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Wu Z, Lin Q, Sheng L, Chen W, Liang M, Wu D, Ke Y. A novel immune-related risk-scoring system associated with the prognosis and response of cervical cancer patients treated with radiation therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1297774. [PMID: 38028542 PMCID: PMC10667679 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1297774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in the radiotherapy and immunotherapy response of cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC). Radioresistance is a key factor in treatment failure among patients who receive radical radiotherapy. Thus, new immune-related biomarkers associated with radiotherapy response in CESC are needed. Methods: In this study, the CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE methods were applied to determine the percentage of tumor-infiltrating cells and the number of immune components in 103 CESCs treated with radiotherapy from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The main dysregulated genes were subjected to multivariate and univariate analyses. The prognostic value of this system was studied via receiver operating characteristic curve and survival analysis. For further confirmation, the biomarkers' expression levels and predictive value were validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and qRT-PCR. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to calculate the compositional patterns of 22 types of immune cells in cervical cancer patients treated with radiation therapy. Results: Data for 17 radioresistant and 86 radiosensitive tumors were obtained from the The Cancer Genome Atlas database. 53 immune-related DEGs were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the DEGs were enriched in protein kinase B signaling, growth factors in cytokines, the MAPK pathway and the PI3K-Akt pathway. Then, 14 key immune-related genes built a risk scoring model were deemed prognostic in CESC with radiotherapy. The area under the curve (AUC) of the model was 0.723, and the high-risk group presented worse outcomes than the low-risk group. In addition, the high-risk group tended to have persistent tumors (p = 0.001). The high expression of WT1 and SPOUYT4 were associated with relapse, the high expression of Angiotensinogen and MIEN1 were associated with nonrelapse. Analysis of the immune microenvironment indicated that M0 macrophages, M2 macrophages, activated mast cells and resting memory CD4+ T cells were positively correlated with the risk score (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The novel immune-related risk scoring system has some advantages in predicting the prognosis and treatment response of cervical cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. Moreover, it might provide novel clues for providing targeted immune therapy to these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuna Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Qiuya Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Liying Sheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Weihong Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Meili Liang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Danni Wu
- Department of Operation, The Second Hospital of Jinjiang, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Ke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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Chen S, Ke Y, Chen W, Wu S, Zhuang X, Lin Q, Shi Q, Wu Z. Association of the LEP gene with immune infiltration as a diagnostic biomarker in preeclampsia. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1209144. [PMID: 37635936 PMCID: PMC10448764 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1209144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious condition in pregnant women and hence an important topic in obstetrics. The current research aimed to recognize the potential and significant immune-related diagnostic biomarkers for PE. Methods: From the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets, three public gene expression profiles (GSE24129, GSE54618, and GSE60438) from the placental samples of PE and normotensive pregnancy were downloaded. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected and determined among 73 PE and 85 normotensive control pregnancy samples. The DEGs were used for Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Disease Ontology (DO) enrichment analysis, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The candidate biomarkers were identified by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was applied to evaluate diagnostic ability. For further confirmation, the expression levels and diagnostic value of biomarkers in PE were verified in the GSE75010 data set (80 PE and 77 controls) and validated by qRT-RCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to calculate the compositional patterns of 22 types of immune cells in PE. Results: In total, 15 DEGs were recognized. The GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the DEGs were enriched in the steroid metabolic process, receptor ligand activity, GnRH secretion, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. The recognized DEGs were primarily implicated in cell-type benign neoplasm, kidney failure, infertility, and PE. Gene sets related to hormone activity, glycosylation, multicellular organism process, and response to BMP were activated in PE. The LEP gene was distinguished as a diagnostic biomarker of PE (AUC = 0.712) and further certified in the GSE75010 data set (AUC = 0.850). The high expression of LEP was associated with PE in clinical samples. In addition, the analysis of the immune microenvironment showed that gamma delta T cells, memory B cells, M0 macrophages, and regulatory T cells were positively correlated with LEP expression (P < 0.05). Conclusion: LEP expression can be considered to be a diagnostic biomarker of PE and can offer a novel perspective for future studies regarding the occurrence and molecular mechanisms of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Qirong Shi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhuna Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
