility increased significantly for all 3 genes after TSA treatment. Ectopic expression of DKK1 significantly reduces colony formation and increases chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in T98 cells. Ectopic expression of the canonical Wnt pathway inhibitors WIF1 and SFRP1 shows a relative lack of response. Chronic Wnt3a stimulation only partially reverses growth suppression after DKK1 reexpression, whereas a specific inhibitor of the JNK pathway significantly reverses the effect of DKK1 reexpression on colony formation and apoptosis in T98 cells. These results support a potential growth-suppressive function for epigenetically silenced DKK1 in GBM and suggest that DKK1 restoration could modulate Wnt signaling through both canonical and noncanonical pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Greg Foltz
- Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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Katase N, Lefeuvre M, Gunduz M, Gunduz E, Beder LB, Grenman R, Fujii M, Tamamura R, Tsujigiwa H, Nagatsuka H. Absence of Dickkopf (Dkk)-3 protein expression is correlated with longer disease-free survival and lower incidence of metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2011; 3:273-280. [PMID: 22740894 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2011.473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most frequently occurring types of cancer worldwide. We focused on the fact that the aberrant function of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a frequent event in malignancies. Dickkopf (Dkk)-3 is a major negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is a known tumor suppressor and is down-regulated in various types of cancer. However, the expression profile of the Dkk-3 protein in HNSCC has not yet been reported. The present study was conducted to investigate Dkk-3 protein expression in 90 cases of HNSCC tissue samples and HNSCC-derived cell lines. In contrast to findings available on other types of cancer, the Western blot analysis revealed that HNSCC cell lines expressed the Dkk-3 protein. In immunohistochemistry, 76 cases (84.4%) out of 90 tissue samples were Dkk-3-positive, whereas only 14 cases (15.6%) were negative. Notably, survival analysis showed that the Dkk-3 (-) group exhibited significantly longer disease-free survival (p=0.038), metastasis-free survival (p=0.013) and longer overall survival (p=0.155). The results showed that the Dkk-3 protein was dominantly expressed and may be involved in carcinogenesis and metastasis in HNSCC. Moreover, the findings suggest that the function of Dkk-3 differs depending on the tissue of origin, and that it may exert an oncogenic function in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Katase
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Graduate school of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
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