1
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Wang D, Shi W, Qiu C. Construction of a TP53 mutation-associated ceRNA network as prognostic biomarkers in hepatocellular carcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30066. [PMID: 38737272 PMCID: PMC11088256 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to endanger human health worldwide. Regulatory networks of competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) play important roles in HCC. TP53 is the second most often altered gene in HCC and has a significant role in regulating target genes such as miRNAs and lncRNAs. Methods Data from patients with TP53 mutation were collected through the cBioPortal database and differential analysis was performed to screen RNAs related to TP53 mutation. The lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA relationship was predicted by the miRcode, miRDB, and TargetScan databases. The ceRNA networks were screened and visualized by Cytoscape. Core ceRNA networks were generated by differential analysis, coexpression analysis, prognostic analysis and subcellular localization. Finally, methylation, mutation, PPI, GSEA, immunity and drug sensitivity analyses of MEX3A were performed to determine the role of MEX3A in HCC. Results We identified 1508 DEmRNAs, 85 DEmiRNAs and 931 DElncRNAs and obtained a ceRNA network including 28 lncRNAs, 4 miRNAs and 31 mRNAs. Twenty hub DERNAs in the TP53-altered-related ceRNA network were screened out by Cytoscape and the core ceRNA network (LINC00491/TCL6-hsa-miR-139-5p-MEX3A) was obtained by multiple analyses. In addition, we discovered that the methylation level of MEX3A was decreased and the mutation frequency was raised in HCC. Furthermore, elevated MEX3A expression was associated with alterations in the HCC immunological microenvironment. Conclusion We successfully constructed a reciprocal ceRNA network, which could provide new ideas for exploring HCC mechanisms and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changzhou 213000, China
| | - Wenxiang Shi
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chenjie Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changzhou 213000, China
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2
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Deb R, Sengar GS, Sonowal J, Pegu SR, Das PJ, Singh I, Chakravarti S, Selvaradjou A, Attupurum N, Rajkhowa S, Gupta VK. Transcriptome signatures of host tissue infected with African swine fever virus reveal differential expression of associated oncogenes. Arch Virol 2024; 169:54. [PMID: 38381218 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-023-05959-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) has emerged as a threat to swine production worldwide. Evasion of host immunity by ASF virus (ASFV) is well understood. However, the role of ASFV in triggering oncogenesis is still unclear. In the present study, ASFV-infected kidney tissue samples were subjected to Illumina-based transcriptome analysis. A total of 2463 upregulated and 825 downregulated genes were differentially expressed (p < 0.05). A literature review revealed that the majority of the differentially expressed host genes were key molecules in signaling pathways involved in oncogenesis. Bioinformatic analysis indicated the activation of certain oncogenic KEGG pathways, including basal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, transcriptional deregulation in cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Analysis of host-virus interactions revealed that the upregulated oncogenic RELA (p65 transcription factor) protein of Sus scrofa can interact with the A238L (hypothetical protein of unknown function) of ASFV. Differential expression of oncogenes was confirmed by qRT-PCR, using the H3 histone family 3A gene (H3F3A) as an internal control to confirm the RNA-Seq data. The levels of gene expression indicated by qRT-PCR matched closely to those determined through RNA-Seq. These findings open up new possibilities for investigation of the mechanisms underlying ASFV infection and offer insights into the dynamic interaction between viral infection and oncogenic processes. However, as these investigations were conducted on pigs that died from natural ASFV infection, the role of ASFV in oncogenesis still needs to be investigated in controlled experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajib Deb
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam, 781131, India.
| | | | - Joyshikh Sonowal
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam, 781131, India
- Multidisciplinary Research Unit, Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, Jorhat, Assam, 785001, India
| | - Seema Rani Pegu
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam, 781131, India
| | - Pranab Jyoti Das
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam, 781131, India.
| | | | - Soumendu Chakravarti
- ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, UP, 243122, India
- Pirbright Institute, Ash Road, Pirbright, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nitin Attupurum
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam, 781131, India
| | - Swaraj Rajkhowa
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam, 781131, India
| | - Vivek Kumar Gupta
- ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Rani, Guwahati, Assam, 781131, India.
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3
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Feng G, Wang P, Zhang H, Cheng S, Xing Y, Wang Y. MEX3A induces the development of thyroid cancer via targeting CREB1. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:1843-1853. [PMID: 37529875 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12076] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is a prevalent form of endocrine cancer, and its global incidence has been steadily increasing. MEX3A is a protein that is known to be highly expressed in various human malignant tumors, including thyroid cancer, and it has been linked to patient prognosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying MEX3A's tumorigenic capabilities in thyroid cancer are not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of MEX3A in thyroid cancer. We confirmed that MEX3A was overexpressed in both thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines. Additionally, we found a positive correlation between high levels of MEX3A and the AJCC stage. To further understand the functional significance of MEX3A in thyroid cancer, we depleted MEX3A expression in B-CPAP and TPC-1 cells. Interestingly, we observed a significant reduction in thyroid cancer cell proliferation and migration, as well as ameliorated cell apoptosis and arrested tumor growth upon MEX3A depletion. These findings strongly suggested that MEX3A played a critical role in the development of thyroid cancer. Furthermore, our study uncovered an important interaction between MEX3A and CREB1 (cAMP response element-binding protein 1). The interaction between MEX3A and CREB1 appeared to contribute to the tumor-promoting effects of MEX3A in thyroid cancer by directly targeting CREB1. Silencing CREB1 was observed to alleviate the malignant phenotypes promoted by MEX3A in thyroid cancer cells. Together, this study highlighted the importance of the MEX3A-CREB1 interaction in thyroid cancer development and suggested the therapeutic potential of targeting MEX3A for the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxun Feng
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Penghui Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyi Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Xing
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University People Hospital, Beijing, China
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4
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Chen W, Hu L, Lu X, Wang X, Zhao C, Guo C, Li X, Ding Y, Zhao H, Tong D, Wang L, Huang C. The RNA binding protein MEX3A promotes tumor progression of breast cancer by post-transcriptional regulation of IGFBP4. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2023; 201:353-366. [PMID: 37433992 PMCID: PMC10460732 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-023-07028-5] [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: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignant tumor in women worldwide with exceptionally high morbidity. The RNA-binding protein MEX3A plays a crucial role in genesis and progression of multiple cancers. We attempted to explore its clinicopathological and functional significance in BC in which MEX3A is expressed. METHODS The expression of MEX3A detected by RT-qPCR and correlated the results with clinicopathological variables in 53 BC patients. MEX3A and IGFBP4 profile data of BC patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO database. Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis was used to estimate the survival rate of BC patients. Western Blot, CCK-8, EdU, colony formation and flow cytometry were performed to investigate the role of MEX3A and IGFBP4 in BC cell proliferation, invasion and cell cycle in vitro. A subcutaneous tumor mouse model was constructed to analyze in vivo growth of BC cells after MEX3A knockdown. The interactions among MEX3A and IGFBP4 were measured by RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation. RESULTS The expression of MEX3A was upregulated in BC tissues compared to adjacent tissues and high expression of MEX3A was associated with poor prognosis. Subsequent in vitro studies demonstrated that MEX3A knockdown inhibited BC cells proliferation and migration, as well as xenograft tumor growth in vivo. The expression of IGFBP4 was significantly negatively correlated with MEX3A in BC tissues. Mechanistic investigation showed that MEX3A binds to IGFBP4 mRNA in BC cells, decreasing IGFBP4 mRNA levels, which further activated the PI3K/AKT and other downstream signaling pathways implicated cell cycle progression and cell migration. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that MEX3A plays a prominent oncogenic role in BC tumorigenesis and progression by targeting IGFBP4 mRNA and activating PI3K/AKT signaling, which can be used as a novel therapeutic target for BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhu Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No. 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Liqiang Hu
- Cancer Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310012, China
| | - Xuemei Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Biomedical Experimental Center of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Changan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Chen Guo
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No. 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Yuqin Ding
- Department of Breast Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310005, China
| | - Hongguang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, 310005, China
| | - Dongdong Tong
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No. 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Lifang Wang
- College of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 548 Binwen Road, Hangzhou, 310053, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, No. 76 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shanxi, China.
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, China.
