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Wilkes MC, Jung K, Lee BE, Saxena M, Sathianathen RS, Mercado JD, Perez C, Flygare J, Narla A, Glader B, Sakamoto KM. The active component of ginseng, ginsenoside Rb1, improves erythropoiesis in models of Diamond-Blackfan anemia by targeting Nemo-like kinase. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:100988. [PMID: 34298020 PMCID: PMC8379498 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100988] [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: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nemo-like kinase (NLK) is a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family of kinases and shares a highly conserved kinase domain with other mitogen-activated protein kinase family members. The activation of NLK contributes to the pathogenesis of Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA), reducing c-myb expression and mechanistic target of rapamycin activity, and is therefore a potential therapeutic target. Unlike other anemias, the hematopoietic effects of DBA are largely restricted to the erythroid lineage. Mutations in ribosomal genes induce ribosomal insufficiency and reduced protein translation, dramatically impacting early erythropoiesis in the bone marrow of patients with DBA. We sought to identify compounds that suppress NLK and increases erythropoiesis in ribosomal insufficiency. We report that the active component of ginseng, ginsenoside Rb1, suppresses NLK expression and improves erythropoiesis in in vitro models of DBA. Ginsenoside Rb1–mediated suppression of NLK occurs through the upregulation of miR-208, which binds to the 3′-UTR of NLK mRNA and targets it for degradation. We also compare ginsenoside Rb1–mediated upregulation of miR-208 with metformin-mediated upregulation of miR-26. We conclude that targeting NLK expression through miRNA binding of the unique 3′-UTR is a viable alternative to the challenges of developing small-molecule inhibitors to target the highly conserved kinase domain of this specific kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Wilkes
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kevin Jung
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Britney E Lee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Mallika Saxena
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ryan S Sathianathen
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Jacqueline D Mercado
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Cristina Perez
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Johan Flygare
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Gene Therapy, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anupama Narla
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Bertil Glader
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kathleen M Sakamoto
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA.
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Metformin-induced suppression of Nemo-like kinase improves erythropoiesis in preclinical models of Diamond–Blackfan anemia through induction of miR-26a. Exp Hematol 2020; 91:65-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2020.09.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Li SZ, Zeng F, Li J, Shu QP, Zhang HH, Xu J, Ren JW, Zhang XD, Song XM, Du RL. Nemo-like kinase (NLK) primes colorectal cancer progression by releasing the E2F1 complex from HDAC1. Cancer Lett 2018; 431:43-53. [PMID: 29803790 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Control of E2F1 activity is restricted via its interactions with RB1 and HDAC1. However, the detailed regulatory mechanisms underlying the E2F1/HDAC1 complex remain elusive. Here, we report that Nemo-like kinase (NLK) boosts cell cycle progression, which facilitates tumor development by releasing the E2F1 protein from HDAC1. Deletion of NLK largely blocks colorectal tumor proliferation and development. Moreover, RNA-seq shows that cell cycle is arrested at the G1/S phase in NLK-deficient cells and that the expression of E2F complex-targeted genes are affected, whereas overexpression of NLK but not an NLK mutant restores the wild-type phenotype. Mechanistically, we show that NLK interacts with the E2F1 complex, leading to disassembly of the E2F1/HDAC1 complex and thus diminishing the ability of E2F1 to bind to target gene promoters. Our results indicate that NLK boosts cell proliferation and E2F1 activity and controls the cell cycle switch by releasing HDAC1 from the E2F1 complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Ze Li
- Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China.
| | - Feng Zeng
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Jun Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Qi-Peng Shu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Hui-Hui Zhang
- College of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Jian-Wei Ren
- Tibet University Medical College, Lasha, Tibet 850000, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Zhang
- Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Xue-Min Song
- Research Centre of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430071, China.
| | - Run-Lei Du
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China.
