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Zhu DH, Su KK, Ou-Yang XX, Zhang YH, Yu XP, Li ZH, Ahmadi-Nishaboori SS, Li LJ. Mechanisms and clinical landscape of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification in gastrointestinal tract cancers. Mol Cell Biochem 2024:10.1007/s11010-024-05040-x. [PMID: 38856795 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-024-05040-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Epigenetics encompasses reversible and heritable chemical modifications of non-nuclear DNA sequences, including DNA and RNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA modifications, and chromatin rearrangements. In addition to well-studied DNA and histone methylation, RNA methylation has emerged as a hot topic in biological sciences over the past decade. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common and abundant modification in eukaryotic mRNA, affecting all RNA stages, including transcription, translation, and degradation. Advances in high-throughput sequencing technologies made it feasible to identify the chemical basis and biological functions of m6A RNA. Dysregulation of m6A levels and associated modifying proteins can both inhibit and promote cancer, highlighting the importance of the tumor microenvironment in diverse biological processes. Gastrointestinal tract cancers, including gastric, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers, are among the most common and deadly malignancies in humans. Growing evidence suggests a close association between m6A levels and the progression of gastrointestinal tumors. Global m6A modification levels are substantially modified in gastrointestinal tumor tissues and cell lines compared to healthy tissues and cells, possibly influencing various biological behaviors such as tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Exploring the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of m6A-related proteins is critical from a clinical standpoint. Developing more specific and effective m6A modulators offers new options for treating these tumors and deeper insights into gastrointestinal tract cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan-Hua Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Kun-Kai Su
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Ou-Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yan-Hong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xiao-Peng Yu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Zu-Hong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | | | - Lan-Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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2
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Xu D, Wang W, Wang D, Ding J, Zhou Y, Zhang W. Long noncoding RNA MALAT-1: A versatile regulator in cancer progression, metastasis, immunity, and therapeutic resistance. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:388-406. [PMID: 38511067 PMCID: PMC10950606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA transcripts longer than 200 nucleotides that do not code for proteins but have been linked to cancer development and metastasis. Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT-1) influences crucial cancer hallmarks through intricate molecular mechanisms, including proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The current article highlights the involvement of MALAT-1 in drug resistance, making it a potential target to overcome chemotherapy refractoriness. It discusses the impact of MALAT-1 on immunomodulatory molecules, such as major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins and PD-L1, leading to immune evasion and hindering anti-tumor immune responses. MALAT-1 also plays a significant role in cancer immunology by regulating diverse immune cell populations. In summary, MALAT-1 is a versatile cancer regulator, influencing tumorigenesis, chemoresistance, and immunotherapy responses. Understanding its precise molecular mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted therapies, and therapeutic strategies targeting MALAT-1 show promise for improving cancer treatment outcomes. However, further research is needed to fully uncover the role of MALAT-1 in cancer biology and translate these findings into clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexin Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Wenhai Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Duo Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Jian Ding
- Department of Electrodiagnosis, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Yunan Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun, 130000, China
| | - Wenbin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Jilin Province FAW General Hospital, Changchun, 130000, China
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Ma H, Hong Y, Xu Z, Weng Z, Yang Y, Jin D, Chen Z, Yue J, Zhou X, Xu Z, Fei F, Li J, Song W. N 6-methyladenosine (m 6A) modification in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116365. [PMID: 38452654 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers of human, the tumor-related death of which ranks third among the common malignances. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation, the most abundant internal modification of RNA in mammals, participates in the metabolism of mRNA and interrelates with ncRNAs. In this paper, we overviewed the complex function of m6A regulators in HCC, including regulating the tumorigenesis, progression, prognosis, stemness, metabolic reprogramming, autophagy, ferroptosis, drug resistance and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Furthermore, we elucidated the interplay between m6A modification and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Finally, we summarized the potential of m6A regulators as diagnostic biomarkers. What's more, we reviewed the inhibitors targeting m6A enzymes as promising therapeutic targets of HCC. We aimed to help understand the function of m6A methylation in HCC systematically and comprehensively so that more effective strategies for HCC treatment will be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hehua Ma
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yuxin Hong
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhenzhen Xu
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zuyi Weng
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yuanxun Yang
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Dandan Jin
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhiyou Chen
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing Yue
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Zhi Xu
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Fei Fei
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Juan Li
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
| | - Wei Song
- Phase I Clinical Trials Unit, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China.
