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Yang W, Cui X, Sun D, Sun G, Yan Z, Wei M, Wang Z, Yu W. POU5F1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells by reducing the ubiquitination level of TRAF6. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:802. [PMID: 38062041 PMCID: PMC10703809 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06332-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
POU5F1 plays an important role in maintaining the cancer stem cell (CSC) -like properties of gastric cancer (GC) cells. The impact of POU5F1 on the proliferation and metastasis of GC was examined, along with the potential of ATRA as a specific therapeutic agent for GC. The dysregulation of POU5F1 expression in GC tissues was analyzed using public databases and bioinformatics techniques, and the disparity in POU5F1 expression between normal gastric tissues and GC tissues was further assessed through western blot, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemistry. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of POU5F1 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells through both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Additionally, the effects of ATRA on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells were examined using in vivo and in vitro approaches. Our findings revealed a significant upregulation of POU5F1 in GC tissues, which was found to be associated with a poorer prognosis in patients with GC. Moreover, POU5F1 was observed to enhance the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells in vitro, as well as promote subcutaneous tumor growth and lung metastasis of GC cells in vivo. The overexpression of POU5F1 mechanistically triggers the process of Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by down-regulating E-Cadherin and up-regulating N-Cadherin and VIM. POU5F1 hinders the ubiquitination of TRAF6 through negative regulation of TRIM59, thereby facilitating the activation of the NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, the administration of ATRA effectively impedes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells by suppressing the expression of POU5F1. The upregulation of POU5F1 elicits EMT, fosters the initiation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in GC cells, and stimulates the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of GC cells. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) can impede these POU5F1-induced effects, thereby potentially serving as an adjunctive therapeutic approach for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshuo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaohan Cui
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Danping Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Guorui Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zhibo Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Meng Wei
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zuoyang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wenbin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Turyova E, Mikolajcik P, Grendar M, Kudelova E, Holubekova V, Kalman M, Marcinek J, Hrnciar M, Kovac M, Miklusica J, Laca L, Lasabova Z. Expression of OCT4 isoforms is reduced in primary colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1166835. [PMID: 37409260 PMCID: PMC10319064 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1166835] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. The carcinogenesis of CRC is indeed complex, and there are many different mechanisms and pathways that contribute to the development of malignancy and the progression from primary to metastatic tumors. The OCT4A, encoded by the POU5F1 gene, is a transcription factor responsible for the phenotype of stem cells, maintaining pluripotency and regulation of differentiation. The POU5F1 gene is made up of five exons that can create numerous isoforms through alternative promoter or alternative splicing. In addition to OCT4A, other isoforms called OCT4B are also translated into protein; however, their role in cells has been unclear. The aim of our work was to investigate the expression patterns of OCT4 isoforms in primary and metastatic CRC, providing us with useful information about their role in the development and progression of CRC. Methods Surgical specimens from a total of 78 patients were collected and isolated from primary tumors (n = 47) and metastases (n = 31). The relative gene expression of OCT4 isoforms was investigated using the RT-qPCR method together with the TaqMan probes for particular OCT4 isoforms. Results Our results suggest significantly downregulated expression of the OCT4A and OCT4Bs isoforms in both primary (p = 0.0002 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and metastatic tumors (p = 0.0006 and p = 0.00051, respectively) when compared with the control samples. We also observed a correlation between reduced expression of all OCT4 isoforms and both primary and left-sided tumors (p = 0.001 and p = 0.030, respectively). On the other hand, the expression of all OCT4 isoforms was significantly upregulated in metastases compared with primary tumors (p < 0.0001). Discussion Unlike previous reports, we found out that the expression of OCT4A, OCT4Bs, and all OCT4 isoforms was significantly reduced in primary tumors and metastases compared with control samples. On the other hand, we supposed that the expression rate of all OCT4 isoforms may be related to the cancer type and side, as well as to liver metastases. However, further studies are required to investigate the detailed expression patterns and significance of individual OCT4 isoforms in carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Turyova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Peter Mikolajcik
- Clinic of Surgery and Transplant Center, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Marian Grendar
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Eva Kudelova
- Clinic of Surgery and Transplant Center, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Veronika Holubekova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Michal Kalman
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Marcinek
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Matej Hrnciar
- Department of Informatics, Information Systems and Software Engineering, Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies, Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Kovac
- Department of Informatics, Information Systems and Software Engineering, Faculty of Informatics and Information Technologies, Slovak University of Technology, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Juraj Miklusica
- Clinic of Surgery and Transplant Center, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Ludovit Laca
- Clinic of Surgery and Transplant Center, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin and University Hospital Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
| | - Zora Lasabova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University Bratislava, Martin, Slovakia
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Giridharan M, Rupani V, Banerjee S. Signaling Pathways and Targeted Therapies for Stem Cells in Prostate Cancer. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2022; 5:193-206. [PMID: 35434534 PMCID: PMC9003388 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.2c00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most frequently occurring cancers among men, and the current statistics show that it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men. Over the years, research in PCa treatment and therapies has made many advances. Despite these efforts, the standardized therapies such as radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and surgery are not considered completely effective in treating advanced and metastatic PCa. In most situations, fast-dividing tumor cells are targeted, leaving behind relatively slowly dividing, chemoresistant cells known as cancer stem cells. Therefore, following the seemingly successful treatments, the lingering quiescent cancer stem cells are able to renew themselves, undergo differentiation into mature tumor cells, and sufficiently reinitiate the disease, leading to cancer relapse. Thus, prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) have been reported to play a vital role in controlling the dynamics of tumorigenesis, progression, and resistance to therapies in PCa. However, the complete knowledge on the mechanisms regulating the stemness of PCSCs is still unclear. Thus, studying the stemness of PCSCs will allow for the development of more effective cancer therapies due to the durable response, resulting in a reduction in recurrences of cancer. In this Review, we will specifically describe the molecular mechanisms responsible for regulating the stemness of PCSCs. Furthermore, current developments in stem cell-specific therapeutic approaches along with future prospects will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuvanthi Giridharan
