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Shen L, Zhang C, Cui K, Liang X, Zhu G, Hong L. Leptin secreted by adipocytes promotes EMT transition and endometrial cancer progression via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. Adipocyte 2024; 13:2293273. [PMID: 38090745 PMCID: PMC10732614 DOI: 10.1080/21623945.2023.2293273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometrial cancer is a malignant tumour with a high incidence and mortality rate, and obesity is one of the most significant risk factors for the disease. However, it remains unclear whether leptin affects cell activity, proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). MATERIALS AND METHODS Samples of endometrial cancer tissue were obtained from clinical patients and nude mice Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were performed to assess leptin levels. Western blotting, immunohistochemical (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) analyses were conducted to detect EMT, JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway proteins, and cell proliferation biomarkers. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, and Transwell assays were used to evaluate cell activity, proliferation, migration, and invasion, respectively. RESULTS ELISA, western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses showed that leptin was highly expressed, and the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway was activated in endometrial cancer patients. Cell-based experiments showed that adipocytes secreted leptin, which increased the levels of leptin, and also promoted cell migration and invasion, EMT transition, and cell activity and proliferation. Leptin accelerated cell progression and promoted EMT via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway in a dose-dependent manner. The tumour-promoting effect of leptin on endometrial cancer cells was further verified by in vivo experiments, in which leptin promoted tumour growth and activated the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. CONCLUSION Leptin secreted by adipocytes promotes EMT transition and endometrial cancer progression via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway in a dose-dependent manner.Highlights Endometrial cancer patients have high levels of leptinLeptin promotes EMT transition via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathwayLeptin promotes endometrial cancer progression via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathwayLeptin promotes endometrial cancer in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifan Shen
- Department of Gynecology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Central Lab, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, China
| | - Kaiying Cui
- Department of Gynecology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, China
| | - Xin Liang
- Department of Gynecology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, China
| | - Genhai Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, China
| | - Lan Hong
- Department of Gynecology, Hainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University), Haikou, China
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Li J, Wu J, Xie Y, Yu X. Bone marrow adipocytes and lung cancer bone metastasis: unraveling the role of adipokines in the tumor microenvironment. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1360471. [PMID: 38571500 PMCID: PMC10987778 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1360471] [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: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone is a common site of metastasis for lung cancer. The "seed and soil" hypothesis suggests that the bone marrow microenvironment ("soil") may provide a conducive survival environment for metastasizing tumor cells ("seeds"). The bone marrow microenvironment, comprising a complex array of cells, includes bone marrow adipocytes (BMAs), which constitute about 70% of the adult bone marrow volume and may play a significant role in tumor bone metastasis. BMAs can directly provide energy for tumor cells, promoting their proliferation and migration. Furthermore, BMAs participate in the tumor microenvironment's osteogenesis regulation, osteoclast(OC) regulation, and immune response through the secretion of adipokines, cytokines, and inflammatory factors. However, the precise mechanisms of BMAs in lung cancer bone metastasis remain largely unclear. This review primarily explores the role of BMAs and their secreted adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, Nesfatin-1, Resistin, chemerin, visfatin) in lung cancer bone metastasis, aiming to provide new insights into the mechanisms and clinical treatment of lung cancer bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Li
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism/Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital, Jinan, China
| | - Jialu Wu
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism/Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanni Xie
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism/Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xijie Yu
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism/Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rare Disease Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Listyoko AS, Okazaki R, Harada T, Inui G, Yamasaki A. Impact of obesity on airway remodeling in asthma: pathophysiological insights and clinical implications. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2024; 5:1365801. [PMID: 38562155 PMCID: PMC10982419 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2024.1365801] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity among asthma patients has surged in recent years, posing a significant risk factor for uncontrolled asthma. Beyond its impact on asthma severity and patients' quality of life, obesity is associated with reduced lung function, increased asthma exacerbations, hospitalizations, heightened airway hyperresponsiveness, and elevated asthma-related mortality. Obesity may lead to metabolic dysfunction and immune dysregulation, fostering chronic inflammation characterized by increased pro-inflammatory mediators and adipocytokines, elevated reactive oxygen species, and reduced antioxidant activity. This chronic inflammation holds the potential to induce airway remodeling in individuals with asthma and obesity. Airway remodeling encompasses structural and pathological changes, involving alterations in the airway's epithelial and subepithelial layers, hyperplasia and hypertrophy of airway smooth muscle, and changes in airway vascularity. In individuals with asthma and obesity, airway remodeling may underlie heightened airway hyperresponsiveness and increased asthma severity, ultimately contributing to the development of persistent airflow limitation, declining lung function, and a potential increase in asthma-related mortality. Despite efforts to address the impact of obesity on asthma outcomes, the intricate mechanisms linking obesity to asthma pathophysiology, particularly concerning airway remodeling, remain incompletely understood. This comprehensive review discusses current research investigating the influence of obesity on airway remodeling, to enhance our understanding of obesity's role in the context of asthma airway remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Sri Listyoko
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
- Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University-Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia
| | - Ryota Okazaki
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Tomoya Harada
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Genki Inui
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Akira Yamasaki
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Rheumatology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
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Akrida I, Papadaki H. Adipokines and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer. Mol Cell Biochem 2023; 478:2419-2433. [PMID: 36715963 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04670-x] [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: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a significant risk factor for cancer development. Within the tumor microenvironment, adipocytes interact with cancer cells, immune cells, fibroblasts and endothelial cells, and orchestrate several signaling pathways by secreting bioactive molecules, including adipokines. Adipokines or adipocytokines are produced predominantly by adipocytes and function as autocrine, paracrine and endocrine mediators. Adipokines can exert pro- and anti-inflammatory functions, and they play a pivotal role in the state of chronic low-grade inflammation that characterizes obesity. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a complex biological process whereby epithelial cells acquire the invasive, migratory mesenchymal phenotype is well-known to be implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. Emerging evidence suggests that there is a link between adipokines and EMT. This may contribute to the correlation that has been documented between obesity and cancer progression. This review summarizes the existing body of evidence supporting an association between the process of EMT in cancer and the adipokines leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin/NAMPT, lipocalin-2/NGAL, as well as other newly discovered adipokines including chemerin, nesfatin-1/nucleobindin-2, AZGP1, SFRP5 and FABP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Akrida
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Patras, Rion, Greece.