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, College of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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Domingo-Muelas A, Duart-Abadia P, Morante-Redolat JM, Jordán-Pla A, Belenguer G, Fabra-Beser J, Paniagua-Herranz L, Pérez-Villalba A, Álvarez-Varela A, Barriga FM, Gil-Sanz C, Ortega F, Batlle E, Fariñas I. Post-transcriptional control of a stemness signature by RNA-binding protein MEX3A regulates murine adult neurogenesis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:373. [PMID: 36690670 PMCID: PMC9871011 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36054-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) in the adult murine subependymal zone balance their self-renewal capacity and glial identity with the potential to generate neurons during the lifetime. Adult NSCs exhibit lineage priming via pro-neurogenic fate determinants. However, the protein levels of the neural fate determinants are not sufficient to drive direct differentiation of adult NSCs, which raises the question of how cells along the neurogenic lineage avoid different conflicting fate choices, such as self-renewal and differentiation. Here, we identify RNA-binding protein MEX3A as a post-transcriptional regulator of a set of stemness associated transcripts at critical transitions in the subependymal neurogenic lineage. MEX3A regulates a quiescence-related RNA signature in activated NSCs that is needed for their return to quiescence, playing a role in the long-term maintenance of the NSC pool. Furthermore, it is required for the repression of the same program at the onset of neuronal differentiation. Our data indicate that MEX3A is a pivotal regulator of adult murine neurogenesis acting as a translational remodeller.
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Grants
- EC | EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation H2020 | H2020 Priority Excellent Science | H2020 European Research Council (H2020 Excellent Science - European Research Council)
- Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN, Spain) - PID2020-119917RB-I00.
- Regional Government of Valencia | Conselleria d'Educació, Investigació, Cultura i Esport (Conselleria d'Educació, Investigació, Cultura i Esport de la Generalitat Valenciana)
- Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICINN, Spain) - PID2020-117937GB-I00, PID2020-119917RB-I00, PID 2019-109155RB-I00, PID2020-114227RB-I00, RyC-2015-19058, PRE2018-084838. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED, Spain) - MICINN- CB06/05/0086.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Domingo-Muelas
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Pere Duart-Abadia
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Morante-Redolat
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Jordán-Pla
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Germán Belenguer
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Jaime Fabra-Beser
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lucía Paniagua-Herranz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Pérez-Villalba
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Adrián Álvarez-Varela
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco M Barriga
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Gil-Sanz
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain
| | - Felipe Ortega
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica (IUIN), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduard Batlle
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Barcelona, Spain.
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Isabel Fariñas
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Biología Funcional y Antropología Física, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biomedicina (BIOTECMED), Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valencia, Spain.
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Zhang M, Cao L, Hou G, Lv X, Deng J. Investigation of the Potential Correlation Between RNA-Binding Proteins in the Evolutionarily Conserved MEX3 Family and Non-small-Cell Lung Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2022:10.1007/s12033-022-00638-2. [DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00638-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Members of the MEX3 (muscle excess 3) family, uniquely characterised as mRNA binding proteins, play emerging roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of programmed biological processes, including tumour cell death and immune mechanisms, and have been shown to be involved in a variety of diseases. However, the role of MEX3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we found no significant changes in the sequence and copy number of the MEX3 gene through analysis using the COSMIC database, revealing its stability during malignancy development. Its expression in NSCLC was examined using the Oncomine™ database, and the prognosis of each member gene was analysed by Kaplan–Meier. The results showed that overexpression of MEX3A, MEX3B, MEX3C and MEX3D was associated with significantly worse OS in patients with LUAD, while overexpression of MEX3D was also associated with significantly worse OS in patients with LUSC. Afterwards, we applied the Tumour Immunology Estimation Resource (TIMER) tool to assess the correlation between different MEX3 and infiltrative immune cell infiltration. Ultimately, we found that most MEX3 members were highly expressed in NSCLC, with high expression suggesting poor prognosis and correlating with immune cell infiltration. The complexity and heterogeneity of NSCLC was understood through MEX3, setting the framework for the prognostic impact of MEX3 in NSCLC patients and the development of new targeted therapeutic strategies in the future.
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7
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Li F, Zhao C, Diao Y, Wang Z, Peng J, Yang N, Qiu C, Kong B, Li Y. MEX3A promotes the malignant progression of ovarian cancer by regulating intron retention in TIMELESS. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:553. [PMID: 35715407 PMCID: PMC9205863 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05000-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The latest research shows that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) could serve as novel potential targets for cancer therapy. We used bioinformatics analysis to screen and identify the key RBPs in ovarian cancer, from which we found that Mex-3 RNA Binding Family Member A (MEX3A) was intimately associated with the clinical prognosis of ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, little is known about its biological roles in ovarian cancer. In this case, we observed that MEX3A was highly overexpressed in fresh-frozen ovarian cancer tissues. MEX3A knockdown suppressed the development and invasion of ovarian cancer cells, while MEX3A overexpression promoted the proliferation and invasion of ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, TIMELESS was the critical downstream target gene of MEX3A, as demonstrated through alternative splicing event analysis based on RNA-seq. MEX3A knockdown resulted in retention of intron twenty-three of TIMELESS mRNA and decreased TIMELESS mRNA owing to stimulation of nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD). Additionally, we found that TIMELESS overexpression with MEX3A knockdown partially restored the proliferation ability of ovarian cancer cells. The results of this paper demonstrated that the MEX3A/TIMELESS signaling pathway was a key regulator of ovarian cancer, and MEX3A was a novel possible treatment target for ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Li
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China ,grid.452240.50000 0004 8342 6962Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, 256600 Shangdong China
| | - Chen Zhao
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Yuchao Diao
- grid.412521.10000 0004 1769 1119Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000 Shangdong China
| | - Zixiang Wang
- grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Jiali Peng
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Ning Yang
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Chunping Qiu
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Beihua Kong
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
| | - Yingwei Li
- grid.452402.50000 0004 1808 3430Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China ,grid.27255.370000 0004 1761 1174Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012 China
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8
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RNA-binding protein MEX3D promotes cervical carcinoma tumorigenesis by destabilizing TSC22D1 mRNA. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:250. [PMID: 35513372 PMCID: PMC9072549 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01049-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) have been related to cancer development. Their functions in cervical cancer, however, are virtually unknown. One of these proteins, Mex-3 RNA-binding family member D (MEX3D), has been recently found to exhibit oncogenic properties in a variety of cancer types. In this present study, the functional roles and the regulatory mechanisms underlying MEX3D were examined in cervical cancer. The detection of MEX3D mRNA expression levels in cervical tissues was performed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. For functional analysis, for detecting apoptosis and cell proliferation in cervical cancer cells, the Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, and flow cytometry were utilized (SiHa and CaSki). The potential mechanisms of MEX3D were assessed and elucidated utilizing western blot analysis, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and mRNA stability assays. For verification of MEX3D role in vivo, mouse xenograft models were established. When compared to normal cervical tissues, MEX3D expression was observed to be higher in cervical cancer tissues. MEX3D expression was increased in human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 positive cervical cancer tissues and positively regulated by HPV16 E7. When MEX3D expression was knocked down in cervical cancer cells, cell proliferation was decreased, colony formation was inhibited, and apoptosis was promoted. Furthermore, in a mouse xenograft model, knocking down MEX3D expression reduced cervical cancer tumor growth. In addition, MEX3D acted as an RBP to reduce TSC22 domain family protein 1 (TSC22D1) mRNA stability by directly binding to TSC22D1 mRNA. The findings revealed that MEX3D is upregulated by HPV16 E7 and has a crucial oncogenic in cervical cancer development via sponging TSC22D1 for destabilizing its mRNA levels. According to the findings of this study, MEX3D may be a potential therapeutic target for treating cervical cancer patients.
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9
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RNA-binding protein MEX3A controls G1/S transition via regulating the RB/E2F pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. MOLECULAR THERAPY - NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 27:241-255. [PMID: 34976441 PMCID: PMC8703191 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
MEX3A is an RNA-binding protein that mediates mRNA decay through binding to 3′ untranslated regions. However, its role and mechanism in clear cell renal cell carcinoma remain unknown. In this study, we found that MEX3A expression was transcriptionally activated by ETS1 and upregulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Silencing MEX3A markedly reduced clear cell renal cell carcinoma cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Inhibiting MEX3A induced G1/S cell-cycle arrest. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that E2F targets are the central downstream pathways of MEX3A. To identify MEX3A targets, systematic screening using enhanced cross-linking and immunoprecipitation sequencing, and RNA-immunoprecipitation sequencing assays were performed. A network of 4,000 genes was identified as potential targets of MEX3A. Gene ontology analysis of upregulated genes bound by MEX3A indicated that negative regulation of the cell proliferation pathway was highly enriched. Further assays indicated that MEX3A bound to the CDKN2B 3′ untranslated region, promoting its mRNA degradation. This leads to decreased levels of CDKN2B and an uncontrolled cell cycle in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, which was confirmed by rescue experiments. Our findings revealed that MEX3A acts as a post-transcriptional regulator of abnormal cell-cycle progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
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Nsengimana B, Khan FA, Ngowi EE, Zhou X, Jin Y, Jia Y, Wei W, Ji S. Processing body (P-body) and its mediators in cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:1217-1238. [PMID: 35089528 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04359-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, processing bodies (P-bodies) formed by liquid-liquid phase separation, have attracted growing scientific attention due to their involvement in numerous cellular activities, including the regulation of mRNAs decay or storage. These cytoplasmic dynamic membraneless granules contain mRNA storage and decay components such as deadenylase and decapping factors. In addition, different mRNA metabolic regulators, including m6A readers and gene-mediated miRNA-silencing, are also associated with such P-bodies. Cancerous cells may profit from these mRNA decay shredders by up-regulating the expression level of oncogenes and down-regulating tumor suppressor genes. The main challenges of cancer treatment are drug resistance, metastasis, and cancer relapse likely associated with cancer stem cells, heterogeneity, and plasticity features of different tumors. The mRNA metabolic regulators based on P-bodies play a great role in cancer development and progression. The dysregulation of P-bodies mediators affects mRNA metabolism. However, less is known about the relationship between P-bodies mediators and cancerous behavior. The current review summarizes the recent studies on P-bodies mediators, their contribution to tumor development, and their potential in the clinical setting, particularly highlighting the P-bodies as potential drug-carriers such as exosomes to anticancer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Nsengimana
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Faiz Ali Khan
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ebenezeri Erasto Ngowi
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Dongtai Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Dongtai, 224200, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Jin
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting Jia
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqiang Wei
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shaoping Ji
- Laboratory of Cell Signal Transduction, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Henan, 475004, People's Republic of China.