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Zhou Y, Zhou X, Ben Q, Liu N, Wang J, Zhai Y, Bao Y, Zhou L. GATA6-AS1 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition of pancreatic cancer under hypoxia through regulating SNAI1 mRNA stability. J Transl Med 2023; 21:882. [PMID: 38057853 PMCID: PMC10698911 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04757-5] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by a hypoxic microenvironment, a high rate of heterogeneity as well as a high likelihood of recurrence. Mounting evidence has affirmed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) participate in the carcinogenesis of PDAC cells. In this study, we revealed significantly decreased expression of GATA6-AS1 in PDAC based on the GEO dataset and our cohorts, and showed that low GATA6-AS1 expression was linked to unfavorable clinicopathologic characteristics as well as a poor prognosis. Gain- and loss-of-function studies demonstrated that GATA6-AS1 suppressed the proliferation, invasion, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of PDAC cells under hypoxia. In vivo data confirm the suppressive roles of GATA6-AS1/SNAI1 in tumor growth and lung metastasis of PDAC. Mechanistically, hypoxia-driven E26 transformation-specific sequence-1 (ETS1), as an upstream modulatory mechanism, was essential for the downregulation of GATA6-AS1 in PDAC cells. GATA6-AS1 inhibited the expression of fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO), an N6-methyladenosine (m6A) eraser, and repressed SNAI1 mRNA stability in an m6A-dependent manner. Our data suggested that GATA6-AS1 can inhibit PDAC cell proliferation, invasion, migration, EMT process and metastasis under hypoxia, and disrupting the GATA6-AS1/FTO/SNAI1 axis might be a viable therapeutic approach for refractory hypoxic pancreatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhui Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Qiwen Ben
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ningning Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yongpeng Zhai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yichen Bao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Liu WJ, Wang LY, Sheng Z, Zhang B, Zou X, Zhang CY. RNA methylation-driven assembly of fluorescence-encoded nanostructures for sensitive detection of m 6A modification writer METTL3/14 complex in human breast tissues. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 240:115645. [PMID: 37660462 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an ubiquitous post-transcriptional modification catalyzed by METTL3/14 complex in eukaryotic mRNAs. The abnormal METTL3/14 complex activity affects multiple steps of RNA metabolism and may induce various diseases. Herein, we demonstrate the RNA methylation-driven assembly of fluorescence-encoded nanostructures for sensitive detection of m6A modification writer METTL3/14 complex in human breast tissues. METTL3/14 complex can catalyze the methylation of RNA probe to prevent it from being cleaved by MazF. The intact RNA probe is recognized by the magnetic bead (MB)-capture probe conjugates to induce duplex-specific nuclease (DSN)-assisted cyclic digestion, exposing numerous shorter ssDNAs with 3'-OH end. The shorter ssDNAs on the MB surface can act as the primers to initiate terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-enhanced tyramide signal amplification (TSA), forming the Cy5 fluorescence-encoded nanostructures. After magnetic separation, the Cy5 fluorescence-encoded nanostructures are digested by DNase I to release abundant Cy5 fluorophores that can be simply quantified by fluorescence measurement. This assay achieves good specificity and high sensitivity with a detection limit of 58.8 aM, and it can screen METTL3/14 complex inhibitors and quantify METTL3/14 complex activity at the single-cell level. Furthermore, this assay can differentiate the METTL3/14 complex level in breast cancer patient tissues and healthy volunteer tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Liu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China
| | - Lu-Yao Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Zhimei Sheng
- Department of Pathology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China
| | - Baogang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, China.
| | - Xiaoran Zou
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Chun-Yang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 211189, China.