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Ke Y, You L, Xu Y, Wu D, Lin Q, Wu Z. DPP6 and MFAP5 are associated with immune infiltration as diagnostic biomarkers in distinguishing uterine leiomyosarcoma from leiomyoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1084192. [PMID: 36531033 PMCID: PMC9748670 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1084192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) is the most common subtype of uterine sarcoma and is difficult to discern from uterine leiomyoma (ULM) preoperatively. The aim of the study was to determine the potential and significance of immune-related diagnostic biomarkers in distinguishing ULMS from ULM. METHODS Two public gene expression profiles (GSE36610 and GSE64763) from the GEO datasets containing ULMS and ULM samples were downloaded. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected and determined among 37 ULMS and 25 ULM control samples. The DEGs were used for Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Disease Ontology (DO) enrichment analyses as well as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The candidate biomarkers were identified by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) analyses. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was applied to evaluate diagnostic ability. For further confirmation, the biomarker expression levels and diagnostic value in ULMS were verified in the GSE9511 and GSE68295 datasets (12 ULMS and 10 ULM), and validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to calculate the compositional patterns of 22 types of immune cells in ULMS. RESULT In total, 55 DEGs were recognized via GO analysis, and KEGG analyses revealed that the DEGs were enriched in nuclear division, and cell cycle. The recognized DEGs were primarily implicated in non-small cell lung carcinoma and breast carcinoma. Gene sets related to the cell cycle and DNA replication were activated in ULMS. DPP6 and MFAP5 were distinguished as diagnostic biomarkers of ULMS (AUC = 0.957, AUC = 0.899, respectively), and they were verified in the GSE9511 and GSE68295 datasets (AUC = 0.983, AUC = 0.942, respectively). The low expression of DPP6 and MFAP5 were associated with ULMS. In addition, the analysis of the immune microenvironment indicated that resting mast cells were positively correlated with DPP6 and MFAP5 expression and that eosinophils and M0 macrophages were negatively correlated with DPP6 expression (P<0.05). CONCLUSION These findings indicated that DPP6 and MFAP5 are diagnostic biomarkers of ULMS, thereby offering a novel perspective for future studies on the occurrence, function and molecular mechanisms of ULMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Ke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - LiuXia You
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - YanJuan Xu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Dandan Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The First Hospital of Quanzhou Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Qiuya Lin
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zhuna Wu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian, China
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Mir-326 potentiates radiosensitivity of cervical squamous cell carcinoma through downregulating SMO expression in the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Genes Genomics 2022; 44:981-991. [PMID: 35751784 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01276-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Radiotherapy resistance affects the therapeutic effect of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). Smoothened (Smo) is an anticancer target of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway and its mutation is related to drug resistance. OBJECTIVE To explore the roles of miR-326 and Smoothened (SMO) on radiation resistance in patients with cervical carcinoma. METHODS Expression of miR-326 and SMO in cervical cancer tissue and radioresistant cell lines were analyzed. The radiation response with the expression of miR-326 was evaluated in tissue and cells. Bioinformatics analysis and literature review were performed to explore the target of miR-326. The regulation of miR-326 to SMO mRNA was verified through the dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS Patients with poor radiation response have lower miR-326 and higher SMO expression. Upregulation of miR-326 decreased SMO expression and its downstream proteins but does not affect the proliferation of CSCC cells. The upregulation of miR-326 increased radiation sensitivity of the CSCC cell through downregulating SMO and its downstream proteins in the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS miR-326 may predict the treatment response to radiation, and upregulating miR-326 may improve the treatment response to radiation.
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Wu Z, Huang C, Li R, Li H, Lu H, Lin Z. PRKCI Mediates Radiosensitivity via the Hedgehog/GLI1 Pathway in Cervical Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:887139. [PMID: 35785194 PMCID: PMC9243290 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.887139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Insensitivity to radiotherapy accounts for the majority of therapeutic failures in cervical cancer (CC) patients who undergo radical radiotherapy. We aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying radiosensitivity to identify methods to improve the overall 5-year survival rate. The atypical protein kinase C iota (aPKCι) gene PRKCI exhibits tumor-specific copy number amplification (CNA) in CC. We investigated how PRKCI decreases radiosensitivity in CC and assessed the interplay between PRKCI and the Hedgehog (Hh)/GLI1 pathway in the present research. Methods The biological functions of PRKCI in CC radiosensitivity were explored through immunohistochemistry, colony formation, Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), cell cycle, apoptosis assays, and xenograft models. qRT-PCR, Western blotting analysis, and immunofluorescence assays were utilized to evaluate the interplay between PRKCI and the Hh/GLI1 pathway and its mechanism in PRKCI-decreased radiosensitivity in CC. Furthermore, the effect of auranofin (AF), a selective inhibitor of PKCι, on CC cells was explored through biochemical assays in vitro and in vivo. Results We found that high PRKCI expression was responsible for decreased survival in CC. PRKCI was intimately associated with radiation-triggered alterations in proliferation, the cell cycle, apoptosis, and xenograft growth. The Hh/GLI1 pathway was activated when PRKCI expression was altered. PRKCI functions downstream of the Hh/GLI1 pathway to phosphorylate and activate the transcription factor GLI1. AF acts as a radiosensitizer and showed biological effects in vitro and in vivo. Conclusions PRKCI is a therapeutic target for regulating radiosensitivity in CC. This molecule regulates radiosensitivity by modulating GLI1 relocalization and phosphorylation in CC via the Hh/GLI1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuna Wu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Chunxian Huang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruixin Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huaiwu Lu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Huaiwu Lu, ; Zhongqiu Lin,
| | - Zhongqiu Lin
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Huaiwu Lu, ; Zhongqiu Lin,
