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Lammert FC, Pannhausen J, Noetzel E, Friedland F, Wirtz J, Herfs Y, Leypold S, Gan L, Weiskirchen R, Schnitzler T, Knüchel R, Maurer J, Jonigk DD, Rose M, Gaisa NT. Dual role of GRHL3 in bladder carcinogenesis depending on histological subtypes. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:1397-1416. [PMID: 38429970 PMCID: PMC11164254 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The effect of grainyhead-like transcription factor 3 (GRHL3) on cancer development depends on the cancer subtypes as shown in tumor entities such as colorectal or oral squamous cell carcinomas. Here, we analyzed the subtype-specific role of GRHL3 in bladder carcinogenesis, comparing common urothelial carcinoma (UC) with squamous bladder cancer (sq-BLCA). We examined GRHL3 mRNA and protein expression in cohorts of patient samples, its prognostic role and its functional impact on tumorigeneses in different molecular and histopathological subtypes of bladder cancer. We showed for GRHL3 a reverse expression in squamous and urothelial bladder cancer subtypes. Stably GRHL3-overexpressing EJ28, J82, and SCaBER in vitro models revealed a tumor-suppressive function in squamous and an oncogenic role in the urothelial cancer cells affecting cell and colony growth, and migratory and invasive capacities. Transcriptomic profiling demonstrated highly subtype-specific GRHL3-regulated expression networks coined by the enrichment of genes involved in integrin-mediated pathways. In SCaBER, loss of ras homolog family member A (RHOA) GTPase activity was demonstrated to be associated with co-regulation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E family member 3 (EIF4E3), a potential tumor suppressor gene. Thus, our data provide for the first time a detailed insight into the role of the transcription factor GRHL3 in different histopathological subtypes of bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska C. Lammert
- Institute of Pathology, University HospitalRWTH Aachen UniversityGermany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD)Germany
| | - Julia Pannhausen
- Institute of Pathology, University HospitalRWTH Aachen UniversityGermany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD)Germany
| | - Erik Noetzel
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 2 (IBI‐2), Mechanobiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbHGermany
| | - Florian Friedland
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 2 (IBI‐2), Mechanobiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbHGermany
| | - Julia Wirtz
- Institute of Pathology, University HospitalRWTH Aachen UniversityGermany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD)Germany
| | - Yannick Herfs
- Institute of Biological Information Processing 2 (IBI‐2), Mechanobiology, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbHGermany
| | - Sophie Leypold
- Institute of Pathology, University HospitalRWTH Aachen UniversityGermany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD)Germany
| | - Lin Gan
- IZKF AachenMedical Faculty of the RWTH Aachen UniversityGermany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), University HospitalRWTH Aachen UniversityGermany
| | - Tician Schnitzler
- Institute of Pathology, University HospitalRWTH Aachen UniversityGermany
| | - Ruth Knüchel
- Institute of Pathology, University HospitalRWTH Aachen UniversityGermany
| | - Jochen Maurer
- Department of Obstetrics and GynecologyUniversity Hospital AachenGermany
| | - Danny D. Jonigk
- Institute of Pathology, University HospitalRWTH Aachen UniversityGermany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD)Germany
- German Center for Lung Research, DZL, BREATHHanoverGermany
| | - Michael Rose
- Institute of Pathology, University HospitalRWTH Aachen UniversityGermany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD)Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University HospitalUniversity of UlmGermany
| | - Nadine T. Gaisa
- Institute of Pathology, University HospitalRWTH Aachen UniversityGermany
- Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf (CIO ABCD)Germany
- Institute of Pathology, University HospitalUniversity of UlmGermany
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The Balance between Differentiation and Terminal Differentiation Maintains Oral Epithelial Homeostasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205123. [PMID: 34680271 PMCID: PMC8534139 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205123] [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: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Oral cancer affecting the oral cavity represents the most common cancer of the head and neck region. Oral cancer develops in a multistep process in which normal cells gradually accumulate genetic and epigenetic modifications to evolve into a malignant disease. Mortality for oral cancer patients is high and morbidity has a significant long-term impact on the health and wellbeing of affected individuals, typically resulting in facial disfigurement and a loss of the ability to speak, chew, taste, and swallow. The limited scope to which current treatments are able to control oral cancer underlines the need for novel therapeutic strategies. This review highlights the molecular differences between oral cell proliferation, differentiation and terminal differentiation, defines terminal differentiation as an important tumour suppressive mechanism and establishes a rationale for clinical investigation of differentiation-paired therapies that may improve outcomes in oral cancer. Abstract The oral epithelium is one of the fastest repairing and continuously renewing tissues. Stem cell activation within the basal layer of the oral epithelium fuels the rapid proliferation of multipotent progenitors. Stem cells first undergo asymmetric cell division that requires tightly controlled and orchestrated differentiation networks to maintain the pool of stem cells while producing progenitors fated for differentiation. Rapidly expanding progenitors subsequently commit to advanced differentiation programs towards terminal differentiation, a process that regulates the structural integrity and homeostasis of the oral epithelium. Therefore, the balance between differentiation and terminal differentiation of stem cells and their progeny ensures progenitors commitment to terminal differentiation and prevents epithelial transformation and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). A recent comprehensive molecular characterization of OSCC revealed that a disruption of terminal differentiation factors is indeed a common OSCC event and is superior to oncogenic activation. Here, we discuss the role of differentiation and terminal differentiation in maintaining oral epithelial homeostasis and define terminal differentiation as a critical tumour suppressive mechanism. We further highlight factors with crucial terminal differentiation functions and detail the underlying consequences of their loss. Switching on terminal differentiation in differentiated progenitors is likely to represent an extremely promising novel avenue that may improve therapeutic interventions against OSCC.