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, University of Patras Medical School, Rion, Greece.
- Department of Surgery, Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504, Rion, Greece.
| | - Helen Papadaki
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, University of Patras Medical School, Rion, Greece
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HU X, YAN C, ZHANG Y, LI G, ZHOU Z, RUAN Y, LIU S, BIAN L. [Leptin-mediated ERK Signaling Pathway Promotes the Transformation
of Rat Alveolar Type II Epithelial Cells Induced by Yunnan Tin Mine Dust]. ZHONGGUO FEI AI ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF LUNG CANCER 2023; 26:732-740. [PMID: 37989336 PMCID: PMC10663774 DOI: 10.3779/j.issn.1009-3419.2023.102.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, a significant number of miners are involved in mining operations at the Gejiu tin mine in Yunnan. This occupational setting is associated with exposure to dust particles, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and radioactive radon, thereby significantly elevating the risk of lung cancer. This study aims to investigate the involvement of leptin-mediated extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway in the malignant transformation of rat alveolar type II epithelial cells induced by Yunnan tin mine dust. METHODS Immortalized rat alveolar cells type II (RLE-6TN) cells were infected with Yunnan tin mine dust at a concentration of 200 μg/mL for nine consecutive generations to establish the infected cell model, which was named R₂₀₀ cells. The cells were cultured normally, named as R cells. The expression of leptin receptor in both cell groups was detected using the Western blot method. The optimal concentration of leptin and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor (U0126) on R₂₀₀ cells was determined using the MTT method. Starting from the 20th generation, the cells in the R group were co-cultured with leptin, while the cells in the R₂₀₀ group were co-cultured with the MEK inhibitor U0126. The morphological alterations of the cells in each group were visualized utilizing hematoxylin-eosin staining. Additionally, concanavalin A (ConA) was utilized to detect any morphological differences, and an anchorage-independent growth assay was conducted to assess the malignant transformation of the cells. The changes in the ERK signaling pathway in epithelial cells after the action of leptin were detected using the Western blot method. RESULTS Both the cells in the R group and R₂₀₀ group express leptin receptor OB-R. Compared to the R₂₀₀ group, the concentration of leptin at 100 ng/mL shows the most significant pro-proliferation effect. The proliferation of R₂₀₀ cells infected with the virus is inhibited by 30 μmol/L U0126, and a statistically significant divergence was seen when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Starting from the 25th generation, the cell morphology of the leptin-induced R₂₀₀ group (R₂₀₀L group) underwent changes, leading to malignant transformation observed at the 30th generation. The characteristics of malignant transformation became evident by the 40th generation in the R₂₀₀L group. In contrast, the other groups showed agglutination of P40 cells, and the speed of cell aggregation increased with an increase in ConA concentration. Notably, the R₂₀₀L group exhibited faster cell aggregation compared to the U0126-induced R₂₀₀ (R₂₀₀LU) group. Additionally, the cells in the R₂₀₀L group were capable of forming clones starting from P30, with a colony formation rate of 2.25‰±0.5‰. However, no clonal colonies were observed in the R₂₀₀LU group and R₂₀₀ group. The expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) was enhanced in cells of the R₂₀₀L group. However, when the cells in the R₂₀₀L group were treated with U0126, a blocking agent, the phosphorylation level of pERK decreased. CONCLUSIONS Leptin can promote the malignant transformation of lung epithelial cells infected by mine dust, and the ERK signaling pathway may be necessary for the transformation of alveolar type II epithelial cells induced by Yunnan tin mine dust.