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Bailly C. The bacterial thiopeptide thiostrepton. An update of its mode of action, pharmacological properties and applications. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 914:174661. [PMID: 34863996 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The bacterial thiopeptide thiostrepton (TS) is used as a veterinary medicine to treat bacterial infections. TS is a protein translation inhibitor, essentially active against Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria. In procaryotes, TS abrogates binding of GTPase elongation factors to the 70S ribosome, by altering the structure of rRNA-L11 protein complexes. TS exerts also antimalarial effects by disrupting protein synthesis in the apicoplast genome of Plasmodium falciparum. Interestingly, the drug targets both the infectious pathogen (bacteria or parasite) and host cell, by inducing endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated autophagy which contributes to enhance the host cell defense. In addition, TS has been characterized as a potent chemical inhibitor of the oncogenic transcription factor FoxM1, frequently overexpressed in cancers or other diseases. The capacity of TS to crosslink FoxM1, and a few other proteins such as peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3) and the 19S proteasome, contributes to the anticancer effects of the thiopeptide. The anticancer activities of TS evidenced using diverse tumor cell lines, in vivo models and drug combinations are reviewed here, together with the implicated targets and mechanisms. The difficulty to formulate TS is a drag on the pharmaceutical development of the natural product. However, the design of hemisynthetic analogues and the use of micellar drug delivery systems should facilitate a broader utilization of the compound in human and veterinary medicines. This review shed light on the many pharmacological properties of TS, with the objective to promote its use as a pharmacological tool and medicinal product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Bailly
- OncoWitan, Scientific Consulting Office, Lille, Wasquehal, 59290, France.
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Chai JY, Sugumar V, Alshawsh MA, Wong WF, Arya A, Chong PP, Looi CY. The Role of Smoothened-Dependent and -Independent Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Tumorigenesis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1188. [PMID: 34572373 PMCID: PMC8466551 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh)-glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) signaling pathway is highly conserved among mammals, with crucial roles in regulating embryonic development as well as in cancer initiation and progression. The GLI transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) are effectors of the Hh pathway and are regulated via Smoothened (SMO)-dependent and SMO-independent mechanisms. The SMO-dependent route involves the common Hh-PTCH-SMO axis, and mutations or transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation at these levels lead to the constitutive activation of GLI transcription factors. Conversely, the SMO-independent route involves the SMO bypass regulation of GLI transcription factors by external signaling pathways and their interacting proteins or by epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of GLI transcription factors expression. Both routes of GLI activation, when dysregulated, have been heavily implicated in tumorigenesis of many known cancers, making them important targets for cancer treatment. Hence, this review describes the various SMO-dependent and SMO-independent routes of GLI regulation in the tumorigenesis of multiple cancers in order to provide a holistic view of the paradigms of hedgehog signaling networks involving GLI regulation. An in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between GLI and various signaling elements could help inspire new therapeutic breakthroughs for the treatment of Hh-GLI-dependent cancers in the future. Lastly, we have presented an up-to-date summary of the latest findings concerning the use of Hh inhibitors in clinical developmental studies and discussed the challenges, perspectives, and possible directions regarding the use of SMO/GLI inhibitors in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yi Chai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
| | - Vaisnevee Sugumar
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | | | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Aditya Arya
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Building 184, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
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Kotulak-Chrząszcz A, Kmieć Z, Wierzbicki PM. Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway in gynecological and genitourinary cancer (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:106. [PMID: 33907821 PMCID: PMC8057295 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers of the urinary tract, as well as those of the female and male reproductive systems, account for a large percentage of malignancies worldwide. Mortality is frequently affected by late diagnosis or therapeutic difficulties. The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway is an evolutionary conserved molecular cascade, which is mainly associated with the development of the central nervous system in fetal life. The present review aimed to provide an in‑depth summary of the SHH signaling pathway, including the characterization of its major components, the mechanism of its upstream regulation and non‑canonical activation, as well as its interactions with other cellular pathways. In addition, the three possible mechanisms of the cellular SHH cascade in cancer tissue are discussed. The aim of the present review was to summarize significant findings with regards to the expression of the SHH pathway components in kidney, bladder, ovarian, cervical and prostate cancer. Reports associated with common deficits and de‑regulations of the SHH pathway were summarized, despite the differences in molecular and histological patterns among these malignancies. However, currently, neither are SHH pathway elements included in panels of prognostic/therapeutic molecular patterns in any of the discussed cancers, nor have the drugs targeting SMO or GLIs been approved for therapy. The findings of the present review may support future studies on the treatment of and/or molecular targets for gynecological and genitourinary cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Piotr M. Wierzbicki
- Correspondence to: Dr Piotr M. Wierzbicki, Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, ul. Debinki 1, 80211 Gdansk, Poland, E-mail:
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He Z, Zeng J, Xu Y. Cyclopamine Reduces the Growth of Endometrial Carcinoma and Hedgehog Pathway Proteins in a Xenograft Mouse Model. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2021.2500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma is a frequently occurring malignancy of the female reproductive tract. Previous investigations have implicated the Hedgehog signaling pathway, including the smoothened (Smo) receptor, in tumor progression. Here, we established a nude mouse xenograft model of endometrial
cancer to investigate the effect of the Smo receptor antagonist cyclopamine on the growth of endometrial carcinoma. Mice were randomly sorted into two groups receiving 0.2 mL/mouse every other day of either cyclopamine (20 mg/mL) or solvent (control). The growth of the mice was observed for
18 days. Then, mice were euthanized, tumors were removed and weighed, and tumor volume inhibition rate (VIR) and weight inhibition rate (WIR) were calculated. Smo, Gli1, and Gli2 mRNA expression was measured in tumor tissues by RT-PCR, and Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31
were detected by immunohistochemistry. We found that cyclopamine treatment reduced the tumor growth rate and significantly reduced the volumes and weights of the transplanted tumors compared with those of the controls. Furthermore, the transplanted tumors of cyclopamine-treated mice possessed
