AR-mTOR-SRF Axis Regulates HMMR Expression in Human Prostate Cancer Cells

Identification of crosstalk genes relating to ECM-receptor interaction genes in MASH and DN using bioinformatics and machine learning

This study aimed to identify genes shared by metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASH) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction genes on them. Datasets with MASH and DN were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Pearson's coefficients assessed the correlation between ECM-receptor interaction genes and cross talk genes. The coexpression network of co-expression pairs (CP) genes was integrated with its protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and machine learning was employed to identify essential disease-representing genes. Finally, immuno-penetration analysis was performed on the MASH and DN gene datasets using the CIBERSORT algorithm to evaluate the plausibility of these genes in diseases. We found 19 key CP genes. Fos proto-oncogene (FOS), belonging to the IL-17 signalling pathway, showed greater centrality PPI network; Hyaluronan Mediated Motility Receptor (HMMR), belonging to ECM-receptor interaction genes, showed most critical in the co-expression network map of 19 CP genes; Forkhead Box C1 (FOXC1), like FOS, showed a high ability to predict disease in XGBoost analysis. Further immune infiltration showed a clear positive correlation between FOS/FOXC1 and mast cells that secrete IL-17 during inflammation. Combining the results of previous studies, we suggest a FOS/FOXC1/HMMR regulatory axis in MASH and DN may be associated with mast cells in the acting IL-17 signalling pathway. Extracellular HMMR may regulate the IL-17 pathway represented by FOS through the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 (ERK) or PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway. HMMR may serve as a signalling carrier between MASH and DN and could be targeted for therapeutic development.

FIGNL1 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Formation via Remodeling ECM-receptor Interaction Pathway Mediated by HMMR

BACKGROUND

The development of novel biomarkers is crucial for the treatment of HCC. In this study, we investigated a new molecular therapeutic target for HCC. Fidgetin-like 1 (FIGNL1) has been reported to play a vital role in lung adenocarcinoma. However, the potential function of FIGNL1 in HCC is still unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the key regulatory mechanisms of FIGNL1 in the formation of HCC.

METHODS

The regulatory effect of FIGNL1 on HCC was studied by lentivirus infection. In vitro, the effects of FIGNL1 on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of cells were investigated by CCK8, colony formation assay, transwell and flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the regulation of FIGNL1 on HCC formation in vivo was studied by subcutaneous transplanted tumors. In addition, using transcriptome sequencing technology, we further explored the specific molecular mechanism of FIGNL1 regulating the formation of HCC.

RESULTS

Functionally, we demonstrated that FIGNL1 knockdown significantly inhibited HCC cell proliferation, migration and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro. Similarly, the knockdown of FIGNL1 meaningfully weakened hepatocarcinogenesis in nude mice. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that FIGNL1 affected the expression of genes involved in extracellular matrix-receptor (ECM-receptor) interaction pathway, such as hyaluronan mediated motility receptor (HMMR). Further validation found that overexpression of HMMR based on knockdown FIGNL1 can rescue the expression abundance of related genes involved in the ECM-receptor interaction pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that FIGNL1 could modulate the ECM-receptor interaction pathway through the regulation of HMMR, thus regulating the formation of HCC.

Targeting hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) enhances response to androgen receptor signalling inhibitors in prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Resistance to androgen receptor signalling inhibitors (ARSIs) represents a major clinical challenge in prostate cancer. We previously demonstrated that the ARSI enzalutamide inhibits only a subset of all AR-regulated genes, and hypothesise that the unaffected gene networks represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention. This study identified the hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) as a survival factor in prostate cancer and investigated its potential as a co-target for overcoming resistance to ARSIs.

METHODS

RNA-seq, RT-qPCR and Western Blot were used to evaluate the regulation of HMMR by AR and ARSIs. HMMR inhibition was achieved via siRNA knockdown or pharmacological inhibition using 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU) in prostate cancer cell lines, a mouse xenograft model and patient-derived explants (PDEs).

RESULTS

HMMR was an AR-regulated factor that was unaffected by ARSIs. Genetic (siRNA) or pharmacological (4-MU) inhibition of HMMR significantly suppressed growth and induced apoptosis in hormone-sensitive and enzalutamide-resistant models of prostate cancer. Mechanistically, 4-MU inhibited AR nuclear translocation, AR protein expression and subsequent downstream AR signalling. 4-MU enhanced the growth-suppressive effects of 3 different ARSIs in vitro and, in combination with enzalutamide, restricted proliferation of prostate cancer cells in vivo and in PDEs.