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Kawabe N, Matsuoka K, Komeda K, Muraki N, Takaba M, Togami Y, Ito Y, Yamada M, Sunaga N, Girard L, Minna JD, Cai L, Xie Y, Tanaka I, Morise M, Sato M. Silencing of GRHL2 induces epithelial‑to‑mesenchymal transition in lung cancer cell lines with different effects on proliferation and clonogenic growth. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:391. [PMID: 37600329 PMCID: PMC10433723 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) is a transcription factor that suppresses epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). It has been previously shown that GRHL2 can confer both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive roles in human cancers, including breast, pancreatic and colorectal cancers. However, its role in lung cancer remains elusive. In the present study, a meta-analysis of multiple gene expression datasets with clinical data revealed that GRHL2 expression was increased in lung cancer compared with that in the normal tissues. Copy number analysis of GRHL2, performed using datasets of whole exome sequencing involving 151 lung cancer cell lines, revealed frequent amplifications, suggesting that the increased GRHL2 expression may have resulted from gene amplification. A survival meta-analysis of GRHL2 using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset showed no association of GRHL2 expression with overall survival. GRHL2 expression was found to be associated with EMT status in lung cancer in TCGA dataset and lung cancer cell lines. GRHL2 knockdown induced partial EMT in the hTERT/Cdk4-immortalized normal lung epithelial cell line HBEC4KT without affecting proliferation measured by CCK-8 assays. In addition, GRHL2 silencing caused three lung cancer cell lines, H1975, H2009 and H441, to undergo partial EMT. However, the proliferative effects differed significantly. GRHL2 silencing promoted proliferation but not colony formation in H1975 cells whilst suppressing colony formation without affecting proliferation in H2009 cells, but it did not affect proliferation in H441 cells. These results suggest cell type-dependent effects of GRHL2 knockdown. Downstream, GRHL2 silencing enhanced the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, assessed by western blotting with phospho-specific antibodies, in HBEC4KT, H1975 and H2009 cell lines but not in the H441 cell line. By contrast, transient GRHL2 overexpression did not affect A549 cell proliferation, which lack detectable endogenous expression of the GRHL2 protein. However, GRHL2 overexpression did suppress E-cadherin expression in A549 cells. These results suggested that GRHL2 does not only function as a tumor suppressor of EMT but can also behave as an oncogene depending on the lung cancer cell-type context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomi Kawabe
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673, Japan
| | - Kohei Matsuoka
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673, Japan
| | - Kazuki Komeda
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Nao Muraki
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673, Japan
| | - Miho Takaba
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673, Japan
| | - Yasuha Togami
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673, Japan
| | - Yumeno Ito
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673, Japan
| | - Mizuki Yamada
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673, Japan
| | - Noriaki Sunaga
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Luc Girard
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75230-8593, USA
| | - John D. Minna
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75230-8593, USA
| | - Ling Cai
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O'Donnell School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75230-8593, USA
| | - Yang Xie
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O'Donnell School of Public Health, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75230-8593, USA
| | - Ichidai Tanaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masahiro Morise
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8550, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Sato
- Division of Host Defense Sciences, Department of Integrated Health Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673, Japan
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Ayed K, Nabi L, Akrout R, Mrizak H, Gorrab A, Bacha D, Boussen H, Gati A. Obesity and cancer: focus on leptin. Mol Biol Rep 2023:10.1007/s11033-023-08525-y. [PMID: 37227675 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08525-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decades, obesity has grown to epidemic proportions worldwide. It has been associated with an increased risk for different types of cancer. In addition, obesity has been associated with a poor prognosis, an increased risk of metastasis and mortality, and resistance to anti-cancer therapies. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the obesity-cancer connection have not yet been fully elucidated. However, this connection could result, at least in part, from the action of adipokines, whose levels are increased in obesity. Among these adipokines, evidence suggests leptin's critical role in linking obesity to cancer. In this review, we first summarize the current state of the literature regarding the implication of leptin in tumorigenic processes. Next, we focus on the effects of leptin on the anti-tumor immune response. Then, we discuss the influence of leptin on the efficiency of antineoplastic treatments and the development of tumor resistance. Finally, we highlight the use of leptin as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khouloud Ayed
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology, and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Lamis Nabi
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology, and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Rym Akrout
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology, and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hela Mrizak
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology, and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Amal Gorrab
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology, and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dhouha Bacha
- Anatomopathology Department, Mongi Slim Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hamouda Boussen
- Medical Oncology Department, Salah Azaiez Institute, Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Ariana, Tunisia
| | - Asma Gati
- Laboratory of Genetics, Immunology, and Human Pathology, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis, Tunisia.