lower expression levels of Smo, Gli1, and Gli2, and displayed a lower positive expression of VEGF and CD31. Thus, the Smo receptor antagonist cyclopamine inhibited transplanted tumor growth in nude mice with endometrial carcinoma, which is likely connected with cyclopamine downregulation of
Smo, Gli1, and Gli2 mRNA expression that promote angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengxing He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China
Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, West China Second
University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yalan Xu
- Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, PR China
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Kalathil D, John S, Nair AS. FOXM1 and Cancer: Faulty Cellular Signaling Derails Homeostasis. Front Oncol 2021; 10:626836. [PMID: 33680951 PMCID: PMC7927600 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.626836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box transcription factor, FOXM1 is implicated in several cellular processes such as proliferation, cell cycle progression, cell differentiation, DNA damage repair, tissue homeostasis, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and redox signaling. In addition to being a boon for the normal functioning of a cell, FOXM1 turns out to be a bane by manifesting in several disease scenarios including cancer. It has been given an oncogenic status based on several evidences indicating its role in tumor development and progression. FOXM1 is highly expressed in several cancers and has also been implicated in poor prognosis. A comprehensive understanding of various aspects of this molecule has revealed its role in angiogenesis, invasion, migration, self- renewal and drug resistance. In this review, we attempt to understand various mechanisms underlying FOXM1 gene and protein regulation in cancer including the different signaling pathways, post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. Identifying crucial molecules associated with these processes can aid in the development of potential pharmacological approaches to curb FOXM1 mediated tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanya Kalathil
- Cancer Research Program-4, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Samu John
- Cancer Research Program-4, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Research Centre, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India
| | - Asha S Nair
- Cancer Research Program-4, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, India.,Research Centre, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India
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Nie S, Lou L, Wang J, Cui J, Wu W, Zhang Q, Liu Y, Su L, Chang Y, Guo W, Shen H, Xing L, Li Y. Expression, association with clinicopathological features and prognostic potential of CEP55, p-Akt, FoxM1 and MMP-2 in astrocytoma. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:1685-1694. [PMID: 32724411 PMCID: PMC7377175 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11742] [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: 10/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Centrosomal protein 55 (CEP55) is a member of the centrosomal-associated protein family and participates in the regulation of cytokinesis during cell mitosis. However, aberrant CEP55 protein expression has been observed in human tumors. In addition, CEP55 regulates the biological functions of tumors by inducing the Akt pathway and upregulating forkhead box protein M1 (FoxM1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). In the present study, the levels, clinicopathological features and prognostic potential of CEP55, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), FoxM1 and MMP-2 in astrocytoma were evaluated. CEP55, p-Akt, FoxM1 and MMP-2 levels were examined in 27 normal brain tissues and 262 astrocytoma tissues by using immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were applied to predict the prognosis of patients with astrocytoma. The results indicated that expression levels of CEP55 and other proteins were elevated in human astrocytoma compared with those in normal brain tissue. The levels of the selected proteins were increased as the tumor grade increased. Furthermore, CEP55 expression was positively correlated with p-Akt, FoxM1 and MMP-2 levels in astrocytoma. Overall survival analysis revealed that patient prognosis was associated with CEP55, p-Akt, FoxM1 and MMP-2 levels, as well as with the tumor grade and patient age. Furthermore, CEP55, FoxM1, tumor grade and patient age were independent prognostic factors in astrocytoma according to multivariate analysis. Taken together, the present results suggested that CEP55, p-Akt, FoxM1 and MMP-2 have crucial roles in the progression and prognosis of human astrocytoma and that CEP55 and FoxM1 may be potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saisai Nie
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Lou
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Jinfeng Cui
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Wenxin Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Lingrui Su
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Ying Chang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Wenli Guo
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
| | - Haitao Shen
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Lingxiao Xing
- Laboratory of Pathology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Yuehong Li
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. China
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12
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Chang Y, Chen H, Duan J, Wu W, Le F, Mou F. The inhibitory effect and safety of GANT61 on HeLa cells in nude mice. Exp Mol Pathol 2019; 113:104352. [PMID: 31809711 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2019.104352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway effector Gli1 plays an important role in cervical cancer, and GANT61 is an Hh signaling inhibitor. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of GANT61 on cervical cancer and to study its safety in nude mice. We used in vivo experiments to assess the effect of GANT61 on the growth of cervical cancer HeLa cells, and we measured the WBC, HGB, PLT, ALT, AST and Cre levels in nude mice. Next, we examined the organ and tumor morphology and distant metastasis by HE staining. We used immunohistochemistry to monitor the expression levels of Gli1, FoxM1, Ki-67, cyclinD1, E-cadherin, vimentin, survivin, caspase-3 and CD34+. Western blotting and RT-RCR were used to measure Gli1 expression. GANT61 inhibited the growth and metastasis of HeLa cervical cancer cells upon their transplantation into nude mice, and we preliminarily propose that GANT61 is safe for nude mice. These findings suggest that GANT61 could be used as a Hedgehog inhibitor to inhibit EMT and proliferation and to promote apoptosis via Gli1 downregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, PR China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, PR China.