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Lv M, Li Y, Tian X, Dai S, Sun J, Jin G, Jiang S. Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of NLK inhibits small-cell lung cancer growth and metastasis. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2016; 10:3737-3746. [PMID: 27895463 PMCID: PMC5117896 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s87435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Nemo-like kinase (NLK), an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase, has been recognized as a critical regulator of various cancers. In this study, we investigated the role of NLK in human small-cell lung cancer (SCLC), which is the most aggressive form of lung cancer. NLK expression was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 20 paired fresh SCLC tissue samples and found to be noticeably elevated in tumor tissues. Lentivirus-mediated RNAi efficiently suppressed NLK expression in NCI-H446 cells, resulting in a significant reduction in cell viability and proliferation in vitro. Moreover, knockdown of NLK led to cell cycle arrest at the S-phase via suppression of Cyclin A, CDK2, and CDC25A, which could contribute to cell growth inhibition. Furthermore, knockdown of NLK decreased the migration of NCI-H446 cells and downregulated matrix metalloproteinase 9. Treatment with NLK short hairpin RNA significantly reduced SCLC tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, this study suggests that NLK plays an important role in the growth and metastasis of SCLC and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xin Tian
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory of Cancer Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University
| | - Shundong Dai
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Basic Medical Sciences of China Medical University; Department of Pathology, Institute of Pathology and Pathophysiology
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Immunology and Biotherapy, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute
| | | | - Shenyi Jiang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China
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Huang Y, Yang Y, He Y, Li J. The emerging role of Nemo-like kinase (NLK) in the regulation of cancers. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:9147-52. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4159-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Zhang W, He J, Du Y, Gao XH, Liu Y, Liu QZ, Chang WJ, Cao GW, Fu CG. Upregulation of nemo-like kinase is an independent prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:8836-8847. [PMID: 26269673 PMCID: PMC4528026 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i29.8836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Revised: 02/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the expression and oncogenic role of nemo-like kinase (NLK) in colorectal cancer.
METHODS: Expression of NLK protein was assessed by immunohistochemistry in tissue specimens from 56 cases of normal colorectal mucosa, 51 cases of colorectal adenoma, and 712 cases of colorectal cancer. In addition, NLK expression was knocked down using a lentivirus carrying NLK small hairpin RNA in colorectal cancer cells. Cell viability methylthiazoletetrazolium assays, colony formation assays, flow cytometry cell cycle assays, Transwell migration assays, and gene expression assays were performed to explore its role on proliferation and migration of colorectal cancer.
RESULTS: Expression of NLK protein progressively increased in tissues from the normal mucosa through adenoma to various stages of colorectal cancer. Overexpression of NLK protein was associated with advanced tumor-lymph node-metastasis stages, poor differentiation, lymph node and distant metastases, and a higher recurrence rate of colorectal cancer (P < 0.05). Multivariate analyses showed that NLK expression was an independent prognostic factor to predict overall survival (hazard ratio 2.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.66-3.98; P < 0.001) and disease-free survival (hazard ratio 1.96, 95% confidence interval: 1.40-2.74: P < 0.001) of colorectal cancer patients. Furthermore, knockdown of NLK expression in colorectal cancer cell lines reduced cell viability, colony formation, and migration, and arrested tumor cells at the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. At the gene level, knockdown of NLK expression inhibited matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression in colorectal cancer cells.
CONCLUSION: NLK overexpression is an independent prognostic factor in colorectal cancer and knockdown of NLK expression inhibits colorectal cancer progression and metastasis.
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Liu M, Xu A, Yuan X, Zhang Q, Fang T, Wang W, Li C. Downregulation of microRNA-409-3p promotes aggressiveness and metastasis in colorectal cancer: an indication for personalized medicine. J Transl Med 2015; 13:195. [PMID: 26084278 PMCID: PMC4472171 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-015-0533-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs play an essential role in colorectal cancer development and progression. Aberrant miR-409-3p expression has been reported in several cancers. However, the clinical significance and functions of miR-409-3p in human CRC were not entirely clear. METHODS miR-409-3p expression levels were determined in 45 pairs of primary CRC and their corresponding adjacent non-tumor tissues by qPCR. The effects of ectopic expression of miR-409-3p on CRC cells proliferation, wound healing, metastasis were investigated by CCK-8, transwell assay and peritoneal spreading nude mice model. RESULTS Statistical analysis of clinical cases revealed that low miR-409-3p expression had inclinations towards lager tumor size and local invasion. Ectopic expression of miRNA mimics suggested that miR-409-3p could inhibits the abilities of proliferation, wound healing, metastasis and invasion in CRC cells. Notably, we found the NLK could be a potential target of miR-409-3p. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that miR-409-3p functions as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting the development and metastasis of CRC, suggesting that miR-409-3p is expected to become a new diagnostic marker and a new target of the treatment of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mulin Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, China.
| | - Aman Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China.
| | - Xiao Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China.
| | - Qiao Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, China.
| | - Taotao Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233030, China.
| | - Wenbin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China.
| | - Chenglong Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China.
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