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Immunohistochemical expressions of EMT markers in pan-RAS-pERK1/2-positive tumors improve diagnosis and prognosis assessment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and muscle invasive bladder cancer patients. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 478:1169-1190. [PMID: 36239855 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04579-x] [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: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Mutation or overexpression renders pan-RAS (rat sarcoma) proteins insensitive to inactivation. Activated pan-RAS communicates signal from the cell surface receptor to activate RAS-MAPK/ERK (RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal regulated kinases) signaling and orchestrates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-activating transcription factors (EMT-ATFs) reprogramming to induce EMT. Owing to limited studies available in bladder cancer, the present study is taken up to examine the expressions of the EMT-associated markers in pan-RAS-pERK1/2 (pan-RAS-phosphoERK1/2)-positive well-characterized cohort of forty-two non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and forty-five muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on paraffin embedded tissue sections to determine the immunolevels and cellular localization of marker proteins. Semi-quantitative expressions of pan-RAS, pERK1/2, and EMT markers (E-cadherin, Vimentin, N-cadherin, Snail, Slug Twist, and Zeb1) were statistically examined with clinicohistopathological profile of the patients using SPSS, version 20.0 software. The study documents the diagnostic relevance of immunohistochemical expressions of pan-RAS-pERK1/2/EMT-associated markers in order to stratify NMIBC and MIBC patients. Follow-up studies supported the role of altered EMT phenotype in pan-RAS-pERK1/2-activated positive tumors with disease aggressiveness. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first concluding the impact of altered EMT phenotype via pan-RAS-pERK1/2 axis on the short survival outcome [short overall survival (OS) (p = 0.04), short progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.02) and short cancer-specific survival (CSS) (p = 0.03)] of muscle invasive bladder cancer patients.
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You Y, Wen D, Zeng L, Lu J, Xiao X, Chen Y, Song H, Liu Z. ALKBH5/MAP3K8 axis regulates PD-L1+ macrophage infiltration and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5001-5018. [PMID: 35982895 PMCID: PMC9379398 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.70149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumors.M6A is a novel epigenetic modification that have been emerged as vital regulators for the progression of HCC. However, the regulatory role, clinical significance and the details of the modification, such as the impact on the local tumor environment, remain largely unclear. Our study showed that ALKBH5 was highly expressed in HCC and high ALKBH5 expression predicted a worse prognosis of HCC patients. Prediction of ALKBH5 function by tissue samples and single cell sequencing Gene Set Variation Analysis. Primary CD3 + T lymphocytes and bone marrow-derived macrophages were used to evaluate the effect of ALKBH5 on immune microenvironment. The results indicated that ALKBH5 promote HCC cell proliferation, metastasis and PD-L1+macrophage recruitment. Mechanistically the results showed that ALKBH5 regulates MAP3K8 expression in a m6A dependent manner which mediates the proliferation and metastasis of HCC cells. ALKBH5 also promotes the activation of JNK and ERK pathways through upregulating MAP3K8, thus regulating the expression of IL-8 and promoting macrophage recruitment. Taken together, these data show that ALKBH5 promotes HCC growth, metastasis and macrophage recruitment through ALKBH5/MAP3K8 axis and it may serve as a potential diagnostic marker and target for treatment of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu You
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Diguang Wen
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Lu Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jiao Lu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing University Central Hospital (Chongqing Emergency Medical Center), Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Yucheng Chen
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hua Song
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Zuojin Liu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
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邢 瑶, 刘 子, 张 晓, 王 建. [Effects of leptin on proliferation and differentiation of hypoxic rat retinal progenitor cells in vitro]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:354-359. [PMID: 35426798 PMCID: PMC9010985 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.03.06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the the effects of leptin on the proliferation, differentiation and PTEN expression of rat retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) cultured under hypoxic condition. METHODS SD rat RPCs were cultured in normoxic conditions or exposed to hypoxia in the presence of 0, 0.3, 1.0, 3.0, 10, and 30 nmol/L leptin for 12, 48 and 72 h, and the cell viability was assessed using cell counting kit 8 (CCK 8) assay. The RPCs in primary culture were divided into control group, hypoxia group, and hypoxia+leptin group, and after 48 h of culture, the cell medium was replaced with differentiation medium and the cells were further cultured for 6 days. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to detect the cells positive for β-tubulin III and GFAP, and Western blotting was used to examine the expression of PTEN at 48 h of cell culture. RESULTS The first generation of RPCs showed suspended growth in the medium with abundant and bright cellular plasma and formed mulberry like cell spheres after 2 days of culture. Treatment with low-dose leptin (below 3.0 nmol/L) for 48 h obviously improved the viability of RPCs cultured in hypoxia, while at high concentrations (above 10 nmol/L), leptin significantly suppressed the cell viability (P < 0.05). The cells treated with 3.0 nmol/L leptin for 48 h showed the highest viability (P < 0.05). After treatment with 3.0 nmol/L leptin for 48 h, the cells with hypoxic exposure showed similar GFAP and β-tubulin Ⅲ positivity with the control cells (P>0.05), but exhibited an obvious down-regulation of PTEN protein expression compared with the control cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION In rat RPCs with hypoxic exposure, treatment with low dose leptin can promote the cell proliferation and suppress cellular PTEN protein expression without causing significant effects on cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- 瑶 邢
- />西安交通大学第二附属医院眼科,陕西 西安 710004Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - 子瑶 刘
- />西安交通大学第二附属医院眼科,陕西 西安 710004Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - 晓辉 张
- />西安交通大学第二附属医院眼科,陕西 西安 710004Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
| | - 建明 王
- />西安交通大学第二附属医院眼科,陕西 西安 710004Department of Ophthalmology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China