| | - Jie Duan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, PR China
| | - Wang Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, PR China
| | - Fangshu Le
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, PR China
| | - Fen Mou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, PR China
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13
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Papaioannou E, Yánez DC, Ross S, Lau CI, Solanki A, Chawda MM, Virasami A, Ranz I, Ono M, O'Shaughnessy RFL, Crompton T. Sonic Hedgehog signaling limits atopic dermatitis via Gli2-driven immune regulation. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:3153-3170. [PMID: 31264977 PMCID: PMC6668675 DOI: 10.1172/jci125170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) proteins regulate development and tissue homeostasis, but their role in atopic dermatitis (AD) remains unknown. We found that on induction of mouse AD, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) expression in skin and Hh pathway action in skin T cells were increased. Shh signaling reduced AD pathology and the levels of Shh expression determined disease severity. Hh-mediated transcription in skin T cells in AD-induced mice increased Treg populations and their suppressive function through increased active transforming growth factor–β (TGF-β) in Treg signaling to skin T effector populations to reduce disease progression and pathology. RNA sequencing of skin CD4+ T cells from AD-induced mice demonstrated that Hh signaling increased expression of immunoregulatory genes and reduced expression of inflammatory and chemokine genes. Addition of recombinant Shh to cultures of naive human CD4+ T cells in iTreg culture conditions increased FOXP3 expression. Our findings establish an important role for Shh upregulation in preventing AD, by increased Gli-driven, Treg cell–mediated immune suppression, paving the way for a potential new therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Papaioannou
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Diana C Yánez
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,School of Medicine, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Susan Ross
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ching-In Lau
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anisha Solanki
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mira Manilal Chawda
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Virasami
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ismael Ranz
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Masahiro Ono
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan F L O'Shaughnessy
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tessa Crompton
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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14
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Niyaz M, Khan MS, Wani RA, Shah OJ, Besina S, Mudassar S. Nuclear localization and Overexpression of Smoothened in Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancers. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:11941-11948. [PMID: 30784110 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Smoothened (SMO) is a significant signalling protein which functions as a key transducer for the hedgehog signalling pathway, an important signalling mechanism with key roles in development and oncogenesis. The correlation of expression dynamics of SMO with pancreatic and colorectal cancer genesis has been known but with ambiguity. Therefore, in this study, we investigated messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of SMO in pancreatic and colorectal cancers in our population and assessed relationship with various clinicopathological parameters. Surgically resected tumour and adjacent histologically normal tissues from 33 and 61 pancreatic and colorectal cancer patients were investigated in the present study. Expression of SMO was analysed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. At mRNA level, SMO was overexpressed in 72.72% (24 of 33) and 50.81% (31 of 61) of the pancreatic and colorectal cancer cases as compared with their adjacent normal tissues. SMO immunohistochemical analysis revealed nuclear localization and overexpression was observed in 51.51% (17 of 33) and 40.98% (25 of 61) of pancreatic and colorectal cancer tissues. SMO overexpression was significantly associated with smoking, late-stage disease and lymph node metastasis in patients with Colorectal cancer. Our results showed that SMO is dysregulated in pancreatic and colorectal cancers and may be considered as a target in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Niyaz
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
| | - Mosin S Khan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
| | - Rauf A Wani
- Department of General and Minimal Invasive Surgery, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
| | - Omar J Shah
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
| | - Syed Besina
- Department of Pathology, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
| | - Syed Mudassar
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir, India
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15
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Lin M, Ye M, Zhou J, Wang ZP, Zhu X. Recent Advances on the Molecular Mechanism of Cervical Carcinogenesis Based on Systems Biology Technologies. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2019; 17:241-250. [PMID: 30847042 PMCID: PMC6389684 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2019.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is one of the common malignancies in women worldwide. Exploration of pathogenesis and molecular mechanism of cervical cancer is pivotal for development of effective treatment for this disease. Recently, systems biology approaches based on high-throughput technologies have been carried out to investigate the expression of some genes and proteins in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabonomics of cervical cancer. Compared with traditional methods,systems biology technology has been shown to provide large of information regarding prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for cervical cancer. These molecular signatures from system biology technology could be useful to understand the molecular mechanisms of cervical cancer development and progression, and help physicians to design targeted therapeutic strategies for patients with cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lin
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Miaomiao Ye
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Junhan Zhou
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Z Peter Wang