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Hao S, Sun H, Sun H, Zhang B, Ji K, Liu P, Nie F, Han W. STM2457 Inhibits the Invasion and Metastasis of Pancreatic Cancer by Down-Regulating BRAF-Activated Noncoding RNA N6-Methyladenosine Modification. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:8852-8863. [PMID: 37998732 PMCID: PMC10670688 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor of the digestive system that is highly malignant, difficult to treat, and confers a poor prognosis for patients. BRAF-activated noncoding RNA (BANCR) has been proven to play an important role in the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. In this study, we focused on BANCR as a potential therapeutic target for human pancreatic cancer. The BANCR level in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells is affected by m6A methylation. Based on this, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of a highly potent and selective first-in-class catalytic inhibitor of METTL3 (STM2457) on BANCR m6A methylation and its malignant biological behaviors in pancreatic cancer. The relationship between BANCR expression and BANCR m6A modification was detected with RT-qPCR and MeRIP-PCR. The expression of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), the key enzyme involved in m6A methylation, in pancreatic cancer tissues was detected using a Western blot. STM2457 was used in vitro to investigate its resistance to the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells. BANCR was overexpressed in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells, which was associated with poor clinical outcomes and validated in pancreatic cancer cell lines. m6A modification was highly enriched within BANCR and enhanced its expression. Remarkably, STM2457 inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of pancreatic cancer cells by down-regulating BANCR m6A modifications. This study demonstrates the promise of BANCR as a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer and reveals the therapeutic effect that STM2457 exerts on pancreatic cancer by down-regulating BANCR m6A modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaolong Hao
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, 82 Xinhua South Road, Tongzhou, Beijing 101149, China; (S.H.); (H.S.); (B.Z.); (K.J.); (P.L.)
| | - Haitao Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, 82 Xinhua South Road, Tongzhou, Beijing 101149, China; (S.H.); (H.S.); (B.Z.); (K.J.); (P.L.)
| | - Hao Sun
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, 82 Xinhua South Road, Tongzhou, Beijing 101149, China; (H.S.); (F.N.)
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, 82 Xinhua South Road, Tongzhou, Beijing 101149, China; (S.H.); (H.S.); (B.Z.); (K.J.); (P.L.)
| | - Kailun Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, 82 Xinhua South Road, Tongzhou, Beijing 101149, China; (S.H.); (H.S.); (B.Z.); (K.J.); (P.L.)
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, 82 Xinhua South Road, Tongzhou, Beijing 101149, China; (S.H.); (H.S.); (B.Z.); (K.J.); (P.L.)
| | - Fang Nie
- Department of Central Laboratory, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, 82 Xinhua South Road, Tongzhou, Beijing 101149, China; (H.S.); (F.N.)
| | - Wei Han
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, 82 Xinhua South Road, Tongzhou, Beijing 101149, China; (S.H.); (H.S.); (B.Z.); (K.J.); (P.L.)
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7
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Chen H, Luo W, Lu X, Zhang T. Regulatory role of RNA modifications in the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Heliyon 2023; 9:e20969. [PMID: 37928039 PMCID: PMC10623179 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an extremely life-threatening malignancy with a relatively unfavorable prognosis. The early occurrence of metastasis and local recurrence subsequent to surgery contribute to the poor survival rates of PDAC patients, thereby limiting the effectiveness of surgical intervention. Additionally, the desmoplastic and immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment of PDAC diminishes its responsiveness to conventional treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Therefore, it is imperative to identify novel therapeutic targets for PDAC treatment. Chemical modifications are prevalent in various types of RNA and exert significant influence on their structure and functions. RNA modifications, exemplified by m6A, m5C, m1A, and Ψ, have been identified as general regulators of cellular functions. The abundance of specific modifications, such as m6A, has been correlated with cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and patient prognosis in PDAC. Pre-clinical data has indicated that manipulating RNA modification regulators could enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Therefore, targeting RNA modifications in conjunction with current adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy holds promise. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of RNA modifications in PDAC treatment, encompassing their behaviors, mechanisms, and potential treatment targets. Therefore, it aims to stimulate the development of novel therapeutic approaches and future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhao Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Lu
- Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Taiping Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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8
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Tsuji Y, Hara T, Meng S, Sato H, Arao Y, Ofusa K, Ishii H. Role of RNA methylation in the regulation of pancreatic cancer stem cells (Review). Oncol Lett 2023; 26:336. [PMID: 37427348 PMCID: PMC10326658 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer stem cells (CSCs) play a key role in the initiation and progression of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC). CSCs are responsible for resistance to chemotherapy and radiation, and for cancer metastasis. Recent studies have indicated that RNA methylation, a type of RNA modification, predominantly occurring as m6A methylation, plays an important role in controlling the stemness of cancer cells, therapeutic resistance against chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and their overall relevance to a patient's prognosis. CSCs regulate various behaviors of cancer through cell-cell communication by secreting factors, through their receptors, and through signal transduction. Recent studies have shown that RNA methylation is involved in the biology of the heterogeneity of PDAC. The present review provides an update on the current understanding of RNA modification-based therapeutic targets against deleterious PDAC. Several key pathways and agents that can specifically target CSCs have been identified, thus providing novel insights into the early diagnosis and efficient treatment of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiko Tsuji
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Hara
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sikun Meng
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Sato
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yasuko Arao
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ken Ofusa
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- Prophoenix Division, Food and Life-Science Laboratory, IDEA Consultants, Inc., Osaka, Osaka 559-8519, Japan
| | - Hideshi Ishii
- Department of Medical Data Science, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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9
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Zhang G, Liu L, Li J, Chen Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Dong Z, Xue W, Sun R, Cui G. NSUN2 stimulates tumor progression via enhancing TIAM2 mRNA stability in pancreatic cancer. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:219. [PMID: 37393317 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01521-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
NSUN2 is a nuclear RNA methyltransferase which catalyzes 5-methylcytosine (m5C), a posttranscriptional RNA modification. Aberrant m5C modification has been implicated in the development of multiple malignancies. However, its function in pancreatic cancer (PC) needs to be elucidated. Herein, we determined that NSUN2 was overexpressed in PC tissues and related to aggressive clinical features. Silence of NSUN2 by lentivirus weakened the capability of proliferation, migration and invasion of PC cells in vitro and inhibited the growth and metastasis of xenograft tumors in vivo. Contrarily, overexpression of NSUN2 stimulated PC growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, m5C-sequencing (m5C-seq) and RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) were carried out to identify downstream targets of NSUN2 and results showed that loss of NSUN2 led to decreased m5C modification level concomitant with reduced TIAM2 mRNA expression. Further validation experiments proved that NSUN2 silence accelerated the decay of TIAM2 mRNA in a YBX1-dependent manner. Additionally, NSUN2 exerted its oncogenic function partially through enhancing TIAM2 transcription. More importantly, disruption of the NSUN2/TIAM2 axis repressed the malignant phenotype of PC cells through blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Collectively, our study highlighted the critical function of NSUN2 in PC and provided novel mechanistic insights into NSUN2/TIAM2 axis as promising therapeutic targets against PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guizhen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Liwen Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Jianhao Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Yize Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Zihui Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China
| | - Wenhua Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P.R. China.
| | - Ranran Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China.
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China.
| | - Guangying Cui
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China.
- Gene Hospital of Henan Province, Precision Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052, Zhengzhou, Henan, P. R. China.