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632104, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vasu Rupani
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632104, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Satarupa Banerjee
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore-632104, Tamil Nadu, India
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Taheri Bajgan E, Gholipour A, Faghihi M, Mowla SJ, Malakootian M. Linc-ROR has a Potential ceRNA Activity for OCT4A by Sequestering miR-335-5p in the HEK293T Cell Line. Biochem Genet 2021; 60:1007-1024. [PMID: 34669056 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-021-10140-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Linc-ROR has a regulatory role in reprogramming, and the core stem cell transcription factors, OCT4, SOX2, and NANOG, regulate its expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are also a critical constituent of pivotal posttranscriptional regulatory pathways. One of such interactions is a competing endogenous RNA interaction that connects small and long non-coding RNAs with coding transcripts. Here, we aimed to investigate the existence of such associations between OCT4A, Linc-ROR, hsa-miR-335-5p, and hsa-miR-544. Bioinformatic analysis was performed to evaluate the expression status of OCT4A, Linc-ROR, miR-335, and miR-544 throughout differentiation as well as in various differentiated cells. The complete lengths of OCT4A and Linc-ROR, and OCT4A 3'-UTR were cloned in the luciferase reporter vector, and the precursors of miR-335 and miR-544 were cloned in expression vectors. Following the overexpression of miR-335 and miR-544 in the 5637 cell line, the endogenous expression of OCT4A and Linc-ROR was evaluated. Afterward, the expression vectors of miRNAs and the reporter vectors of OCT4A/Linc-ROR were co-transfected in the HEK293T cell line. Via the Dual-Luciferase assay, the effect of the overexpression of miRNAs on their two possible targets (Linc-ROR and OCT4A) was investigated. The bioinformatic analysis demonstrated a relatively similar expression pattern for OCT4A and Linc-ROR, while miR-335 showed a different expression status. Both miR-335 and miR-544 inhibited the endogenous expression of OCT4A. The Dual-Luciferase assay likewise confirmed the inhibitory effect of miR-335 and miR-544 on OCT4A expression. In contrast, the miR-335 inhibitory effect was reversed in the presence of Linc-ROR, resulting in the upregulation of OCT4A. Such evidence suggests that Linc-ROR may compete with OCT4A to interact with miR-335.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Taheri Bajgan
- Molecular Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Gholipour
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University Tehran Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadali Faghihi
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Seyed Javad Mowla
- Molecular Genetics Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshid Malakootian
- Cardiogenetic Research Center, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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5
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ceRNAs in Cancer: Mechanism and Functions in a Comprehensive Regulatory Network. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:4279039. [PMID: 34659409 PMCID: PMC8516523 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4279039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Noncoding RNAs have been shown with powerful ability in post-transcriptional regulation, enabling intertwined RNA crosstalk and global molecular interaction in a large amount of dysfunctional conditions including cancer. Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are those competitively binding with shared microRNAs (miRNAs), freeing their counterparts from miRNA-induced degradation, thus actively influencing and connecting with each other. Constantly updated analytical approaches boost outstanding advancement achieved in this burgeoning hotspot in multilayered intracellular communication, providing new insights into pathogenesis and clinical treatment. Here, we summarize the mechanisms and correlated factors under this RNA interplay and deregulated transcription profile in neoplasm and tumor progression, underscoring the great significance of ceRNAs for diagnostic values, monitoring biomarkers, and prognosis evaluation in cancer.
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6
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Silva CTX, Saddi VA, Silva KSFE, Sugita DM, Guillo LA. Expression of the cancer stem cell marker OCT4 is associated with worse prognosis and survival in cutaneous melanoma. Melanoma Res 2021; 31:439-448. [PMID: 34433195 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma has an aggressive clinical presentation, showing rapid rate of growth and metastatic dissemination due to the permanence of cancer stem cells. The present study was to evaluate the expression of the self-renewal regulatory factor and the clinical significance of the transcription factor OCT4 in melanoma. Melanoma tissues were stained by immunohistochemistry and the correlation between the expression of this marker was determined through clinical-pathological variables and survival outcomes. Positive expression of nuclear and cytoplasmic OCT4 was observed in 49% and 41.2% of cases, respectively. The positive expression of nuclear OCT4 in melanoma was significantly associated with prognostic factors, such as Breslow depth, Clark's level, ulceration and metastasis. Survival of patients was 56% compared to positive nuclear OCT4 expression and 94.2% when compared to the low expression of the gene. Nuclear OCT4 positive genotype indicated aggressive tumor behavior with a worse clinical outcome, which indicates OCT4 as a useful biomarker in the prognosis of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vera Aparecida Saddi
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biodiversity, Department of Environmental and Health Science, Pontifical Catholic University of Goiás
| | | | | | - Lidia Andreu Guillo
- Cell Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
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Ji Z, Chen S, Cui J, Huang W, Zhang R, Wei J, Zhang S. Oct4-dependent FoxC1 activation improves the survival and neovascularization of mesenchymal stem cells under myocardial ischemia. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:483. [PMID: 34454602 PMCID: PMC8403428 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02553-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The administration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remains the most promising approach for cardiac repair after myocardial infarct (MI). However, their poor survival and potential in the ischemic environment limit their therapeutic efficacy for heart repair after MI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of FoxC1-induced vascular niche on the activation of octamer-binding protein 4 (Oct4) and the fate of MSCs under hypoxic/ischemic conditions.