- Center of Scientific Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China.,Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Departmant of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
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16
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Zhu H, Xia L, Shen Q, Zhao M, Gu X, Bouamar H, Wang B, Sun LZ, Zhu X. Differential effects of GLI2 and GLI3 in regulating cervical cancer malignancy in vitro and in vivo. J Transl Med 2018; 98:1384-1396. [PMID: 29967343 PMCID: PMC6386554 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-018-0089-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced, recurrent, or persistent cervical cancer is often incurable. Therefore, in-depth insights into the molecular mechanisms are needed for the development of novel therapeutic targets and the improvement of current therapeutic strategies. In this study, we investigated the role of GLI2 and GLI3 in the regulation of the malignant properties of cervical cancer. We showed that down-regulation of GLI2, but not GLI3, with an inducible GLI2 shRNA inhibited the growth and migration of cervical cancer cell lines, which could be rescued by ectopic expression of GLI2. GLI2 appeared to support cell growth by regulating the mitosis, but not the apoptosis, of the cervical cancer cells. Mechanistically, these functions of GLI2 were in part mediated by the activation of AKT pathway. Knockdown of GLI2, but not GLI3, also inhibited xenograft growth of cervical cancer cells in vivo. Finally, analysis of TCGA data showed that high levels of GLI2, but not GLI3, conferred a poor prognosis in cervical cancer patients. These observations for the first time suggest that GLI2, but not GLI3, exerts a tumor-promoting role in cervical cancer and may be targeted as a novel therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Departments of Cell Systems & Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Lu Xia
- Departments of Cell Systems & Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Xiangya Hospital and Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Qi Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Departments of Cell Systems & Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Menghuang Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Departments of Cell Systems & Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Xiang Gu
- Departments of Cell Systems & Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Hakim Bouamar
- Departments of Cell Systems & Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Bingzhi Wang
- Departments of Cell Systems & Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Texas, USA.,Xiangya Hospital and Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Hunan, China
| | - Lu-Zhe Sun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China. .,Departments of Cell Systems & Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Xueqiong Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.
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17
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Yap J, Fox R, Narsia N, Pinheiro-Maia S, Pounds R, Woodman C, Luesley D, Ganesan R, Kehoe S, Dawson C. Under expression of the Sonic Hedgehog receptor, Patched1 (PTCH1), is associated with an increased risk of local recurrence in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva arising on a background of Lichen Sclerosus. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206553. [PMID: 30379908 PMCID: PMC6209322 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Dysregulation of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has been described in a variety of cancers, including cervical cancer, a disease which shares a common aetiology with vulval squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). Here, we investigate a large number of primary VSCC cases for evidence of Hedgehog pathway activation and examine the implications of pathway activity on clinical outcomes in a cohort of patients with primary VSCC. Methods Archival histology blocks containing VSCC and histologically normal adjacent epithelium were retrieved from a cohort of 91 patients who underwent treatment for primary VSCC. Immunohistochemistry staining was undertaken to assess for the expression of key Hh pathway components (SHH, PTCH1, GLI1). A competing risks statistical model was used to evaluate the implications of the levels of key Hh pathway components on clinical outcomes. Results We show that 92% of primary VSCC cases over-expressed one or more components of the Hh signalling pathway when compared to the adjacent normal epithelium. While expression of SHH and GLI1 did not correlate with any clinicopathological criteria, over- or under-expression of PTCH1 was associated with a reduced or increased risk of developing a local disease recurrence, respectively. In VSCC arising on a background of Lichen Sclerosus, the risk of local recurrence was potentiated in cases where PTCH1 was under-expressed. Conclusions Our findings reveal, for the first time, that the Hh pathway is activated in VSCC and that PTCH1 expression can be used as a biomarker to stratify patients and inform clinicians of the risk of their local recurrence, particularly in cases of VSCC associated with LS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Yap
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- Pan Birmingham Gynaecological Cancer Centre, City Hospital, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (JY); (CD)
| | - Richard Fox
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Natalie Narsia
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology & Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Palacky University, Olomouc, Moravia, Czech Republic
| | - Sonia Pinheiro-Maia
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Pounds
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Ciaran Woodman
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - David Luesley
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- Pan Birmingham Gynaecological Cancer Centre, City Hospital, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Raji Ganesan
- Department of Histopathology, Birmingham Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Kehoe
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- Pan Birmingham Gynaecological Cancer Centre, City Hospital, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Dawson
- Birmingham Cancer Research UK Cancer Centre, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (JY); (CD)
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18