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Chu J, Li T, Li L, Fan H. MicroRNA-139-5p Suppresses Cell Malignant Behaviors in Breast Cancer through Targeting MEX3A. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6591541. [PMID: 34765013 PMCID: PMC8577887 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6591541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The study was designed to evaluate the underlying mechanism of microRNA-139-5p in breast cancer (BC). METHODS Expression statuses of microRNA-139-5p and MEX3A were measured by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The anticancer effect of microRNA-139-5p in vitro was tested by a set of assays. Interaction between microRNA-139-5p and MEX3A was validated by dual-luciferase detection. RESULTS MicroRNA-139-5p expression in BC cells was obviously low, while MEX3A was significantly overexpressed. MicroRNA-139-5p restrained proliferative, invasive, and migratory abilities of BC cells and increased apoptosis level of BC cells, while MEX3A exerted a promoting effect on BC cell growth. Dual-luciferase reporter detection confirmed that microRNA-139-5p bound to MEX3A 3'-UTR. CONCLUSIONS MicroRNA-139-5p inhibited the development of BC by targeting MEX3A. MicroRNA-139-5p/MEX3A may be a target for BC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chu
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, 224005 Jiangsu Province, China
- Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China
| | - Tangya Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, 224005 Jiangsu Province, China
- Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, 224005 Jiangsu Province, China
- Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China
| | - Huiwen Fan
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, 224005 Jiangsu Province, China
- Yancheng First Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, China
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12
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Shao L, Wang J, Karatas O, Ittmann M. MEX3D is an oncogenic driver in prostate cancer. Prostate 2021; 81:1202-1213. [PMID: 34455614 PMCID: PMC8460603 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common visceral malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in US men. The two most common genetic alterations in PCa are expression of the TMPRSS2/ERG (TE) fusion gene and loss of the PTEN tumor suppressor. These genetic alterations act cooperatively to transform prostatic epithelium but the exact mechanisms involved are unclear. METHODS Microarray expression analysis of immortalized prostate epithelial cells transformed by loss of PTEN and expression of the TE fusion revealed MEX3D as one of the most highly upregulated genes. MEX3D expression in prostate cancer was examined in patient samples and in silico. In vitro and in vivo studies to characterize the biological impact of MEX3D were carried out. Analysis of the TCGA PanCancer database revealed TCF3 as a major target of MEX3D. The induction of TCF3 by MEX3D was confirmed and the biological impact of TCF3 examined by in vitro studies. RESULTS MEX3D is expressed at increased levels in prostate cancer and is increased by decreased PTEN and/or expression of the TE fusion gene and drives soft agar colony formation, invasion and tumor formation in vivo. The known oncogenic transcription factor TCF3 is highly correlated with MEX3D in prostate cancer. MEX3D expression strongly induces TCF3, which promotes soft agar colony formation and invasion in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Loss of PTEN and expression of the TE fusion gene in prostate cancer strongly upregulates expression of MEX3D and its target TCF3 and promotes transformation associated phenotypes via this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjiang Shao
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jianghua Wang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Omer Karatas
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Ittmann
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Dept. of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Zhou X, Li S, Ma T, Zeng J, Li H, Liu X, Li F, Jiang B, Zhao M, Liu Z, Qin Y. MEX3A knockdown inhibits the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer via modulating CDK2 expression. Exp Ther Med 2021; 22:1343. [PMID: 34630697 PMCID: PMC8495542 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the gastrointestinal tract and a leading cause of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Mex-3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A) promotes the progression of multiple types of cancer, including ovarian and cervical cancer. However, to the best of our knowledge, the role of MEX3A in CRC is not completely understood. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the function of MEX3A in CRC. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MEX3A in CRC cells were analyzed using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays were used to measure cell viability. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution were detected via flow cytometry, and CRC cell invasion was analyzed by performing Transwell assays. Moreover, the mitochondrial membrane potential in CRC cells was measured via JC-1 staining. The results of the present study revealed that the expression levels of MEX3A were upregulated in CRC tissues compared with adjacent healthy tissues. MEX3A knockdown notably inhibited CRC cell viability, and induced apoptosis and mitochondrial injury. In addition, MEX3A knockdown markedly induced G1 phase cell cycle arrest in CRC cells via downregulating CDK2 expression. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggested that MEX3A knockdown may inhibit the tumorigenesis of CRC cells by regulating CDK2 expression. Therefore, MEX3A may serve as a novel target for CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Shaojie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Tiexiang Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zeng
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Huanyu Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Bin Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangtan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, P.R. China
| | - Yiyu Qin
- Clinical Medical College, Follow-up Research Center, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, Jiangsu 224005, P.R. China
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Yan L, Li H, An W, Wei W, Zhang X, Wang L. Mex-3 RNA binding MEX3A promotes the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells via regulating RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 signaling pathway. Bioengineered 2021; 12:5850-5858. [PMID: 34486491 PMCID: PMC8806898 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.1964155] [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] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer has been known as cancer with high mortality rates. It has been studied that MEX3A (Mex-3 RNA Binding Family Member A) is involved in carcinogenesis by accelerating cancer proliferation and migration. Therefore, this research aimed to study how MEX3A regulates the biological behaviors of breast cancer. Firstly, we used GEPIA and KM-plotter databases to evaluate MEX3A expression in human breast cancer tissue compared to adjacent normal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess MEX3A protein expression in clinical specimens. MEX3A mRNA expression level was assessed through quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Western blotting was used to detect protein expression. Moreover, Cell Count Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay were used to determine the proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer cells, respectively. Our study found that MEX3A expression level was much higher in human breast cancer tissues as compared to adjacent normal tissues. Similarly, breast cancer cell lines showed higher expression of MEX3A as compared to the normal breast cells. This higher expression of MEX3A was linked with the poor survival of breast cancer. Moreover, we found that overexpression of MEX3A stimulated proliferation and migration in the breast cancer cells. However, inhibition of MEX3A significantly reduced the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. In addition, we determined that MEX3A could activate RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 signaling in the breast cancer cells. Overall, our study concluded that MEX3A promotes its migration and proliferation in breast cancer cells via modulating RhoA/ROCK1/LIMK1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Yan
- Department Of Pathology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hongjing Li
- Department Of Pathology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wenbo An
- Department Of Radiology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department Of Oncology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhang
- Department Of Oncology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Linlin Wang
- Department Of Pathology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying City, Shandong Province, China
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15
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Wang Y, Liang Q, Lei K, Zhu Q, Zeng D, Liu Y, Lu Y, Kang T, Tang N, Huang L, Ye L, Tang D, Zhu C. Targeting MEX3A attenuates metastasis of breast cancer via β-catenin signaling pathway inhibition. Cancer Lett 2021; 521:50-63. [PMID: 34425185 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of mortality in patients with breast cancer. Understanding the metastatic mechanism to guide clinical diagnoses and the treatment of breast cancer remains a challenge. We found that the expression of Mex-3 RNA binding family member A (MEX3A) was upregulated significantly and related to tumor grade in breast cancer. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies showed that knockdown of MEX3A inhibited the metastasis and impaired the stemness of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, activation of the β-catenin signaling pathway was discovered as a molecular intermediate of MEX3A-mediated regulation. We also found that ectopic expression of β-catenin restored the migration ability, invasion ability, and CD44+/CD24- percentage of MDA-MB-231 and BT549 cells when MEX3A was depleted. In addition, we revealed that MEX3A positively regulated the expression of β-catenin by downregulating Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK1) expression. Therefore, a previously undiscovered role of MEX3A comprising a critical contribution to promoting metastasis and maintaining the stemness of breast cancer via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was demonstrated in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Wang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Qian Liang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Kefeng Lei
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingqing Zhu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Delong Zeng
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Diagnostics, School of Medical Technology, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Yuhong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yingsi Lu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Tingting Kang
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Nannan Tang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lifen Huang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Ye
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China
| | - Di Tang
- Department of General Surgery, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chengming Zhu
- Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, China.