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11
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Juárez-Cruz JC, Okoniewski M, Ramírez M, Ortuño-Pineda C, Navarro-Tito N, Castañeda-Saucedo E. Chronic Leptin Treatment Induces Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in MCF10A Mammary Epithelial Cells. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2022; 27:19-36. [PMID: 35195812 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-022-09515-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin is a cytokine-like hormone that functions as a link between obesity and breast cancer (BC). Leptin treatment induces Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in BC cell lines. In non-tumoral breast epithelial MCF10A cells, acute leptin treatment induces partial EMT. However, the effect of chronic leptin treatment on EMT in non-tumorigenic breast cells has not been fully explored. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic leptin treatment on the induction of EMT in MCF10A cells. We found that chronic leptin treatment induces a switch from an epithelial to a mesenchymal morphology, partial loss of E-cadherin and gain of vimentin expression. Immunolocalization experiments showed a partial loss of E-cadherin at cell junctions and increased cytoplasmic localization of vimentin in leptin-treated cells. Moreover, chronic leptin treatment increased collective cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, when cultured in non-adherent conditions leptin treated cells exhibited reduced cell aggregation, increased survival, and decreased apoptosis, which correlates with increased FAK and AKT phosphorylation. Finally, bioinformatic analysis in two publicly available RNAseq datasets from normal breast tissue shows that high levels of leptin mRNA correlate positively with the expression of mesenchymal markers, and negatively with epithelial markers. Thus, our results demonstrate that chronic leptin treatment induces EMT in non-tumorigenic MCF10A cells and suggest that high leptin expression in normal breast tissue may induce EMT and contribute to increased risk of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Juárez-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer. Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero. Av. Lázaro Cárdenas S/N Ciudad Universitaria. C.P, 39087, Chilpancingo de los Bravo, Guerrero, México
| | | | - Mónica Ramírez
- CONACYT, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo, Guerrero, México
| | - Carlos Ortuño-Pineda
- Laboratorio de Ácidos Nucleicos y Proteínas. Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo, Guerrero, México
| | - Napoleón Navarro-Tito
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer. Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero. Av. Lázaro Cárdenas S/N Ciudad Universitaria. C.P, 39087, Chilpancingo de los Bravo, Guerrero, México
| | - Eduardo Castañeda-Saucedo
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer. Facultad de Ciencias Químico-Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero. Av. Lázaro Cárdenas S/N Ciudad Universitaria. C.P, 39087, Chilpancingo de los Bravo, Guerrero, México.
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12
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Umar MI, Hassan W, Murtaza G, Buabeid M, Arafa E, Irfan HM, Asmawi MZ, Huang X. The Adipokine Component in the Molecular Regulation of Cancer Cell Survival, Proliferation and Metastasis. Pathol Oncol Res 2021; 27:1609828. [PMID: 34588926 PMCID: PMC8473628 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2021.1609828] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A hormonal imbalance may disrupt the rigorously monitored cellular microenvironment by hampering the natural homeostatic mechanisms. The most common example of such hormonal glitch could be seen in obesity where the uprise in adipokine levels is in virtue of the expanding bulk of adipose tissue. Such aberrant endocrine signaling disrupts the regulation of cellular fate, rendering the cells to live in a tumor supportive microenvironment. Previously, it was believed that the adipokines support cancer proliferation and metastasis with no direct involvement in neoplastic transformations and tumorigenesis. However, the recent studies have reported discrete mechanisms that establish the direct involvement of adipokine signaling in tumorigenesis. Moreover, the individual adipokine profile of the patients has never been considered in the prognosis and staging of the disease. Hence, the present manuscript has focused on the reported extensive mechanisms that culminate the basis of poor prognosis and diminished survival rate in obese cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Waseem Hassan
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Manal Buabeid
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.,Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research Centre, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elshaimaa Arafa
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.,Medical and Bio-allied Health Sciences Research Centre, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mohd Zaini Asmawi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Science Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Xianju Huang
- College of Pharmacy, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
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13
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Expression Pattern of Leptin and Its Receptors in Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10132787. [PMID: 34202922 PMCID: PMC8268664 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10132787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of novel molecular markers and the development of cancer treatment strategies are very important as cancer incidence is still very high. Obesity can contribute to cancer progression, including endometrial cancer. Adipocytes secrete leptin, which, when at a high level, is associated with an increased risk of cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the expression profile of leptin-related genes in the endometrial tissue samples and whole blood of patients. The study material included tissue samples and whole blood collected from 30 patients with endometrial cancer and 30 without cancer. Microarrays were used to assess the expression profile of leptin-related genes. Then, the expression of leptin (LEP), leptin receptor (LEPR), leptin receptor overlapping transcript (LEPROT), and leptin receptor overlapping transcript-like 1 (LEPROTL1) was determined by the Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription Reaction (RT-qPCR). The serum leptin concentration was evaluated using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Leptin and its receptors were overexpressed both at the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, there were strong positive correlations between leptin levels and patient Body Mass Index (BMI). Elevated levels of leptin and its receptors may potentially contribute to the progression of endometrial cancer. These observations may be useful in designing endometrial cancer treatment strategies.