CONCLUSION

Co-targeting HMMR and AR represents an effective strategy for improving response to ARSIs.

Androgen receptor and hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor as new molecular targets of baicalein: new molecular mechanisms for its anticancer properties

Natural compounds known as phytochemicals have served as valuable resources for the development of new anti-cancer drugs and treatment of malignancies. Among these phytochemicals, baicalein is an emerging anti-tumor flavonoid obtained from Scutellaria baicaleinsis (Lamiaceae), but its underlying mechanisms of action and molecular targets have not yet been completely elucidated. Here, we identified new mechanisms for the anti-tumor activities of baicalein, providing evidence that hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) and androgen receptor (AR) are new molecular targets of baicalein in human cancer cells. We observed that HMMR, known to be highly associated with poor prognosis in a wide range of human cancers, was substantially downregulated by baicalein at mRNA and protein levels. Reporter assays further revealed that the suppression of HMMR by baicalein might occur through a transcriptional regulatory mechanism with the participation of Egr-1, E2F3α, and serum response factor (SRF). We also found that baicalein significantly inhibits androgenic responses in hormone-responsive prostate cancer cells, indicating that this might be attributed to the downregulation of AR promoter activity by baicalein. Additionally, baicalein markedly induced the expression of tumor suppressive miR-30C, which might be partly involved in baicalein-mediated autophagy and anti-cancer effects. Overall, our study sheds light on new diverse mechanisms of the anti-cancer effects exhibited by baicalein, implying that baicalein could be a potential therapeutic agent against human cancers and function as an inhibitor of HMMR and AR.

Liver Kinase B1 Mediates Its Anti-Tumor Function by Binding to the N-Terminus of Malic Enzyme 3

Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) is a crucial tumor suppressor involved in various cellular processes, including embryonic development, tumor initiation and progression, cell adhesion, apoptosis, and metabolism. However, the precise mechanisms underlying its functions remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that LKB1 interacts directly with malic enzyme 3 (ME3) through the N-terminus of the enzyme and identified the binding regions necessary for this interaction. The binding activity was confirmed to promote the expression of ME3 in an LKB1-dependent manner and was also shown to induce apoptosis activity. Furthermore, LKB1 and ME3 overexpression upregulated the expression of tumour suppressor proteins (p53 and p21) and downregulated the expression of antiapoptotic proteins (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)). Additionally, LKB1 and ME3 enhanced the transcription of p21 and p53 and inhibited the transcription of NF-κB. Moreover, LKB1 and ME3 suppressed the phosphorylation of various components of the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. Overall, these results suggest that LKB1 promotes pro-apoptotic activities by inducing ME3 expression.

HMMR promotes prostate cancer proliferation and metastasis via AURKA/mTORC2/E2F1 positive feedback loop

Although dysregulated HMMR is linked to prostate cancer (PCa) prognosis, the precise mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we sought to elucidate the role of HMMR in PCa progression as well as underlying mechanism. Herein, we found that upregulation of HMMR frequently observed in PCa samples and was associated with poor prognosis. Additionally, HMMR significantly promoted PCa proliferation and metastasis through gain- and loss-of function approaches in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HMMR may interact with AURKA and elevated AURKA protein level through inhibiting ubiquitination-mediated degradation, which subsequently activated mTORC2/AKT pathway to ensure the reinforcement of PCa progression. Moreover, upregulated E2F1 caused from sustained activation of mTORC2/AKT pathway in turn function as transcription factor to promote HMMR transcription, thereby forming a positive feedback loop to trigger PCa progression. Importantly, administration of the mTOR inhibitor partially antagonised HMMR-mediated PCa progression in vivo. In summary, we not only reveal a novel possible post-translation mechanism mediated by HMMR involved in AURKA regulation, but also describe a positive feedback loop that contributes to PCa deterioration, suggesting HMMR may serve as a potential promising therapeutic target in PCa.

HELLPAR/RRM2 axis related to HMMR as novel prognostic biomarker in gliomas

BACKGROUND

Gliomas are the most frequent type of central nervous system tumor, accounting for more than 70% of all malignant CNS tumors. Recent research suggests that the hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) could be a novel potential tumor prognostic marker. Furthermore, mounting data has highlighted the important role of ceRNA regulatory networks in a variety of human malignancies. The complexity and behavioural characteristics of HMMR and the ceRNA network in gliomas, on the other hand, remained unknown.