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10
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Lin C, Li T, Wang Y, Lai S, Huang Y, Guo Z, Zhang X, Weng S. METTL3 enhances pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression and gemcitabine resistance through modifying DDX23 mRNA N6 adenosine methylation. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:221. [PMID: 36977668 PMCID: PMC10050319 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05715-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to clarify the mechanism of how METTL3 regulated pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression by m6A modification of its downstream target mRNA and signaling pathway. Immunoblotting and qRT-PCR assays was employed to determine the expression levels of METTL3. In situ fluorescence hybridization was conducted to localize the cellular distribution of METTL3 and DEAD-box helicase 23 (DDX23). CCK8, colony formation, EDU incorporation, TUNEL, wound healing and Transwell assays were carried out accordingly to study the viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and mobility of cells under different treatments in vitro. Xenograft and animal lung metastasis experiments were also conducted to study the functional role of METTL3 or DDX23 on tumor growth and lung metastasis in vivo. MeRIP-qPCR and bioinformatical analyses were used to obtain the potential direct targets of METTL3. It was shown that m6A methyltransferase METTL3 was upregulated in PDAC tissues with gemcitabine resistance, and its knockdown sensitized pancreatic cancer cells to chemotherapy. Furthermore, silencing METTL3 remarkably reduced pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, validation experiments confirmed that DDX23 mRNA was a direct target of METTL3 in YTHDF1-dependent manner. Additionally, DDX23 silence resulted in the suppression of pancreatic cancer cell malignancy and PIAK/Akt signaling inactivation. Strikingly, rescuse experiments demonstrated the inhibitive effects of METTL3 silence on cell phenotypes and gemcitabine resistance were partially reversed by forcibly expressed DDX23. In summary, METTL3 promotes PDAC progression and gemcitabine resistance by modifying DDX23 mRNA m6A methylation and enhancing PI3K/Akt signaling activation. Our findings establish a potential tumor promotive and chemo-resistant role for METTL3/DDX23 axis in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengjie Lin
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350212, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Oncology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Provincial Clinical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350212, China
| | - Shihui Lai
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350212, China
| | - Yue Huang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350212, China
| | - Zhenyun Guo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China
- National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350212, China
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.
- National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350212, China.
| | - Shangeng Weng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.
- Fujian Abdominal Surgery Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.
- National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350212, China.
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11
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Teng C, Kong F, Mo J, Lin W, Jin C, Wang K, Wang Y. The roles of RNA N6-methyladenosine in esophageal cancer. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11430. [DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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12
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Wu Z, Lin Y, Wei N. N6-methyladenosine-modified HOTAIRM1 promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation in glioma. Cancer Sci 2022; 114:129-141. [PMID: 36086906 PMCID: PMC9807531 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) has been reported to accelerate angiogenesis in malignant tumors, yet the mechanism underlying VM has not been fully elucidated. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mainly modulates mRNA fate and affects multiple tumorigenesis. Here, we aimed to investigate m6A-modified HOXA transcript antisense RNA myeloid-specific 1 (HOTAIRM1) in the regulation of glioma-associated VM formation. Gene expression was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Cell viability, metastases, and VM formation capacity were determined by CCK-8, migration and invasion, as well as tube formation assays, respectively. The function and mechanisms of m6A-modified HOTAIRM1 were defined through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry m6A quantification, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, RNA stability assays, and RNA pull-down experiments. A glioma xenograft mouse model was further established for VM evaluation in vivo. The results showed that HOTAIRM1, methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) were upregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines. HOTAIRM1 functions as an oncogene in glioma progression; however, knockdown of HOTAIRM1 significantly reduced cell viability, migration, invasion, and VM formation. Notably, METTL3-dependent m6A modification enhanced HOTAIRM1 mRNA stability, whereas knockdown of METTL3 deficiency significantly suppressed VM in glioma. Moreover, HOTAIRM1 was found to bind IGFBP2, and HOTAIRM1 deficiency blocked glioma progression and VM formation in vivo. Our results indicated that METTL3-dependent m6A-modified HOTAIRM1 promoted VM formation in glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyi Wu
- Department of NeurosurgeryZhejiang Provincial Tongde HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Yihai Lin
- Department of NeurosurgeryZhejiang Provincial Tongde HospitalHangzhouChina
| | - Nan Wei
- Department of OncologyZhejiang HospitalHangzhouChina
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13