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14
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Lin TC, Hsiao M. Leptin and Cancer: Updated Functional Roles in Carcinogenesis, Therapeutic Niches, and Developments. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062870. [PMID: 33799880 PMCID: PMC8002181 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin is an obesity-associated adipokine that is known to regulate energy metabolism and reproduction and to control appetite via the leptin receptor. Recent work has identified specific cell types other than adipocytes that harbor leptin and leptin receptor expression, particularly in cancers and tumor microenvironments, and characterized the role of this signaling axis in cancer progression. Furthermore, the prognostic significance of leptin in various types of cancer and the ability to noninvasively detect leptin levels in serum samples have attracted attention for potential clinical applications. Emerging findings have demonstrated the direct and indirect biological effects of leptin in regulating cancer proliferation, metastasis, angiogenesis and chemoresistance, warranting the exploration of the underlying molecular mechanisms to develop a novel therapeutic strategy. In this review article, we summarize and integrate transcriptome and clinical data from cancer patients together with the recent findings related to the leptin signaling axis in the aforementioned malignant phenotypes. In addition, a comprehensive analysis of leptin and leptin receptor distribution in a pancancer panel and in individual cell types of specific organs at the single-cell level is presented, identifying those sites that are prone to leptin-mediated tumorigenesis. Our results shed light on the role of leptin in cancer and provide guidance and potential directions for further research for scientists in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Chieh Lin
- Genomic Medicine Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research and Development, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 333, Taiwan;
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-27871243; Fax: +886-2-27899931
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15
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Tang X, Zheng Y, Jiao D, Chen J, Liu X, Xiong S, Chen Q. Anlotinib Inhibits Cell Proliferation, Migration and Invasion via Suppression of c-Met Pathway and Activation of ERK1/2 Pathway in H446 Cells. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2021; 21:747-755. [PMID: 32682383 DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200718235748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) represents the most aggressive pulmonary neoplasm and is often diagnosed at late stage with limited survival, despite combined chemotherapies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of anlotinib on SCLC and the potential molecular mechanisms. METHODS Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay to determine the adequate concentration of anlotinib. Then, effects of anlotinib on cell apoptosis, cell cycle distribution, migration and invasion were analyzed by flow cytometry, PI staining, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. The protein expression of c-met and ERK1/2 pathways in H446 cells were assessed by western blot analysis. RESULTS In this study, we found that anlotinib significantly reduced the cell viability of H446 cells, induced G2/M cell cycle arrest and decreased invasion and migration of H446 cells. Futhermore, we also found that anlotinib could suppress c-met signal transduction and activate the ERK1/2 pathway in H446 cells. More importantly, c-met was involved in the effects of anlotinib on migration and invasion in H446 cells. CONCLUSION Taken together, our results demonstrated that anlotinib was a potential anticancer agent that inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion via suppression of the c-met pathway and activation of the ERK1/2 pathway in H446 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiali Tang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Demin Jiao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xibang Liu
- School of the 1st Clinical Medical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan Xiong
- Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan Shandong 250062, China
| | - Qingyong Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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16
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Huang H, Zhang J, Ling F, Huang Y, Yang M, Zhang Y, Wei Y, Zhang Q, Wang H, Song L, Wu Y, Yang J, Tang J. Leptin Receptor (LEPR) promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibits apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating ANXA7. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:4. [PMID: 33397392 PMCID: PMC7784271 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01641-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leptin Receptor (LEPR) has been suggested to have several roles in cancer metastasis. However, the role of LEPR and its underlying mechanisms in lymphatic metastasis of hepatocarcinoma have not yet been studied. Methods We performed bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent, coimmunoprecipitation assays and a series of functional assays to investigate the roles of LEPR in hepatocellular carcinoma. Results We discovered that LEPR was highly expressed in liver cancer tissues, and the expression of LEPR in Hca-F cells was higher than that in Hca-P cells. Furthermore, LEPR promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion and inhibits the apoptosis of hepatocarcinoma lymphatic metastatic cells. Further studies indicated that LEPR interacts with ANXA7. Mechanistically, LEPR regulated ERK1/2 and JAK2/STAT3 expression via ANXA7 regulation. Conclusions These findings unveiled a previously unappreciated role of LEPR in the regulation of lymphatic metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma, assigning ANXA7-LEPR as a promising therapeutic target for liver cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Huang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China.,Department of Pathology, Tangshan People's Hospital, 65 Shengli Road, Tangshan, 063001, Hebei, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Fei Ling
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuhong Huang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuanyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Honghai Wang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Lin Song
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Jiayu Yang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Jianwu Tang
- Department of Pathology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, 9 W. Lushun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China.