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Goldie SJ, Chincarini G, Darido C. Targeted Therapy Against the Cell of Origin in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092201. [PMID: 31060263 PMCID: PMC6539622 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), including cutaneous SCCs, are by far the most frequent cancers in humans, accounting for 80% of all newly diagnosed malignancies worldwide. The old dogma that SCC develops exclusively from stem cells (SC) has now changed to include progenitors, transit-amplifying and differentiated short-lived cells. Accumulation of specific oncogenic mutations is required to induce SCC from each cell population. Whilst as fewer as one genetic hit is sufficient to induce SCC from a SC, multiple events are additionally required in more differentiated cells. Interestingly, the level of differentiation correlates with the number of transforming events required to induce a stem-like phenotype, a long-lived potential and a tumourigenic capacity in a progenitor, a transient amplifying or even in a terminally differentiated cell. Furthermore, it is well described that SCCs originating from different cells of origin differ not only in their squamous differentiation status but also in their malignant characteristics. This review summarises recent findings in cutaneous SCC and highlights transforming oncogenic events in specific cell populations. It underlines oncogenes that are restricted either to stem or differentiated cells, which could provide therapeutic target selectivity against heterogeneous SCC. This strategy may be applicable to SCC from different body locations, such as head and neck SCCs, which are currently still associated with poor survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Goldie
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Ginevra Chincarini
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
| | - Charbel Darido
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, 305 Grattan St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia.
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.
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Abstract
The significant parallels between cell plasticity during embryonic development and carcinoma progression have helped us understand the importance of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human disease. Our expanding knowledge of EMT has led to a clarification of the EMT program as a set of multiple and dynamic transitional states between the epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes, as opposed to a process involving a single binary decision. EMT and its intermediate states have recently been identified as crucial drivers of organ fibrosis and tumor progression, although there is some need for caution when interpreting its contribution to metastatic colonization. Here, we discuss the current state-of-the-art and latest findings regarding the concept of cellular plasticity and heterogeneity in EMT. We raise some of the questions pending and identify the challenges faced in this fast-moving field.
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Grhl3 modulates epithelial structure formation of the circumvallate papilla during mouse development. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 147:5-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1487-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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The role of barrier genes in epidermal malignancy. Oncogene 2016; 35:5705-5712. [PMID: 27041586 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The outermost layer of the mammalian skin, the epidermis, forms a protective barrier against pathogenic microbes and tissue dehydration. This barrier is formed and maintained by complex genetic networks that connect cellular differentiation processes, enzymatic activities and cellular junctions. Disruption in these networks affects the balance between keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation resulting in barrier function impairment, epidermal hyperproliferation and in some cases, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Recent studies in wound-induced inflammation-mediated cancers in mice have identified dysregulation of core barrier components as tumor drivers. We therefore propose a hypothesis in which loss of key barrier genes, induce barrier dysfunction, and promote inflammation-driven epidermal hyperplasia and carcinogenesis over time. This emerging vision suggests that under specific genetic circumstances, localized barrier impairment could be considered as a hallmark of initiating lesions in epidermal SCC.