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Song Z, Wang X, Chen F, Chen Q, Liu W, Yang X, Zhu X, Liu X, Wang P. LncRNA MALAT1 regulates METTL3-mediated PD-L1 expression and immune infiltrates in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1004212. [PMID: 36212476 PMCID: PMC9533337 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1004212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The main methods of treating pancreatic cancer are surgery and chemotherapy, but the treatment efficacy is low with a poor prognosis. Immunotherapy represented by PD-1/PD-L1 has brought a milestone progress in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, the unique tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer presents challenges for immunotherapy. In addition, m6A is a common RNA modification and a potential molecular target in tumor therapy. The expression pattern of m6A in pancreatic cancer is still unclear. LncRNAs also play an essential role in pancreatic cancer development and treatment. In this study, we found that some m6A regulators were significantly elevated in pancreatic cancer and associated with the expression of PD-1/PD-L1. Moreover, we observed that METTL3 can increase the expression of PD-L1. Notably, METTL3 positively regulates the expression of lncRNA MALAT1 in pancreatic cancer cells. Strikingly, lncRNA MALAT1 increased the expression of PD-L1 in pancreatic cancer cells. This finding indicated that METTL3 regulated the expression of PD-L1 possibly via targeting lncRNA MALAT1 in pancreatic cancer cells. Lastly, MALAT1 governed the viability of pancreatic cancer cells. Taken together, lncRNA MALAT1 is involved in METTL3-mediated promotion of PD-L1 expression in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwei Song
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xiaoguang Wang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Qiuli Chen
- Department of Research and Development, Zhejiang Zhongwei Medical Research Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Liu
- Department of Research and Development, Zhejiang Zhongwei Medical Research Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaodan Yang
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xun Zhu
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xiaorong Liu
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaorong Liu, ; Peter Wang,
| | - Peter Wang
- Department of Research and Development, Zhejiang Zhongwei Medical Research Center, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaorong Liu, ; Peter Wang,
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14
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Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer: From Molecular to Clinical Aspects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710132. [PMID: 36077529 PMCID: PMC9456549 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although pancreatic cancer (PC) was considered in the past an orphan cancer type due to its low incidence, it may become in the future one of the leading causes of cancer death. Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most frequent type of PC, being a highly aggressive malignancy and having a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. Non-modifiable (family history, age, genetic susceptibility) and modifiable (smoking, alcohol, acute and chronic pancreatitis, diabetes mellitus, intestinal microbiota) risk factors are involved in PC pathogenesis. Chronic inflammation induced by various factors plays crucial roles in PC development from initiation to metastasis. In multiple malignant conditions such as PC, cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors activate the class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway, which plays key roles in cell growth, survival, proliferation, metabolism, and motility. Currently, mTOR, AKT, and PI3K inhibitors are used in clinical studies. Moreover, PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitors are being tested in vitro and in vivo with promising results for PC patients. The main aim of this review is to present PC incidence, risk factors, tumor microenvironment development, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR dysregulation and inhibitors used in clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies.
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15
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Song N, Cui K, Zhang K, Yang J, Liu J, Miao Z, Zhao F, Meng H, Chen L, Chen C, Li Y, Shao M, Zhang J, Wang H. The Role of m6A RNA Methylation in Cancer: Implication for Nature Products Anti-Cancer Research. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:933332. [PMID: 35784761 PMCID: PMC9243580 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.933332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation is identified as the most common, abundant and reversible RNA epigenetic modification in messenger RNA (mRNA) and non-coding RNA, especially within eukaryotic messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which post-transcriptionally directs many important processes of RNA. It has also been demonstrated that m6A modification plays a pivotal role in the occurrence and development of tumors by regulating RNA splicing, localization, translation, stabilization and decay. Growing number of studies have indicated that natural products have outstanding anti-cancer effects of their unique advantages of high efficiency and minimal side effects. However, at present, there are very few research articles to study and explore the relationship between natural products and m6A RNA modification in tumorigenesis. m6A is dynamically deposited, removed, and recognized by m6A methyltransferases (METTL3/14, METTL16, WTAP, RBM15/15B, VIRMA, CBLL1, and ZC3H13, called as “writers”), demethylases (FTO and ALKBH5, called as “erasers”), and m6A-specific binding proteins (YTHDF1/2/3, YTHDC1/2, IGH2BP1/2/3, hnRNPs, eIF3, and FMR1, called as “readers”), respectively. In this review, we summarize the biological function of m6A modification, the role of m6A and the related signaling pathway in cancer, such as AKT, NF-kB, MAPK, ERK, Wnt/β-catenin, STAT, p53, Notch signaling pathway, and so on. Furthermore, we reviewed the current research on nature products in anti-tumor, and further to get a better understanding of the anti-tumor mechanism, thus provide an implication for nature products with anti-cancer research by regulating m6A modification in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Song