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Huang C, Lu H, Li J, Xie X, Fan L, Wang D, Tan W, Wang Y, Lin Z, Yao T. SOX2 regulates radioresistance in cervical cancer via the hedgehog signaling pathway. Gynecol Oncol 2018; 151:533-541. [PMID: 30336948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Resistance to radiotherapy accounts for most treatment failures in cervical cancer patients who receive radical radiation therapy. To discover the possible mechanism of radioresistance and improve the 5-year survival rate, we focused on how sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) mediates radioresistance in cervical cancer as well as on the interaction between SOX2 and the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in this study. METHODS We established the acquired radioresistant subclone cells Hela-RR and Siha-RR. RT-qPCR, Western blot analysis, IHC, clonogenic survival assay, CCK-8 assay, apoptosis analysis, cell cycle analysis and xenograft models were used to explore the relationship between SOX2 expression and radiation resistance and to determine how SOX2 mediates radioresistance in cervical cancer. Furthermore, luciferase reporter and ChIP-PCR assays were utilized to assess the interaction between SOX2 and the Hh signaling pathway. RESULTS Our research suggested that high expression of SOX2 was responsible for radioresistance in cervical cancer. SOX2 was observed to be closely related to irradiation-induced survival, proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle changes. The Hh signaling pathway was found to be activated in Hela-RR and Siha-RR, and the activation changed with SOX2 expression. IHC staining of SOX2 and Gli1 showed a close relationship between SOX2 and the Hh pathway. Luciferase reporter and ChIP-PCR assays demonstrated that SOX2 interacted with the Hh signaling pathway by occupying the HHAT promoter. CONCLUSIONS SOX2 is a potential therapeutic target of irradiation resistance in cervical cancer. It mediates radioresistance in cervical cancer via the Hh signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxian Huang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaiwu Lu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Xie
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Fan
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenliang Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaxian Wang
- Xiamen Cancer Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongqiu Lin
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - Tingting Yao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Bhat A, Sharma A, Bharti AC. Upstream Hedgehog signaling components are exported in exosomes of cervical cancer cell lines. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2018; 13:2127-2138. [PMID: 30265222 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2018-0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate export of Hedgehog pathway (Hh) proteins Patched1, Smoothened, Sonic hedgehog and Indian hedgehog in cervical cancer cell line (CaCx) exosomes. METHODS Exosomes were isolated and characterized by Western blotting, scanning electron microscopy and in a colorimetric assay. Nucleic acids (RNA, DNA) and protein content of exosomes were analyzed. Hh pathway proteins in exosomes were detected using Western blotting. RESULTS CaCx secrete bio-macromolecule (DNA, RNA and proteins) enriched exosomes. CaCx exosomes contained higher amount of RNA with respect to DNA. CaCx preferentially exported Hh proteins (Patched1, Smoothened, Sonic hedgehog, Indian hedgehog) in their exosomes. Cellular uptake assay revealed rapid internalization of CaCx exosomes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. CONCLUSION Our study showed that Hh proteins are exported in CaCx exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Bhat
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, North Campus, University Of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
| | - Aman Sharma
- ExoCan Healthcare Technologies Pvt Ltd, Lab 4, 400 NCL Innovation Park, Dr Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411008, India
| | - Alok Chandra Bharti
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, North Campus, University Of Delhi, New Delhi 110007, India
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20
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Wang YF, Yang HY, Shi XQ, Wang Y. Upregulation of microRNA-129-5p inhibits cell invasion, migration and tumor angiogenesis by inhibiting ZIC2 via downregulation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in cervical cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 19:1162-1173. [PMID: 30260270 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1491497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, some studies have placed additional research focus on microRNAs (miRNAs) in a bid to discover novel therapeutic approaches for cervical cancer (CC), which is one of the most common female reproductive tract malignancies with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability of miR-129-5p to influence cell angiogenesis, invasion and migration by targeting ZIC2 through the Hedgehog signaling pathway in CC. Both CC and adjacent normal tissues were extracted from 87 eligible participating patients with CC. Measurements of the levels of miR-129-5p, mRNA and protein levels of ZIC2, sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Gli1, and Gli2 and levels of CXCL1, VEGF and Ang2 were determined accordingly. An angiogenesis assay was performed to evaluate cell angiogenesis in vitro, while a scratch test and transwell assay were adopted for cell invasion and migration determination. Lastly, tumor formation within nude mice was performed in order to analyze angiogenesis and tumor growth among the nude mice in vivo. The findings revealed that upregulation of miR-129-5p resulted in the decrease in the mRNA and protein levels of ZIC2, Shh, Gli1, Gli2, as well as reduced levels of CXCL1, VEGF and Ang2. Moreover, up-regulation of miR-129-5p was determined to inhibit CC cell angiogenesis ability in vitro, in addition to the processes of cell migration, and invasion. Finally, up-regulation of miR-129-5p was observed to inhibit the tumor growth and angiogenesis ability of nude mice in vivo. The results of the present study provided evidence suggesting that overexpressed miR-129-5p prevents angiogenesis and inhibits cell migration and invasion by means of negatively targeting ZIC2 through suppression of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in CC. Thus, highlighting the promise of miR-129-5p as a novel target for treating CC is promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Fang Wang
- a Department of Gynecology , Henan Provincial People's Hospital & People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou , P.R. China