Methods Vascular microenvironment/niche was induced by efficient delivery of FoxC1 transfection into hypoxic endothelial cells (ECs) or infarcted hearts. MSCs were cultured or injected into this niche by utilizing an in vitro coculture model and a rat MI model. Survival and neovascularization of MSCs regulated by Oct4 were explored using gene transfer and functional studies.
Results Here, using gene expression heatmap, we demonstrated that cardiac ECs rapidly upregulated FoxC1 after acute ischemic cardiac injury, contributing to an intrinsic angiogenesis. In vitro, FoxC1 accelerated tube-like structure formation and increased survival of ECs, resulting in inducing a vascular microenvironment. Overexpression of FoxC1 in ECs promoted survival and neovascularization of MSCs under hypoxic coculture. Overexpression of Oct4, a FoxC1 target gene, in MSCs enhanced their mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndoT) while knockdown of Oct4 by siRNA altering vascularization. In a rat MI model, overexpression of FoxC1 in ischemic hearts increased post-infarct vascular density and improved cardiac function. The transplantation of adOct4-pretreated MSCs into these ischemic niches augments MEndoT, enhanced vascularity, and further improved cardiac function. Consistently, these cardioprotective effects of FoxC1 was abrogated when Oct4 was depleted in the MSCs and was mimicked by overexpression of Oct4. Conclusions Together, these studies demonstrate that the FoxC1/Oct4 axis is an essential aspect for survival and neovascularization of MSCs in the ischemic conditions and represents a potential therapeutic target for enhancing cardiac repair. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02553-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Ji
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Medical College of Jinan University, 396 Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, China.,Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121001, Liaoning, China
| | - Songsheng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Medical College of Jinan University, 396 Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, China
| | - Jin Cui
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Medical College of Jinan University, 396 Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, China
| | - Weiguang Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Medical College of Jinan University, 396 Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Medical College of Jinan University, 396 Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, China
| | - Jianrui Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Medical College of Jinan University, 396 Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, China
| | - Shaoheng Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Medical College of Jinan University, 396 Tongfuzhong Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou, 510220, China.
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8
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Papamichos SI. Endogenous Retroelement-Driven Expression of OCT4B mRNA Variants. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:1078-1080. [PMID: 33666818 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10146-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Spyros I Papamichos
- Blood Service for Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland, Austrian Red Cross, Vienna, Austria.
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9
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Hassn Mesrati M, Behrooz AB, Y. Abuhamad A, Syahir A. Understanding Glioblastoma Biomarkers: Knocking a Mountain with a Hammer. Cells 2020; 9:E1236. [PMID: 32429463 PMCID: PMC7291262 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are the most frequent and deadly form of human primary brain tumors. Among them, the most common and aggressive type is the high-grade glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), which rapidly grows and renders patients a very poor prognosis. Meanwhile, cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been determined in gliomas and play vital roles in driving tumor growth due to their competency in self-renewal and proliferation. Studies of gliomas have recognized CSCs via specific markers. This review comprehensively examines the current knowledge of the most significant CSCs markers in gliomas in general and in glioblastoma in particular and specifically focuses on their outlook and importance in gliomas CSCs research. We suggest that CSCs should be the superior therapeutic approach by directly targeting the markers. In addition, we highlight the association of these markers with each other in relation to their cascading pathways, and interactions with functional miRNAs, providing the role of the networks axes in glioblastoma signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amir Syahir
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang 43400, Selangor, Malaysia; (M.H.M.); (A.B.B.); (A.Y.A.)