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17
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Olea-Flores M, Juárez-Cruz JC, Zuñiga-Eulogio MD, Acosta E, García-Rodríguez E, Zacapala-Gomez AE, Mendoza-Catalán MA, Ortiz-Ortiz J, Ortuño-Pineda C, Navarro-Tito N. New Actors Driving the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer: The Role of Leptin. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1676. [PMID: 33334030 PMCID: PMC7765557 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin is a hormone secreted mainly by adipocytes; physiologically, it participates in the control of appetite and energy expenditure. However, it has also been linked to tumor progression in different epithelial cancers. In this review, we describe the effect of leptin on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in different study models, including in vitro, in vivo, and patient studies and in various types of cancer, including breast, prostate, lung, and ovarian cancer. The different studies report that leptin promotes the expression of mesenchymal markers and a decrease in epithelial markers, in addition to promoting EMT-related processes such as cell migration and invasion and poor prognosis in patients with cancer. Finally, we report that leptin has the greatest biological relevance in EMT and tumor progression in breast, lung, prostate, esophageal, and ovarian cancer. This relationship could be due to the key role played by the enriched tumor microenvironment in adipose tissue. Together, these findings demonstrate that leptin is a key biomolecule that drives EMT and metastasis in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monserrat Olea-Flores
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, Mexico; (M.O.-F.); (J.C.J.-C.); (M.D.Z.-E.); (E.A.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Juan C. Juárez-Cruz
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, Mexico; (M.O.-F.); (J.C.J.-C.); (M.D.Z.-E.); (E.A.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Miriam D. Zuñiga-Eulogio
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, Mexico; (M.O.-F.); (J.C.J.-C.); (M.D.Z.-E.); (E.A.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Erika Acosta
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, Mexico; (M.O.-F.); (J.C.J.-C.); (M.D.Z.-E.); (E.A.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Eduardo García-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, Mexico; (M.O.-F.); (J.C.J.-C.); (M.D.Z.-E.); (E.A.); (E.G.-R.)
| | - Ana E. Zacapala-Gomez
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, Mexico; (A.E.Z.-G.); (M.A.M.-C.); (J.O.-O.)
| | - Miguel A. Mendoza-Catalán
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, Mexico; (A.E.Z.-G.); (M.A.M.-C.); (J.O.-O.)
| | - Julio Ortiz-Ortiz
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, Mexico; (A.E.Z.-G.); (M.A.M.-C.); (J.O.-O.)
| | - Carlos Ortuño-Pineda
- Laboratorio de Ácidos Nucleicos y Proteinas, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, Mexico;
| | - Napoleón Navarro-Tito
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo 39090, Mexico; (M.O.-F.); (J.C.J.-C.); (M.D.Z.-E.); (E.A.); (E.G.-R.)
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18
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Kim JW, Mahiddine FY, Kim GA. Leptin Modulates the Metastasis of Canine Inflammatory Mammary Adenocarcinoma Cells Through Downregulation of Lysosomal Protective Protein Cathepsin A ( CTSA). Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8963. [PMID: 33255835 PMCID: PMC7728357 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21238963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Canine malignant mammary gland tumors present with a poor prognosis due to metastasis to other organs, such as lung and lymph node metastases. Unlike in human studies where obesity has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer, this has not been well studied in veterinary science. In our preliminary study, we discovered that leptin downregulated cathepsin A, which is responsible for lysosomal-associated membrane protein 2a (LAMP2a) degradation. LAMP2a is a rate-limiting factor in chaperone-mediated autophagy and is highly active in malignant cancers. Therefore, in this study, alterations in metastatic capacity through cathepsin A by leptin, which are secreted at high levels in the blood of obese patients, were investigated. We used a canine inflammatory mammary gland adenocarcinoma (CHMp) cell line cultured with RPMI-1640 and 10% fetal bovine serum. The samples were then subjected to real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunocytochemistry, and lysosome isolation to investigate and visualize the metastasis and chaperone-mediated autophagy-related proteins. Results showed that leptin downregulated cathepsin A expression at both transcript and protein levels, whereas LAMP2a, the rate-limiting factor of chaperone-mediated autophagy, was upregulated by inhibition of LAMP2a degradation. Furthermore, leptin promoted LAMP2a multimerization through the lysosomal mTORC2 (mTOR complex 2)/PH domain and leucine rich repeat protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1)/AKT1 (Serine/threonine-protein kinase 1) pathway. These findings suggest that targeting leptin receptors can alleviate mammary gland cancer cell metastasis in dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Wook Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea; (J.-W.K.); (F.Y.M.)
- Department of Theriogenology, Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Feriel Yasmine Mahiddine
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea; (J.-W.K.); (F.Y.M.)