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Bufalieri F, Basili I, Di Marcotullio L, Infante P. Harnessing the Activation of RIG-I Like Receptors to Inhibit Glioblastoma Tumorigenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:710171. [PMID: 34305530 PMCID: PMC8295747 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.710171] [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: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB) is an incurable form of brain malignancy in an adult with a median survival of less than 15 months. The current standard of care, which consists of surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide, has been unsuccessful due to an extensive inter- and intra-tumoral genetic and molecular heterogeneity. This aspect represents a serious obstacle for developing alternative therapeutic options for GB. In the last years, immunotherapy has emerged as an effective treatment for a wide range of cancers and several trials have evaluated its effects in GB patients. Unfortunately, clinical outcomes were disappointing particularly because of the presence of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Recently, anti-cancer approaches aimed to improve the expression and the activity of RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) have emerged. These innovative therapeutic strategies attempt to stimulate both innate and adaptive immune responses against tumor antigens and to promote the apoptosis of cancer cells. Indeed, RLRs are important mediators of the innate immune system by triggering the type I interferon (IFN) response upon recognition of immunostimulatory RNAs. In this mini-review, we discuss the functions of RLRs family members in the control of immune response and we focus on the potential clinical application of RLRs agonists as a promising strategy for GB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irene Basili
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Infante
- Center For Life Nano Science@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
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Shi X, Sun Y, Zhang Y, Wang W, Xu J, Guan Y, Ding Y, Yao Y. MEX3A promotes development and progression of breast cancer through regulation of PIK3CA. Exp Cell Res 2021; 404:112580. [PMID: 33811903 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer has been identified as the most common malignant tumors among women and the morbidity of breast cancer is still increasing rapidly. MEX3A possesses important functions in the regulation of mRNAs and may be involved in a variety of human diseases including cancer, whose relationship with breast cancer is still not clear. In this study, MEX3A was identified as a potential promotor in breast cancer, whose expression was strongly higher in breast cancer tissues than normal tissues. The in vitro experiments showed that MEX3A is capable of promoting the development of breast cancer through stimulating cell proliferation, inhibiting cell apoptosis, arresting cell cycle and promoting cell migration. The functions of MEX3A were also verified in vivo. Furthermore, a combination of genechip analysis and Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) identified PIK3CA as a potential downstream target of MEX3A, knockdown of which executes similar inhibitory effects on breast cancer and could alleviate MEX3A-induced progression of breast cancer. In conclusion, our study unveiled, as the first time, MEX3A as a tumor promotor for breast cancer, whose function was carried out probably through the regulation of PIK3CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbiao Shi
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yulu Sun
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiahan Xu
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yinan Guan
- School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yitao Ding
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yongzhong Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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Comprehensive Analysis of Prognostic Value of MEX3A and Its Relationship with Immune Infiltrates in Ovarian Cancer. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:5574176. [PMID: 34189143 PMCID: PMC8195639 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5574176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
MEX3A is a critical RNA-binding ubiquitin ligase that is upregulated in various types of cancer. However, the correlations of MEX3A with prognosis and its molecular mechanism in ovarian cancer (OC) remain unclear. The expression level, prognostic values, and the genetic variations of MEX3A were analyzed via Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) Oncomine, Kaplan-Meier plotter, and cBioPortal. We used the LinkedOmics database to investigate the functions of MEX3A coexpressed genes and performed visualizing gene interaction network analysis on the GeneMANIA website. The correlations between MEX3A and cancer immune infiltration were analyzed by the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) site and the TISIDB database. Furthermore, in vitro analysis was performed to evaluate the biological functions of MEX3A in OC cells. Our study showed that the expression of the MEX3A in OC was higher than in normal tissues; it had the greatest prognostic value in OC, and strong physical interaction with PABPC1, LAMTOR2, KHDRBS2, and IGF2BP2, which indicated the association between MEX3A and immune infiltration. We also found that MEX3A was negatively related to infiltrating levels of several types of immune cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells (DCs), B cells, and CD8+ T cells. Additionally, in vitro experiments demonstrated that MEX3A promotes proliferation and migration in OC cells. Taken together, MEX3A might influence the biological functions of OC cells by regulating the immune infiltration in the microenvironment as a prognostic biomarker and a potential therapeutic target.
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Lederer M, Müller S, Glaß M, Bley N, Ihling C, Sinz A, Hüttelmaier S. Oncogenic Potential of the Dual-Function Protein MEX3A. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:415. [PMID: 34067172 PMCID: PMC8151450 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
MEX3A belongs to the MEX3 (Muscle EXcess) protein family consisting of four members (MEX3A-D) in humans. Characteristic for MEX3 proteins is their domain structure with 2 HNRNPK homology (KH) domains mediating RNA binding and a C-terminal really interesting new gene (RING) domain that harbors E3 ligase function. In agreement with their domain composition, MEX3 proteins were reported to modulate both RNA fate and protein ubiquitination. MEX3 paralogs exhibit an oncofetal expression pattern, they are severely downregulated postnatally, and re-expression is observed in various malignancies. Enforced expression of MEX3 proteins in various cancers correlates with poor prognosis, emphasizing their oncogenic potential. The latter is supported by MEX3A's impact on proliferation, self-renewal as well as migration of tumor cells in vitro and tumor growth in xenograft studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcell Lederer
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Simon Müller
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Markus Glaß
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Nadine Bley
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
| | - Christian Ihling
- Center for Structural Mass Spectrometry, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.I.); (A.S.)
| | - Andrea Sinz
- Center for Structural Mass Spectrometry, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Bioanalytics, Institute of Pharmacy, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (C.I.); (A.S.)
| | - Stefan Hüttelmaier
- Charles Tanford Protein Center, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Section for Molecular Cell Biology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Str. 3a, 06120 Halle, Germany; (S.M.).; (M.G.).; (N.B.); (S.H.)
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20
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The effects of MEX3A knockdown on proliferation, apoptosis and migration of osteosarcoma cells. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:197. [PMID: 33827584 PMCID: PMC8028067 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01882-3] [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: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma is an aggressive malignant tumor which has attracted worldwide attention. MEX3A may be associated with tumors while has not yet seen its coverage on osteosarcoma. Herein, this study was to investigate the correlation between MEX3A and the progression of osteosarcoma. Methods Firstly, we determined that expression of MEX3A was significantly higher in osteosarcoma tissues than that in marginal bone by immunohistochemical staining. Additionally, MEX3A expression was downregulated by the RNAi‐mediated knockdown. The functions of MEX3A knockdown on proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, migration was assessed by MTT assay, flow cytometry, wound-healing assay and Transwell assay, respectively. Knockdown of MEX3A resulted in suppressing cell proliferation, increasing cell apoptosis, inducing the G2 phase cell cycle arrest, and attenuating cellular migration. Furthermore, mouse xenograft model confirmed inhibitory effects of MEX3A knockdown on osteosarcoma formation. Results The preliminary exploration on the molecular mechanism of MEX3A in osteosarcoma cells showed that the induction of apoptosis needs the participation of a series of apoptosis- associated factors, such as upregulation of Caspase 3, Caspase 8 and HSP60, downregulation of HSP27 and XIAP. Conclusions In summary, these findings predicated that therapy directed at decreasing MEX3A expression is a potential osteosarcoma treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01882-3.