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Mashayekhi P, Noruzinia M, Khodaverdi S. Deregulation of Stemness-Related Genes in Endometriotic Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Further Evidence for Self-Renewal/Differentiation Imbalance. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2020; 24:333-9. [PMID: 32429647 PMCID: PMC7392139 DOI: 10.29252/ibj.24.5.328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Any irregularities in self-renewal/differentiation balance in endometriotic MSCs can change their fate and function, resulting in endometriosis development. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of OCT4 transcripts (OCT4A, OCT4B, and OCT4B1), SOX2, and NANOG in endometriotic MSCs to show their aberrant expression and to support self-renewal/differentiation imbalance in these cells. Methods: MSCs were isolated from three endometriotic and three normal endometrium samples and characterized and analyzed for the expressions of OCT4A, OCT4B, OCT4B1, SOX2, and NANOG using the qRT-PCR. Results: The expressions of OCT4 transcripts and NANOG increased significantly in endometriotic MSCs, whereas SOX2 expression did not show any significant difference. Conclusion: Our findings provide further evidence for confirming the self-renewal/ differentiation imbalance in endometriotic MSCs, as the main underlying cause of endometriosis development. This study also paves the way for further research on endometriosis treatment by focusing on endometriotic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Mashayekhi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Noruzinia
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Khodaverdi
- Endometriosis Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
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Liu Q, Deng J, Wei X, Yuan W, Ma J. Integrated analysis of competing endogenous RNA networks revealing five prognostic biomarkers associated with colorectal cancer. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:11256-11264. [PMID: 30756409 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality around the world. The aim of this study was to determine the genes significantly associated with the overall survival (OS) of CRC patients and predict their function in the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation networks. We constructed the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks according to the differentially expressed RNAs from the The Cancer Genome Atlas data sets of 561 CRC patients. Twelve differentially expressed messenger RNAs from the ceRNA networks were selected through a univariate Cox proportional hazards regression. Then, these genes were analyzed by using multivariate Cox proportional hazards stepwise regression to construct a prognostic model in which five genes (tensin 1, clusterin, proteolipid protein 1, epiregulin, and transcription factor Spi-B) were included. The Kaplan-Meier risk survival analysis showed that this five-gene signature independently predicted a 5-year overall survival in CRC patients (P < 0.001). Furthermore, significance was verified according to two irrelevant Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets (GSE38832 and GSE39582). The verified five-gene model of CRC can be used to predict patient prognosis and will inform postoperational evaluation and follow-up strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xundong Wei
- Department of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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12
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lncRNA PSORS1C3 is regulated by glucocorticoids and fine-tunes OCT4 expression in non-pluripotent cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8370. [PMID: 31182783 PMCID: PMC6557835 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44827-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OCT4 is a transcription factor known for its regulatory roles in stemness, tumorigenesis and stress response. Considering its versatile functions, expression of OCT4 is regulated at different levels. PSORS1C3, a long non-coding RNA overlapped with OCT4, has a putative association with immune mediated diseases; however, its exact functions remained to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that PSORS1C3 is regulated by glucocorticoids (GC), has two endogenously active promoters, promoter 0 and 1, and two sets of transcripts, short and long variants. According to our findings, PSORS1C3 promoters behaved differently during neural differentiation of NT2 cells and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activation. In both processes the expression pattern of short variants differed from that of long variants and was similar to OCT4 expression. Furthermore, our data revealed that PSORS1C3’s promoter 0 could act as an enhancer for OCT4 in non-pluripotent cells, where its deletion caused a significant decrease in OCT4 expression. Meanwhile, during GR activation promoter 0 functioned as a negative regulator and alleviated transcription induction of OCT4 after GC treatment. Altogether, our work clarified the structure and regulation of PSORS1C3, explained its relation to immune-related disease through GR signaling and introduced it as a novel fine-tuner of OCT4 expression in non-pluripotent cells.
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Calloni R, Bonatto D. Characteristics of the competition among RNAs for the binding of shared miRNAs. Eur J Cell Biol 2019; 98:94-102. [PMID: 31053368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are RNAs that share common miRNA binding sites and compete with each other for the miRNA association at these sites. The observation of this phenomenon in the cells altered the view of the miRNA target RNAs from molecules that are passively controlled by miRNAs to molecules that also modulate the miRNAs activity. In this review, we build a general profile of ceRNAS characteristics in order to facilitate ceRNAs identification by researchers. The information summarized here contains an actualized list of previously reported ceRNAs and classes of RNAs that can participate in this type of interaction, the expression behavior and characteristics of ceRNAs and miRNAs in the context of competition, the influence of the shared MREs/miRNAs numbers and the miRNA binding strength on the competition, reports on competition between RNAs in different subcellular localizations and the concept that ceRNAs may form a huge regulatory network in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Calloni
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Centro de Biotecnologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Diego Bonatto
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular e Biotecnologia, Centro de Biotecnologia da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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14
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Role of OCT4 in cancer stem-like cells and chemotherapy resistance. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165432. [PMID: 30904611 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) contribute to the tumorigenicity, progression, and chemoresistance of cancers. It is not known whether CSCs arise from normal stem cells or if they arise from differentiated cancer cells by acquiring self-renewal features. These CSCs share stem cell markers that normal stem cells express. There is a rising interest in octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), one of the stem cell factors that are essential in embryogenesis and pluripotency. OCT4 is also overexpressed in CSCs of various cancers. Although the majority of the studies in CSCs reported a positive association between the expression of OCT4 and chemoresistance and an inverse correlation between OCT4 and clinical prognosis, there are studies rebuking these findings, possibly due to the sparsity of stem cells within tumors and the heterogeneity of tumors. In addition, post-translational modification of OCT4 affects its activity and warrants further investigation for its association with chemoresistance and prognosis.