| | - Geon A Kim
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University, Gwanak-ro 1, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea; (J.-W.K.); (F.Y.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Daejeon 34824, Korea
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19
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Duan L, Lu Y, Xie W, Nong L, Jia Y, Tan A, Liu Y. Leptin promotes bone metastasis of breast cancer by activating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:16172-16182. [PMID: 32836215 PMCID: PMC7485740 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of tumorigenesis, and increased leptin levels can promote tumor metastasis. However, the effects of leptin on bone metastasis in breast cancer are not fully understood. Here, we examined leptin receptor expression and bone metastasis in tissue samples from 96 breast cancer patients. In addition, we investigated the effects of leptin on the metastatic capacity of breast cancer cells in vitro using a transwell assays. The results indicated that higher leptin receptor levels in breast cancer cells are associated with increased incidence of bone metastasis in breast cancer patients. Additionally, leptin promoted migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis activated by leptin also promoted bone metastasis of breast cancer. Finally, increased CXCR4 expression was accompanied by high leptin receptor expression in bone metastatic tissues from breast cancer patients. These results indicate that leptin induces bone metastasis of breast cancer by activating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Duan
- The Fifth Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yongkui Lu
- The Fifth Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Weimin Xie
- The Fifth Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Li Nong
- The Fifth Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yuxian Jia
- The Fifth Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Aihua Tan
- The Fifth Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Liu
- The Fifth Department of Chemotherapy, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Department of Trauma Orthopedic and Hand Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.,Guangxi Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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20
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Evaluation of the Impact of Cisplatin on Variances in the Expression Pattern of Leptin-Related Genes in Endometrial Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114135. [PMID: 32531934 PMCID: PMC7312814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This research aimed to assess the impact of cisplatin, depending on the concentration and exposure time, on the expression pattern of leptin in an endometrial cancer cell line. Ishikawa endometrial cancer cell cultures were incubated with cisplatin, at concentrations of 2.5–10 µM, or leptin in the concentration range 10–40 ng/mL, and for durations of 12, 24 and 48 h compared with the control. The microarray techniques: RTqPCR; ELISA; and RNAi assay were used. Statistical analysis was performed at p < 0.05. Already with the lowest concentration and incubation time, statistically substantial silencing of leptin expression on the mRNA level under the influence of cisplatin after its addition to the culture was observed. On the protein level, the expression for cisplatin at a concentration of 2.5 µM was only noticeable after 48 h of exposure and maintained themselves with consecutively larger concentrations. It was observed that cisplatin at a concentration of 5 µM is IC50 and the drug activated apoptosis via caspases -3 and -9. Cisplatin at a concentration of 5 µM and higher has a significant effect on the concentration of leptin. The effect of cisplatin on the expression profile of genes associated with leptin-dependent signaling pathways and changes in the expression of leptin itself and its receptors was confirmed. It was also confirmed that cisplatin exerted its effect via the leptin pathway.
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Olea-Flores M, Zuñiga-Eulogio MD, Mendoza-Catalán MA, Rodríguez-Ruiz HA, Castañeda-Saucedo E, Ortuño-Pineda C, Padilla-Benavides T, Navarro-Tito N. Extracellular-Signal Regulated Kinase: A Central Molecule Driving Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2885. [PMID: 31200510 PMCID: PMC6627365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20122885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a reversible cellular process, characterized by changes in gene expression and activation of proteins, favoring the trans-differentiation of the epithelial phenotype to a mesenchymal phenotype. This process increases cell migration and invasion of tumor cells, progression of the cell cycle, and resistance to apoptosis and chemotherapy, all of which support tumor progression. One of the signaling pathways involved in tumor progression is the MAPK pathway. Within this family, the ERK subfamily of proteins is known for its contributions to EMT. The ERK subfamily is divided into typical (ERK 1/2/5), and atypical (ERK 3/4/7/8) members. These kinases are overexpressed and hyperactive in various types of cancer. They regulate diverse cellular processes such as proliferation, migration, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy, and EMT. In this context, in vitro and in vivo assays, as well as studies in human patients, have shown that ERK favors the expression, function, and subcellular relocalization of various proteins that regulate EMT, thus promoting tumor progression. In this review, we discuss the mechanistic roles of the ERK subfamily members in EMT and tumor progression in diverse biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monserrat Olea-Flores
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Miriam Daniela Zuñiga-Eulogio
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Miguel Angel Mendoza-Catalán
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Hugo Alberto Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Eduardo Castañeda-Saucedo
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Carlos Ortuño-Pineda
- Laboratorio de Biomedicina Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
| | - Teresita Padilla-Benavides
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 364 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.
| | - Napoleón Navarro-Tito
- Laboratorio de Biología Celular del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Av. Lázaro Cárdenas s/n Chilpancingo, Gro. 39090, Mexico.
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Inagaki-Ohara K. Gastric Leptin and Tumorigenesis: Beyond Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112622. [PMID: 31141984 PMCID: PMC6600422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone and its receptor (ObR) expressed in the hypothalamus are well known as an essential regulator of appetite and energy expenditure. Obesity induces abundant leptin production, however, reduced sensitivity to leptin leads to the development of metabolic disorders, so called leptin resistance. The stomach has been identified as an organ that simultaneously expresses leptin and ObR. Accumulating evidence has shown gastric leptin to perform diverse functions, such as those in nutrient absorption and carcinogenesis in the gastrointestinal system, independent of its well-known role in appetite regulation and obesity. Overexpression of leptin and phosphorylated ObR is implicated in gastric cancer in humans and in murine model, and diet-induced obesity causes precancerous lesions in the stomach in mice. While the underlying pathomechanisms remain unclear, leptin signaling can affect gastric mucosal milieu. In this review, we focus on the significant role of the gastric leptin signaling in neoplasia and tumorigenesis in stomach in the context of hereditary and diet-induced obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Inagaki-Ohara
- Division of Host Defense, Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Prefectural University of Hiroshima, 5562 Nanatsuka, Shobara, Hiroshima 727-0023, Japan.
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