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Liu YF, Sun XY, Zhang JK, Wang ZH, Ren ZG, Li J, Guo WZ, Zhang SJ. hMex-3A is associated with poor prognosis and contributes to the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2021; 20:147-153. [PMID: 32291179 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HMex-3A, an RNA-binding protein, was found to be associated with tumorigenesis. However, the roles of hMex-3A in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remained unclear. METHODS The different expression of hMex-3A between HCC tissues and non-tumor tissues was evaluated using The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Thereafter, the hMex-3A expression was evaluated in HCC tissues using Western blotting and qRT-PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the association between hMex-3A level and clinicopathological features including prognosis in HCC patients. In addition, we used si-hMex-3A to knockdown hMex-3A in HCC cells to test Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, cell migration and invasion. RESULTS The hMex-3A expression was significantly elevated in HCC tissues. Analysis of the clinicopathological parameters suggested that hMex-3A expression was significantly associated with pathological grade (P = 0.019) and TNM stage (P = 0.001) in HCC. Moreover, univariate and multivariate Cox-regression analyses revealed that high hMex-3A expression (HR = 1.491, 95% CI: 1.107-2.007; P = 0.009) was an independent risk factor for overall survival in HCC patients. Finally, we confirmed that si-hMex-3A could significantly inhibit HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. CONCLUSIONS HMex-3A may contribute to the progression of HCC and might be used as a novel therapeutic target and prognostic marker in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Liu
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Sun
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jia-Kai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhi-Hui Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhi-Gang Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Jie Li
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Wen-Zhi Guo
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Shui-Jun Zhang
- Zhengzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases and Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China; Open and Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery and Digestive Organ Transplantation at Henan Universities, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
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Jia R, Weng Y, Li Z, Liang W, Ji Y, Liang Y, Ning P. Bioinformatics Analysis Identifies IL6ST as a Potential Tumor Suppressor Gene for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Reprod Sci 2021; 28:2331-2341. [PMID: 33650093 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00509-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Improved insight into the molecular mechanisms of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is required to predict prognosis and develop a new therapeutic strategy for targeted genes. The aim of this study was to identify genes significantly associated with TNBC and further analyze their prognostic significance. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) TNBC database and gene expression profiles of GSE76275 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were used to explore differentially co-expressed genes in TNBC compared with those in normal tissues and non-TNBC breast cancer tissues. Differential gene expression and weighted gene co-expression network analyses identified 24 differentially co-expressed genes. Functional annotation suggested that these genes were primarily enriched in processes such as metabolism, membrane, and protein binding. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network further identified ten hub genes, five of which (MAPT, CBS, SOX11, IL6ST, and MEX3A) were confirmed to be differentially expressed in an independent dataset (GSE38959). Moreover, CBS and MEX3A expression was upregulated, whereas IL6ST expression was downregulated in TNBC tissues compared to that in other breast cancer subtypes. Furthermore, lower expression of IL6ST was associated with worse overall survival in patients with TNBC. Thus, IL6ST might play an important role in TNBC progression and could serve as a tumor suppressor gene for diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Jia
- College of Computer and Information, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yujie Weng
- College of Computer and Information, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zhongxian Li
- College of Computer and Information, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wei Liang
- College of Computer and Information, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yucheng Ji
- College of Computer and Information, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ying Liang
- College of Computer and Information, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Pengfei Ning
- College of Computer and Information, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, 010110, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China.
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23
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Li H, Liang J, Wang J, Han J, Li S, Huang K, Liu C. Mex3a promotes oncogenesis through the RAP1/MAPK signaling pathway in colorectal cancer and is inhibited by hsa-miR-6887-3p. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2021; 41:472-491. [PMID: 33638620 PMCID: PMC8211350 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although Mex3 RNA‐binding family member A (Mex3a) has demonstrated an important role in multiple cancers, its role and regulatory mechanism in CRC is unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role and clinical significance of Mex3a in CRC and to explore its underlying mechanism. Methods Western blotting and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) were performed to detect the expression levels of genes. 5‐Ethynyl‐2'‐deoxyuridine (EDU) and transwell assays were utilized to examine CRC cell proliferation and metastatic ability. The R software was used to do hierarchical clustering analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Overexpression and rescue experiments which included U0126, a specific mitogen activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular regulated protein kinase (MEK/ERK) inhibitor, and PX‐478, a hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF‐1α) inhibitor, were used to study the molecular mechanisms of Mex3a in CRC cells. Co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assay was performed to detect the interaction between two proteins. Bioinformatics analysis including available public database and Starbase software (starbase.sysu.edu.cn) were used to evaluate the expression and prognostic significance of genes. TargetScan (www.targetscan.org) and the miRDB (mirdb.org) website were used to predict the combination site between microRNA and target mRNA. BALB/c nude mice were used to study the function of Mex3a and hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p in vivo. Results Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies of 101 CRC tissues and 79 normal tissues demonstrated that Mex3a was a significant prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) in CRC patients. Mex3a knockdown substantially inhibited the migration, invasion, and proliferation of CRC cells. Transcriptome analysis and mechanism verification showed that Mex3a regulated the RAP1 GTPase activating protein (RAP1GAP)/MEK/ERK/HIF‐1α pathway. Furthermore, RAP1GAP was identified to interact with Mex3a in Co‐IP experiments. Bioinformatics and dual‐luciferase reporter experiments revealed that hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p could bind to the 3'‐untranslated regions (3'‐UTR) of the Mex3a mRNA. hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p downregulated Mex3a expression and inhibited the tumorigenesis of CRC both in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that the hsa‐miR‐6887‐3p/Mex3a/RAP1GAP signaling axis was a key regulator of CRC and Mex3a has the potential to be a new diagnostic marker and treatment target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Jinghui Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, Shandong, 261000, P. R. China
| | - Jingyi Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
| | - Chuanyong Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China.,Provincial Key Lab of Mental Disorder, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, P. R. China
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24
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Yang C, Zhan H, Zhao Y, Wu Y, Li L, Wang H. MEX3A contributes to development and progression of glioma through regulating cell proliferation and cell migration and targeting CCL2. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:14. [PMID: 33414423 PMCID: PMC7791131 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03307-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Glioma is one of the most commonly diagnosed intracranial malignant tumors with extremely high morbidity and mortality, whose treatment was seriously limited because of the unclear molecular mechanism. In this study, in order to identify a novel therapeutic target for glioma treatment, we explored the functions and mechanism of MEX3A in regulating glioma. The immunohistochemical staining of MEX3A in glioma and normal tissues revealed the upregulation of MEX3A and further indicated the relationship between high MEX3A expression and higher malignancy as well as poorer prognosis of glioma. In vitro loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments comprehensively demonstrated that MEX3A may promote glioma development through regulating cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell migration. In vivo experiments also suggested the inhibition of glioma growth by MEX3A knockdown. Moreover, our mechanistic study identifies CCL2 as a potential downstream target of MEX3A, which possesses similar regulatory effects on glioma development with MEX3A and could attenuate the promotion of glioma induced by MEX3A overexpression. Overall, MEX3A was identified as a potential tumor promoter in glioma development and therapeutic target in glioma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Haoqiang Zhan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Six Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiqing Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, TongJi hospital of TongJi Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hankou, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yasong Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, TongJi hospital of TongJi Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hankou, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Heping Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, TongJi hospital of TongJi Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hankou, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Panzeri V, Manni I, Capone A, Naro C, Sacconi A, Di Agostino S, de Latouliere L, Montori A, Pilozzi E, Piaggio G, Capurso G, Sette C. The RNA-binding protein MEX3A is a prognostic factor and regulator of resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Mol Oncol 2020; 15:579-595. [PMID: 33159833 PMCID: PMC7858117 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer. Most patients present with advanced disease at diagnosis, which only permits palliative chemotherapeutic treatments. RNA dysregulation is a hallmark of most human cancers, including PDAC. To test the impact of RNA processing dysregulation on PDAC pathology, we performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) associated with prognosis. Among the 12 RBPs associated with progression-free survival, we focused on MEX3A because it was recently shown to mark an intestinal stem cell population that is refractory to chemotherapeutic treatments, a typical feature of PDAC. Increased expression of MEX3A was correlated with higher disease stage in PDAC patients and with tumor development in a mouse model of PDAC. Depletion of MEX3A in PDAC cells enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapeutic treatment with gemcitabine, whereas its expression was increased in PDAC cells selected upon chronic exposure to the drug. RNA-sequencing analyses highlighted hundreds of genes whose expression is sensitive to MEX3A expression, with significant enrichment in cell cycle genes. MEX3A binds to its target mRNAs, like cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), and promotes their stability. Accordingly, knockdown of MEX3A caused a significant reduction in PDAC cell proliferation and in progression to the S phase of the cell cycle. These findings uncover a novel role for MEX3A in the acquisition and maintenance of chemoresistance by PDAC cells, suggesting that it may represent a novel therapeutic target for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Panzeri