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15
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Saha SK, Jeong Y, Cho S, Cho SG. Systematic expression alteration analysis of master reprogramming factor OCT4 and its three pseudogenes in human cancer and their prognostic outcomes. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14806. [PMID: 30287838 PMCID: PMC6172215 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-33094-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OCT4 is a master transcription factor that regulates the pluripotency of pluripotent stem cells and cancer stem cells along with other factors, including SOX2, KLF4, and C-MYC. Three different transcripts, OCT4A, OCT4B, and OCT4B1, are known to be generated by alternative splicing and eight OCT4 pseudogenes have been found in the human genome. Among them, we examined OCT4 and three pseudogenes (POU5F1P1, POU5F1P3, and POU5F1P4) because of their high expression possibility in cancer. In addition, previous studies indicated that OCT4 expression is augmented in cervical cancer and associated with poor prognosis, whereas OCT4 is down-regulated and correlated with good clinical outcomes in breast cancer. Because of these conflicting reports, we systematically evaluated whether expression of OCT4 and its pseudogenes can serve as oncogenic markers in various human cancers using the Oncomine database. Moreover, copy number alterations and mutations in OCT4 gene and its pseudogenes were analyzed using cBioPortal and the relationship between expression of OCT4 and pseudogenes and survival probability of cancer patients were explored using Kaplan-Meier plotter, OncoLnc, PROGgeneV2, and PrognoScan databases. Multivariate survival analysis was further conducted to determine the risk of the expression of the occurrence of OCT4 and its pseudogenes on certain cancer types using data from the Kaplan-Meier plotter. Overall, an association between expression of OCT4 and pseudogenes and cancer prognosis were established, which may serve as a therapeutic target for various human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subbroto Kumar Saha
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Incurable Disease Animal Model & Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeojin Jeong
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Incurable Disease Animal Model & Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungha Cho
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Incurable Disease Animal Model & Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Ssang-Goo Cho
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biotechnology, Incurable Disease Animal Model & Stem Cell Institute (IDASI), Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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16
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Zhou Y, Chen X, Kang B, She S, Zhang X, Chen C, Li W, Chen W, Dan S, Pan X, Liu X, He J, Zhao Q, Zhu C, Peng L, Wang H, Yao H, Cao H, Li L, Herlyn M, Wang YJ. Endogenous authentic OCT4A proteins directly regulate FOS/AP-1 transcription in somatic cancer cells. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:585. [PMID: 29789579 PMCID: PMC5964179 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0606-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2017] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OCT4A is well established as a master transcription factor for pluripotent stem cell (PSC) self-renewal and a pioneer factor for initiating somatic cell reprogramming, yet its presence and functionality in somatic cancer cells remain controversial and obscure. By combining the CRISPR-Cas9-based gene editing with highly specific PCR assays, highly sensitive immunoassays, and mass spectrometry, we provide unequivocal evidence here that full-length authentic OCT4A transcripts and proteins were both present in somatic cancer cells, and OCT4A proteins were heterogeneously expressed in the whole cell population and when expressed, they are predominantly localized in cell nucleus. Despite their extremely low abundance (approximately three orders of magnitude lower than in PSCs), OCT4A proteins bound to the promoter/enhancer regions of the AP-1 transcription factor subunit c-FOS gene and critically regulated its transcription. Knocking out OCT4A in somatic cancer cells led to dramatic reduction of the c-FOS protein level, aberrant AP-1 signaling, dampened self-renewal capacity, deficient cell migration that were associated with cell growth retardation in vitro and in vivo, and their enhanced sensitivity to anticancer drugs. Taken together, we resolve the long-standing controversy and uncertainty in the field, and reveal a fundamental role of OCT4A protein in regulating FOS/AP-1 signaling-centered genes that mediate the adhesion, migration, and propagation of somatic cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Bo Kang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Shiqi She
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Xiaobing Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Songsong Dan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Xiaoyun Pan
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Jianqin He
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Qingwei Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Chenggang Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China
| | - Ling Peng
- Department of Radiotherapy, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Haoyi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Hangping Yao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Hongcui Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Meenhard Herlyn
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program and Melanoma Research Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ying-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China. .,Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program and Melanoma Research Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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17
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Meng L, Hu H, Zhi H, Liu Y, Shi F, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Lin A. OCT4B regulates p53 and p16 pathway genes to prevent apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Oncol Lett 2018; 16:522-528. [PMID: 29930717 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.8607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) is a transcription factor with a well-defined role in stem cell pluripotency. Two OCT4 isoforms, OCT4A and OCT4B, tend to be downregulated as normal cells differentiate. However, OCT4, particularly OCT4B, may become reactivated in cancer cells. Despite this observation, the exact function of OCT4B re-expression in cancer is unclear. In the present study, the role of OCT4 in breast cancer cells was determined. In particular, the ability of OCT4 to regulate key genes involved in cellular proliferation and apoptosis, two pathways that are frequently deregulated in cancer, was examined. The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A locus encodes p16INK4a and p14ARF, two important cell cycle inhibitors. The tumor suppressor p53 also has well characterized roles in suppressing proliferation and promoting apoptosis. The present study demonstrated, via overexpression and genetic knockdown techniques, that OCT4B regulates the expression of several of these genes and ultimately regulates the rate of apoptosis of MCF-7 breast cancer cells. It was also observed that, while OCT4B and OCT4A regulate one another, it is OCT4B that serves a more prominent role in regulating the transcription of downstream genes. Taken together, the present results suggest that OCT4B is re-expressed in a number of breast cancer cell lines, where it affects both the transcription of cell cycle genes and the rate of apoptosis. These properties of OCT4B may depend on, at least in part, the co-function of OCT4A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Meng