METHODS

Transcriptomic expression data were collected from TCGA, GTEx, GEO, and CGGA database.The relationship between clinical variables and HMMR was analyzed with the univariate and multivariate Cox regression. Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess OS. TCGA data are analyzed and processed, and the correlation results obtained were used to perform GO, GSEA, and ssGSEA. Potentially interacting miRNAs and lncRNAs were predicted by miRWalk and StarBase.

RESULTS

HMMR was substantially expressed in gliomas tissues compared to normal tissues. Multivariate analysis revealed that high HMMR expression was an independent predictive predictor of OS in TCGA and CGGA. Functional enrichment analysis found that HMMR expression was associated with nuclear division and cell cycle. Base on ssGSEA analysis, The levels of HMMR expression in various types of immune cells differed significantly. Bioinformatics investigation revealed the HEELPAR-hsa-let-7i-5p-RRM2 ceRNA network, which was linked to gliomas prognosis. And through multiple analysis, the good predictive performance of HELLPAR/RRM2 axis for gliomas patients was confirmed.

CONCLUSION

This study provides multi-layered and multifaceted evidence for the importance of HMMR and establishes a HMMR-related ceRNA (HEELPAR-hsa-let-7i-5p-RRM2) overexpressed network related to the prognosis of gliomas.

Tumor-promoting roles of HMMR in lung adenocarcinoma

Searching for differential genes in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is vital for research. Hyaluronan mediated motility receptor (HMMR) promotes malignant progression of cancer patients. However, the molecular regulators of HMMR-mediated LUAD onset are unknown. This work aimed to study the relevance of HMMR to proliferation, migration and invasion of LUAD cells. Let-7c-5p and HMMR levels in LUAD cells and HLF-a cells were assessed, and their correlation was also detected. Their interaction was determined by dual-luciferase experiments and qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion potentials in vitro were validated through cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, scratch healing, and transwell assays. The expression of HMMR was examined by qRT-PCR and western blot and the expression of let-7c-5p was assayed by qRT-PCR. It was found that HMMR level was increased in LUAD and negatively correlated with let-7c-5p level. Let-7c-5p directly targeted HMMR to repress LUAD cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The above data illustrated that the let-7c-5p/HMMR axis may provide certain therapeutic value for LUAD patients.

The role of RHAMM in cancer: Exposing novel therapeutic vulnerabilities

Receptor for hyaluronic acid-mediated motility (RHAMM) is a cell surface receptor for hyaluronic acid that is critical for cell migration and a cell cycle protein involved in microtubule assembly and stability. These functions of RHAMM are required for cellular stress responses and cell cycle progression but are also exploited by tumor cells for malignant progression and metastasis. RHAMM is often overexpressed in tumors and is an independent adverse prognostic factor for a number of cancers such as breast and prostate. Interestingly, pharmacological or genetic inhibition of RHAMM in vitro and in vivo ablates tumor invasiveness and metastatic spread, implicating RHAMM as a potential therapeutic target to restrict tumor growth and improve patient survival. However, RHAMM’s pro-tumor activity is dependent on its subcellular distribution, which complicates the design of RHAMM-directed therapies. An alternative approach is to identify downstream signaling pathways that mediate RHAMM-promoted tumor aggressiveness. Herein, we discuss the pro-tumoral roles of RHAMM and elucidate the corresponding regulators and signaling pathways mediating RHAMM downstream events, with a specific focus on strategies to target the RHAMM signaling network in cancer cells.

HMMR is a downstream target of FOXM1 in enhancing proliferation and partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of bladder cancer cells

Our previous that HMMR upregulation independently predicts poor survival in patients with papillary muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). In this study, we explored its downstream regulations and the potential transcriptional factors activating its expression. MIBC derived T24 cells, and non-MIBC (NMIBC) derived RT4 cells were used for in vitro and in vivo studies. HMMR expression enhanced cell proliferation, the expression of mesenchymal markers, and cell invasion. It induced the nuclear entry of β-catenin, increased its active form in the nuclear part, and elevated the relative TOP/FOP activity. The promoter region of HMMR has a canonical FKH motif. FOXM1 bound to this site and activated HMMR transcription. HMMR knockdown significantly weakened FOXM1 overexpression induced bladder cancer growth, invasion, partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (pEMT), as well as the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In conclusion, the findings in this study expanded our understanding of the mechanisms underlying HMMR dysregulation and the functional role of the FOXM1-HMMR axis in bladder cancer.