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zhuang Miao
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Feiyue Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Hongjing Meng
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Chong Chen
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yushan Li
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Minglong Shao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Jinghang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Jinghang Zhang, ; Haijun Wang,
| | - Haijun Wang
- Department of Pathology, Key Laboratory of Clinical Molecular Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
- *Correspondence: Jinghang Zhang, ; Haijun Wang,
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16
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Cao JZ, Nie G, Hu H, Zhang X, Ni CM, Huang ZP, Qiao GL, Ouyang L. UBE2C promotes the progression of pancreatic cancer and glycolytic activity via EGFR stabilization-mediated PI3K-Akt pathway activation. J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 13:1444-1453. [PMID: 35837197 PMCID: PMC9274053 DOI: 10.21037/jgo-22-516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is among the most prevalent and deadliest endocrine tumors, yet the mechanisms governing its pathogenesis remain to be fully clarified. While ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2C (UBE2C) has been identified as an important oncogene in several cancers, its importance in PC has yet to be established. METHODS UBE2C expression in PC tumor samples and cell lines was examined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), while appropriate commercial kits were used to assess lactate production, ATP generation, and the uptake of glucose. RESULTS UBE2C was found to be upregulated in PC patient tumors and correlated with poorer survival outcomes. In PC cell lines, the silencing of this gene suppressed the malignant activity of cells, thus supporting its identification as an oncogene in this cancer type. Mechanistically, UBE2C was found to promote enhanced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) protein expression via activating the PI3K-Akt pathway. Moreover, it was found to bind to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), stabilizing it and driving additional PI3K-Akt pathway activation. UBE2C knockdown in PC cells impaired their uptake of glucose and their ability to produce lactate and ATP. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the results of this study support a role for UBE2C as a driver of metastatic PC progression owing to its ability to bind to EGFR and to induce signaling via the PI3K-Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Zhu Cao
- Department of Endocrinology, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Nie
- Department of HBP Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Hu
- Department of HBP Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen-Ming Ni
- Department of HBP Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guang-Lei Qiao
- Department of Oncology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu Ouyang
- Department of HBP Surgery, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Zhao Y, Yang M, Wang S, Abbas SJ, Zhang J, Li Y, Shao R, Liu Y. An Overview of Epigenetic Methylation in Pancreatic Cancer Progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:854773. [PMID: 35296007 PMCID: PMC8918690 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.854773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decades, the aberrant epigenetic modification, apart from genetic alteration, has emerged as dispensable events mediating the transformation of pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the understanding of molecular mechanisms of methylation modifications, the most abundant epigenetic modifications, remains superficial. In this review, we focused on the mechanistic insights of DNA, histone, and RNA methylation that regulate the progression of PC. The methylation regulators including writer, eraser and reader participate in the modification of gene expression associated with cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis. Some of recent clinical trials on methylation drug targeting were also discussed. Understanding the novel regulatory mechanisms in the methylation modification may offer alternative opportunities to improve therapeutic efficacy to fight against this dismal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Zhao
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Mao Yang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Shijia Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Sk Jahir Abbas
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Junzhe Zhang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yingbin Liu, ; Rong Shao,
| | - Yingbin Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Biliary Tract Disease Research, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yingbin Liu, ; Rong Shao,
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18
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Liu Y, Li G, Yang Y, Lu Z, Wang T, Wang X, Liu J. Analysis of N6-Methyladenosine Modification Patterns and Tumor Immune Microenvironment in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 12:752025. [PMID: 35046996 PMCID: PMC8762218 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.752025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a rare cancer with a poor prognosis. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most common mRNA modification. However, little is known about the relationship between m6A modification and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in PAAD. Methods: Based on 22 m6A regulators, m6A modification patterns of PAAD samples extracted from public databases were systematically evaluated and correlated with the tumor immune and prognosis characteristics. An integrated model called the "m6Ascore" was constructed, and its prognostic role was evaluated. Results: Three different m6Aclusters and gene clusters were successively identified; these clusters were characterized by differences in prognosis, immune cell infiltration, and pathway signatures. The m6Ascore was constructed to quantify the m6A modifications of individual patients. Subsequent analysis revealed that m6Ascore was an independent prognostic factor of PAAD and could be a potential indicator to predict the response to immunotherapy. Conclusion: This study comprehensively evaluated the features of m6A modification patterns in PAAD. m6A modification patterns play a non-negligible role in the TIME of PAAD. m6Ascore provides a more holistic understanding of m6A modification in PAAD, and will help clinicians predict the prognosis and response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Liu