- Department of Science Medical/Chirurgic and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Sapienza", Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Naro
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Agostino Gemelli, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sacconi
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Agostino
- Oncogenomic and Epigenetic Unit, Department of Diagnostic Research and Technological Innovation, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa de Latouliere
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Montori
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, UOC Anatomia Patologica, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Pilozzi
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, UOC Anatomia Patologica, Sant' Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Piaggio
- UOSD SAFU, Department of Research, Diagnosis and Innovative Technologies, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Capurso
- PancreatoBiliary Endoscopy and EUS Division, Pancreas Translational and Clinical Research Center, San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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26
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Wei L, Wang B, Hu L, Xu Y, Li Z, Shen Y, Huang H. MEX3A is upregulated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and promotes development and progression of ESCC through targeting CDK6. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:21091-21113. [PMID: 33188661 PMCID: PMC7695430 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignant tumors worldwide and identified as a serious threat to human health. The role of MEX3A in ESCC remains unclear. In this study, we found that MEX3A was upregulated in tumor tissues of ESCC and positively associated with more advanced tumor stage, higher risk of lymphatic metastasis and poor prognosis. The downregulation of MEX3A in ESCC cell lines could induce inhibition of cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration, and the promotion of cell apoptosis, while MEX3A overexpression exhibited opposite effects. In vivo experiments also verified the inhibition of ESCC induced by MEX3A knockdown. Moreover, we identified CDK6 as a potential target of MEX3A, which was also upregulated in ESCC. Further studies demonstrated that knockdown of CDK6 showed similar effects on the development of ESCC with MEX3A. More importantly, it was illustrated that CDK6 knockdown could alleviate the promotion effects of MEX3A overexpression on ESCC. In conclusion, MEX3A was identified as a tumor promotor in the development and progression of ESCC by targeting CDK6, which may be considered as a novel prognostic indicator and therapeutic target in treatment of ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wei
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Nanjing Chest Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Liwen Hu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Zhongdong Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yi Shen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Hairong Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing 210002, China
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27
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MEX3A promotes triple negative breast cancer proliferation and migration via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Exp Cell Res 2020; 395:112191. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2020.112191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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28
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Oliemuller E, Newman R, Tsang SM, Foo S, Muirhead G, Noor F, Haider S, Aurrekoetxea-Rodríguez I, Vivanco MDM, Howard BA. SOX11 promotes epithelial/mesenchymal hybrid state and alters tropism of invasive breast cancer cells. eLife 2020; 9:58374. [PMID: 32909943 PMCID: PMC7518891 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
SOX11 is an embryonic mammary epithelial marker that is normally silenced prior to birth. High SOX11 levels in breast tumours are significantly associated with distant metastasis and poor outcome in breast cancer patients. Here, we show that SOX11 confers distinct features to ER-negative DCIS.com breast cancer cells, leading to populations enriched with highly plastic hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal cells, which display invasive features and alterations in metastatic tropism when xenografted into mice. We found that SOX11+DCIS tumour cells metastasize to brain and bone at greater frequency and to lungs at lower frequency compared to cells with lower SOX11 levels. High levels of SOX11 leads to the expression of markers associated with mesenchymal state and embryonic cellular phenotypes. Our results suggest that SOX11 may be a potential biomarker for breast tumours with elevated risk of developing metastases and may require more aggressive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Oliemuller
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Newman
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Siu Man Tsang
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shane Foo
- Translational Immunotherapy Team, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth Muirhead
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Farzana Noor
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Syed Haider
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Maria dM Vivanco
- CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Beatrice A Howard
- The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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Liang J, Li H, Han J, Jiang J, Wang J, Li Y, Feng Z, Zhao R, Sun Z, Lv B, Tian H. Mex3a interacts with LAMA2 to promote lung adenocarcinoma metastasis via PI3K/AKT pathway. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:614. [PMID: 32792503 PMCID: PMC7427100 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02858-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the main subtype of lung cancer. In this study, we found that RBP Mex3a was significantly upregulated in LUAD tissues and elevated Mex3a expression was associated with poor LUAD prognosis and metastasis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Mex3a knockdown significantly inhibited LUAD cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in nude mice. Transcriptome sequencing indicated that Mex3a affected gene expression linked to ECM-receptor interactions, including laminin subunit alpha 2(LAMA2). RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay revealed Mex3a directly bound to LAMA2 mRNA and Mex3a increased the instability of LAMA2 mRNA in LUAD cells. Furthermore, we discovered that LAMA2 was surprisingly downregulated in LUAD and inhibited LUAD metastasis. LAMA2 knockdown partially reverse the decrease of cell migration and invasion caused by Mex3a knockdown. In addition, we found that both Mex3a and LAMA2 could influence PI3K-AKT pathway, which are downstream effectors of the ECM-receptor pathway. Moreover, the reduced activation of PI3K-AKT pathway in caused by Mex3a depletion was rescued by LAMA2 knockdown. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Mex3a downregulates LAMA2 expression to exert a prometastatic role in LUAD. Our study revealed the prognostic and prometastatic effects of Mex3a in LUAD, suggesting that Mex3a can serve as a prognostic biomarker and a target for metastatic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Haixia Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Jingyi Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jin Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Jiang Wang
- Weifang People's Hospital, 261000, Weifang, China
| | - Yongmeng Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zitong Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Renchang Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenguo Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Lv
- Department of General Surgery, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, China
| | - Hui Tian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Jasinski-Bergner S, Steven A, Seliger B. The Role of the RNA-Binding Protein Family MEX-3 in Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155209. [PMID: 32717840 PMCID: PMC7432607 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The muscle excess 3 (MEX-3) protein was first identified in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), and its respective homologues were also observed in vertebrates, including humans. It is a RNA-binding protein (RBP) with an additional ubiquitin E3 ligase function, which further acts as a post-transcriptional repressor through unknown mechanisms. In humans, MEX-3 proteins post-transcriptionally regulate a number of biological processes, including tumor immunological relevant ones. These have been shown to be involved in various diseases, including tumor diseases of distinct origins. This review provides information on the expression and function of the human MEX-3 family in healthy tissues, as well after malignant transformation. Indeed, the MEX-3 expression was shown to be deregulated in several cancers and to affect tumor biological functions, including apoptosis regulation, antigen processing, and presentation, thereby, contributing to the immune evasion of tumor cells. Furthermore, current research suggests MEX-3 proteins as putative markers for prognosis and as novel targets for the anti-cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barbara Seliger
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-345-557-1357; Fax: +49-345-557-4055
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Evaluation of musculoskeletal phenotype of the G608G progeria mouse model with lonafarnib, pravastatin, and zoledronic acid as treatment groups. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:12029-12040. [PMID: 32404427 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1906713117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a uniformly fatal condition that is especially prevalent in skin, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. A wide gap exists between our knowledge of the disease and a promising treatment or cure. The aim of this study was to first characterize the musculoskeletal phenotype of the homozygous G608G BAC-transgenic progeria mouse model, and to determine the phenotype changes of HGPS mice after a five-arm preclinical trial of different treatment combinations with lonafarnib, pravastatin, and zoledronic acid. Microcomputed tomography and CT-based rigidity analyses were performed to assess cortical and trabecular bone structure, density, and rigidity. Bones were loaded to failure with three-point bending to assess strength. Contrast-enhanced µCT imaging of mouse femurs was performed to measure glycosaminoglycan content, thickness, and volume of the femoral head articular cartilage. Advanced glycation end products were assessed with a fluorometric assay. The changes demonstrated in the cortical bone structure, rigidity, stiffness, and modulus of the HGPS G608G mouse model may increase the risk for bending and deformation, which could result in the skeletal dysplasia characteristic of HGPS. Cartilage abnormalities seen in this HGPS model resemble changes observed in the age-matched WT controls, including early loss of glycosaminoglycans, and decreased cartilage thickness and volume. Such changes might mimic prevalent degenerative joint diseases in the elderly. Lonafarnib monotherapy did not improve bone or cartilage parameters, but treatment combinations with pravastatin and zoledronic acid significantly improved bone structure and mechanical properties and cartilage structural parameters, which ameliorate the musculoskeletal phenotype of the disease.