- Molecular/Cellular Biology & Animal Biotech, National Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Hongyu Hu
- Molecular/Cellular Biology & Animal Biotech, National Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Huifang Zhi
- Molecular/Cellular Biology & Animal Biotech, National Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Yue Liu
- Molecular/Cellular Biology & Animal Biotech, National Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Fangyu Shi
- Molecular/Cellular Biology & Animal Biotech, National Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Laiguang Zhang
- Molecular/Cellular Biology & Animal Biotech, National Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Yanjun Zhou
- Molecular/Cellular Biology & Animal Biotech, National Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
| | - Aixing Lin
- Molecular/Cellular Biology & Animal Biotech, National Key Laboratory for Agrobiotechnology, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, P.R. China
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18
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Baryshev M, Inashkina I, Salmina K, Huna A, Jackson TR, Erenpreisa J. DNA methylation of the Oct4A enhancers in embryonal carcinoma cells after etoposide treatment is associated with alternative splicing and altered pluripotency in reversibly senescent cells. Cell Cycle 2018; 17:362-366. [PMID: 29372665 PMCID: PMC5914730 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2018.1426412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The epigenetic mechanisms underlying chemoresistance in cancer cells resulting from drug-induced reversible senescence are poorly understood. Chemoresistant ESC-like embryonal carcinoma PA1 cells treated with etoposide (ETO) were previously found to undergo prolonged G2 arrest with transient p53-dependent upregulation of opposing fate regulators, p21CIP1 (senescence) and OCT4A (self-renewal). Here we report on the analysis of the DNA methylation state of the distal enhancer (DE) and proximal enhancer (PE) of the Oct4A gene during this dual response. When compared to non-treated controls the methylation level increased from 1.3% to 12.5% and from 3% to 19.4%, in the DE and PE respectively. It included CpG and non-CpG methylation, which was not chaotic but presented two patterns in each enhancer. Discorrelating with methylation of enhancers, the transcription of Oct4A increased, however, a strong expression of the splicing form Oct4B was also induced, along with down-regulation of the Oct4A partners of in the pluripotency/self-renewal network Sox2 and Lin28. WB demonstrated disjoining of the OCT4A protein from the chromatin-bound fraction. In survival clones, methylation of the DE was considerably erased, while some remnant of methylation of the PE was still observed. The alternative splicing for Oct4B was reduced, Oct4A level insignificantly decreased, while the expression of Sox2 and Lin28 recovered, all three became proportionally above the control. These findings indicate the involvement of the transient patterned methylation of the Oct4A enhancers and alternative splicing in the adaptive regulation of cell fate choice during the p53-dependant dual state of reversible senescence in ESC-like cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail Baryshev
- a August Kirchenstein Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Riga Stradins University , Ratsupites 5, LV-1067 Riga , Latvia
| | - Inna Inashkina
- b Latvian Biomedical Research & Study Centre , Ratsupites 1, Riga LV-1067 , Latvia
| | - Kristine Salmina
- b Latvian Biomedical Research & Study Centre , Ratsupites 1, Riga LV-1067 , Latvia
| | - Anda Huna
- b Latvian Biomedical Research & Study Centre , Ratsupites 1, Riga LV-1067 , Latvia
| | - Thomas R Jackson
- c Faculty Institute for Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester , Manchester , M13 9WL , UK
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19
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Liu X, Yu T, Sun Y, Wang H. Characterization of novel alternative splicing variants of Oct4 gene expressed in mouse pluripotent stem cells. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:5468-5477. [PMID: 29266259 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Oct4 is an important transcription factor for maintaining self-renewal and pluripotency of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). Human OCT4 can be alternatively spliced and generate OCT4a, OCT4b, and OCT4b1. In this study, we discovered the novel Oct4 variants of Oct4b' and Oct4b1-3 in mouse PSCs for the first time. The expression of Oct4b variants, especially for Oct4b', was down regulated along with the downregulation of Oct4a when stem cells were differentiated. We also found four Oct4 translational products that were differentially expressed in mouse PSCs under the different culture conditions. The constructs of Oct4b2 and Oct4b3 could be alternatively spliced into Oct4b and Oct4b' when constructs were transiently transfected in NIH3T3 cells. Oct4b' encoded a 189 aa protein, and Oct4b could generate three distinct proteins including Oct4b-246aa, Oct4b-221aa, and Oct4b-189aa. The Oct4b variants could be alternatively translated in different type cells under the control of internal ribosome entry site (IRES) element that is within 5' upstream sequence of Oct4b. These findings provide new insights into reconsidering Oct4 variants expression and its additional role in maintaining the pluripotency of stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Liu
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuxin Sun
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huayan Wang
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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20
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Yang C, Wu D, Gao L, Liu X, Jin Y, Wang D, Wang T, Li X. Competing endogenous RNA networks in human cancer: hypothesis, validation, and perspectives. Oncotarget 2017; 7:13479-90. [PMID: 26872371 PMCID: PMC4924655 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs represent a majority of the human transcriptome. However, less is known about the functions and regulatory mechanisms of most non-coding species. Moreover, little is known about the potential non-coding functions of coding RNAs. The competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) hypothesis is proposed recently. This hypothesis describes potential communication networks among all transcript RNA species mediated by miRNAs and miRNA-recognizing elements (MREs) within RNA transcripts. Here we review the evolution of the ceRNA hypothesis, summarize the validation experiments and discusses the significance and perspectives of this hypothesis in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Gao
- Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xi Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Inner Mongolia People's Hospital, Hohhot, China
| | - Yinji Jin
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dong Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Tianzhen Wang
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaobo Li
- Department of Pathology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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21
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Li LJ, Zhao W, Tao SS, Leng RX, Fan YG, Pan HF, Ye DQ. Competitive endogenous RNA network: potential implication for systemic lupus erythematosus. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:639-648. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1319938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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22
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Novel spliced variants of OCT4, OCT4C and OCT4C1, with distinct expression patterns and functions in pluripotent and tumor cell lines. Eur J Cell Biol 2017; 96:347-355. [PMID: 28476334 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OCT4 is a major regulator of pluripotency which has several spliced variants and expressed pseudogenes. Here, we are reporting the existence of two additional novel spliced variants of OCT4, OCT4C and OCT4C1, which lack Exon1 (E1) but start at a novel exon (E0) located ∼14kb upstream of E2. OCT4C/C1 is highly expressed in ES and iPS cells, and their expression was sharply turned off, upon the induction of neural differentiation. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) PSORS1C3, is located ∼9kb downstream of the E0 of OCT4C/C1. PSORS1C3 is vigorously spliced to generate nine novel variants, however, none of its exons incorporated in alternatively spliced variants of OCT4. Interestingly, the exons of OCT4 and PSORS1C3 are intertwined, with a novel exon (E0) of PSORS1C3 located ∼4kb upstream of OCT4 E0. This exon participates in generating some more variants of PSORS1C3 (variants 10-24). OCT4C/C1 knock-down in ES and iPS cell lines caused a slight downregulation of PSORS1C3 and OCT4A, a slight upregulation of OCT4B1, and a dramatic upregulation of OCT4B. Altogether, our data revisited the current view of OCT4 gene structure and regulation, and revealed its complex genomic features and expression regulation in stem and tumor cells.
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23
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Soheili S, Asadi MH, Farsinejad A. Distinctive expression pattern of OCT4 variants in different types of breast cancer. Cancer Biomark 2017; 18:69-76. [PMID: 27814277 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-160675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND OCT4 is a key regulator of self-renewal and pluripotency in embryonic stem cells which can potentially encode three spliced variants designated OCT4A, OCT4B and OCT4B1. Based on cancer stem cell concept, it is suggested that the stemness factors misexpressed in cancer cells and potentially is involved in tumorigenesis. OBJECTIVE Accordingly, in this study, we investigated the potential expression of OCT4 variants in breast cancer tissues. METHODS A total of 94 tumoral and peritumoral breast specimens were evaluated with respect to the expression of OCT4 variants using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis. RESULTS We detected the expression of OCT4 variants in breast tumor tissues with no or very low levels of expression in peritumoral samples of the same patients. While OCT4B was highly expressed in lobular type of breast cancer, OCT4A and OCTB1 variants are highly expressed in low grade (I and II) ductal tumors. Furthermore, the results of this study revealed a considerable association between the expression level of OCT4 variants and the expression of ER, PR, Her2 and P53 factors. CONCLUSIONS All data demonstrated a distinctive expression pattern of OCT4 spliced variants in different types of breast cancer and provide further evidence for the involvement of embryonic genes in carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saamaaneh Soheili
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran
| | - Malek Hossein Asadi
- Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science and High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Graduate University of Advanced Technology, Kerman, Iran
| | - Alireza Farsinejad
- Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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24
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Abstract
The competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) hypothesis proposes that transcripts with shared microRNA (miRNA) binding sites compete for post-transcriptional control. This hypothesis has gained substantial attention as a unifying function for long non-coding RNAs, pseudogene transcripts and circular RNAs, as well as an alternative function for messenger RNAs. Empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis is accumulating but not without attracting scepticism. Recent studies that model transcriptome-wide binding-site abundance suggest that physiological changes in expression of most individual transcripts will not compromise miRNA activity. In this Review, we critically evaluate the evidence for and against the ceRNA hypothesis to assess the impact of endogenous miRNA-sponge interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Thomson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Kensington NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Marcel E Dinger
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, 384 Victoria Street, Darlinghurst NSW 2010, Australia.,St Vincent's Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Kensington NSW 2052, Australia
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25
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Wang Y, Hou J, He D, Sun M, Zhang P, Yu Y, Chen Y. The Emerging Function and Mechanism of ceRNAs in Cancer. Trends Genet 2016; 32:211-224. [PMID: 26922301 PMCID: PMC4805481 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2016.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Complex diseases, such as cancer, are often associated with aberrant gene expression at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Over the past several years, competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) have emerged as an important class of post-transcriptional regulators that alter gene expression through a miRNA-mediated mechanism. Recent studies in both solid tumors and hematopoietic malignancies showed that ceRNAs have significant roles in cancer pathogenesis by altering the expression of key tumorigenic or tumor-suppressive genes. Characterizing the identity, function, and mechanism of the ceRNAs will not only further our fundamental understanding of RNA-mediated cancer pathogenesis, but may also shed light on the development of new RNA-based therapeutic strategies for treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunfei Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jiakai Hou