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Guangbing Li
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ziwen Lu
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Department of Liver Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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19
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Roalsø MTT, Hald ØH, Alexeeva M, Søreide K. Emerging Role of Epigenetic Alterations as Biomarkers and Novel Targets for Treatments in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030546. [PMID: 35158814 PMCID: PMC8833770 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epigenetic alterations cause changes in gene expression without affecting the DNA sequence and are found to affect several molecular pathways in pancreatic tumors. Such changes are reversible, making them potential drug targets. Furthermore, epigenetic alterations occur early in the disease course and may thus be explored for early detection. Hence, a deeper understanding of epigenetics in pancreatic cancer may lead to improved diagnostics, treatments, and prognostication. Abstract Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease with limited treatment options. Emerging evidence shows that epigenetic alterations are present in PDAC. The changes are potentially reversible and therefore promising therapeutic targets. Epigenetic aberrations also influence the tumor microenvironment with the potential to modulate and possibly enhance immune-based treatments. Epigenetic marks can also serve as diagnostic screening tools, as epigenetic changes occur at early stages of the disease. Further, epigenetics can be used in prognostication. The field is evolving, and this review seeks to provide an updated overview of the emerging role of epigenetics in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus T. T. Roalsø
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, University of Stavanger, 4036 Stavanger, Norway;
- HPB Unit, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway;
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Unit, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Øyvind H. Hald
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of North Norway, 9038 Tromsø, Norway;
| | - Marina Alexeeva
- HPB Unit, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway;
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Unit, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
| | - Kjetil Søreide
- HPB Unit, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway;
- Gastrointestinal Translational Research Unit, Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence:
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Zhang P, Xu K, Wang J, Zhang J, Quan H. Identification of N6-methylandenosine related LncRNAs biomarkers associated with the overall survival of osteosarcoma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1285. [PMID: 34852770 PMCID: PMC8638368 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-09011-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Osteosarcoma (OS) is a differentiation disease caused by the genetic and epigenetic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. OS is a common, highly malignant tumor in children and adolescents. Fifteen to 20 % of the patients find distant metastases at their first visit. The purpose of our study was to identify biomarkers for tracking the prognosis and treatment of OS to improve the survival rate of patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, which was based on Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET), we searched for m6A related lncRNAs in OS. We constructed a network between lncRNA and m6A, and built an OS prognostic risk model. RESULTS We identified 14,581 lncRNAs by using the dataset from TARGET. We obtained 111 m6A-related lncRNAs through a Pearson correlation analysis. A network was built between lncRNA and m6A genes. Eight m6A-related lncRNAs associated with survival were identified through a univariate Cox analysis. A selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression was used to construct a prognostic risk model with six genes (RP11-286E11.1, LINC01426, AC010127.3, DLGAP1-AS2, RP4-657D16.3, AC002398.11) obtained through least absolute shrinkage. We also discovered upregulated levels of DLGAP1-AS2 and m6A methylation in osteosarcoma tissues/cells compared with normal tissues/osteoblasts cells. CONCLUSION We constructed a risk score prognosis model of m6A-related lncRNAs (RP11-286E11.1, LINC01426, AC010127.3, DLGAP1-AS2, RP4-657D16.3, AC002398.11) using the dataset downloaded from TRAGET. We verified the value of the model by dividing all samples into test groups and training groups. However, the role of m6A-related lncRNAs in osteosarcoma needs to be further researched by cell and in vivo studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Keteng Xu
- Department of Joint surgery, Huangshan City People's Hospital, Huangshan, Anhui, China.
| | - Jingcheng Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China. .,Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China.
| | - Jiale Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Huahong Quan
- Department of Graduate, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
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