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Wang X, Shan YQ, Tan QQ, Tan CL, Zhang H, Liu JH, Ke NW, Chen YH, Liu XB. MEX3A knockdown inhibits the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:63. [PMID: 32140076 PMCID: PMC7048143 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-1146-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the most serious causes of death in the world due to its high mortality and inefficacy treatments. MEX3A was first identified in nematodes and was associated with tumor formation and may promote cell proliferation and tumor metastasis. So far, nothing is known about the relationship between MEX3A and PDA. Methods In this study, the expression level of MEX3A in PDA tissues was measured by immunohistochemistry. The qRT-PCR and western blot were used to identify the constructed MEX3A knockdown cell lines, which was further used to construct mouse xenotransplantation models. Cell proliferation, colony formation, cell apoptosis and migration were detected by MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry and Transwell. Results This study showed that MEX3A expression is significantly upregulated in PDA and associated with tumor grade. Loss-of-function studies showed that downregulation of MEX3A could inhibit cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, it was demonstrated that knockdown of MEX3A in PDA cells promotes apoptosis by regulating apoptosis-related factors, and inhibits migration through influencing EMT. At the same time, the regulation of PDA progression by MEX3A involves changes in downstream signaling pathways including Akt, p-Akt, PIK3CA, CDK6 and MAPK9. Conclusions We proposed that MEX3A is associated with the prognosis and progression of PDA,which can be used as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wang
- 1Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No 37 Guo Xue Alley, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Yu-Qiang Shan
- 2Department of Hangzhou First People's Hospital, No. 261, Huansha Road, Hangzhou, 310006 Zhejiang China
| | - Qing-Quan Tan
- 1Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No 37 Guo Xue Alley, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Chun-Lu Tan
- 1Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No 37 Guo Xue Alley, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Hao Zhang
- 1Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No 37 Guo Xue Alley, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Jin-Heng Liu
- 1Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No 37 Guo Xue Alley, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Neng-Wen Ke
- 1Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No 37 Guo Xue Alley, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Yong-Hua Chen
- 1Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No 37 Guo Xue Alley, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
| | - Xu-Bao Liu
- 1Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No 37 Guo Xue Alley, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan China
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Bufalieri F, Caimano M, Lospinoso Severini L, Basili I, Paglia F, Sampirisi L, Loricchio E, Petroni M, Canettieri G, Santoro A, D’Angelo L, Infante P, Di Marcotullio L. The RNA-Binding Ubiquitin Ligase MEX3A Affects Glioblastoma Tumorigenesis by Inducing Ubiquitylation and Degradation of RIG-I. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020321. [PMID: 32019099 PMCID: PMC7072305 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GB) is the most malignant primary brain tumor in humans, with an overall survival of approximatively 15 months. The molecular heterogeneity of GB, as well as its rapid progression, invasiveness and the occurrence of drug-resistant cancer stem cells, limits the efficacy of the current treatments. In order to develop an innovative therapeutic strategy, it is mandatory to identify and characterize new molecular players responsible for the GB malignant phenotype. In this study, the RNA-binding ubiquitin ligase MEX3A was selected from a gene expression analysis performed on publicly available datasets, to assess its biological and still-unknown activity in GB tumorigenesis. We find that MEX3A is strongly up-regulated in GB specimens, and this correlates with very low protein levels of RIG-I, a tumor suppressor involved in differentiation, apoptosis and innate immune response. We demonstrate that MEX3A binds RIG-I and induces its ubiquitylation and proteasome-dependent degradation. Further, the genetic depletion of MEX3A leads to an increase of RIG-I protein levels and results in the suppression of GB cell growth. Our findings unveil a novel molecular mechanism involved in GB tumorigenesis and suggest MEX3A and RIG-I as promising therapeutic targets in GB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bufalieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.); (L.L.S.); (I.B.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Miriam Caimano
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.); (L.L.S.); (I.B.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Ludovica Lospinoso Severini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.); (L.L.S.); (I.B.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Irene Basili
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.); (L.L.S.); (I.B.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Francesco Paglia
- Dipartimento di Neurologia e Psichiatria, Neurochirurgia, Sapienza University, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (L.S.); (A.S.); (L.D.)
| | - Luigi Sampirisi
- Dipartimento di Neurologia e Psichiatria, Neurochirurgia, Sapienza University, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (L.S.); (A.S.); (L.D.)
| | - Elena Loricchio
- Center for Life Nano Science (CLNS@Sapienza), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marialaura Petroni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.); (L.L.S.); (I.B.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.); (L.L.S.); (I.B.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti-Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Santoro
- Dipartimento di Neurologia e Psichiatria, Neurochirurgia, Sapienza University, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (L.S.); (A.S.); (L.D.)
| | - Luca D’Angelo
- Dipartimento di Neurologia e Psichiatria, Neurochirurgia, Sapienza University, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.P.); (L.S.); (A.S.); (L.D.)
| | - Paola Infante
- Center for Life Nano Science (CLNS@Sapienza), Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.I.); (L.D.M.); Tel.: +39-06-49255132 (P.I.); +39-06-49255657 (L.D.M.); Fax: +39-06-49255660 (L.D.M.)
| | - Lucia Di Marcotullio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.B.); (M.C.); (L.L.S.); (I.B.); (M.P.); (G.C.)
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti-Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: (P.I.); (L.D.M.); Tel.: +39-06-49255132 (P.I.); +39-06-49255657 (L.D.M.); Fax: +39-06-49255660 (L.D.M.)
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Yang D, Jiao Y, Li Y, Fang X. Clinical characteristics and prognostic value of MEX3A mRNA in liver cancer. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8252. [PMID: 31998552 PMCID: PMC6979405 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MEX3A is an RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that promotes the proliferation, invasion, migration and viability of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to explore the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic significance of MEX3A mRNA expression in liver cancer. METHODS RNA-Seq and clinical data were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Boxplots were used to represent discrete variables of MEX3A. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the correlation between clinical features and MEX3A expression. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to confirm diagnostic ability. Independent prognostic ability and values were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox analysis. RESULTS We acquired MEX3A RNA-Seq from 50 normal liver tissues and 373 liver cancer patients along with clinical data. We found that MEX3A was up-regulated in liver cancer which increased according to histological grade (p < 0.001). MEX3A showed moderate diagnostic ability for liver cancer (AUC = 0.837). Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox analysis revealed that the high expression of MEX3A was significantly associated with poor survival (OS and RFS) (p < 0.001). Moreover, MEX3A was identified as an independent prognostic factor of liver cancer (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS MEX3A expression shows promise as an independent predictor of liver cancer prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingquan Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yan Jiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yanqing Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xuedong Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal and Anal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
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Chatterji P, Rustgi AK. RNA Binding Proteins in Intestinal Epithelial Biology and Colorectal Cancer. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:490-506. [PMID: 29627433 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium is highly proliferative and consists of crypt invaginations that house stem cells and villus projections with differentiated cells. There exists a dynamic equilibrium between proliferation, migration, differentiation, and senescence that is regulated by several factors. Among these are RNA binding proteins (RBPs) that bind their targets in a both context dependent and independent manner. RBP-RNA complexes act as rheostats by regulating expression of RNAs both co- and post-transcriptionally. This is important, especially in response to intestinal injury, to fuel regeneration. The manner in which these RBPs function in the intestine and their interactions with other pivotal pathways in colorectal cancer may provide a framework for new insights and potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Chatterji
- Division of Gastroenterology, Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 421 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anil K Rustgi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, 421 Curie Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Shi JW, Huang Y. Mex3a expression and survival analysis of bladder urothelial carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:54764-54774. [PMID: 28903380 PMCID: PMC5589619 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Bladder urothelial carcinoma is a common tumor in humans and a multifactorial disease. The gene mex3a is associated with tumor formation and may promote cell proliferation and migration. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between mex3a and bladder urothelial carcinoma. Methods The clinical and RNA sequencing expression data in patients with bladder urothelial carcinoma were downloaded from the The Cancer Genome Atlas data portal. A total of 412 bladder urothelial carcinoma samples were available in the database, for which the clinical information was acquired, of which 412 are RNA sequencing samples with a total of 19 paired samples. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses and univariate logistic regression analysis were conducted using the software SPSS version 22.0 and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The results of the independent t-test of 19 paired samples indicated that the expression level of mex3a was significantly higher in tumor tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. Mex3a expression as a categorical dependent variable was not associated with overall survival, and the overall survival of bladder urothelial carcinoma was associated with the group of age, cancer status, lymphatic vascular invasion, pathological stage, pathological size, and pathological lymph metastasis. The multivariable Cox model adjusted for the group of mex3a expression level, age, gender, tumor status, and pathological stage showed that only the age and cancer status groups were associated with the overall survival. Conclusion Mex3a expression was not a poor prognostic factor of bladder urothelial carcinoma. Moreover, the expression levels of mex3a in the papillary type of bladder urothelial carcinoma were higher than those of the non-papillary type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Wen Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, 110004, Shenyang, China