| | | | | | - Yue Wang
- a Department of Gynecology , Henan Provincial People's Hospital & People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou , P.R. China
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Shi G, Zhang H, Yu Q, Jin H, Hu C, Li S, Ji Y. Epigenetic silencing of sonic hedgehog elicits antitumor immune response and suppresses tumor growth by inhibiting the hedgehog signaling pathway in metastatic spine tumors in Sprague‐Dawley rats. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:9591-9603. [PMID: 30191602 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guang Shi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology The Second Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine Changchun Medical College Changchun China
| | - Qiong Yu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology The Second Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Hui Jin
- Department of Orthopedic The Second Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Chun‐Mei Hu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology The Second Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - Shu‐Chun Li
- Department of Orthopedic The Second Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
| | - You‐Bo Ji
- Department of Orthopedic The Second Hospital of Jilin University Changchun China
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Liang C, Zhao J, Ge H, Li G, Wu J. Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of FoxM1 in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a meta-analysis. Onco Targets Ther 2018; 11:3561-3571. [PMID: 29950861 PMCID: PMC6016270 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s155541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Recently, the abnormal expression of FoxM1 has been found in many malignant tumors. However, the clinicopathological and prognostic value of FoxM1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to establish the relationship between FoxM1 expression and the clinicopathological features and prognostic value in patients with HCC. Methods An electronic search for relevant articles was conducted according to a set of criteria in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE, Chinese CNKI and Chinese WanFang databases. The correlation data between FoxM1 expression and clinicopathological features and survival outcomes were analyzed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were calculated using STATA14.2. Results A total of 14 studies comprising of 2,036 patients were enrolled in this meta-analysis. The results showed that FoxM1 expression was related to the incidence, tumor size (>5 cm), vascular invasion, differentiation and TNM stage. Moreover, overexpression of FoxM1 indicated a poor 3- and 5-year overall survival rate (OS) and recurrence-free survival rate (disease-free survival rate). Conclusion Our meta-analysis indicated that FoxM1 expression was associated with incidence, tumor size (>5 cm), vascular invasion, differentiation and TNM stage. Accordingly, FoxM1 may be a reliable prognostic biomarker for patients with HCC. However, additional high-quality studies are still needed to further support these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jingyang Zhao
- Department of Tumor Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Hua Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Guangming Li
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Jixiang Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100730, China
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Suppressor of fused (Sufu) promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 8:114226-114238. [PMID: 29371981 PMCID: PMC5768398 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Suppressor of fused is essential for the maximal activation of Sonic Hedgehog signaling in development and tumorigenesis. However, the role of Sufu in cervical carcinoma remains unknown. Here, we report new findings of Sufu in regulating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition through the FoxM1 transcriptional modulation by 14-3-3ζ protein in cervical carcinoma. Sufu is overexpressed in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and its level in clinical tumor tissues is positively correlated with 14-3-3ζ. Functionanlly, siSufu remarkably prevents the cancer cell migration and invasion. We further demonstrate that the transcriptional activity of Sufu is increased by FoxM1, of which stability is promoted by 14-3-3ζ. Knockdown FoxM1 decreases the invasion of SiHa cells and reconstitution of Sufu rescues the invasion of these cells.Finally, overexpression of Sufu is significantly associated with differentiation grade, FIGO stage, Depth of stromal invasion and vascular cancer embolus. Our findings highlight a novel role for Sufu in cervical carcinogenesis.
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Nandi D, Cheema PS, Jaiswal N, Nag A. FoxM1: Repurposing an oncogene as a biomarker. Semin Cancer Biol 2017; 52:74-84. [PMID: 28855104 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The past few decades have witnessed a tremendous progress in understanding the biology of cancer, which has led to more comprehensive approaches for global gene expression profiling and genome-wide analysis. This has helped to determine more sophisticated prognostic and predictive signature markers for the prompt diagnosis and precise screening of cancer patients. In the search for novel biomarkers, there has been increased interest in FoxM1, an extensively studied transcription factor that encompasses most of the hallmarks of malignancy. Considering the attractive potential of this multifarious oncogene, FoxM1 has emerged as an important molecule implicated in initiation, development and progression of cancer. Bolstered with the skill to maneuver the proliferation signals, FoxM1 bestows resistance to contemporary anti-cancer therapy as well. This review sheds light on the large body of literature that has accumulated in recent years that implies that FoxM1 neoplastic functions can be used as a novel predictive, prognostic and therapeutic marker for different cancers. This assessment also highlights the key features of FoxM1 that can be effectively harnessed to establish FoxM1 as a strong biomarker in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeptashree Nandi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Pradeep Singh Cheema
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Neha Jaiswal
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India
| | - Alo Nag
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Delhi South Campus, New Delhi, 110021, India.
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