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Clinical significance of GRHL3 expression in diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:9657-61. [PMID: 26797800 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4772-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we assessed the GRHL3 expression in 967 patients with diffuse large B cell lymphomas to identify the potential prognostic value and the development of specific therapeutic strategies. All patients enrolled were from a previous study by Hao Zhang et al. (BMC Cancer 14:333, 2014). GRHL3 expression status was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis. Survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analysis were conducted to adjust the effect of GRHL3 expression as a potential independent prognostic factor. In the enrolled 967 patients, GRHL3 expression was detected in 398 (41.16 %) patients under immunohistochemical analysis. The 5-year survival rate in patients with GRHL3 expression was significantly lower than that in those without GRHL3 expression (37.8 vs 52.8 %, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified GRHL3 expression as an independent predictor of poor survival. The sensitivity and specificity of GRHL3 for the diagnosis of germinal center B cell (GCB)/non-GCB was 89.2 % (182/204) and 82.1 % (174/212), respectively. GRHL3 expression may be useful as a prognostic factor and for the diagnosis GCB/non-GCB of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.
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Xu H, Liu C, Zhao Z, Gao N, Chen G, Wang Y, Cui J. Clinical implications of GRHL3 protein expression in breast cancer. Tumour Biol 2013; 35:1827-31. [PMID: 24363083 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-1244-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the expression and significance of the GRHL3 protein in breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Overall, 111 patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer who had undergone radical surgery were enrolled in this study. The GRHL3 protein expression status in the breast cancers was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The relationship between GRHL3 protein expression status and clinicopathological factors and the breast cancer prognoses was also determined. In total, 71 (63.96%) out of 111 cases were found to express GRHL3 protein. GRHL3 expression was higher in breast cancers, compared to other pathologic cancer types (χ (2) = 5.68, P < 0.05). Moreover, GRHL3 protein was also observed to correlate with breast cancer clinical stage and histological grade (χ (2) = 7.99, P < 0.05 and χ (2) = 7.907, P < 0.05, respectively). Interestingly, triple-negative breast cancers had lower expression rates than other breast cancers (41.18 vs. 71.28%, P < 0.05). GRHL3 was shown to be an independent prognostic factor of breast cancer in Cox regression analysis. Altogether, our results indicate predominant GRHL3 expression in breast cancers, especially non-triple-negative cancers and early stage cancers. GRHL3 expression appeared to decrease with tumor progression. Survival analysis demonstrated the inhibitory effect of GRHL3 in breast cancer. These results strongly suggest the possible involvement of GRHL3 in tumor suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanming Xu
- Department of Transfusion, Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China, 110001
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Cangkrama M, Ting SB, Darido C. Stem cells behind the barrier. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:13670-86. [PMID: 23812084 PMCID: PMC3742210 DOI: 10.3390/ijms140713670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidermal stem cells sustain the adult skin for a lifetime through self-renewal and the production of committed progenitors. These stem cells generate progeny that will undergo terminal differentiation leading to the development of a protective epidermal barrier. Whereas the molecular mechanisms that govern epidermal barrier repair and renewal have been extensively studied, pathways controlling stem cell differentiation remain poorly understood. Asymmetric cell divisions, small non-coding RNAs (microRNAs), chromatin remodeling complexes, and multiple differentiation factors tightly control the balance of stem and progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation, and disruption of this balance leads to skin diseases. In this review, we summarize and discuss current advances in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating epidermal stem and progenitor cell differentiation, and explore new relationships for maintenance of skin barrier function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Cangkrama
- Epidermal Development Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Prahran VIC 3004, Australia; E-Mail:
| | - Stephen B. Ting
- Stem Cell Research Group, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Prahran VIC 3004, Australia; E-Mail:
| | - Charbel Darido
- Epidermal Development Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Central Clinical School, Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Prahran VIC 3004, Australia; E-Mail:
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +61-3-9903-0619
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Dworkin S, Jane SM, Darido C. The planar cell polarity pathway in vertebrate epidermal development, homeostasis and repair. Organogenesis 2011; 7:202-8. [PMID: 22041517 DOI: 10.4161/org.7.3.18431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway plays a critical role in diverse developmental processes that require coordinated cellular movement, including neural tube closure and renal tubulogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that this pathway also has emerging relevance to the epidermis, as PCP signaling underpins many aspects of skin biology and pathology, including epidermal development, hair orientation, stem cell division and cancer. Coordinated cellular movement required for epidermal repair in mammals is also regulated by PCP signaling, and in this context, a new PCP gene encoding the developmental transcription factor Grainyhead-like 3 (Grhl3) is critical. This review focuses on the role that PCP signaling plays in the skin across a variety of epidermal functions and highlights perturbations that induce epidermal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Dworkin
- Alfred Hospital and Monash University Central Clinical School, Prahran, VIC, Australia
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