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dandan He
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ming Sun
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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26
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Wang YJ, Herlyn M. The emerging roles of Oct4 in tumor-initiating cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2015; 309:C709-18. [PMID: 26447206 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00212.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct4), a homeodomain transcription factor, is well established as a master factor controlling the self-renewal and pluripotency of pluripotent stem cells. Also, a large body of research has documented the detection of Oct4 in tumor cells and tissues and has indicated its enrichment in a subpopulation of undifferentiated tumor-initiating cells (TICs) that critically account for tumor initiation, metastasis, and resistance to anticancer therapies. There is circumstantial evidence for low-level expression of Oct4 in cancer cells and TICs, and the participation of Oct4 in various TIC functions such as its self-renewal and survival, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis, and drug resistance development is implicated from considerable Oct4 knockdown and overexpression-based studies. In a few studies, efforts have been made to identify Oct4 target genes in TICs of different sources. Based on such information, Oct4 in TICs appears to act via mechanisms quite distinct from those in pluripotent stem cells, and a main challenge for future studies is to unravel the molecular mechanisms of action of Oct4, particularly to address the question on how such low levels of Oct4 may exert its functions in TICs. Acquiring cells from their native microenvironment that are of high enough quantity and purity is the key to reliably analyze Oct4 functions and its target genes in TICs, and the information gained may greatly facilitate targeting and eradicating those cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; and Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Meenhard Herlyn
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Maragkoudaki M, Vaiopoulou A, Theodoropoulos GE, Legaki E, Sechi LA, Karamanolis G, Zografos G, Gazouli M. Specific detection of OCT4 isoforms in inflammatory bowel disease. Gut Pathog 2015; 7:25. [PMID: 26435752 PMCID: PMC4591585 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-015-0073-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmentally early cells are mobilized into peripheral blood in Crohn's disease (CD) patients. OCT4, is considered to be important in sustaining the pluripotency of stem cells. OCT4 splicing variants are differentially expressed in pluripotent and non-pluripotent cells. Our study aims to investigate the expression pattern of OCT4 variants and SOX-2, an essential factor implicated in self-renewal and pluripotency, in tissue and blood samples from patients with IBD. METHODS Peripheral blood and tissue samples were collected from patients with active CD and ulcerative colitis (UC), and from healthy individuals. OCT4 expression was documented by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and by reverse transcription-real-time PCR. OCT4 isoform determination was documented using specific primers. SOX-2 expression levels were also evaluated. RESULTS OCT4 protein levels were significantly higher in CD tissue samples than in CD blood samples, and in UC tissue samples. OCT4 protein was localized mainly in the cytosol. In all samples, only the OCT4 pseudogenes and the OCT4B1 variant were detected. OCT4B1 expression levels were elevated in both tissue and blood samples from CD and UC cases compared to healthy controls. In CD patients only SOX-2 mRNA levels were found slightly increased compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that OCT4 is expressed in patients with IBD. Furthermore, we found the presence of the OCT4B1 isoform in IBD in both tissue and blood samples. Our results have shown, that developmentally early cells might be mobilized into peripheral blood as result of tissue damage, indicating a possible role of these cells in repair of injured intestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Maragkoudaki
- First Department of Pediatrics, Athens University Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Vaiopoulou
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Michalakopoulou 176, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George E Theodoropoulos
- Colorectal and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Legaki
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Michalakopoulou 176, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Leonardo A Sechi
- Sezione di Microbiologia e Virologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | | | - George Zografos
- Colorectal and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Surgery of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gazouli
- Laboratory of Biology, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Michalakopoulou 176, 11527 Athens, Greece
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Qi X, Zhang DH, Wu N, Xiao JH, Wang X, Ma W. ceRNA in cancer: possible functions and clinical implications. J Med Genet 2015; 52:710-8. [PMID: 26358722 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2015-103334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 912] [Impact Index Per Article: 101.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are transcripts that can regulate each other at post-transcription level by competing for shared miRNAs. CeRNA networks link the function of protein-coding mRNAs with that of non-coding RNAs such as microRNA, long non-coding RNA, pseudogenic RNA and circular RNA. Given that any transcripts harbouring miRNA response element can theoretically function as ceRNAs, they may represent a widespread form of post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in both physiology and pathology. CeRNA activity is influenced by multiple factors such as the abundance and subcellular localisation of ceRNA components, binding affinity of miRNAs to their sponges, RNA editing, RNA secondary structures and RNA-binding proteins. Aberrations in these factors may deregulate ceRNA networks and thus lead to human diseases including cancer. In this review, we introduce the mechanisms and molecular bases of ceRNA networks, discuss their roles in the pathogenesis of cancer as well as methods of predicting and validating ceRNA interplay. At last, we discuss the limitations of current ceRNA theory, propose possible directions and envision the possibilities of ceRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Qi
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Da-Hong Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Huai'an First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Hua Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Huai'an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College and The Second People's Hospital of Huai'an, Huai'an, China
| | - Wang Ma
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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