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Huang Y, Fang C, Shi JW, Wen Y, Liu D. Identification of hMex-3A and its effect on human bladder cancer cell proliferation. Oncotarget 2017; 8:61215-61225. [PMID: 28977858 PMCID: PMC5617418 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, hMex-3A was selected from TCGA database as a research object to observe the effects of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting hMex-3A on the biological activities of human bladder cancer and explore its mechanism for the first time. In this study, there were 2 groups including negative control group and hMex-3A-siRNA-transfected cells group for 5637 and T24 cell lines, respectively. After bladder cancer cells were transfected with the interference RNA sequence, proliferation of transfected cells were assessed by Celigo Cell Counting, and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The knockdown rate of hMex-3A was 74% in 5637 cells and 68% in T24 cells after RNA interference. In addition, Celigo Cell Counting indicated that cell viability was significantly lower in hMex-3A-siRNA-transfected cells group (2196/well) than in negative control group (6777/well) (P < 0.05), but T24 cells did not show statistical significance between hMex-3A-siRNA-transfected cells group (5799/well) and negative control group (7899/well) (P >0.05). Flow cytometer showed that apoptosis was the highest and cells were significantly blocked after cells were transfected in hMex-3A-siRNA-transfected cells group in 5 days later (P < 0.05). Mex-3A protein was detected in bladder carcinoma sections with a mean staining intensity of 7.06±2.60. Mex-3A protein expression was significantly higher in cancerous tissue than in para-cancerous tissue (P <0.05). Our study suggested that siRNA targeting hMex-3A could markedly inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in 5637 cells. These might have significant implications to bladder carcinogenesis and serve as a potential target for the treatment of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Chao Fang
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Jing-Wen Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Yu Wen
- Department of Histoembryology, China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Da Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
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Felipe AV, Oliveira J, Chang PYJ, Moraes AADFS, da Silva TD, Tucci-Viegas VM, Forones NM. RNA interference: a promising therapy for gastric cancer. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2015; 15:5509-15. [PMID: 25081656 DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.14.5509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) remains a virtually incurable disease when metastatic and requires early screening tools for detection of early tumor stages. Therefore, finding effective strategies for prevention or recurrence of GC has become a major overall initiative. RNA-interference (RNAi) is an innovative technique that can significantly regulate the expression of oncogenes involved in gastric carcinogenesis, thus constituting a promising epigenetic approach to GC therapy. This review presents recent advances concerning the promising biomolecular mechanism of RNAi for GC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aledson Vitor Felipe
- Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Division, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil E-mail :
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Huang NN, Hunter CP. The RNA binding protein MEX-3 retains asymmetric activity in the early Caenorhabditis elegans embryo in the absence of asymmetric protein localization. Gene 2014; 554:160-73. [PMID: 25445286 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The RNA binding protein MEX-3 is required to restrict translation of pal-1, the Caenorhabditis elegans caudal homolog, to the posterior of the early embryo. MEX-3 is present uniformly throughout the newly fertilized embryo, but becomes depleted in the posterior by the 4-cell stage. This MEX-3 patterning requires the CCCH zinc-finger protein MEX-5, the RNA Recognition Motif protein SPN-4, and the kinase PAR-4. Genetic and biochemical evidence suggests that MEX-5 binds to MEX-3 in the anterior of the embryo, protecting MEX-3 from degradation and allowing it to bind the pal-1 3'UTR and repress translation. MEX-3 that is not bound to MEX-5 becomes inactivated by par-4, then targeted for spn-4 dependent degradation. After the 4-cell stage, residual MEX-3 is degraded in somatic cells, and only persists in the germline precursors. To better understand regulation of mex-3, GFP was fused to MEX-3 or regions of MEX-3 and expressed in developing oocytes. GFP::MEX-3 expressed in this manner can replace endogenous MEX-3, but surprisingly is not asymmetrically localized at the 4-cell stage. These results indicate that GFP::MEX-3 retains asymmetric activity even in the absence of asymmetric protein localization. Neither the mex-3 3'UTR nor protein degradation at the 4-cell stage is strictly required. A region of MEX-3 containing a glutamine-rich region and potential ubiquitination and phosphorylation sites is sufficient for soma-germline asymmetry. Results from mex-5/6 and spn-4(RNAi) suggest two pathways for MEX-3 degradation, an early spn-4 dependent pathway and a later spn-4 independent pathway. These results indicate that mex-3 activity is regulated at multiple levels, leading to rapid and robust regulation in the quickly developing early embryo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy N Huang
- Molecular Biology Department, Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA.
| | - Craig P Hunter
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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Le Borgne M, Chartier N, Buchet-Poyau K, Destaing O, Faurobert E, Thibert C, Rouault JP, Courchet J, Nègre D, Bouvard D, Albiges-Rizo C, Rousseaux S, Khochbin S, Segretain D, Crépieux P, Guillou F, Durand P, Perrard MH, Billaud M. The RNA-binding protein Mex3b regulates the spatial organization of the Rap1 pathway. Development 2014; 141:2096-107. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.108514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The four related mammalian MEX-3 RNA-binding proteins are evolutionarily conserved molecules for which the in vivo functions have not yet been fully characterized. Here, we report that male mice deficient for the gene encoding Mex3b are subfertile. Seminiferous tubules of Mex3b-deficient mice are obstructed as a consequence of the disrupted phagocytic capacity of somatic Sertoli cells. In addition, both the formation and the integrity of the blood-testis barrier are compromised owing to mislocalization of N-cadherin and connexin 43 at the surface of Sertoli cells. We further establish that Mex3b acts to regulate the cortical level of activated Rap1, a small G protein controlling phagocytosis and cell-cell interaction, through the activation and transport of Rap1GAP. The active form of Rap1 (Rap1-GTP) is abnormally increased at the membrane cortex and chemically restoring Rap1-GTP to physiological levels rescues the phagocytic and adhesion abilities of Sertoli cells. Overall, these findings implicate Mex3b in the spatial organization of the Rap1 pathway that orchestrates Sertoli cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maïlys Le Borgne
- INSERM, U823; Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1; Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble F-38700, France
| | - Nicolas Chartier
- INSERM, U823; Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1; Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble F-38700, France
| | - Karine Buchet-Poyau
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Pôle Information Médicale Evaluation Recherche, Lyon F-69003, France
| | - Olivier Destaing
- INSERM, U823; Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1; Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble F-38700, France
| | - Eva Faurobert
- INSERM, U823; Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1; Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble F-38700, France
| | - Chantal Thibert
- INSERM, U823; Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1; Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble F-38700, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Rouault
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, UMR5242 CNRS/INRA/UCBL/ENS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 46, allée d'Italie, Lyon 69364, Cedex 07, France
| | - Julien Courchet
- Columbia University Department of Neurosciences, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Didier Nègre
- Université de Lyon, Inserm, EVIR, U758, Human Virology Department, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, Lyon F-69007, France
| | - Daniel Bouvard
- INSERM, U823; Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1; Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble F-38700, France
| | - Corinne Albiges-Rizo
- INSERM, U823; Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1; Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble F-38700, France
| | - Sophie Rousseaux
- INSERM, U823; Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1; Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble F-38700, France
| | - Saadi Khochbin
- INSERM, U823; Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1; Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble F-38700, France
| | - Dominique Segretain
- UMR S775, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints Pères, Paris 75006, France
- University of Versailles, Saint Quentin 78035, France
| | - Pascale Crépieux
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 7247 INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours, Nouzilly 37380, France
| | - Florian Guillou
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 7247 INRA-CNRS-Université de Tours, Nouzilly 37380, France
| | - Philippe Durand
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, UMR5242 CNRS/INRA/UCBL/ENS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 46, allée d'Italie, Lyon 69364, Cedex 07, France
| | - Marie-Hélène Perrard
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, UMR5242 CNRS/INRA/UCBL/ENS, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, 46, allée d'Italie, Lyon 69364, Cedex 07, France
| | - Marc Billaud
- INSERM, U823; Université Joseph Fourier-Grenoble 1; Institut Albert Bonniot, Grenoble F-38700, France
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Pereira B, Sousa S, Barros R, Carreto L, Oliveira P, Oliveira C, Chartier NT, Plateroti M, Rouault JP, Freund JN, Billaud M, Almeida R. CDX2 regulation by the RNA-binding protein MEX3A: impact on intestinal differentiation and stemness. Nucleic Acids Res 2013; 41:3986-99. [PMID: 23408853 PMCID: PMC3627580 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkt087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeobox transcription factor CDX2 plays a crucial role in intestinal cell fate specification, both during normal development and in tumorigenic processes involving intestinal reprogramming. The CDX2 regulatory network is intricate, but it has not yet been fully uncovered. Through genome-wide screening of a 3D culture system, the RNA-binding protein MEX3A was identified as putatively involved in CDX2 regulation; therefore, its biological relevance was addressed by setting up cell-based assays together with expression studies in murine intestine. We demonstrate here that MEX3A has a repressive function by controlling CDX2 levels in gastric and colorectal cellular models. This is dependent on the interaction with a specific binding determinant present in CDX2 mRNA 3'untranslated region. We have further determined that MEX3A impairs intestinal differentiation and cellular polarization, affects cell cycle progression and promotes increased expression of intestinal stem cell markers, namely LGR5, BMI1 and MSI1. Finally, we show that MEX3A is expressed in mouse intestine, supporting an in vivo context for interaction with CDX2 and modulation of stem cell properties. Therefore, we describe a novel CDX2 post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism, through the RNA-binding protein MEX3A, with a major impact in intestinal differentiation, polarity and stemness, likely contributing to intestinal homeostasis and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pereira
- IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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